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ANTHONY (continued)
30th May
[1935
(continued)
A hospital carrier(1) left Qua1 Felix
Faure.
1941
About 12 rounds of (?) 4 inch shell
landed where the hospital carrier
had been berthed. ]
1945
Winchelsea proceeded. Anthony
commenced embarking troops.
2025
Proceeded with 1137 troops via X route.
2155
Attacked by one aircraft. 5 bombs
dropped. Lights extinguished,
engines stopped.
2200
Called drifter (or trawler) to stand
by.
2205
Released trawler. Proceeded steering
by engines.
2237
Gyro and magnetic compass, and W/T
receivers out of action. dr. Keith
led in to Dover.
31st May
0100
Dover. Disembarked 1137 troops.
1st June
1835
Proceeded, with dr. Wolsey as escort,
for Portsmouth.
Total 3107
Authority - R.O.I. p.9.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches.
Lieut. Cdr. N.V.J.T. Thew, R.N.
Lieut. R. de L. Brooke, R.N.
(1) This must have been either the Paris or the Worthing.
63

Details

AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA (C.1298)
French M.F.V.
1st June
1800ca
Disembarked at Rumsgate about 58
French troops. (1)
3rd June
0920
Disemb rked at Namsgate about 53
French troops.( (2)
See also 2.50 [Lydie Suzanne].
Total 111
(1) Rame that the six vessels "G. 1322, together 0.1418,
G.1441, G.1457 350 .llied troops. The letter not mention.
gate reports [80.1347], G.1376, G.1298", FOR is
disembarked for "C". D.R. does 0.1322,
(2) Romsgate evidently an error that the six vessels [?], Allied "0.1299" troops. [?],
C.1298, "C.1479" 318
Note: here of trawlers
The four list queried are
not in in Lynamo. archande,
(Authority which took part - Ministere de la Larine, Paris).
80

Details

BLEI MOR (1.3126) 3126)
French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available.
under
the
Captain
E.
Authority - inistere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
2nd/3rd June
dr. Vivacious,
U.A/S.B.7.
M.T.B,107, and the
West Cove,
Blei mor AD 381
Edvard Nissen,
3rd/4th June
auxiliary mine Tweeper
and
the
blockshipa
of the Dunkerque
command
Pacifico
blockships were sunit on the way to the
harbour; was lost the Holland in a gale collision
the 27th of March 1940 to have been 8 the
and the evidently operation the did not was by than
take been part in Dynamo or 100 to 120
UBG left unobstructed on the of the
this gap, however, was of the
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
bank.
The following the
Mention in Depostches.
Capt. E. R.N.
R.A.9. Homp, R.H.
(1)
106

Details

"DAME FRANCHE"
No vessel of this name is known by the
Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
It (D1.1213). is probably a miscript for Jeune France
224

Details

ETOILE POLAIRE (L.4125)
French M.E.V.
[Dater]
This ship 1s reported to have taken
part available. in Dynamo, but no details are
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
Etoila Polaire AD 390
aux. M/S.
Second Maihe de manacure
guinole
was in Ostend and sailed
the 28th of May with the
French Naval Party ostend.
Called in Folkestone the
Same day at 20 00
Did not take part to Dynamo
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
298 299

Details

FABIA
Tug (W. Watkins Ltd.)
F. Smith, Master.
2nd June
-
Went to the assistance of the H/C
Paris, but failed to locate her (see
Lady Brassey).
There 1s no other information about
this tug's movements.
Nil.
306

Details

/
FOREMOST 87
Tug. (W. Watkins Ltd.)
J.' Fryer, Master
S/L. H.M. Davis
R.N.R.
30th May
0800
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
-
Entering Dunkirk roads saw "large
1445
oil tanker" settling by stern.
1700ca
Arrived Dunkirk harbour and entered.
By order, beached the dumb barges Sark
and Shetland (which were at anchor
off Malo) 100 yards apart off Malo
Casino. Air attacks and gunfire.
Returned to vicinity of Dunkirk
harbour and assisted ships wherever
possible.
2100
Towed P/V Prague from eastern arm to
2400ca
Dunkirk roads. (See Lady Brassey)
Assisted a destroyer to berth.
31st May
0200ca
Proceeded with a few troops on board.
0700ca
Dover. Disembarked
troops
(number not stated).
1445
Left Dover for Dunkirk with 2 S/B's
loaded with provisions in tow.
2300
Beached the 2 barges on Malo beach as
ordered.
2400
Steaming off the harbour.
1st June
0330ca
Proceeded.
0730
Dover.
2nd June
1600ca
Left Dover with the M.L.B's Cecil and
Lilian Philpott and Thomas Kirk
Wright in tow. S/L. H.M. Davis,
R.N.R. took passage in Foremost 87
in this trip.
2145 ca
Arrived at given position and cast off
tow (2)
Proceeded to assist H/C Paris which
had been bombed and was sinking
slowly in a position approx. 2 milea
to seaward of No. 5 buoy.
Picked up 95 survivors of Paris
including 5 nurses ( the full comple-
ment).
2145
Picked up 13 Spanish seamen from a
small boat. Proceeded.
3rd June
0430
Dover. Landed survivors( 1) one of whom
(Deck Boy Bullock, aged 16) had
died, and the 13 Spanish seamen.
1630
Picked up 3 men from a destroyer which
was in collision in the harbour with
an empty transport. (3)
Total 100 (estimated)
Authority - R.O.II, pp. 215, 430.
W.W.
TM. 6213/40.
(1) D.R. "Foremost" disembarked 91.
(2) S/L. says Tug "Knowing that my 2 Cox'ns boats, 1/c of I cast the life- them
boats off and were proceeded capable to embark the survivors
Davis Bays, of navigating their of the [H/C]
(3) These Paris. vessels cannot be identified.
330

Details

FORMIDABLE
Aircraft carrier
(under construction)
Cdr. E.K. Le Mesurier,
M.V.O., R.N.
1st
Shown in D.R. as having taken part in
Operation Dynamo.
Cdr. Le Mesurier went to Dunkirk in
the tugs Sun and Sun IV. He sent in
2nd June
his report, giving as his address
"H.M.S. Formidable, c/o G.P.O. London".
It is thought that this accounts for a
vessel named the Formidable having
found its way into the list of ships.
No other Formidable can be traced.
1930
the
Cantain
from the R/C Paris,
Picked up wounded from wreated 11.00
Authority - R.O.II, p.418.
boats. Picked up 6
took in tow.
2005
Picked up another life boat, the
occupante of which Spanish.
2100
Engines overheating owing to
of tow.
2115
Transferred all survivors to
clsss $08.(1)
motor boat making water
rapidly; the tug took her in tow.
2130
The crew transferred to the tug which
continued to tow the bost,
3rd June
0415
Arrived pover in tow.
N11
Authority - R.O.II, p.612.
(1) Not
334

Details

"40 ft. Ship's fast motor boat"
[See E.M.E.D.]
Lt. E.F. Hamilton-Meikle,
R.N.
1st June
Assisted the M.T.B,107 (Commodore
Hallet) to regulate rescue traffic
between Dover and Dunkirk.
2nd June
Escorted the M.A.S.B.10 (Admiral
Somerville) towards Dunkirk, but
lost touch. Continued towards
Dunkirk.
1900
Sighted aircraft attacking à hospital
ship [the Paris].
1910
Air attack.
1930
Took off the Captain and some officers
from the H/C Paris.
Picked up wounded from wrecked life-
boats. Picked up 6 lifeboats and
took in tow.
2005
Picked up another life boat, the
occupants of which spoke Spanish.
2100
Engines overheating owing to weight
of tow.
2115
Transferred all survivors to a "Sun"
class tug. (1)
"40 ft. motor boat" making water
rapidly; the tug took her in tow.
2130
The crew transferred to the tug which
continued to tow the boat.
3rd June
0415
Arrived Dover in tow.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.612.
(1) Not identified.

Details

GABRIELLE GEORGES
French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no detilas are available.
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
352

Details

Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.
in Operation Dynamo:
The following ships of the I.O.M.S.P.Co. Ltd. took part
Personnel Ships
1556
Ben-my-Chree for Dunkisk the E/C Paris in
1815
Fenella( 1)
Lady of Mann. drk. The P/V Centerbury
Mona's Queen (1)
at Gare Maritime;
Manxmaid
Thanet moored alongside
1910
Manxman
with Paris on the outside berth.
Tynwald. (2) sailed, and Iule of Thanet
the quayside berth].
2200
Commenced loading. Air attacks were
frequent throughout the operation.
Raging fires lit up the quayuide and
the white painted hospital carriers
showed up prominently.
26th May
0100
608 wounded embarked.
0115
Proceeded.
0730
Arrived Newhaven. Disemberked 608
wonnted.(1)
27th May
0634
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
0800
Shelled by shore batteries when off
Calsis
Returned to Dover for alternative
route instructions.
1709
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1750
The H/C Worthing asked for route, and
joined company.
2118
punkisk east roads. The Centerbury
came out of Dunkirk and signalled
that all onsualties were aboutd her,
and that it was impossible to enter.
Isle of Thenes and Worthing proceeded
June
to Dover.
28th May
0210
orf Dover- Ordered to Newhaven.
0254
Collided with the Exam, vessel
Occeo Securd, which Bank immediately.
Bearehed for survivors, assisted by
the tug Lady Pressey. None were
found.
1051
Arri ved Newhaven. Assisted to borth
by the sug Puremost 22.
NAL
Authority - T.M.6213/40.
(1) Sunk. in doubt because Operation Dynamo
(2) Designated a troop transport. on 25th May.
66

Details

ISLE OF THANET
Hospital Carrier
(s. Ry. Co.)
Capt. A.J. Hammond,
Master.
[on 23rd May the Isle of Thanet brought 296 wounded
from Dunkirk, i.e. before Operation Dynamo commenced].
25th May
1556
Left Dover for Dunkirk the H/C Paris in
company.
1815
Arrived Dunkirk. The P/V Canterbury
having moored at Gare Maritime;
the Isle of Thanet moored alongside
her, with Paris on the outside berth.
1910
[Canterbury sailed, and Isle of Thanet
took the quayside berth].
2200
Commenced loading. Air attacks were
frequent throughout the operation.
Raging fires lit up the quayside and
the white painted hospital carriers
showed up prominently.
26th May
0100
608 wounded embarked.
0115
Proceeded.
0730
Arrived Newhaven. Disembarked 608
wounded. (1)
27th May
0634
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
0800
Shelled by shore batteries when off
Calais
Returned to Dover for alternative
route instructions.
1709
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1750
The H/C Worthing asked for route, and
joined company.
2118
Dunkirk east roads. The Canterbury
came out of Dunkirk and signalled
that all casualties were aboard her,
and that it was impossible to enter.
Isle of Thanet and Worthing proceeded
to Dover.
28th May
0210
Off Dover. Ordered to Newhaven.
0254
Collided with the Exam. vessel
Ocean Reward, which sank immediately.
Searched for survivors, assisted by
the tug Lady Brassey. None were
found.
1051
Arrived Newhaven. Assisted to berth
by the tug Foremost 22.
Nil
Authority - M.6213/40.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R., no doubt because Operation Dynamo
did not commence until 1857 on 26th May.
67

Details

JEANNE ANTOINE
French M.F. V.
This ship is reported to have taken part
in Dynamo, but no details are available.
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
Jeanne Antoinette
C.1479
Note by Cdr. Cras of French
Historical Section
87

Details

JEUNE FRANCE (D1.1213)(1
French M.F.V.
30th May
Disembarked about 174 troops in
England. (See under Chasse-Maree)
31st May
1335
Routed from the Downs to Dunkirk by
2200
the Destroyer Leopard (see under
Margaux (D.692)).
Cdr.
in
3rd June
-
Disembarked 12 troops in England. (2)
The
Golden
esl-boats, whic Estimated total 186
separated from
Having no charts, the Johanna secured
to B ship near the North Goodwine,
and stayed there the night.
May
Ballo
Returned to Remegate.
1530ca
In company with the M/B Constant
and a outter and a whaler, was towed
to Dunkirk beaches by the sk.
Jutland. (1)
2330
The Jutland enchored 2 miles east of
Dunkirk, The Constant Nymph towed
in the outter and whaler. About
200 troops were ferried to the
Jutland and the Johanna, the letter
assisting to load the former.
May
0300
Proceeded with 10 troops on board
[whether in company with, on to
of, the Jutland is not closs].
1100ca
Disamberged TO
8/16 Cares-Russ then the
Total 10
Authority - R.O.III, pp.302, 308, 329.
(1) Believed to be referred to in D.R. as the "Dame Franche".
No vessel named the "Dame Franche" is known by the
Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
(2) D.R.
the
May.
9202
92

Details

KING ORRY
A.B/V
Cdr. J. Elliott, R.D., R.N.R
26th May
0930
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
27th May
0200
Off Dunkirk.
0439
Entered harbour.
0730
Embarked 1131 troops.
0803
Sailed for Dover.
0900 -
Between Gravelines and Calais, shelled
0920
by shore batteries. Two or three
shells hit the ship. Air attack at
the same time. Casualties were
caused, and damage to ship.
1100
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1131 troops.
29th May
p.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1730
Arrived Dunkirk Roads.
Attacked by 1 dive bomber, 1/2 mile
west of the western pier head. Six
bombs shook the ship, but no damage.
Proceeded into Dunkirk harbour. Air
attack which put steering gear out of
action and shattered all instruments.
Ship secured alongside, but damaged
the pier in doing so.
Further air attack and near misses.
30th May
0030ca
Left the berth. When clear of the
harbour entrance, the King Orry
2000ca
foundered.
Several ships including the dr.
Vivacious and the tr. Lord Grey
picked up survivors. 11 were picked
up by D.C/M.B.
[on 2nd June Cdr. Elliott went out in
the tug Sun XV in search of the
disabled H/C Paris]
Total 1131
Authority - - M. 017681/40.
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Cdr. J. Elliott, R.D., R.N.R.
122

Details

LA COLOMBE (C.1322)
French M.F.V.
1st June
1800ca
Disembarked at Romsgate about 58
French troops. (1)
3rd June
0920
Disembarked at Ramsgate about 53 French
troops. (2)
See also 2.50 [Lydie Suzannel.
Total 111
(1) Ramsgate that the six vessels "G.1322, together G.1418,
G.1441, reports [70.1347], G.1376, G.1298", "G" is
disembarked evidently
G.1457 Allied troops. The letter
(2) Ramsgate an the six [?], "C.1299" troops. [8]
C.1298, 318 Allied
Note: here of trawlers
The not four in 350 error for "C". D.R. list vessels does not queried 0.1322, mention. are
which (Authority took - Winistere de la Marine, Marchande, Paris).
132

Details

LADY BRASSEY
Rescue Tug
(Dover Harbour Board)
F.J. Hopgood, Master(1
27th May
1200
Assisted tug Simla to tow A.B/V.
Mona's Isle into Dover.
29th May
0030ca
Having embarked the Assistant Salvage
Officer, Lieut. G.M. Robinson R.N.R.,
left Dover to assist dr. Montrose.
which had been in collision with a
tug [the Sun v].
0300
Found Montrose about 1 mile W.S.W. of
No.2 Buoy. Towed her to Dover,
stern first, being assisted when off
the eastern entrance by the Simla
0630
Dover. Secured Montrose to No.8 buoy.
30th May
1100
Left Dover for Dunkirk, with the tug
Foremost 87 in company.
1830ca
Arrived Dunkirk Pier. Entered harbour.
2230ca
With assistance of Foremost 87, towed
the P/V Prague out of the harbour.
31st May
0030
Left Dunkirk for Dover, Foremost 87
in company.
0700
Diverted to N. Goodwin to assist the
dfrs. Golden Gift and Shipmates
which were aground. Foremost 87
continued on to Dover.
0810
Met Golden Gift, which had refloated.
No sign of Shipmates.
1015
Returned to Dover.
1st June
1200ca
Left Dover to assist Prague, which was
contacted off N.W. Goodwin.
1330
Took Prague in tow.
1630ca
Prague beached on Sandwich Flats.
2100ca
Towed Prague inshore east of Sandown
Castle.
2nd June
2000
Left Dover to assist the H/C Paris,
near W buoy, Dunkirk.
-
Passed Ramsgate tug Fabia, returning,
having been unable to find the Paris.
3rd June
0015
Arrived off W buoy.
0315
Sighted Paris 1 mile east of W buoy,
listing heavily, and settling fast.
She had been abandoned (see
Foremost 87)
0400
paris sank 4 mile east of W buoy in 17
fathoms.
0800
Arrived Dover.
Nil
Authority R.O.II, p.432.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. F.J. Hopgood, Master.
(1) There Referred to in Supplement No. 34925 of London Gazette of
16th August 1940 as "F. J. Hopwood". 133

Details

LAURITZ (D.G.574)
French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available. (1)
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
(1) records that on 2nd landed June the 173 "Lorenz", troops.
Ramsgate the Gilda report and the "st. Julienne"
156

Details

LAURITZ (D.G.574)
French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available. (1)
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
(1) Ramsgate records that on 2nd June the "Lorenz",
the Gilda report and the "st. Julienne" landed 173 troops.
156

Details

MANXMAN (P/V) I.O.M.S.P.Co.Ltd. Capt. P.B. Cowley, Master.
27th May
1535
Southampton for Dover.
28th May
0215
Off Dover.
1835
Sailed for Dunkirk, P/V Prague and H/C
2250
Paris in company.
Grounded on Smal Bank.
29th May
0230
Refloated.
0355
Rejoined Prague near Nieuport Bank
0600
buoy and with Paris, proceeded.
Off Dunkirk.
1,000 feet astern, the P/V Mona's
0840
Queen blew up on magnetic mine.
Berthed Dunkirk Mole.
1030
Proceeded board. with about 2,000 troops on
1615
Dover. Ordered to Folkestone.
1735
Folkestone. Disembarked 1,266 troops(1)
30th May
2042
To Dunkirk.
31st May
0514
Berthed Dunkirk Mole. Embarked about
1,700 troops. Air attacks.
0815
Left Dunkirk.
1320
Folkestone. Disembarked 951 troops. (1)
1st June
1905
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2nd June
0506
Dunkirk. Embarked about 200(3) troops,
including Brig. Massey, R.A.
-
Left Dunkirk. 1 mile out, picked up
a small boat containing five soldiers.
1043
Dover. Disembarked 177 troops. (1)
2115
Refused to sail (from Folkestone). (2)
"New crew put on board, the engineers
remaining. She started a trip but
failed to make Dunkirk. on return,
the original captain rejoined with
some of the original crew. She
should then have sailed at 2010/3, but
the Captain reported 3 engineers short
at the last minute. It was not
considered necessary to wait for the
engineers, and the Master and crew
disembarked and a new crew was
provided. Before use could be made
of her, the evacuation terminated".
Total 2394(4)
Authority - R.O.III,PP.162, 238.
The following award was made:
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. P.B. Cowley, Master.
(1) D.R.
(2) According to Cdre. Jukes-Highes, P.S.T.O. Dover.
(4) According states to "about R.O. III, p.238, the number was 233; this
(3) M.O. 450".
appears to be an error.
230

Details

MARCEL PAUL (C.5530) French H. F. F.V.
This ship 10 reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available.
for
No
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande Paris.
231

Details

MIMI PIERROT (L. 3968)
French H.P.V.
This ship 1e reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available.
Authori ty - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
Mini A ,
not aux Entrigue M/S
(notely Histonical was BINART bar tenk bras of de 200ml, French "May
Section) Se

Details

Hospital carrier
PARIS
S. Ry. Co.)
Capt. E.A. Biles, Master
1556
25th May
Left Dover for Dunkirk, the H/C
Isle of Thanet in company.
1815
Arrived Dunkirk. Berthed outside
the Isle of Thanet. Embarked wounded.
000lca
26th May
Left Dunkirk with wounded on board.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked wounded. (1)
28th May
1830
Left the Downs, the P/V's Manxman
and Prague in company.
2250
All 3 ships grounded on Smac Bank.
The Paris and Prague came off
immediately, but the Manxman remained
aground for some hours.
29th May
0355
The 3 ships proceeded to Dunkirk, after
which they acted independently.
The Paris embarked troops and sailed.
Disembarked 400 troops( 2) at a home
port.
30th/31st
-
The Paris again went to Dunkirk and
May
returned with 230 troops. (2)
2nd June
1648
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
-
Between the N. Goodwin L.V. and W buoy,
1855ca
ran into thick fog. Near W buoy
the fog cleared. (3)
1900ca
About 15 miles N.W. of Dunkirk,
attacked by 2 aircraft. Severe
damage from near misses. Ship out
of control, all lights extinguished.
2000ca
Attacked by 3 aircraft. Further
damage to ship and her lifeboats.
A motor boat I see 40 foot ship's
fast motor boat. took Paris's boats
in tow. The Paris was abandoned.
-
All personnel transferred to the tug
Foremost 87, and the boats abandoned.
2311
The tug Sun XV sighted Paris listing
heavily to starboard; she made fast
a wire, but it parted.
3rd June
0100
The tug Sun IV arrived on the scene.
Air attack. It was decided by the
tugs that an escort would be necessary
-
The tug Lady Brassey sighted Paris
listing heavily and settling fast.
0400
The Paris sank 4 mile east of W buoy in
17 fathoms.
Total 630
Authority - T.M. 6213/40.
R.O.II, p.177
(2) 1) This was of Operation Dynamo.
(3) D.R. D.R., para. before the commencement near W buoy, was shelled
when off the 89 states, coast Engines put out be of action
a the but
French appears bombed. to
379

Details

L.N.E.Ry.Co.
PRAGUE (H.M.T.) 1830
Capt. Baxter, Master.
Left Manxman the Downs via route Y. P/V
28th May
2250ca
Grounded and H/C Paris in
came off on Smal Bank. Prague company. and Paris
remained aground for same hours.
immediately, but Manxman
Anchored near Nieuport Bank buoy.
0355
All 3 ships proceeded to Dunkirk,
29th May
after which they acted independently.
-
Entered Dunkirk. Prague embarked troops.
0735
Left Dunkirk and proceeded by Y route.
1330
Folkestone. Disembarked 2,000 troops.
1700
To Dunkirk by X route, in company with
30th May
numerous craft, large and small,
naval and merchant.
2030
Berthed inside Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
Ship grounded as tide went out.
Refloated, assisted by the tugs
Lady Brassey and Foremost 87.
2245
Proceeded.
Folkestone. Disembarked 1039 troops.
31st May
0648
1st June
0355
To Dunkirk by X route.
0700
In company with other craft, attacks from
the air.
0715
Entered Dunkirk. Embarked about 3,000
French troops.
0903
Proceeded down the Western Roads.
1009
Dive bomb attack between Buoy "W" (past
1025
the Ruytingen) and Buoy "V". Near
misses astern by 3 bombs. Severe
Starboard engine out of
red to Scimitar, (1) a sloop( 3)
action. damage. Majority of troops transfer- and
the P.M/S Queen of Thanet, (2) while
under in way. tow by the tug Lady Brassey. Deal.
1331
1730
Taken Ship beached off Sandown Castle,
Total 3039.
Authority - R.O.III, p. 177.
TM. 6213/40.
(1) Capt. Baxter this was the Shikari; but that destroyer
(2) Capt. Except was Baxter in that Dover it says says at the it not was time. the an Calcutta)
the "sloop" has was not yet
405

Details

PRAGUE (H.M.T.) 1830
L.N.E.Ry.Co.
28th May
Left Manxman the Downs and via route Y.
Capt. Baxter, Master.
2250ca
Grounded on Smal H/C Paris P/V
-
Anchored came remained off near aground immediately, Nieuport Bank. for same Bank but hours. Manxman buoy. Paris
0355
29th May
All after 3 ships proceeded to Dunkirk,
-
Entered which they acted independently.
0735
Left Dunkirk. Prague embarked troops.
1330
Folkestone. Dunkirk and proceeded by Y
Disembarked 2,000 troops. route.
1700
30th May
To Dunkirk by X route, in company with
numerous craft, large and small,
naval and merchant.
2030
Berthed inside Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
Ship grounded as tide went out.
Refloated, assisted by the tugs
Lady Brassey and Foremost 87.
2245
Proceeded.
31st May
0648
Folkestone. Disembarked 1039 troops.
1st June
0355
To Dunkirk by X route.
0700
In company with other craft, attacks from
the air.
0715
Entered Dunkirk. Embarked about 3,000
French troops.
0903
Proceeded down the Western Roads.
1009
Dive bomb attack between Buoy "W" (past
1025
the Ruytingen) and Buoy "V". Near
misses astern by 3 bombs. Severe
damage. Starboard engine out of
action. Majority of troops transfer-
red to Scimitar, (1) a sloop( 3) and
the P. M/S Queen of Thanet, (2) while
under way.
1331
Taken in tow by the tug Lady Brassey.
1730
Ship beached off Sandown Castle, Deal.
Total 3039.
Authority - R.O.III. p. 177.
TM. 6213/40.
(1) Capt. Baxter Shikari; but that destroyer
(2) Capt. Except was Baxter in Dover says says at this the it was time. was an the Calcutta)
the "sloop" that it has was not not yet the
405

Details

REINE AMELIE (D.G.668)
French M.F.V.
3rd June
0940
Disembarked at Ramsgate about 40
30th May
0300
French troops and 8 sailors. (1)
Portsmonth.
1510
Arrived off Dover.
2200
Went alonguide th Total 48:hip
Cap Pinede and embarked munitions.
31st May
0400
Completed embarkation of munitions.
0550
Sailed B.B. escort of a convoy consistin
of: the Ingenieur Cachin, Cap
D'Antifer, Francois Tixier, and Isma
1200
Moored at Dunkirk. Unloaded munitions
D.M.
Embarked 100 French troops, straggling
British troops and French administra
tive personnel.
1600
Sailed.
1620
Heavy air attack in Dunkirk roads.
2200
Anchored off the South Foreland.
let June
0800
Secured in Dover harbour. Disembarked
62 troops. (1)
1330
The Reine des Flote sailed for Dunkirk
1650
In the vicinity of U bucy, attacked by
six bombers. Near misses.
1710
Four of the bombers retreated and the
other two were driven off by a Britis
fighter.
2030
Secured in Dunkirk harbour. Embarked
350 troops.
2130
Sailed.
2nd June
0115
Anchored off North Goodwin.
0630
Arrived off Ramsgate. Disembarked 350
troops (2) in English boats during the
forenoon.
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk. The dr. Epervier
signalled only to sail by night.
Navigation rendered difficult by the
number of wrecks in the fairway.
Ships grounded and on fire.
2000
The H/C Paris was attacked by aircraft
and ran aground.
2230
Secured in Dunkirk harbour. Embarked
500 troops during a violent bombard-
ment.
2300
Sailed. Air attacks en route.
3rd June
0400
Anchored off North Goodwin.
0900
Arrived off Ramagate. Disembarked 500
troops, (3) by English boats.
1900
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2400
Arrived off Dunkirk. Picked up 3
shipwrecked sailors and 2 soldiere
from a boat.
4th June
0020
Secured alongaide. Embarked 400 troope
0100
Sailed.
0200ce
off 6 W buoy, in collision with an
English mail boat on opposite course.
Damaged.
(1) Ramsgate report records that D.G.668 and 2 other vessels
together disembarked 122 Allied troops and 24 sai lors.
D.R. does not mention.
13

Details

REINE DES FLOTS (P.39)
French
Enseigne de vaisseau
patrol
Le Bitoux.
vessel
30th May
0300
Sailed from Portsmouth.
1510
Arrived off Dover.
2200
Went alongside the cargo ship
Cap Pinede and embarked munitions.
31st May
0400
Completed embarkation of munitions.
0550
Sailed as escort of a convoy consisting
of: the Ingenieur Cachin, Cap
D'Antifer, Francois Tixier, and Emma.
1200
Moored at Dunkirk. Unloaded munitions.
p.m.
Embarked 100 French troops, straggling
British troops and French administra-
tive personnel.
1600
Sailed.
1620
Heavy air attack in Dunkirk roads.
2200
Anchored off the South Foreland.
1st June
0800
Secured in Dover harbour. Disembarked
62 troops. (1)
1330
The Reine des Flots sailed for Dunkirk.
1650
In the vicinity of U buoy, attacked by
six bombers. Near misses.
1710
Four of the bombers retreated and the
other two were driven off by a British
fighter.
2030
Secured in Dunkirk harbour. Embarked
350 troops.
2130
Sailed.
2nd June
0115
Anchored off North Goodwin.
0630
Arrived off Ramsgate. Disembarked 350
troops (2) in English boats during the
forenoon.
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk. The dr. Epervier
signalled only to sail by night.
Navigation rendered difficult by the
number of wrecks in the fairway.
Ships grounded and on fire.
2000
The H/C Paris was attacked by aircraft
and ran aground.
2230
Secured in Dunkirk harbour. Embarked
500 troops during a violent bombard-
ment.
2300
Sailed. Air attacks en route.
3rd June
0400
Anchored off North Goodwin.
0900
Arrived off Ramsgate. Disembarked 500
troops, (3) by English boats.
1900
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2400
Arrived off Dunkirk. Picked up 3
shipwrecked sailors and 2 soldiers
from a boat.
300.8 June
0020
Secured alongside. Embarked 400 troops.
0100
Sailed.
0200ca
Off 6 W buoy, in collision with an
English mail boat on opposite course.
Damaged.
D. R.
Mm-1 Not mentioned in D.R.
42N6 Not mentioned in D.R.
14

Details

Routes to Dunkirk - Continued
the day; this route would take ships clear of the artillery
fire on shore. (1) Personnel ships accordingly started at
0230. (2)
On the 1st June, during the afternoon, enemy artillery fire
was brought to bear on Route X near No. 5 W buoy. Apprs.20)
Thus Route Z was under fire from Gravelines, Route Y from
Nieuport, and Route X from [probably] Mardyck. It was this
exposure to shell fire, combined with increasing enemy air
attack, that brought about the abandonment of daylight
evacuation. Apps R 3H and R 37)
29th May
1720
Margate.
30th May
0330
Left Margate.
Dunkirk, Embarked troops.
Dover, Disembarked 1,599
$
1945
Left Dover for beaches.
-
La Panne. "Unable to
Proceeded.
31st May
0515
Margate.
1600
Left Margate.
-
Arrived
Dunkirk.
Embarked
troopa;
proceeded.
2330
Dover. Disembarked 1,817 troops.
=
lst June
1455
Left Dover.
-
Returned to Margate by order of
destroyer.
-
Margato.
2200
Loft Margate.
-
Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
2nd June
0600
Margate. Disemberked 1,500 troops.
1730
Left Margate.
1955
Air attack off Donkirk. 1 Milled.
Ship holed and damaged but returned
under DWG steam.
Total 7,558
Authority - R.O.III. p.187.
The following made:
D.B.O.
Capt. 0. Johnson, Master,
Mr. A.P.J. Paterson, Chief
Mr. J.W. Coulthard,
D.B.M.
Donkeyman 21.
Delamain.
(1) Note by H.S. The Zuydecoote Pass came under fire from
(2) Note by H.S. The P/V's Prague, Manxman and the at H/C 1830 Paris on
shore batteries at about 1200/29.
sailed in company for Dunkirk, via Route Y,
28th May. (See Prague).
42

Details

ROYAL EAGLE - Continued.
Breen
have
T. 41018, Master
The following awards were made:
28th May
2030
Lare the Downs For
D.S.O.
Cdr. E.C. Cordeaux, M.B., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., R.N. (Retd.) ed.
Whele weat 8166 of town in flames.
D.S.M.
0455
Hove up and berthed at East Jetty.
C.P.O. P.S.T. Munn.
Embarked troops to capacity.
0540
Proceeded.
Mention in Despatches
Anchored off Margate Pior.
Lt. Cdr. E.F.A. Farrow, R.N.R.ste Pier. Disembarked 1,173 troops
Ord/Sea. H.W. Miller.
Left Margate.
1735
ore Le Panne. Witnessed heavy dive
bomb atteck. Heavy losses to shippic
1800
M/V Bullfinch ashore, laden with troops
Assisted her.
1815
Bullfinsh aflost and proceeded.
1820
Royal Sovereign embarked troops from
beaches.
in
30th May
0410/
Shifted berth and embarked more troops.
0430
0530
Vessel full. Proceeded.
1135
Margate, Disembarked 1,200 troops.
1300
Left Margate.
1735
Anchored off Dunkirk.
1820
Embarked troops.
31st May
0130
Proceeded.
0515
At Dyke buoy, picked my 4 survivors for
bombed French steamer.
0710
Margate. Disembarked 1,502 troops.
1805
To Dunkirk.
2230
Anchored off Pontoon Pier Dunkirk.
2240
Ordered to La Panne.
2315
Anchored off La Panne.
1st June
0220
Heavy bombardment of beach, BO proceede
0615
Off Margate.
0745
Margate. Disembarked 47 troops.
1315
To Dunkirk.
1520
Air attacks.
and
Bombarded by Gravelines guns.
1552
Returned to Margate,
1730
Margate roads.
2nd June
1300
Cdr. L.P. Skipwith and 11 retings
join the ship.
1800
Left Margate.
2000
Passed bombed H/C Paris.
2130
Dunkirk. Embarked French troops from
middle pier.
2205
Proceeded, filled to capacity.
3rd June
0155
Margate, Disemberked 1,500 troops.
1400
Four seamen and 2 entering staff leave
ship.
2015
To Dunkirk.
2055
Fogi visibility nil.
4th June
0115
Blight collision with unknown stamer
off No.3 Dunkirk buoy.
0220
Dunkirk middle pier.
0255
Left Dunkins, (1) overladen with troops.
(1) One of the two last personnel ships to leave (see
Moud) 45

Details

ROYAL SOVEREIGN
Genl. Steam Nav.
Capt. T. Aldis, Master.
P/V. (To)
Co. Ltd.
28th May
2030
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
29th May
0250
Off East Jetty, Dunkirk; anchored.
Whole west side of town in flames.
0455
Hove up and berthed at East Jetty.
Embarked troops to capacity.
0540
Proceeded.
1010
Anchored off Margate Pier.
1215
Margate Pier. Disembarked 1,173 troops.
1330
Left Margate.
1735
Off La Panne. Witnessed heavy dive
bomb attack. Heavy losses to shipping
1800
M/V Bullfinch ashore, laden with troops.
Assisted her.
1815
Bullfinch afloat and proceeded.
1820
Royal Sovereign embarked troops from
beaches.
30th May
0410/
Shifted berth and embarked more troops.
0430
0530
Vessel full. Proceeded.
1135
Margate. Disembarked 1,200 troops.
1300
Left Margate.
1735
Anchored off Dunkirk.
1820
Embarked troops.
31st May
0130
Proceeded.
0315
At Dyke buoy, picked up 4 survivors from
bombed French steamer.
0710
Margate. Disembarked 1,502 troops.
1805
To Dunkirk.
2210
Anchored off Pontoon Pier Dunkirk.
2240
Ordered to La Panne.
2315
Anchored off La Panne.
1st June
0220
Heavy bombardment of beach, so proceeded
0615
Off Margate.
0745
Margate. Disembarked 47 troops.
1315
To Dunkirk.
1520
Air attacks.
and
Bombarded by Gravelines guns.
1552
Returned to Margate.
1730
Margate roads.
2nd June
1300
Cdr. L.P. Skipwith and 11 ratings
join the ship.
1800
Left Margate.
2000
Passed bombed H/C Paris.
2130
Dunkirk. Embarked French troops from
middle pier.
2205
Proceeded, filled to capacity.
3rd June
0155
Margate. Disembarked 1,500 troops.
1400
Four seamen and 2 catering staff leave
ship.
2015
To Dunkirk.
2055
Fog; visibility nil.
0115
Slight collision with unknown steamer
4th June
off No.3 Dunkirk buoy.
0220
Dunkirk middle pier.
0255
Left Dunkirk, (1) overladen with troops.
(1) One of the two last personnel ships to leave (see
Princess Maud). 46

Details

SABRE (continued)
1st June
0700
Proceeded to Dover with about 500
(contd.)
troops.
1000
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 451 troops.
2030
Proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
the dr. Codrington.
2315
Secured to east pier and filled up
with troops.
2400
Proceeded to Dover, coming up with the
dr. Icarus en route.
2nd June
0400
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 756 troops.
1845
Proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
the Shikari.
2000ca
Near Ruytingen Bank buoy the H/C Paris
was seen to be sinking and to have
boats away. Sent a cross channel
steamer which had just been overtaken
to her assistance.
2110
Secured inside the wrecked trawler
100
Calvi at east pier and embarked
troops. These were all part of the
B.E.F. rearguard and included men of
the Green Howards.
On leaving harbour, took off 3 Royal
Artillery officers from the wreck of
the G/B Mosquito.
2200
Proceeded with the Shikari.
3rd June
0120
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 500 troops.
2023
Left Dover for Dunkirk the dr.
Venomous in company.
2250
Entered Dunkirk and lay off while the
transports berthed.
2300ca
Berthed between 2 transports [probably
the Canterbury and the Newhaven].
2400ca
The dr. Whitshed placed her stern
alongside Sabre's bow and her bow
alongside a transport's [the
Canterbury's stern.
4th June
0025
Shoved off with nearly 600 French
troops and Admiral Abrial's Flag
Lieutenant. Difficult getting out of
harbour because of "the mass of ships
trying to berth or to get away".
Proceeded, following a minesweeper,
and later, a transport, until she
was lost sight of in the fog near U
N. buoy. Goodwin L.V. was found by sound,
and Sabre then proceeded from buoy
to buoy.
0500
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 592 troops.
Total 5765
Authority - R.O.I., p.118
54

Details

Details

SAINT CYR (L.4183) French M.F.V.
[on
This ship is reported to have taken part
in Dynamo, but no details are available.
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
May
170
=
Saint Cyr
d
AD 402
aux. M/S
d
Premier maite BUZARE
us vayage. 60 troofs
(hate by both brus of
freuch Histomicat Soction)
60

Details

SAINT MICHEL (B.1388)
French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available.
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
120
x7

Details

SAINTE THERESE DE L'ENFANT JESUS (D.G.230) French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in Dynamo,
but no details available.
Authority - Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris
1
I
§
d
)a
so

Details

Southern Railway Company
The following ships of the S. Ry.Co. took part in Dynamo:
Personnel ships
Autocarrier
Biarritz
Canterbury( 2)
Lorina (1)
Maid of Orleans( 2)
Normania (1)
Whippingham.
Whitstable
Hospital carriers
Dinard
Isle of Guernsey
Isle of Thanet
Paris
Worthing
Coaster
Hythe
Tugs
Foremost 22
800
{1} Designated Sunk. a troop transport.
D.R.
165

Details

SUN IV
Tug (Alexander Towage
Co. Ltd.)
Mr. C.G. Alexander,
Lt. J.E.L. Master. Martin, R.N.
0200
31st May
Slipped from Tilbury Docks with 12
Sun IV was Mr. C.G. Alexander,
lifeboats in tow. The Master of the
Managing Director of the Alexander
Towage Co. Ltd.
A Trinity House pilot, Mr. Glasboro
was embarked and remained in the tug
throughout the operation.
1145ca
Arrived Ramsgate.
1330
Embarked Cdr. Tyler [?Cdr. T.St. V.
Tyler, R.N. (Retd. )], Lieut. J.V.
1430
Wilkinson, R.N., and a naval party.
Sailed for Dunkirk, towing 9 boats.
1915
Air attack. Two sailors overboard by
wash of a dèstroyer. Cast off tow.
1 man rescued, 1 lost. Picked up
tow and proceeded.
ml
2230
Anchored off beach above harbour.
The boats were sent in with Lieut.
Wilkinson and Lieut. Fletcher R.N.R.
in charge. 82 B.E.F. embarked
during night.
bn
1st June
0315ca
Left Dunkirk with 3 boats in tow.
0445
One boat swamped, by a destroyer
manoeuvring in an air attack, was
cut adrift and abandoned.
0800
Another boat swamped and abandoned.
0945
Ramsgate. At 1100, 82 troops landed
by tender. (1)
1515
To Dunkirk with 2 boats in tow. [Sea
Cadet Sidmouth-Willing appears to
have been on board for this trip].
1645
South of N. Goodwin L.V., a small
trawler was seen to strike a mine.
1730
Air attack. 3 bombers, 10 bombs, no
hits.
1800
Spoke the M.L.B. E.M.E.D. Piloted
her to Dunkirk.
2100
Cdr. Tyler, proceeded to Dunkirk
harbour in E.M.E.D.
2130
Sun IV arrived Dunkirk. Shifted billet
from time to time during the night.
[Lieut. R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
commanding E.M.E.D. was killed about
2200 whilst alongside M/S Niger].
2nd June
0340
Left Dunkirk (at low water) with 112
B.E.F. on board and E.M.E.D.
(with 39 troops) and a lifeboat in
tow. The tug grounded on the way out
of the harbour but refloated after
about 10/15 minutes.
0930
Arrived Ramsgate. 142 troops landed
by tender. (1) Cdr. Tyler disembarked.
2045
Proceeded to search for H/C Paris.
3rd June
0100
Located Paris; she was abandoned.
Air attack. Decided (with Sun XV)
that Paris being heavily down by the
stern, would require an escort.
Proceeded homeward.
(1) Not mentioned in Dover Report.
184

Details

Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
SUN XI
& Co., Ltd.)
J.R. Lukes, Master.
2330
30th May
Left for Tilbury, Ramsgate. towing 3 sailing barges
1300
31st May
1530
Arrived Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Dover.
Dover with barges.
Sailed with a lighter, loaded with
1730
Arrived Dunkirk. A M/B took over the
stores and cans of water, in tow.
1800
Proceeded. lighter and beached her.
1900
Air attack. A drifter was sunk; the
1930
tug Contest picked up her crew.
Passed the tugs Sun XV, Sun VIII and
Sun IV going in.
2300
"Sorry for them, glad to get out".
Arrived North Goodwin. Anchored
inside S. Brake at 2400.
1st June
2130
Berthed a destroyer [the Worcester]
which had been in collision inside
Dover harbour.
2155ca
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and pick
up anything.
2400
Off North Goodwin, there were seven
tugs, in single line ahead, viz. the
Challenge, Ocean Cock, Crested Cock,
Fairplay I, Sun VII, Sun XI, Sun XII.
2nd June
0200
Sighted small lights. Found a large
Govt. lighter Y.C.63 broken down
and full of wounded and troops.
Among them was "Captain (D) of the
19th Flotilla whose destroyer
[ the Keith had blown up".
0230
Took Y.C.63 in tow.
0630
Arrived Dover. Berthed lighter.
1400
Captain Fraser R.N. came on board.
1500ca
Left Dover, towing 4 boats, (1)
followed by tugs Sun X, Fairplay I and
Foremost 87.
[2115ca]
Foremost 87 picked up 6 life boats full
of wounded and survivors [from H/C
Paris] and turned back.
2245
Anchored west of Dunkirk Mole. Sun x
alongside. Embarked troops from M/B's
2330
Ordered inside the harbour to refloat
a grounded transport. Too shallow.
Transferred her troops by M/B's.
3rd June
0245
Went inside harbour again to assist a
sloop. Low water, went aground. Had
to back out.
0330
Daybreak. Full of troops, proceeded,
with a large life boat full of troops
in tow and also one small one
[the M/B Skylark III]
0900
Arrived Dover. Unloaded 188 troops.
Total 188
Authority W.W.
(1) One of which was the M. L/B Michael Stephens [and probably
the Southern Queen, and Jane Holland].
190

Details

SUN XV
Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
& Co. Ltd.)
J.J. Belton, Master
31st May
0015
Left with Tilbury 12 for Southend and Ramsgate
1150
1430
Arrived Ramsgate.
life boats in tow.
Left tow. for Dunkirk with 6 life boatsin
1930
2215
Air attack by 28 bombers.
Off Dunkirk pier head. Proceeded to
La Panne.
2400
Anchored off La Panne.
1st June
0005
The life boats proceeded into the
beach 50 yards distant, and ferried
70/80 troops to the tug. Five of the
boats were lost in this operation.
-
0200
Proceeded with the 6th life boat in tow.
The life boat sank and was cut adrift.
0430
4 miles west of Ruytingen buoy took in
tow the disabled lighter Y.C.72
which had been towing the lighter
Y.C.71. Both were full of troops.
0900
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 75
troops by small craft.
2nd June
2100
Proceeded in search of the H/C Paris,
with Cdr. J. Elliott, R.D., R.N.R.
on board and tug Sun IV in company.
3rd June
0100ca
Sighted the Paris, which had a bad list
to starboard. Made fast a wire, but
it parted. Air attack. The tow
was abandoned, because it was
decided an escort would be necessary.
-
Ordered to proceed to the west, and
cruised around.
0340
Sighted the dfr. Yorkshire Lass
disabled and full of troops. Took
her in tow.
0437
The Yorkshire Lass asked to be cast
off as her engines were repaired.
0745
The Sun XV arrived at Ramsgate.
1700
Left for Dunkirk, Lieut. T. Galloway,
R.N.R. and another R.N.R. officer on
board and towing 4 M/B's one of which
was the M. L/B Guide of Dunkirk. (3)
2235
Arrived Dunkirk pier head.
2315
Commenced embarking troops.
4th June
0200
Went alongside the eastern arm.
Practically all troops had gone.
0230
Proceeded.
0320
Air attack.
0420
Took in tow the disabled H.M. drifter
0815(1)
Arrived L.H.W.D. Ramsgate. Disembarked 31
troops. (2)
Total 106
Authority - W.W.
R.O.III, p. 307.
R.O.IV, p.71.
(1) Ramsgate times L.H.W.D. 's arrival as 0900.
(2) A launch landed 31 troops at Ramsgate at 0820. These may
(3) Guide of Dunkirk broke away from the tow before reaching
be assumed to have come from Sun XV,
Dunkirk.
192

Details

THERESE LOUIS (B.1741)
French M.F.V.
30th May
Together Angele with the Chasse-Maree,
disembarked 697 troops in England. (1)
Marie and "Dame Franche",
Estimated total 174
[see also under Chasse-Maree].
1
in
the
to
Possa
(1) D.R. The "Dame Franche" is not known by the Ministere de
la Marine Marchande, paris.
It 1s probably a miscript for Jeune France.
222

Details

11 & 12 VERITY
Movements may 22-25
22nd
1150 Escorted Canterbury & Maid of Orleans to Calais.
1418
Back at Dover
23rd
2140
To Calais with McNaughton and Canadian staff.
2255
Entered harbour; landed McN. in Gulzar.
Paris (h.s.) slipped and Verity took her place alongside,
24th
0137 McN. re-embarked. To Dunkirk along swept channel.
0247
Attacked by single a/c.
0327
Arrd. Dunkirk; alongside Quai Felix Faure. Quiet.
0500
McN. landed, said would be 2 hours.
0700
Tide falling, nothing from McN., so patrolled outside,
leaving motor boat inside.
0850 Heavy air attack. Another at 0943.
1035 McN. returned. Back to Dover.
1120 Shot down one float plane.
1206 Shelled by Calais shore battery.
1255
Arrd. Dover. Oiled & embarked military ammunition.
1914 Proceeded to salvage Wessex; reported sunk so returned.
1950
Went to assistance of Burza, damaged by bombs. Escorted
her in to Dover (2050).
2120
War Office ordered land military ammunition.
2127 VA Dover ordered embark 80 (actually 76) RM and ammunitia
2230
Somerville took passage.
2335 Proceeded to Calais.
25th
0050 Entered harbour; alongside Gare Maritime.
0105 Shelled by battery to westward - not hit.
0120 Shifted berth to Quai de Maree, ahead of Wolfhound.
Landed men & stores without casualties.
0215
Left for Dover; Somerville still on shore.
0415
Arrd. Dover.
270A

Details

Sainte Pierre IV (C.1418) - Continued
2.50 [Lydie Suzanne]
3rd June)
0900
Arrived
ships six Ramsgate the complete ?DG.924 Plena, had ?C. ships 1418 original run were: Ramsgate La aground (st. report the Credo) landed Colombe, the 10 outward with had records at Ave 318 the Dunkirk. 8 the not Maria troops ships "C. been that "C.924" 1419" Gratia - able at another one 0920, the to of
The 1479" and the Pierre "C.1299". IV)],
the
47 Allied "Anna" was also at
57 the the Anna-Leopold sprived wish
later, with
Allied this
about 450 troops.
therefore, the convoy transported trip
5th June
1000
The following 10 ships left Ramsgate
for Cherbourg:
S
C.1298, C.1322, C.1347, C.1376,
C.1418, C.1441, "C.1457", "C.1479",
"C.1502" and "C. 5596".
No
The H.76 and the remainder sailed for
Havre.
Total 2100
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folios No.12 and 34,
and a report by the Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
1.) The names says afthore " Six has it ships are not known
(1) D R. French boats, 318".
Stay Dum Was
360

Details

- 389
Resume of work done at Dover - D/C M.B.
Wednesday, 29th May, Arrived Dover and proceeded to Dunkirk
with Lieutenant Commander Dennis and
Commander Casalet.
S.S. "King Orry" was sunk by bombing
attack, 14 survivors being picked up.
Struck submerged wreckage which disabled
the boat. Taken in tow by H.M.S.
"Vigilant" and after effecting temporary
repairs returned to Dover at 8 knots.
Thursday, 30th May.
Ferried an Officer to Downs with
sailing orders for Convoy.
Friday, 31st May.
Returned to Dover at 0400.
D/C M.B. being completely out of action
commandeered Lifeboat and 40 ft. motor
boat.
12"
Saturday, 1st June.
Took Admiral Hallet to Downs in 40 ft.
motor boat giving orders to Convoy.
Sunday, 2nd June.
Lifeboat towed back to Dunkirk with
body of Lieutenant Mead R.N.V.R. who
was killed by shrapnel while evacuating
troops from beaches.
Proceeded in 40 ft. motor boat escorting
Admiral Somerville in M.A.S.B. 10 but
)
lost contact.
Picked up survivors of Hospital Ship
"Paris".
1
Monday, 3rd June.
0500 arrived Dover.
Tuesday, 4th June.
0900 hoisted D/C M.B. out of water.
2
Effecting temporary repairs on D/C M.B.
Wednesday, 5th June, 1000 sailed for Portsmouth in company
with M.T.B.'s 102 and 107.

Details

203
OPERATION DYNAMO
Enclosure No, 1.
SHIP: FOREMOST Tug No. 87. 2nd
June, 1940.
Officer Reporting: Sub-Lieutenant H.M. Davis, R.N.R.
Whilst proceeding to Dunkirk as ordered by C.A.P
with two lifeboats in tow, the Hospital Ship PARIS was
bombed by a number of German air-planes; this was at 3115
and at a position approximately 2 miles to seaward of No. 5
buoy. (Dunkirk Entrance). Knowing that my two coxwains in
charge of the lifeboats were capable of navigating their
boats, I cast them off and proceeded to embark the survivors
of the PARIS, which included 10 severely wounded cases.
The full complement of crew were rescued (95 in
all) including the Captain, officers and 5 Nursing Sisters.
The Deck Boy Bullock, aged 16 years, was so severely wounded
he died on board the tug shortly after being picked up.
Later at 2145 a lifeboat containing 13 Spanish seamen
was picked up and the whole brought to Dover. Wounded and
the dead boy were placed in hospital. Remainder of crew
were disembarked. 13 Spaniards were placed under guard and
interviewed by the Authorities.
(Signed) H.M. Davis
Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.R.

Details

SECRET
- 2 -
407
1830 11. from Three about astern. German 8000 British feet. bombers Ten carried bombs out were a dropped level bombing falling attack 385 at
hour 250 yards later as three transports fighters passed. appeared about a quarter about of an
12. the At way 2030 into the Dunkirk. motor lifeboat E.M.M.D. hailed us and
be shown of the night. The This boat remained with us for asked the to
remainder killed Lieutenant R.N.V.R. in command
by Commander arrival at Ramsgate.
unfortunately Tyler on by shrapnel during the night. This was was reported
13.
At 2100 a small motor boat informed us that there were
troops left in Dunkirk. Commander Tyler disregarded this and went no
into the harbour in the motor lifeboat with Lieutenant Fletcher.
14. At 2130 the tug was hailed by a motor torpedo boat and
orders were received to use the boats to fill up minesweepers which
were to arrive later.
15. At 2145 the motor lifeboat and one boat were sent in shore.
The tug then towed the remaining boat as near in shore as possible.
This boat then pulled shore. The tug was then anchored about
three quarters of a mile from the Eastern breakwater.
16. The pulling boat returned with the news that there were no
soldiers ashore at 2230, and said that she had not seen the other
boats.
17. 2300 - 0100/2 June, 1940, fairly heavy firing over and short,
chiefly shrapnel, All hands kept under cover, until the motor
lifeboat returned at 0130. The tug then weighed and proceeded to
Ramsgate.
18. At 0140 an M.T.B. again hailed us and weewere sent back to
fill up with soldiers, and anchored in position again at 0215.
further in shore to pick them up, but ran aground about a quarter of
After waiting till 0330 for the boats the tug weighed and went
a mile off shore. The flooding tide and the use of engines astern
meanwhile had been secured. We then proceeded to Ramsgate
together with physical jerks by the soldiers refloated her. with Boats
142 soldiers on board and in the motor lifeboat, which we towed.
of the 19. At 0415 we but ran managed to get off after ten minutes. at 07451 A slight
aground for the second time one mile west
haze gave breakwater, us a peaceful passage home arriving at Ramsgate
left us A.M. and we were told the tug ordered would
20. Commander Tyler night, but at 2000/2 June, 1940, we to were salvage
not the to weigh be Hospital required and proceeded Ship that Paris. to a At position 0100 we onboard, near eventually position attempted located to her tow and her. the
We tug lay Sun off XV with until a she Commander had got R.N.R., secured, later but a German unfortunately machine dived her first down
wire both ordered had and Both in about machine asked parted. the the by ratings Tugmaster five us the gunned what fathoms Commander About on we us. and the two thought of I guns an minutes We water considered R.N.R., escort. engaged of getting and the in the that in It bursts. aircraft would tug if Sun we be XV with very she We to down to were hospital was Lewis leave slow get by already then her work after guns; the ship back stern. to he was tow
her safely as we she would was a require twin screw ship. tell.
I The think tug that arrived back at Ramsgate
aground. but it was hard to
0645/3 June, 1940.
21. At 1130 we

Details

Reseur Juy Lady Brassey
sund 2"June 1940
412
Sir
I Frederich John Hopgood wasthe Master in charge of the
tug Lady Brassey on Sunday June, we had been busy
during the day pumping out the monis Isle was
ordered to assist H. An Sulton Miger off the Admiralty his
N during these operations we received a segmal from
the admiralty Rier signal station instructing us to leave ar
once to the assistance 7 the Hospital ship Raris, near
Buay Dunmirm route X. We left Dorr at 8.Rm the
weather finer clear, when nearing V. buay we nearly
collided with a destroyer bothversels going astern also
narrow escapes 7 running into other vessels. aeroplanes
were overhead r bright lights continually flooting about
pairs in the air near the line of route. Wepassed
the Ramsgate Eug Fabia who hoiled that he could notfind
te Peris r he proceeded on course towards Bamsgate. We am
ontineed on our course r arrived И W. Buay about 12.15
Monday 3ʳᵈ cruised about hoping to see the Raris. about
15. am we sighted a craft that appeared to be stopped and
n approaching we made it out to be the Raris
about /. mile eastward of #W Buay. We steamed
round close to her r hailed several times orgetting
no reply considered Raris had been abandoned.
The vessel had a very heavy list to Starboard
starboard xr side found the number on the butwarks just level
r was setting down fest I went around the
with the water r by the time I passed around the vessels
portsider bach to the starboard side she had jone
over another foot I then decided to remain 3/4 mile see
the last of the Paris. The vissel such about am. I
Eastwards the W. Buoy in 14 foltows at returned 4.
reported of the particulars to the Peir V.A.D 8. am. of
Dres. arrived alongside PW.
K.H.M. Y.
X
yours faithfully
signed Tresday gune
F master

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Page 1 of
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover p.m.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest
over shallow minefield. Low water approximately
over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors
from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th,
accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no
casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine
defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff
of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously
on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to
harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still
unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat
should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received
to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for
duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
CONFIDENTIAL.
575
Subject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
From.
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
Date.
14th June, 1940.
as
To
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
a
In accordance with C.P.G.O. 1700, the report on
operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
)
lle)
Lieutenant in Command.
ted
utes
ans
ficer
from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 lifeboats survivors spoke tow.
(hospital ship). Picked up wounded and took men in from
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow.
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued.
)
psh.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived at Dover p.m.
possible 0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 Low water Dunkirk by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, feet. (Commander approximately
Cleared screws. Fouled screws on submerged
from Dover H.M.S. KING ORRY. Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors
on board). 2300 Dover and Lieut. Crundr. Dennis Casalet, staff of
accepted Proceeded to H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in 30th, and started.
tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed
bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage,
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due no to engine
defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff
of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously
on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to
harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still
unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat
should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received
to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for
duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
Lieutenant Hamilton Meikle assumed command of 40 ft.
ships fast motor boat and manned it with:-
Petty Officer John Luckins. P/J 103170, coxswain of the D/C
motor boat (as coxswain).
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT) (as Lewis
Gunner).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. P/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
Hamilton Meikle, and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
them that orders were necessary before proceeding immediately to
Dunkirk. The boat was capable of 20 knots and one stripped Lewis
gun was transferred to her from H.M. D/C(boat, MORE the other gun being
in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
40 ft. motor boat assisted M.T.B. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
in regulating rescue traffic to and from Dunkirk.
Sunday, 2nd June.
motor boat escorted M.A.S.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
but 40 ft. due to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
Dunkirk to see aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch if boat was required for any purpose. ship. Proceeded Sighted
formation of enemy 1910 Air attack. Duration All petrol minutes. cans
87215 to assistance. dive-bombing and machine günning. Between spare 30-40 M/G
pierced and near 1930. Took offices
JU 97's and miss bomb strained boat. off Captain and some
from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 survivors tow.
bullet holes, no (hospital casualties. ship). Picked lifeboats up wounded and took men in from
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow. spoke
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued

Details

149
147
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 28
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
2/6
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
daylight hours enabled all transport resources to accumulate
during the day and to be held available for a massed descent
upon Dunkirk Harbour during the night. By making provision for
increased pier and berthing parties and traffic controlled by
motor boat in the harbour channels, it was hoped to berth all
craft that were available between the hours of 2100/
2 and 0300/3.
The times of sailing of all vessels were adjusted so
as to space them out over the evacuation period at Dunkirk,
and allowance was made for a proportion failing to make the
passage.
The French agreed to make their own arrangements for
embarkation from the Dunkirk East Beach and the West Pier on
the new outer harbour.
At. 1530 two R.A.F. Motor Boats, 243 and 270, left
in company for Dunkirk carrying Commander J.C. Clouston and
an augmented pier party. When off Gravelines attacks were
made on the boats by eight Junkers 87 with machine guns and
small bombs. No. 243 had a near miss which damaged her. For
ten minutes No.270 carried on trying to avoid attacks. She
then returned to No.243 but Commander Clouston who was in the
water instructed 270 to proceed. Destroyers were instructed
to look for survivors. Two were picked up only. One stated
that he saw Commander Clouston dead in the water.
84. At 1030 an urgent request transmitted "en clair"
was received from Dunkirk for Hospital Ships as follows:-
"Wounded situation acute and Hospital Ships should
enter during day. Geneva Convention will be honourably
observed it is felt and that the enemy will refrain
from attacking."
As this appeared to be the only way of evacuating the wounded,
observing that the whole facilities of the port during the
night evacuation hours would be required for fighting troops,
it was decided to send two Hospital Ships. The WORTHING
sailed at 1300 and the PARIS at 1700. At 1440, the A/S Patrol
was overheard on R/T reporting that the WORTHING was being
bombed at a point about two-thirds of the way across the
Channel. She returned to United Kingdom reporting that she
had been attacked by 12 Junkers. The attack caused no casual-
ties, but plates were started and there was some superficial
damage. She had to return to harbour to refuel before
commencing another trip to Dunkirk.
At 1915 PARIS reported that she was bombed and badly
damaged with engines useless, at the point where the WORTHING
had been attacked, and at 1947 she sent out an S.O.S. Tugs
were sent to her assistance.
Thus the last attempt to evacuate the wounded by
Hospital Carrier from Dunkirk was brought to nought.
The PARIS subsequently sank shortly after midnight
at W. buoy 10 miles off the French coast.
85./

Details

150
1
148
CONFIDENTIAL.
9
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
2/6
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. 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
ly
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful.'
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June,
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, waser
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunki
1
that/
inary/

Details

164
163
APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
181
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
FLARE BURNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
DRIFTER:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
GUARDSHIPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLA
KING ORRY
A.B.V's:
LLANTHONY
CORVETTES:
KINGFISHER
G
ILLEMOT
F.A.A.
AIR FORCE
GRIEVE
AMULREE
TRAINING VESSEL:
M.T.B's:
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
PERSONNEL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX- MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
PRAGUE
OSPITAL CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST DAVID
PARIS
ST JULIAN
WORTHING
OTE:
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
Yachts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
tows of boats to the coast.

Details

Details

Details

Details

822/ 1110 13"2
253
255
No. 3102/212.
FROM:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
DATE:-
4th June 1940.
TO:-
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
73
LOSS OF H.M.S. "KING ORRY"
In forwarding the attached report by Commander
a
J. Elliott RD., R.N.R., Commanding Officer of H.M.S.
"KING ORRY", I desire to bring to your notice that
Commander Elliott landed here on 30th May, after his vessel
had been sunk at Dunkirk.
2.
He then expressed a desire to assist at this Base.
After 24 hours stand-off he turned to on Pier duty on the
East Pier, assisting in the handling of craft as they came
alongside with troops.
3.
When the hospital ship "PARIS" was damaged, he
proceeded out in charge of the two tugs "SUN IV" and "SUN XV
to render assistance. "PARIS" was found without crew and a
line was put on board. Both tugs were subjected to machine
gun fire. At about 0200 on 3rd June, the tow was abandoned
and both tugs returned to this Base at 0600.
4.
Commander Elliott has now been sent on leave p.m.
4th June - to his home address.
VICE ADMIRAL
5- JUN T 1940
#
CAPTAIN.
DOVER
R
NAVAL OFFICER IN CHARGE
RAMSGATE.
my kings my :- one V.U and + seamen wounded
history
:- 4 here killed / Officer and
nt men wounded.
tomage of was rus tained as follows
/. 55. coils severed
2. Two life loats badly holed
3- Boat back meried Parside
4. are questilator holed and Auady
minor depects to wining etc

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 28
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
daylight hours enabled all transport resources to accumulate
during the day and to be held available for a massed descent
upon Dunkirk Harbour during the night. By making provision for
increased pier and berthing parties and traffic controlled by
motor boat in the harbour channels, it was hoped to berth all
craft that were available between the hours of 2100/
2 and 0300/3.
The times of sailing of all vessels were adjusted so
as to space them out over the evacuation period at Dunkirk,
and allowance was made for a proportion failing to make the
passage.
The French agreed to make their own arrangements for
embarkation from the Dunkirk East Beach and the West Pier on
the new outer harbour.
At 1530 two R.A.F. Motor Boats, 243 and 270, left
in company for Dunkirk carrying Commander J.C. Clouston and
an augmented pier party. When off Gravelines attacks were
made on the boats by eight Junkers 87 with machine guns and
small bombs. No. 243 had a near miss which damaged her. For
ten minutes No.270 rried on trying to avoid attacks. She
then returned to No.243 but Commander Clouston who was in the
water instructed 270 to proceed. Destroyers were instructed
to look for survivors. Two were picked up only. One stated
that he saw Commander Clouston dead in the water.
84. At 1030 an urgent request transmitted "en clair"
was received from Dunkirk for Hospital Ships as follows:-
"Wounded situation acute and Hospital Ships should
enter during day. Geneva Convention will be honourably
observed it is felt and that the enemy will refrain
from attacking."
As this appeared to be the only way of evacuating the wounded,
observing that the whole facilities of the port during the
night evacuation hours would be required for fighting troops,
it was decided to send two Hospital Ships. The WORTHING
sailed at 1300 and the PARIS at 1700. At 1440, the A/S Patrol
was overheard on R/T reporting that the WORTHING was being
bombed at a point about two-thirds of the way across the
Channel. She returned to United Kingdom reporting that she
had been attacked by 12 Junkers. The attack caused no casual-
ties, but plates were started and there was some superficial
damage. She had to return to harbour to refuel before
commencing another trip to Dunkirk.
At 1915 PARIS reported that she was bombed and badly
damaged with engines useless, at the point where the WORTHING
had been attacked, and at 1947 she sent out an S.O.S. Tugs
were sent to her assistance.
Thus the last attempt to evacuate the wounded by
Hospital Carrier from Dunkirk was brought to nought.
The PARIS subsequently sank shortly after midnight
at W. buoy 10 miles off the French coast.
85./

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. 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 free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk
that/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. 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 free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A.Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk
that/

Details

APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
URNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
IPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLE
KING ORRY
:
LLANTHONY
ES:
KINGFISHER
GUILLEMOT
CE
GRIEVE
G VESSEL:
i
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
EL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
P. LGUE
L CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST. DAVID
PARIS
ST. JULIAN
WORTHING
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
achts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
OWS of boats to the coast.

Details

Details

Details

Details

Page 4.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
NEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
RCHANGEL
MANXMAN
UTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
EN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
IARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
ANTERBURY
NGAROMA
LAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
OTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
OTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
INARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
ORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
#
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
ENELLA
ROEBUCK
ОЛМ QUEEN
ROUEN
SLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
SLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
ILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
ING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
ADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
EVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
OCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
AID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
re
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BATL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
/
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
C. 9 } (Tugs)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
(Continued)
Sunk

Details

B.
o:
LIST OF VESSELS LOST DURING 'DYNAMO', 'CYCLE' and 'AERIAL'
OPERATIONS.
Dns
Approx. 20thMay/1st July, 1940.
of Vessel
G.R.T.
Date.
Cause and Position
Remarks.
nd
S.
WORTHTOWN
27/5
Bombed by Aircraft,
Stores.
set on fire and abandoned
LOST
868
on Dunkirk Beach.
M.
1206
708 .T.S.O
MAID OF KENT.
21/5
YEJSSVAW
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour
SUNK.
Pass.
.T.S.O
R.T.
W.
EIDAR GATSESO
04\8\08
OLD
.R.H.O
BRIGHTON.
S.
Hospital Carrier
24/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour
SUNK
.T.M.D
S. QUEEN OF THE
28/5
Bombed Position.
CHANNEL.
51°N25'N. 2° 40'E.
SUNK:
Pass.
Troops and crew
R.T. 1162
all transferred
.W.
to "DORIEN ROSE".
JB
.S.
SPINEL
25/5
Blown up at Dunkirk.
ABANDONED.
d:
Petrol.
CONSIDERED LOST
R.T.
650
W.
592
S. ABUKIR.
28/5
Torpedoed by surface craft
SUNK.
Tramp.
50 miles N.E.of N.
d.
.T.
694
Foreland.
900
LORINA
29/5
Bombed. Sunk in Dunkirk
SUNK
SS.
harbour.
8 of crew
were lost.
A.T. 1578
W.
365
SSA
S.NORMANNIA.
30/5
Bombed whilst in tow
SUNK.
Pass.
2.71
Survivors in
Dunkirk breakwater 4
H.M.S.ROSS-&
G.R.T. 1567.
miles.
H.M.S. MOSQUITO.
D.W.
243
YOS
BOX
3.S. FENELLA.
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
P.C.
Milla MOTHOISE
R.T. 2376
01\8\88
808 .T.S.D
.W.
520
30/5
Bombed atDunkirk.
SUNK. АТИОУИС
.S.CLAN
02\8\18
888 .T.F.O
MACALISTER.
C.L.
EQUAIM RICANO
G.R.T. 6787
04\8\08
828 .T.H.O
D.W. 10905
EVIRD
S.S.SCOTIA
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk
SUNK .T.S.O
G.R.T. Pass 3454
УЯРО DNIX
D.W.
540
05\8\08
TVSL.T.S.O
S.S. PARIS
2/6
Attacked by aircraft
WADAS .78
Pass
approx. 51°11.5'N 2.07E.
SUNK .BUT
.R.T. 1790
650

Details

(En clair)
DISTRIBUTION A AND EMPAX.
From: MOROCCO.
FROM TANGIER TO FOREION OFFICE.
Mr. Gascoigne
D. 1.17 p.m. 30th April, 1941.
No. EMPAX.
30th April, 1941.
R. 7.05 p.m. 30th April, 1941.
Depeche Marocaine of 30th April publishes offensive
anti-British article from Vichy. Heading as follows: "A page
of history. The truth on the epio of Dunkirk. Chivalrous
Mr. Churchill claims for the British Army the honour of
co-operating in covering the retreat of Allied troops. 3a
disregards the orders he gave. Admiral Darlan had to intervene
directly with Churchill in order that the British Nest should
not abandon one hundred thousand Frenchmen". Summary of
article as follows:
(Begins): Gaullist propaganda during last for days had
claimed that France should be grateful to her former Allies for
help given latter during tragedy of Dunkisk. During Supreme
War Council held Paris end May, 1940, Churchill had in
chivalrous manner insisted that British troops should fight but side
by execution the British military Commanders Hill had
side with French poilus to cover retreat towards adopted Duskirk
different British help could only be given *as Admiral
in actual tactics. During Supreme Council General much $
stated that General Cort, however, had informed his best Abrial,
Governor of best division. Following day immediately Alexander leaving
possible". Dunkirk, that he would send to latter General
General and his battalion which he embarked complete the
arrived with one duty of defending position. tragedy, To National
precise to French and alone irrefutable today exposé following of Dunkirk new at particulare: Dunking had The
French radio broadcast what conditions French army armies without
assistance covered from British Army, assistance Navy had first refused then
have stated rearguard in and evacuation of Allied which had been promised.
accepted to evacuations. participate Because this It Dunkirk operation
We haveralso stated how British during last 48 is necessary hours in one that of all most 10
will give French you and British THE Prench. repeat
possible difficult light statistics should be of Dankirk AP# I aloguent. 204,000
Darlan operations England. troops British night these 31st May 1st figures which that Darlan beach soldiers June Sands should some had sent Gort (sic). and announced have THE only of THE the I to consider Supreme On and Connoil, telegrams Admiralty had the Alexander arrived to French Impossible request at abandoning 'As varaed 1.45 appoaed and in remain that his During must of on to
THE soldiers Admiral what Dunkirk last THE Churchill in wall and day only of and 224,000 35,000 vigarous night French from
THE sare June/
3rd/4th June. by reason avacuated 3rd/4th
was

Details

COPY 3.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that, in accordance with
the Instructions of 10 June 1940 received by me from the
Secretary of State for War, I duly left SOUTHAMPTON by
ship at 1400 hours on 12 June, and reached CHERBOURG at
2130 hours the same evening.
For reasons connected with local French orders, it was
not possible to disembark until 0030 hours on 13 June when
Brigadier G. Thorpe (Base Commandant) came out to the ship
in a tug and took me ashore with my staff.
2. At 0800 hours 13 June I left CHERBOURC by car, and
reached LE MANS at-1400 hours after & journey much hampered
by the crowds of refugees on the roads.
Communication Troops, and Brigadier J.G. des R. SWAYNE.
KARSLAKE, Major-General P. de FONBLANQUE, G.O.C., Lines of
There I was met by Lieutenant-General Sir Henry
General I at once KARSLAKE. I instructed him to return to England,
took command of all British troops in France from
which he did by plane that afternoon.
3. At 1500 with General WEYGAND and, after a journey 1 Mission
hours I left LE MANS with Brigadier SWAYNE of for
)
an interview reached the Headquarters of 2000 No. hours that
(Major-Ceneral some 170 miles, Sir Richard HOWARD-VYSE) at
evening. was away at a Cabinet meeting, would see but, me on
his return, General he WEYGAND sent a message to say that he
at 0830 hours on 14 June.
4. I had left as my it was known by The General general inference
staff at LE MANS to get KARSLAKE in touch and with of
to bulk be of that, the after troops crossing engaged
would the SEINE move South in to encircle PARIS.
/ The
FOOTNOTE: ( ) THE THE
MARKET

Details

CU] 1 1
The situation on the front that evening, SO far as it
was known, was that the Tenth French Army, which included
the 157 Infantry Brigade of the 52nd Division, Armoured
) Division (less one Brigade) and BEAUMAN Force, was holding
a line from the Sea West of the SEINE to NEUBOURG and
thence to CONCHES. Between the Southern flank of the
157 Infantry Brigade and DAMVILLE, there was & gap of some
8 miles, which was only lightly held by elements of the
3rd D.L.M. South of this area the Army of Paris was
supposed to be holding & line from DREUX to BONNECOURT on
the SEINE, but there was no confirmation that this Army
was actually in position.
14 JUNE
5. At 0830 hours I saw General WEYGAND. He spoke most
frankly and explained the situation to me. He said that
the French Army was no longer capable of organised resistance,
that it had now broken up into four groups - one of which
was the Tenth Army (General ALTMAYER) with which the B.B.F.
was operating - and that considerable gaps existed between
the groups.
the orders The of their own Commanders, but co-ordinated
Armies he explained, would continue to fight action under
of the force as & whole would no longer be possible. out.
Reserves were exhausted and many formations worn
He then Allied Covernments, BRITTANY was vicinity to of
informed me that, in accordance with be at defended decision
taken by the line across the peninsula in the to General
GEORGES' RENNES. by holding Headquarters He & suggested to that discuss we should with him proceed the details of
this project.
/ We
BEAUMAN Division was an improvised was
FOOTNOTE: ( )
organised as follows:-
The formation which, on 13th June,
of personnel from auxiliary military
"B" Bde Bde - - THE
212 213 - - - Army Engineers.
"E" "E" "C" 4 Provisional reonnel. - the the (improvised). Engineers.

Details

4
AS H.M. Government had not been consulted with regard
to the BRITTANY scheme, and the withdrawal of the B.E.F. had
been approved, I considered that I was no longer in a
position to carry out the dispositions settled with Generals
WEYGAND and GEORGES. I therefore requested the C.I.C.S. to
inform General WEYGAND, and I understood this was to be done.
The instructions which I received later (see paragraph 10
below), stating that I was no longer under General WEYGAND'S
orders, confirmed this opinion.
Orders outlining the arrangements for the evacuation
were at once issued, and an officer was dispatched to
Lieutenant-General J.H. MARSHALL-CORNWALL requesting him
to come to my Headquarters.
9. The C.I.G.S. telephoned again at 2015 hours and said
that it was most important that everything should be done to
ensure good relations between ourselves and the French, and
to avoid, in every possible way, giving the impression that
the B.E.F. was deserting them. I replied that I would most
certainly see that this was done, that I was moving no troops
move back all other troops and material towards the ports.
engaged with the Tenth Army, but that I was arranging to
asked about the employment of those elements or the 52nd
At this stage the Prime Minister himself spoke and
Division which were not under the orders of the Tenth
French I assured him that I considered that forces no use-
ful Army. could be served by adding them to the restore
already purpose with that Army. They could not possibly the
of some 30 miles which now existed between the
the situation on that front, nor could they close Tenth gap
French Army and the Army of Paris.
Prime Minister then agreed to my proposal should that remain the
drawal fighting troops Moves The under of forces with the to orders ports remainder that moving army of of embarkation on the of for BREST, Tenth the the B.E.F. present, Corps French Tenth were should Troops therefore French Army whilst proceed. on Army) the ST. continued, with- MALO, on
Canadian 52nd CHERBOURG, Division of (less C. elements troops PALLICE. and with material Finally on ST. those MALO, elements BREST,
ST. with 10. situation NAZATRE, Tenth At 2235 admitted L. French hours NANTES Army I of and approval spoke their were LA to withdrawal to for the embark C.I.G.S. evacuation. at the from CHERROURG orders and that told The Army. of when C.I.G.S. him General of the
informed the Prime me Minister's that I was no longer was under to act as an independent in every
WEYGAND, and that however, the B.E.F. to continue Army. to co-operate
way force. I was, with the Tenth French
were 11. embarkation During busily 150,000 / with personal,
possible STATE THE myself for the

Details

- 8 -
25. I had previously arranged that 90,000 rations, as well
as ammunition, should be sent up to CHERBOURG, as this was
the port on which NORMAN Force would be based. Any altera-
tions to this plan at this stage would have caused & break-
down in the supply arrangements which were very difficult
because the roads were congested and the railways working.
spasmodically.
26. During that evening I was in touch with Ma.jor-General
J.S. DREW commanding the 52nd Division. He informed me
that he had embarked one of his brigades and expected to
proceed to the United Kingdom with his second brigade.
get the other away the next day. I gave him orders to
) 27. Brigadier J.G. des R. SWAYNE, Head of No. 2 Mission,
reported to me on his way to the United Kingdom.
I also dispatched Brigadier N.M. RITCHIE, B.G.S., 2nd
Corps to the United Kingdom that night, as there was no
longer need for his services in France on account of the
reduction of the number of troops.
28. Throughout the day the Germans maintained evening their
pressure on received from General MARSHALL-CORNIALL in
the Tenth French Army. In the &
message which he was it as his opinion that the Tenth French This Army
would disintegrate gave if it were seriously attacked.
R. was R.T.R.) who called at my Headquarters front the
opinion confirmed by his G.S.O.1 (Lieutenant-Colonel about
German hours continued, and the gap between the Tenth miles
2300 Briggs, that night. On the rest of the
wide. Army German forces were in this gap it was impossible and
French advance and the Army of Paris was well over 50
air say, reconnaissance as no was much hampered by low
to What allied fighting troops were in cloud the area and
thunderstorms.
29. the previous 24 hours about 47,000 have troops been and
250 vehicles During of all kinds were reported to
embarked.
17 JUNE
30. morning I received a message from French General
was in full retreat troops to CHERBOURG. His own CHEREOURG. Headquarters
MARSHALL-CORNWALL on LAVAL and RENNES, and
Early that to the effect that the Tenth that he was Army
withdrawing his AVRANCHES and would go next explained to the
were At 1015 moving hours, to I spoke to the C.I.G.S. and
situation to him.
/ On
to
FOOTNOTE:
(
)
a
Operations).

Details

It was now becoming obvious that to enable the IX Corps
to fall back in good order to the line of the Lower Seine,
a cover position would have to be held along. the River
Andelle, some 12 miles east of Rouen. General Evans, there-
fore, at once ordered his 3rd Armoured Brigade (in fact
reduced to some four weak squadrons of 30 tanks in all)
to stiffen up the right flank of Beauman's defensive line.
9. On the 8th June the German amoured drive continued
on the Axis Amiens - Rouen, and succeeded in penetrating
the weak British defences on the watershed butween the
Rivers Andelle and Bethune, west of Forges-Les-Baux.
Beauman's ill-equipped units, with the British tanks
supporting them, fell back to the line of the Soino.
That night German armoured units penstrated into Rouen,
and the French Tenth Army lost all touch from then onward
with its IX Corps in the Pouen - Dieppe cul-de-sac.
10. The 51st Division was thus completely cut off from
its proper line of retirement via Rouen. This was mainly
due to the failure or inability of the French High Command
to withdraw their left wing while there was still time
and space for this manoeuvre. Throughout all these
operations it was becoming clear that the French High
Command was issuing "die in the last ditch orders, which
their troops had no intention of carrying out. From this
time onwards, until the final evacuation of the B.E.F. on
was crushed and that it had little Intention of offering
the 18th, it was obvious that the spirit of the French Aray
serious resistance. This spirit was also shared by the
Headquarters literally ceased to function for 48 hrs; It
higher commanders; on the 8th June the Tenth French Army
had lost all touch, and its X Corps was broken and in full
retreat.
11. The had on the 9th June reached the line of
The 3rd Armoured and Brigada and Beauman's fragmentary units
the Seine Germans had ustablished bridgeheads at several points.
which had been refitting at Louviers, was put in to support
were withdrawn to reorganize, and the 2nd Amounted Brigade,
General hold de la Laurencie's south III Corps of Rouen. which was It was trying now to
being apparent to the 12. drive Tenth the It employed was Seine Laurie, that south-west French at sent an the elsewhere, this crossings able was out Army German critical towards and rushed to from France. cool-headed armoured while the up On Alencon juncture and the Armee three Its units ni placed with commander, de leading ht that Army Paris. and of & under Corps the view 12th/13th air brigade, 52nd Brigadier the to force were separating Division orders June were detached the
or it the Tenth Freuch right Army. sector of the III Corps frontenst of 8 miles of
Conches, took over the very exposed position, with & battalions gap on
on its right, in a and two newly arrived French
its left west of Evreux.
/AS

Details

AS none of the 52nd Divisional Artillery had yet arrived,
the 157th Brigade was given the support of some French
batteries.
13. On 14th June the Gurmans renewed their pressure on
the Tenth French Army front, but most of their tanks and
aircraft appeared to have been diverted on & south
easterly axis towards Paris. A fairly sharp infantry
attack developed on the left flank of the 157th Infantry
Brigade, which suffored some 50 casualties, and the French
infantry on their left, P.S. well as the Fronch artillery
supporting thom, retired hastily, leaving the brignds in
the lurch. As & result of this prossure the Tonth French
Army withdrew south-west & distance of 30 miles to the
wooded area north-west of Mortagne. AS the Armao de
Paris was retiring almost dua south on the Loiro, this
divergence of the lines of retreat of the two armies
created & gap of some 30 miles on the right flank of the
Tenth Army.
14. In conformity with this withdrawal the 157th Brigada
moved back and took up a front of 8 miles astrido the
Mortagne - Vorneuil road, with the French Cavalry Corps
on its right. On the night of the 14th/15th I WS placed
by General Brooke in command of all the British troops
operating with the Tenth French Army, and was ordered to
withdraw them towards Charbourg for re-embarkation,
whilst still co-operating, SQ far as possible, with the
French withdrawal. It had been my intention to leave the
157th Brigade in the line until mid-day on the 19th
before withdrawting it, in order to allow General Althayer
to readjust his front. I notified General Altmayer of
this intention on the 16th, and no appreciated the respita
granted him.
15. On the 16th Juni, however, the Garman motorized
columns had already followed up swiftly the French
The French units on its right end laft retired without
withdrewal, and the 157th Brigade WES attacked all day.
making any serious resistance, and the British Brigade
was exposed to serious danger by both its flanks buing
turned. As a result of this enemy pressure, the Tenth
Army issued orders for a general retirement on the axis
Alencon - Rennos, with a view to withdrawing into Brittery.
As co-operation with such a movement would have been
contrary to s my Forco, the 3rd Armoured Brigade (which had
own instructions, I at once issued orders
and the 157th Infantry
north-westwards to Charbourg.
16. To of Boauman's Porce and the 3rd Amount
Bri
3rd were in 0 stact with the energy. it
Bri 16. 2nd nger across the stultaneous
simple operation, although
this
viliporps or the Tunth Any. The
ill engagad with the anamy,
tend the been
handling and tactical
h-wastward
/ability
Usued orders
Plane (which med
57th Infantry
de to Charbou

Details

Details

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begiare Twhering askens regish
acted & in concert with us.
HAY June 29th. 0355. Got under enter way again the port and made proceeded fast just inside the Naval the end
brained
and
Dunkirk, Enstern and when jetty. ordered Ambarkation to started difficulties almost immediately, and loading us up in
ino
Beachmaster of time the to return very through kindly the realising Pass before our to the be tide in the fell neighbourhood too much as route, our of 17'6" draf
without notp
when signalling At 0735 Dover the at 1230 the same day and receiving orders
loaded with troops left was Dunkirk estimated and proceeded home by the to same proceed
paner

Details

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THE GENERAL
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Thurs. 6th. , IUNE 19340.
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Your REFERENCE
and
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and yours incovable invoice dub is
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eport the following In accordance with orders received since the the ship 24th. left at the
ra
Whort 1d Docks June notice 27th. Southamyton, for 2015. steam, where and proceeded she had been to Dover in port via the route given by the
thes
at invoiced amain 248 f halfids
.0.S.O. Southamyton. 0448. The ship made Dover and orders were lying received with the to go
TAY anchorage June 28th. in the Downs. This was done 0512. and the ship
mianfard rof do Ematem
0 outh Foreland Lt. Ho. 261, 5% the miles Examination by Officer promised visited to the return ship and one,
aniaped proupment enemina
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0
out with ave this a large was scale evidently chart not of possible the Dunkirk and only. the ship made all her passages
across TAY 1830 and was 28th. S return fixed. 1700. on In Orders small accordance scale to proceed with charts these were Hospital orders received Ship the and "PARIS" ship a departure weighed via Route and time the
of proceeded in company with drizzly "MANDMAN" and sisty, and the visibility shortening something as over
BY". The of weather France was was approached. The draft of about the ship the was Suidcoote Pass which
coast 16ft. and in view of the meagre scale information chart, it was decided "Prague" to allow keep the
was other procurable two ships, from both the of small considerably less draft than ahead, the
the
ships being roughly in the single buoys line. were unlit, and as remarked all three above ships
The great majority of very near to the Suidooote Pass and presumably on
visibility ren ashore, poor, it is and estimated when very near to No.2.E. Buoy, for
the
Smal Bank. "Paris" came off immediately, but "Manxman" kindly stuck sent
thinks
"Pregue" and Bloops, whose Captain very detail a
ail
some hours. Meating of one the of district and a chart marked for 8. in ship some of more our draft
before liary
boat than with our own, advice we realised that it was hopeless tide, and accordingly returned rise to to
at: Smith the Pass at Nieuport that state Bank of Buoy the and anchored to and let afterwards the tide
e the few vicinity feet. "Manxman" of the joined us here a few hours later via the pass to
regish
noted in concert with us.
MAY June 29th. when 0355. ordered Got under to enter way again the port and made proceeded fast immediately, just inside the Naval the end
subs
Dunktric, the Enstern and jetty. Ambarkation started difficulties almost and loading us up in
and yours
Beachmaster of very through kindly the realising Pass before our the tide fell neighbourhood too much as our of 17'6" draf
when time to loaded return with troops left was Dunkirk estimated and to proceeded be in the home by the to same proceed route,
signalling At 0735 Dover the at 1230 the same day and receiving orders
and

Details

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Thurs. 6th. , JUNE 19340.
YOUR REFERENCE
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With regard to your letter of the 5th. inst., I have the honour left to
port the 27th. following 2015. In : accordance with been orders in port received since the the 24th. ship at the the
mil
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the
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uth anchorage Foreland It. Ho. 261, 3½ the miles Examination by 0512. Officer promised visited to the return ship and one,
During two the small same scale forenoon charts of the district, district and when he had obtained
aniaped proupment
th ve me a large scale evidently chart not of possible the Dunkirk and only. the ship made all her passages
cross it this and was return 1700. on Orders small scale to proceed charts were received orders the and ship a departure weighed and time
RY E June was 28th. fixed. In accordance "MANXMAN" with and these Hospital Ship "PARIS" shortening via Route as the
paren
V". roceeded The weather in company was was approached. with drizzly and The misty. draft the of visibility about the ship the was Zuidooote something Pass over which
my
cast and of France in view of the meagre information it was decided to allow the
as 6ft. procurable two ships, from both the of small considerably scale chart, less draft than "Prague" keep above ahead, the
he ther ships great being majority roughly of in the single buoys line. were the unlit, Suidooote and as Pass remarked all three ships on
an isibility The poor, it is and estimated when very very near near to to No.2.B. Buoy, and presumably for
he
ashore, Smal Bank. and "Paris" name off immediately, whose Captain but "Manxman" very kindly stuck sent S
some "Pregue" hours. with advice Meeting of one the district of H.M Sloops, and a hopeless chart marked for 8 in ship some of more returned our draft detail to to
voilous prom writ began XIANY
boat than our the own, Pass we realised at that state that it of was the tide, and anchored and accordingly to let the tide rise
att the Smpt vicinity feet. "Manxman" of the Mieuport joined us Bank here Duoy a few hours later and afterwards
passive 242. record PA Issurance brained regisht subs
a acted HAY few June in 29th. concert 0355. with ordered Got us. under to enter way again the port and made proceeded fast immediately, just via the inside the pass Naval the to end
evolution
ontio
Dunkirk, of the Eastern and very when jetty. kindly Umbarkation realising started our difficulties the almost tide fell and too loading much as us our up draf in
thereir
bilate of white 2
Beachmaster time to return through troops the was Pass estimated before to be in the home neighbourhood by the same route, of 17'6"
when signalling At loaded 0735 Dover with the at 1230 left the Dunkirk same and day proceeded and receiving orders to proceed

Details

(2)
191
171
May 31st Continued.
Spennos
2210 anchored off Pontoon Pier at Dunkirk. 2240 ordered by H.M.
Ship to La Panne, hove up and proceeded. 2315 anchored off La
define
Panne.
June 1st. 0220, troops on board, terrific bombarding and
shelling of beach taking place so hove up and proceeded. 0615,
anchored off Margate roads. 0745, have up and proceeded to Pier.
0830 at anchor under 1 hours notice. 1315, left for Dunkirk.
Devision
1520, attacked and bombed by enemy aircraft, three bombs dropped,
avoiding action taken. 1552, attacked and bombed by aircraft
three bombs being dropped, again took avoiding action, and by doing
so definately saved ship. Now came under heavy fire from enemy
position at Gravelines Pier, and as two ships appeared to be
blocking channel returned to Margate for instructions. 1730,
90
arrived Margate Roads. 1900 vessel under 1 hour's notice.
June 2nd 0115 received orders to sail. 0140 received orders
not to sail.
1800 left anchorage. 2000 passed Hospital ship
Paris, having been bombed and ship's company in lifeboats, but all
very cheerful and proceeded to Dunkirk. 2100 Heavy firing from
b
shore batteries. 2130 arrived at Dunkirk and commenced embarking
French troops from middle pier in harbour. 2205 cleared harbour
with more than complement of troops.
Monday June 3rd. 0155 arrived at Margate Pier and commenced
disembarking troops. 0203, anchored off Pier. 1200 returned to
Pier. 1400, four seamen and two catering staff leave ship.
2015 left for Dunkirk. 2055, dense fog, visibility reduced to nil,
but continue towards Dunkirk.
Tuesday June 4th. 0115, had slight collision with unknown
steamer off No. 3 Dunkirk buoy. 0220 arrived at middle pier in
harbour. 0255, overladen with troops and left pier, cutting our
G
own forward ropes. Heavy gun fire continuously; leaving harbour
saw crew of unknown vessel being rescued by small boats. 0600,
arrived Margate after 1 hours dense fog, and disembarked troops and
at 0700 departed to anchorage. 2000 have up and proceeded to
Southampton. 2355 "Royal Sovereign" light vessel abeam.

Details

Details

- 4 6 00
Rescue Tug "LADY BRASSEY".
Copy/
Sunday 2nd June, 1940.
Sir,
I Frederick John Hopgood was the Master in charge
of the Tug "LADY BRASSEY" on Sunday 2nd June. We had been
busy ordered to assist H.M. "SUTTON" and "NIGER" off the Admiralty
during the day pumping out the "MONA"S ISLE" and was
Pier the Admiralty by Pier Signal Station instructing us to leave at
and during these operations we received a signal from
once to the assistance of the - Hospital Ship "PARIS", 2 near the
,4545
CC
COPY.
Resoue
Tug
LADY
BRASSEY".
Wed. May 9th 1940.
sir,
1
rding the Tug "ST. ABBS". st.
I 738 in charge of the "LADY BRASSEY" when about
1 Helle we received a mesenge the Salvage Officer was
comin on board. About 1.40 S.Me the Salvage Officer
arrived Its Robinson. We proceeded off to No. 2 Buoy
Calais Route, and found the Destroyer "MONTROSE" about
11 miles off, who informed us that he had been in
collision with a Tug. To did not see any Lug hilst
approaching the "MONTROSS", her position being bout
1. mile 7.3. No. 2 Bucy. The had extensive bow
damage and se towed her in stern first end was assisted
when off the Eastern Entrance by the Simle to make her
fast to No. 8 Buoy at 6.30 Selle
Yours faithfully,
(SGD.) Fails HOPGOOD.
Master.
Signed Tue day, 11th June.
To K.H.M.

Details

456
Copy/
Resoue Tug "LADY BRASSEY".
Sunday 2nd June, 1940.
Sir,
I Frederick John Hopgood was the Master in charge
of the Tug "LADY BRASSEY" on Sunday 2nd June. To had been
busy during the day pumping out the "MONA'S ISLE" and was
ordered to assist H.M. "SUTTON" and "NIGER" off the Admiralty
Pier and during these operations we received a signal from
the Admiralty Pier Signal Station instructing us to leave at
once to the assistance of the Hospital Ship "PARIS", near
W. Buoy, Dunkirk, Route X. We left Dover at 8 pame the
weather fine and clear. hen nearing V. Buoy we nearly
collided with a destroyer, both vessels going astern, also
narrow escapes of running into other vessels. Aeroplanes
overhead and bright lights continually floating about
were in pairs in the air and near the line of route. We passed
the Ramsgate Tug "FABIA" who hailed that he could not find
the "PARIS", and he proceeded on course towards Ramsgate.
We continued on our course and arrived off N. Buoy
about 12.15 Refile on Monday 3rd and cruised about hoping to
the "PARIS". About 3.15 Selle we sighted a craft that
be the "PARIS", about 1 mile eastward of Buoy. We steamed
see appeared to be stopped and on approaching we made it out to
around close to her and Hiled several times, and on getting
had no a very heavy list to starboard and was settling down fast.
reply considered "PARIS" had been abandoned. The vessel
I went around the starboard side and found the number on I
passed around the vessel's portside and back to the starboard to
the bulwark just level with the water, and by the time
side she had gone over another foot. I then decided
remain and see the last of the "PARIS".
The vessel sunk about 1 mile eastwards of the
W. Buoy in 17 fathoms at 4 Stalle I reported the particulars
to the V.A.D. and returned to Dover. Arrived alongside
P.W. Pier 8 Balle
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) F.J. Hopgood,
Master.
Signed Tuesday, 11th June.
To
K.H.M.

Details

SECRET
- 2
2298
11. Three German bombers carried out a level bombing attack at
from about 8000 feet. Ten Dombs were dropped falling about
yards astem. British fighters appeared about a quarter of an
later as three transports passed.
12. At 2030 the motor lifeboat B.N.L.D. hailed us and asked to
shown the way into Dunkirk. This boat remained with us for the
ainder of the night. The Lieutenant R.N.V.R. in command was
ortunately killed by shrapnel during the night. This was reported
Commander Tyler on arrival at Bansgate.
ODS IS. left in Dunkirk. Commander Tyler disregarded this and went
At 2100 a small motor boat informed us that there were no
o the harbour in the motor lifeboat with Lieutenant Fletcher.
14, At 2130 the tug was hailed by a motor torpedo boat and
ders were received to use the boats to fill up minesweepers which
e to arrive later.
is boat then pulled for/shore. The tug was then anchored about
tug 15. then towed the remaining boat as near in shore as possible.
At 2145 the motor lifeboat and one boat were sent in shore.
ree quarters of a mile from the Bastern breakwater.
ldiers 16. ashore at 2230, and said that she had not seen
The pulling boat returned with the news that there the other were no
ats.
17. 2300 All hands kept under cover, and proceeded
0100/2 June, 1940, fairly heavy until firing the over motor and short,
defly feboat shrapnel, returned at 0130. The tug than wedghed to
amsgate.
M.T.B. again hailed us and werere again at sent 0215. back to
111 18. At 0140 an and anchored in position weighed and went
iter urther up waiting in with shore soldiers, till to 0330 pick for them the up, boats but the and ran aground the big use of about engines & quarter astern of
ogether mile OII with shore. physical The jerks flooding by lb the then tide soldiers proceeded refloated to which Ramsgate 18 her. towed. with Boats
eanwhile 42 soldiers had on been board secured. and in the motor lifeboat,
19. At 0415 18 ran aground to for get the off second after time ten minutes. one mile at 0745 west A slight
laze : the breakwater, peaceful but managed passage home arriving at Ransgate
20. gave us Commander a Tyler left but us at A.M. 2000/2 and June, we were 1940, R told 18 to the were salvage tug ordered would
to be required proceeded to & position 0.100 18 eventually located her tow her. the
ot that night, near position and
the tug weigh Hospital and Ship Paris. Commander At R.N.B., secured, but to her first down
We lay Sun off XV until with a she had two minutes got later & aircraft Cerman machine with Lewis dived gims;
wire parted. About us. 10 ongaged the in bursts. lb were then
both and machine the ratings gunned on the guns R.N.R., getting in situation. the tug Sun XV The to hospital leave after ship be
ordered had asked by the what Commander we thought water of and the was very heavily down to get by her the back stern. was
Both in about five us fathoms and of I considered that It would if we be were very slow already work to
tow
safely the Tuguaster would require an escort. ship.)
I think that she was
her we a twin screw tell.
The tug arrived back at Ramsgate
aground, as she but was it was hard to
0645/3 June, 1940.
21. At 1150 18

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
30300
Page 1 of
nc.osure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 1940.
OPERATION DYNAMO.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover
possible 0100 route over shallow minefield. Low water approximately
of
Dynams 375
s,
CONFIDENTIAL.
ibject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
Part 99
305
rted.
From... The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
Date... 14th June, 1940.
ngine
To
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portanouth.
f
J
In accordance with C.P.O.O. 1700, the report on
operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
of
at
1
Lieutenant in Commend.
r
2/0 1051/0, coxswain of the D/C
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT) (as Gunner). Lewis
motor boat (as coxswain).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. 2/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
Hamilton and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
them Meikle, were necessary before proceeding imediately to
Dunkirk. that orders boat was capable of 20 knota and one stripped Lewis
gun was transferred The to her from H.M.D/C nated boat, the other gun being
in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
in regulating 40 resoue traffic to and from
ft. motor boat assisted H.T.B. Dunkirk. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
Sunday, 2nd June.
motor boat escorted M.A.L.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
but 40 ft. to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
Dunkirk to see if aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch due boat was required for any purpose. ship. Proceeded Sighted
formation of enemy 1910 Air attack. Duration All petrol minutes. cans
15 to JU assistance. 97's and machine gunning. boat. Between spare 30-40 II/O
from pierced bullet S.S. holes, and PARIS. <<<<< near no and 6 wounded Captain and survivors took men and in from some spoke tow. officers
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow.
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
30300
Page 1 of
mc.osure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 1940.
OPERATION DYNAMO.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover
possible route over shallow minefield. la Low water approximately
of
Deparms 375
's,
CONFIDENTIAL.
abject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
Part 299
From... The Commending Officer, D/C Unit.
305
irted.)
I
Date... 14th June, 1940.
mgine
To.....
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
r
In accordance with C.P.O.O. 1700, the report on
operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
of
at
id
Lieutenant in Commend.
for
400
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.N.S. SXCELLENT) (as Gunner). Lewis
motor boat (as coxswain).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. 2/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
Hamilton and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
them Meikle, were necessary before proceeding imediately to
Dunkirk. that orders boat was capable of 20 knota and one stripped Lewis
gun was transferred The to her from H.M.AD/C boat, the other gun being
in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
motor boat assisted H.T.B. Dunkirk. 107 (Comodore Hallet)
in regulating 40 it. rescue traffic to and from
Sunday, 2nd June.
but 40 ft. to discrepancy in speed. any 1900. Sighted
motor boat escorted M.A.L.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
Dunkirk to see if aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch due boat was required for purpose. ship. Proceeded
formation of onemy Air attack. Duration All minutes. cans
15 to assistance. 1910 and machine gunning. boat. Between spare 30-40 petrol M/O
pierced JU 97's and THE near Captain and some officers
bullet holes, no
men from
from S.S. PARIS. and took in tow.
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, to weight survivors of tow. spoke
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due
(Continued

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
30300
Page 1 of
inclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 1940.
OPERATION DYNAMO.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover
possible route over shallow minefield. Low water approximately
from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Candr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
0100, least depth over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, staff of
Cleared screws. Engines would.start. 0200, Thursday, 30th,
accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to recommoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no
casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due to engine
defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff
of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.L. department worked continuously
on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to
harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still
unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat
should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received
duty. to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in R letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
Lieutenant Hamilton Meikle assumed commend of 40 ft.
ships fast motor boat and manned it with:-
Petty Officer John Luckins. P/J 103170, coxswain of the D/C
motor boat (as coxswain).
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.N.S. EXCELLENT) (as Gunner). Lewis
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. P/85.125744 (H.N.S. EXCELLENT).
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
Hamilton Meikle, and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
Dunkirk. that orders boat was capable of 20 knots and one stripped Lewis
them were necessary before proceeding imediately to
gun was transferred The to her from H.M.AD/C boat, the other gun being
in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
in regulating rescue traffic to and from
40 ft. motor boat assisted M.T.B. Dunkirk. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
Sunday, 2nd June.
but 40 ft. due to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
motor boat escorted M.A.L.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
formation of enemy Air attack. Duration approximately 12 minutes.
Dunkirk to see if aircraft attacking hospital ship. Proceeded
lost touch boat was required for any purpose. Sighted
15 to assistance. 1910 and machine gunning. boat. All Between spare 30-40 petrol M/G cans
bullet holes, THE up wounded and took men in from
JU 97's strained
pierced and near off Captain and some officers
wreckage of further lifeboat - ship to weight of tow. spoke
from S.S. PARIS. 6 unknown, survivors tow.
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due
surce
ght of
(Contimued.
poke
Oa

Details

312
307
OPERATION DYNAMO
Enclosure No. 1.
SHIP: FOREMOST Tug No. 87.
2nd June, 1940.
Officer Reporting: Sub-Lieutenant H.M. Davis, R.N.R.
Whilst proceeding to Dunkirk as ordered by C.A.P
with two lifeboats in tow, the Hospital Ship PARIS was
bombed by a number of German air-planes; this was at 2115
and at a position approximately 8 miles to seaward of No. 5
buoy. (Dunkirk Entrance). Knowing that my two coxwains in
charge of the lifeboats were capable or navigating their
boats, I cast them off and proceeded to embark the survivors
of the PARIS, which included 10 severely wounded cases.
The full complement of crew were rescued (96 in
all) including the Captain, officers and 5 Nursing Sisters.
The Deck Boy Bullock, aged 16 years, use 80 severely wounded
he died on board the tug shortly after being picked up.
Later at 8145 a lifeboat containing 13 Spanish seamen
was picked up and the whole brought to Dover. Hounded and
the dead boy were placed in hospital. Remainder of crew
were disembarked. 13 Spaniards were placed under guard and
interviewed by the Authorities.
(Signed) H.M. Davis
Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.R.
See other what 7 Frant 87

Details

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
On the following day (24th May), however, the Prime Minister again con-
ferred with M. Reynaud and General Weygand in Paris ; an extract is quoted
below from the telegraphic report of this conference which Lord Gort received
from the Secretary of State for War :
"Both are convinced that Weygand's plan is still capable of execution and only in
its execution has [?lies] hope. of restoring the situation. Weygand reports French
VII Army is advancing successfully and has captured Péronne, Albert, and
Amiens It is essential that you should make every endeavour to co-operate in
this plan. Should however, situation on your communications make this at any
time impossible you should inform us so that we can inform French and make
Naval and Air arrangements to assist you should you have to withdraw on the
north coast"¹.
Lord Gort says that he fully appreciated the importance of attacking
early, before the enemy could bring up his infantry in strength, but facts had
to be faced "!. These were some of the facts :-
(a) General Weygand's report of the recapture of Péronne, Albert and
Amiens was, says Lord Gort, 'inaccurate None of these three
towns on the line of the Somme had been recaptured.
(b) Two British divisions were still closely engaged with the enemy, and
three others were awaiting relief by the French and Belgians, and
would not become available for a further 48 hours.¹
(c) Only about 300 rounds per gun were immediately available to the
B.E.F., and with communications cut the prospect of further supply
was remote.¹
(d) Serious losses in Allied tanks had already been suffered and could
not be replaced.¹
(e) The Belgian cavalry was unlikely to be able to engage, at short notice,
in a battle 40 miles away, and on French soil.¹
Nevertheless, after consultation with General Blanchard, Lord Gort agreed
that in order to implement their share of the Weygand plan they should attack
southwards with 2 British divisions, one French division and a French Cavalry
Corps. The attack however, could not take place till the 26th May at the
earliest, owing to the reliefs in progress and the need to assemble the 2 British
divisions which were still closely engaged with the enemy.¹ Furthermore,
Lord Gort emphasised, both to the Secretary of State and to General Blanchard,
that the principal effort must come from the south, and that the operation of
the northern forces could be nothing more than a sortie.
It will be seen therefore that the British and the French Governments were
both urging a counter offensive on a large scale, barely 48 hours before the
Dunkirk evacuation became a desperately urgent necessity.
24TH MAY
The Allied position on the canal line was considerably strengthened during
the 24th May. On this day also Lord Gort prepared for the proposed counter-
attack southwards on the 26th May, with the ultimate objective Plouvain -
Marquion - Cambrai. In effect, this attack was never carried out.
Fighting troops hold on at Calais
In the meantime the evacuation of Boulogne was completed. At Calais
evacuation was limited to non-fighting personnel. The fighting troops held
on, and a supply ship [the Benlawers]² with stores and transport unloaded for
them at Calais.
1 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 38.
2 T.M. 6213/40.
11

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
had all come under fire from the shore guns at Calais and Gravelines. At
0415 on the 28th May the Queen of the Channel, loaded with 904. troops, was
attacked by one aircraft; 3 or 4 bombs were dropped, which straddled the ship
abaft the mainmast and broke her back, the starboard propeller shaft and the
rudder. By good fortune the Dorrien Rose, en route for Dunkirk, was in the
vicinity and rescued the troops : the Queen of the Channel sank about 1/2 hour
later. The St. Seiriol, which left Dunkirk at about 0415 with 494 troops,
reached Folkestone in safety.
Civilian crews feel the strain
Some 45 personnel vessels were used during operation "Dynamo"
Of these eight were sunk, at least six were so damaged by bombing or gunfire
as to render them unfit for further use during the operation, and two were
damaged in collision. Nine of the largest of these personnel vessels had been
engaged prior to "Dynamo" in operations at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne,
and their Captains and crews were beginning to feel the strain when Operation
"Dynamo" started.
Thus it was that the Master of the Canterbury, which had already completed
2 round trips to Dunkirk in operation "Dynamo", reported, on the 28th May,
that he was too worn out to make a third trip. The P.S.T.O. went on board
and explained the gravity of the situation to the Master, and the Canterbury
sailed at 0930 the next day. On her return voyage from Dunkirk she was
bombed and damaged, and after landing her 1960 troops went into dock for
repairs. In the 3 trips she made the Canterbury brought back 4,416 troops;
her Master, Captain C. A. Hancock, was awarded the D.S.C.
Personnel vessels not to be employed during full daylight
On the 28th May, however, it had become apparent that development of
the German air threat over the evacuation area, and the increasing artillery
fire from shore batteries covering the sea approaches to Dunkirk, prohibited
the employment of personnel and similar vessels during daylight, until the
position was restored, and that evacuation from Dunkirk by day must for the
moment be confined to warships and small vessels².
It was not, therefore, until later in the day, that the P/V Royal Daffodil
sailed for Dunkirk, and eight other personnel vessels and a hospital carrier³
received their sailing orders during the afternoon and evening.
The northern Route Y was by this time in general use⁴, but ships proceeding
from Dover to Dunkirk were ordered to use the southern and shorter Route Z,
if the passage from Calais Bell buoy to Dunkirk could be made in darkness.
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate responsible for servicing skoots
In these circumstances some 20 skoots reached Dunkirk, or arrived off the
beaches during the day and evening of the 28th May; others were on the way.
Their speed varied, but most of them were very slow. Eight of them went
into Dunkirk harbour⁵, and four to Bray beach⁶. The Abel Tasman, loaded
with ammunition, the Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with food, and three
I This number includes 3 store ships, 3 motor vessels and a few freighters, coasters and
tramps.
2 D.R. p. 4, para. 13.
3 The Scotia, Malines, Prague, Manxman, Royal Sovereign, Tynwald, Lochgarry, Killarney
and the H.C. Paris.
4 Appendix K.1.
5 The Caribia, Fredanja, Friso, Jutland, Tilly, Patria, Sursum-Corda, and Twente.
6 The Amazone, Doggersbank, Hilda, and Oranje.
29

Details

DUSK TO DUSK, 1ST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. X
very clear and the Rear-Admiral decided to get the ships away at 0300
now of 0330 as originally planned. The Admiralty orders that evacuation
Dunkirk Pier was to continue until 0700 did not
apparently Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker not receive the orders which went
by Dunkirk (Appendix did R.20, 23) ; and it is to be pre-
out from the Admiralty at 0115/2, that destroyers were to continue the evacua-
tion until 0700 (Appendix R.21). Although men were still coming down the
the Rear-Admiral was unwilling to run the risk of having ships sunk
alongside pier, and blocking the pier and harbour. Accordingly he told the ships
to leave and himself followed out of harbour the last of them, apparently the
destroyers Winchelsea and Whitshed about 0300.
British rearguard held up
Meanwhile, a most disquieting message had been received at Dover. At
0040 on the 2nd the Lydd, while embarking troops off Malo beach, was requested
by the Brigadier of the brigade then embarking to transmit to Rear-Admiral
Wake-Walker a message from Major General Alexander reporting that on
account of French congestion on the mole at Dunkirk a considerable number
of British troops were held up and further arrivals were still expected. It was
essential that the rearguard of the B.E.F. should embark from the beaches east
of the mole, where they were expected to arrive by 0230.
What had happened was, that French troops had cut into the flow of British
making their way along the road to the East Pier, by a converging route; and both
British and French troops were now being embarked at the pier.
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker apparently never received the message and
knew nothing of the state of affairs at the East Pier until he arrived there at
0200.
Vice-Admiral Dover, who received the message at 02001, at once sent orders
to all destroyers of Force K still on the coast, the minesweepers, and the gun-
boat Locust which was off Bray supporting the evacuation by covering fire, to
endeavour to embark the British rearguard from the beach, remaining after 0300
if necessary. The coding and transmission of the message took some time,
and the orders apparently went out too late; all ships had sailed, and the rear-
guard could not get away that night. Only the personnel vessel Portsdown
was left on the coast. This was an undegaussed ship manned by a naval crew,
which had anchored off Malo at 2205/1. After running to death her own two
dinghies ferrying troops she got hold of a large motor boat, and she sailed
about 0400. On the way home the ship collected further troops from a French
vessel aground off Dunkirk, and from two further vessels encountered, and she
eventually disembarked at Dover 168 British and 450 French.
Bombing of the hospital ships Worthing and Paris. (App. S)
There was a large number of wounded in Dunkirk because no hospital ships
had sailed for 24 hours, orders having been given to evacuate fit men in prefer-
ence, since, other considerations apart, embarking wounded would have taken
up too much valuable time. The cessation of daylight sailings rendered it
possible for hospital ships to occupy berths alongside, without detriment to
the operation, and jt was decided to get some of the wounded away in daytime
in hospital ships, in the hope that the Germans would respect them.
In order to afford the enemy no excuse to attack a warning signal was sent
0120. I Dover Report, p.27. The time of receipt on the flimsy of the decypher appears to be
103

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. X
clearly marked as hospital ships. Neither of the two ever reached Dunkirk.
were despatched from Dover, the Worthing at 1255 and the Paris at 1648, both
we should scrupulously observe the Two hospital carriers part
en clair asking for hospital ships to be Geneva sent across Convention. and stating that for our
At 1433 the A/S trawler Grimsby Town, on patrol on Route X, reported that
had bombed a hospital ship. This was Worthing. Visibility was good.
12 aircraft bearing 90° South Foreland 27 the miles (between V and W buoys)
Nine bombs were dropped and the the Calcutta ship was sent machine the gunned, she was slightly
damaged by near misses and corvette Mallard to stand by
her. The Worthing returned to harbour.
near W buoy, when two aircraft attacked her, near misses putting out of action
The Paris, after running into thick fog, was in clear visibility at about 1900,
her engines and extinguishing all lights. About an hour later the ship was
attacked again by 3 aircraft, and received further damage. She was abandoned
by all but the Captain and some of the officers, who were shortly afterwards
taken off by a fast motor boat which also rescued men from some of the Paris's
lifeboats that had been wrecked by bombing. Three tugs, the Sun XV, Sun IV
and Lady Brassey attempted to tow the ship; but at 0400 on 3rd June, after
a further air attack, the Paris sank 1 mile east of W. buoy.
Evacuation figures, 2nd June
A total of 26,256 men were landed in England on 2nd June, 19,561 from
Dunkirk harbour and 6,695 from the beaches. Of these totals, French ships
working only from the harbour carried 1634, and Belgian trawlers carried 313.
The accumulated total of men evacuated to this date was 285,305.
104

Details

APPENDIX B
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Part V. List of Dutch Ships.
TRANSPORTED
Demok I (yacht)
M.74 (motor boat)
(Lt. Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, R.N.R. from Kestrel 1st June)
214
(L/Sea. R. W. Legg, Coxswain)
Part VI. List of Norwegian Ships.
S.S. Hird
(Capt. A. M. Fredhjem)
3,500
APPENDIX B
NAMED SHIPS AND VESSELS LOST AND DAMAGED DURING
OPERATION "DYNAMO "
(Dates in brackets)
Note: Large numbers of unnamed boats were also lost and damaged.
Part I. Ships and vessels lost
BY AIR ATTACK
DESTROYERS
GUNBOAT
Basilisk (1/6)
A.B./V.
Mosquito (1/6)
Grenade (29/5)
King Orry (30/5)
Havant (1/6)
Keith (1/6)
MINESWEEPERS
TRAWLERS
Brighton Queen (1/6)
DRIFTERS
Devonia (31/5)
Calvi (29/5)
Nautilus (29/5)
Boy Roy (27/5)
Gracie Fields (30/5)
Paxton (27/5)
Skipjack (1/6)
Polly Johnson (29/5)
Waverley (29/5)
PERSONNEL VESSELS
Clan Macalister (29/5)
HOSPITAL CARRIER
SEAPLANE TENDER
Crested Eagle (sp. S/V) (29/5)
Paris (3/6)
S.T. 243 (2/6)
Fenella (29/5)
Lorina (29/5)
Normania (29/5)
Queen of the Channel (28/5)
Scotia (1/6)
MOTOR LIGHTERS
X.149 (31/5)
LANDING CRAFT
TUGS
X.213 (31/5)
A.L.C. 16 (29/5)
St. Abbs (1/6)
St. Fagan (1/6)
BARGES
Lady Rosebery (1/6)
SMALL CRAFT
Doris (1/6)
Commodore (31/5)
Mirasol (1)
Southern Queen (P.L.17) (1)
DESTROYERS
BY TORPEDOES (E-BOATS)
Grafton (29/5)
TRAWLERS
Wakeful (29/5)
Argyllshire (1/6)
Stella Dorado (1/6)
I Date not known.
158

Details

APPENDIX S
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
There remain to be evacuated night 2/3 probably 5,000 British and approximately
30,000 French.
Request M.A/S boats. Sappers, General, S.N.O.
Request more transport for tomorrow's operation than was provided for tonight.
personnel (will leave ?) 2300 hours.
T.O.R. 0704/2
25. GENERAL LLOYD to WAR OFFICE M.O.4
Information is difficult to obtain and often contradictory. General Martel
reports little pressure on his front yesterday but there is less reliable evidence to
show that pressure on some points elsewhere was severe.
Most personnel evacuated last night were from pier. Shell fire on beach was
apparently bad as have been given names of 3 officers killed there.
Estimated numbers so far reported landed Dover and Ramsgate since midnight
10,600 of which about 1/3 French.
Three personnel ships and many smaller craft not reported 0800 hours.
Numbers remaining 458 area impossible estimate. Might be in region 2,000
British.
0815/2
APPENDIX S
SIGNALS RE DELIBERATE ATTACKS ON HOSPITAL SHIPS ON 2nd JUNE
Sunday, 2nd June
1. DUNKIRK to DOVER W/T [Sent en clair]
Wounded situation acute. Hospital ships should enter during day.
Geneva Convention will be honourably observed. It is felt that the enemy will
refrain from attack.
0730/2
2. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY
Hospital carriers Worthing and Paris have been deliberately bombed and severely
damaged identity. today by Germans in circumstances admitting of no mistake of their
2016/2
APPENDIX T
SIGNALS RE THE EVACUATION OF THE BRITISH
REAR GUARD ON NIGHT 2nd/3rd JUNE
Sunday, 2nd June
1. H.M.S. LYDD to REAR-ADMIRAL (R) V.A. Dover, Force K, Minesweepers
Brigadier tells me that C.-in-C. says it is essential that rear guard B.E.F. embarks
from beaches east of mole on account of French congestion on mole. Considerable
number of British troops still on mole. Military are (? expecting) further arrivals
there. Rear guard expects to arrive on beach by 0230.
0040/2
2. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) War Office
About 5,000 British remain Sporting chance of embarking tonight. Maxi-
mum number of fast motor boats at 2130 at inner end of long pier would assist.
T.O.R. 0830/2
186

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

Telephone 1 THERE Bar 0176.
Telegram 1. London. 22A
Honpital Carriers OX Dunkirit - Enquiries.
Ref. 100. 1. B. & D./2/30.
88/09
offer Secretary of State,
o for Office (A.M.D.1),
Hobart House,
LONDON, S.W.1.
Reference (an Office file Della 25/5 (A,5,D,1). enclosure 3.1.
Ised
Only one Hospital Carrier sailed from nunldate on lot June, 1940,
ou
C. the Nospital Carrior *St. Andrew and this vessel arrived enfoly at
whaven with all hands, medical personnel and 122 casualties evacuated
n
com the B.E.F. Two other Hospital Corriers, the "Worthing" and the
wa
Paris", wore anchored in the Downs during the night of 1/2 June and both
rero ordered to proceed to Dunicisk on 2nd June, 1940.
The Hospital Carrier "worthing" uniled at 1,305 hours but at
1445 hours wirelessed that the had been bombed and mohine-gurmed in mid
i
Charmel but VIELS not disabled and was returning at full speed. This
vessel reached never safely having oustained no casualties.
At 1700 hours on 2nd June, 1940, the Hospital rrier "Paris"
sailed for Dunkirk and was attacked by ensuy aircraft on two occasions,
at 1900 hours and 1945 hours. After the second attack 1t WILD decided to
o
abandon the vessel. All on heard were got away safely, though BOWD were
voursied, and the only fatal casualty was a member of the areas (ship's
boy - Boy Patchum, aged 16 years) who died 20 hours after leaving the
vessel. The reminder of the ship's ore and all medical personnel on
board reached at 0315 hours on 3rd June, 1940.
M.54, Sholl-Mox House,
(sgi.)
Colonel,
Strand, LORDON, 7.0.2.
D.D.M.S.,
10th April, 1941.
Medical ambariention and
AB/BRA.
Hospital Distribution HeRe
Cent time Copy Quiq Seenbrime
(Ong returned to A.M.D.!)
He mullen
11.5.41
RODE
BONNY
BONNY
opi. Admy. Service.
BOY BI.
Did not go - for Dynamo.
BOY BOB
BOY BRUCE
C. Hayes
Returned to owner.
J.H.A. Bellhouse
Returned to owner.
BREAD WINNER
Golding Bros.
Prepared - did not go.
BREAM
BRITANNIA IV
Sayers Bros.
Returned to owners 5.6.40.
H. & J. Budd
Reported lost.
BRITANNIC
C. Priestley Mist
T.98. Returned to owners 19/6.
BRYWYN
Mr. Smith
Reported lost.
BULL PUP
G.W. Burgoine
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BURGONIA
Leigh Building Co.
Returned to owners.
BURTON
E. Dreyfus
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BOU SAADA
A.E. Johnson
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BARBARA
W.H. Grint
Auxy. Patrol Service.
BHURANA
BOAT (16 ft.)
W. Robertson
Reported lost by owner.

Details

Ell
OF SHIPPING,
A
-COPY-
Telephone :- TEMPLE Bar 0176. 22A
Telegrams :- MEDISDUTE, London.
et :- Hospital Carriers ex: Dunkirk Enquiries.
Ref. No. :- E. & D./2/30.
де Under Secretary of State,
The War Office (A.M.D.1),
Hobart House,
Han
LONDON, S.W.1.
N.
Reference ar Office file B.M. 15/5 (A.M.D.1). enclosure 1A.
Only one Hospital Carrier sailed from Dunkirk on 1st June, 1940,
i.e. the Hospital Carrier "St. Andrew" and this vessel arrived safely at
our
Newhaven with all hands, medical personnel and 122 casualties evacuated
from the B.E.F. Two other Hospital Carriers, the "Worthing" and the
nti
"Paris", were anchored in the Downs during the night of 1/2 June and both
was
were ordered to proceed to Dunkirk on 2nd June, 1940.
The Hospital Carrier "worthing" sailed at 1305 hours but at
1445 hours wirelessed that she had been bombed and machine-gunned in mid
in
Channel but was not disabled and was returning at full speed, This
DS
vessel reached Dover safely having sustained no casualties.
tis
At 1700 hours on 2nd June, 1940, the Hospital Currier "Paris"
sailed for Dunkirk and was attacked by enemy aircraft on two occasions,
Re
at 1900 hours and 1945 hours. After the second attack it was decided to
O
abandon the vessel. All on board were got away safely, though some were
wounded, and the only fatal casualty was a member of the crew (ship's
boy - Boy Patcham, aged 16 years) who died 1½ hours after leaving the
vessel. The remainder of the ship's crew and all medical personnel on
board reached Dover at 0315 hours on 3rd. June, 1940.
M.54, hell-Mex House,
(Sgd.)
Colonel,
1
trand, LONDON, N.C.2.
D.D.M.S.,
10th April, 1941.
Medical Embarkation and
AB/BRA.
Hospital Distribution H.Q.
but time Copy Orig Seen by me
(Onig returned to AMDI)
CAB. mullen.
11.5.41.
RUDE
BONNY
BONNY
BOY BI.
501. Admy. Service.
BOY BOB
Did not go - for Dynamo.
BOY BRUCE
C. Hayes
Returned to owner.
BREAD WINNER
J.H.A. Bellhouse
Returned to owner.
BREAM
Golding Bros.
Prepared - did not go.
BRITANNIA IV
Sayers Bros.
Returned to owners 5.6.40.
BRITANNIC
H. & J. Budd
Reported lost.
BRYWYN
C. Priestley Mist
T.98. Returned to owners 19/6.
BULL PUP
Mr. Smith
Reported lost.
BURGONIA
G.W. Burgoine
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BURTON
Leigh Building Co.
Returned to owners.
BOU SAADA
E. Dreyfus
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BARBARA
A.E. Johnson
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BHURANA
W.H. Grint
Auxy. Patrol Service.
BOAT (16 ft.)
W. Robertson
Reported lost by owner.

Details

glp
OF SHIPPING,
A
21
-COPY-
ect :- Hospital Carriers ox Punkirk - Enquiries.
Telegrams :- MEDISTRIUMS, London.
Telephone 1- TEMPLE Bar 0176. 22A
Ne The Under
Ref. No. :- E. & D./2/30.
LONDOR, S.W.1.
Only Reference one Hospital War Office file D.H. 15/5 (A.M.D.1). enclosure 14.
"Paris", from Nowhaven i.e. the the were B.E.F. with Hospital anchored all Two hands, Carrier other medical "St. Hospital Carrier Andrew personnel sailed Carriers, and and this from 122 vessel Dunicirk casualties arrived on 1st evacuated safely June, 1940, at
abandon at sailed vessel Channel 1445 were 1900 hours ordered for reached hours the but At The Dunkirk vessel. wirelessed was 1700 and to Hospital Dever not proceed 1945 hours and disabled safely All hours. was that Carrier on in to attacked 2nd the she Dunkirk having and June, Downs had After "worthing" was sustained been by on 1940, during returning the enemy 2nd bombed second sailed June, the the aircraft. no Hospital at and night casualties. the attack 1940. at full machine-gunned "Worthing" 1305 on of speed. it Carrier two 1/2 hours occasions, June and but "Paris" This and in the at mid both
vessel. boy wounded, - Boy and Patcham, the only aged fatal 16 on years) casualty board who were was died got a member away safely, of the crew though was (ship's decided some were
to
board reached The Dover remainder at 0315 of the hours ship's on 3rd crew June, and 18 hours 1940. all medical after leaving personnel the on
M.54, Shell-Max House,
Strand, LONDON, W.C.2.
(Sgd.)
10th April, 1941.
Colonel,
AB/BRA,
Medical
Hospital Distribution H.Q.
Cent. time Copy Uniq Seen me
(Ong returned to A.M.D.I.)
cxB. mullen.
11.5.41.
ROBE
BONNY
BONNY
opi. Admy. Service.
BOY BI.
Did not go - for Dynamo.
BOY BOB
Returned to owner.
BOY BRUCE
C. Hayes
BREAD WINNER
J.H.A. Bellhouse
Returned to owner.
Golding Bros.
Prepared - did not go.
BREAM
BRITANNIA IV
Sayers Bros.
Returned to owners 5.6.40.
H. & J. Budd
Reported lost.
BRITANNIC
C. Priestley Mist
T.98. Returned to owners 19/6.
BRYWYN
Mr. Smith
Reported lost.
BULL PUP
G.W. Burgoine
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BURGONIA
Leigh Building Co.
Returned to owners.
BURTON
E. Dreyfus
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BOU SAADA
A.E. Johnson
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BARBARA
W.H. Grint
Auxy. Patrol Service.
BHURANA BOAT (16 ft.)
W. Robertson
Reported lost by owner.

Details

MINISTRY minnire Hotel OF Group, HOTEL
LIST B.
PITX
Lorge
her B
LIST OF VESSELS LOST DURING 'DYNAMO', 'CYCLE' and 'AERIAL'
OPERATIONS.
Approx. 20thMay/1st July, 1940.
Name of Vessel
and G.R.T.
Date.
Cause and Position
Remarks.
S.S. WORTHTOWN
27/5
Bombed by Aircraft,
Stores.
set on fire and abandoned
LOST
G.R.T.
868
on Dunkirk Beach.
D.W.
1206
OL
S.S. MAID OF KENT.
21/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour
SUNK.
Pass.
G.R.T.
wa
D.W.
S.S. BRIGHTON.
Hospital Carrier
24/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour
SUNK
il
PS
S.S. QUEEN OF THE
28/5
Bombed Position.
ti
CHANNEL.
510N25'N. 2° 40'E.
SUNK
Pass.
Troops and crew
G.R.T. 1162
all transferred
to "DORIEN ROSE".
D.W.
S.S.SPINEL
25/5
Blown up at Dunkirk.
ABANDONED.
)
Petrol.
CONSIDERED LOST
G.R.T. 650
D.W.
592
+
S.S.ABUKIR.
28/5
Torpedoed by surface craft
SUNK.
Tramp.
50 miles N.E.of N.
a
G.R.T. 694
Foreland.
D.W.
900
SUNK
S.S. LORINA
29/5
Bombed. Sunk in Dunkirk
8 of crew
harbour.
Pass.
were lost.
B)
G.R.T. 1578
D.W.
365
S.S.NORMANNIA.
30/5
Bombed whilst in tow
SUNK.
2.71°
Survivors in
Pass.
Dunkirk breakwater 4
H.M.S.ROSS &
G.R.T. 1567.
243
miles.
H.M.S.MOSQUITO.
D.W.
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
S.S.FENEILA.
1
P.C.
G.R.T. 2376
D.W.
520
30/5
Bombed atDunkirk.
SUNK.
S.S.CLAN
MACALISTER.
C.L.
G.R.T. 6787
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTIA
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk
SUNK
G.R.T. Pass 3454
D.W.
540
S.S. PARIS
2/6
Attacked by aircraft
Pass
G.R.T. 1790
approx. 51°11.5'N 2.07E.
SUNK
D.W.
650
-1-

Details

LIST OF VESSELS LOST DURING 'DYNAMO', 'CYCLE' and 'AERIAL' OPERATIONS.
Approx. 20th May/lst July,1940.
Name of Vessel
and G.R.T.
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks.
House
S.S. WORTHTOWN.
27/5
Bombed by Aircraft,
Stores.
set on fire and abandoned
LOST.
G.R.T. 868
on Dunkirk Beach.
D.W. 1206
ough
S.S. MAID OF KENT.
21/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour.
SUNK.
Pass.
intity was a
G.R.T.
D.W.
S.S. BRIGHTON.
in
Hospital Carrier
24/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour.
SUNK.
OS as
tish
S.S.QUEEN OF THE
28/5
Bombed Position.
SUNK.
CHANNEL.
51°N 25'N. 2° 40'E.
Troops and crew all
Pass.
transferred to
le
G.R.T 1162
"DORIEN ROSE"
O
D.W.
S.S. SPINEL.
25/5
Blown up at Dunkirk.
ABANDONED.
Petrol.
CONSIDERED LOST.
G.R.T. 650
D.W. 592
S.S. ABUKIR.
28/5
Torpedoed by surface craft
SUNK.
Tramp.
50 miles N.E. of N.Foreland.
G.R.T. 694.
D.W. 900
S.S. LORINA.
29/5
Bombed. Sunk in Dunkirk
SUNK.
Pass.
harbour.
8 of crew were
G.R.T. 1578.
lost.
D.W. 365
S.S.NORMANNIA.
30/5
Bombed whilst in tow 2.71°
SUNK.
Pass.
Dunkirk breakwater 4. miles.
Survivors in
G.R.T. 1567.
H.M.S.ROSS &
D.W. 243.
H.M.S.MOSQUITO.
S.S. FENELLA.
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
P.C.
G.R.T. 2376.
D.W. 520.
S.S. CLAN
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
MACALISTER.
C.L.
G.R.T. 6787
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTIA
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk
12
Pass.
G.R.T. 3454
D.W. 540
S.S.PARIS
2/6
Attacked by aircraft approx.
"
Pass.
51° 11.5'N 2.07E.
G.R.T. 1790
D.W. 650
-1-

Details

Page 4.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES name
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
of Inen
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9
)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
(Tugs)
C. 11
)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

-3-
nip.
Name & Address of Owners
Name of Master.
SS MAUD
London Midland & Scottish
Capt. H. Clarke.
IA
Railway,
Capt. W.H. Hughes.
L.M.S. Railway Headquarters,
Watford, Herts.
ST. SEIRIOL
Liverpool & North Wales
Capt. R.D. Dobb
S.S. Co., Ltd.,
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool, 3.
/PRAGUE
London & North Eastern
Capt. C. Baxter.
Railway Company,
26, Glengall Road,
Woodford Green,
Essex.
KING GEORGE V
David MacBrayne Limited,
Capt. R.E. MacLean.
LOCHGARRY
44, Robertson Street,
Capt. E. MacKinnon.
Glasgow, C.2.
KILLARNEY
Coast Lines Limited,
Capt. R. Hughes.
2, Crescent Road,
Kingston-on-Thames,
Surrey.
ST. HELIER
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt. R. Pitman
c/o Chief Docks Manager,
Cardiff.
ST JULIEN
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt.L.S.Richard
ST ANDREW
Paddington Station, W. .2.
Capt. H.C. Bond
ST DAVID
Capt. C.Joy.
PARIS
Capt. E. Biles
ISLE OF GUERNSEY
Southern Railway Co.,
Capt. F.W. Hodges
DINARD
Waterloo Station,
Capt. P. Lewis
WORTHING
S.E.L.
Capt. C.J. Munton
ISLE OF THANET
>
Capt. A.J. Hammond
60
&
These Masters took over when original Masters were too exhausted to
carry on.
x Evacuation of Calais.
+ This vessel was ordered to Dunkerque laden with B.E.F. petrol and
did not actually evacuate, troops.
INED
orized.

Details

135
J. Cardy, Esq.,
Divisional Marine Manager,
50
Newhaven.
re Hospital Carrier "Paris".
On Sunday, June 2nd, 1940, the Hospital Carriers "Worthing" and
"Paris" were anchored in the Downs under half an hour's notice.
only
Orders were received for the "Worthing" to sail at about 13 hours
B.S.T. and the "Paris" at 15.05 B.S.T.
At 14.38 B.S.T. my Wireless Operator intercepted a message saying
the "Worthing" was being heavily bombed between U and W buoys,
believed making water - and was returning at full speed.
120
On account of this message I made a radio message to the Naval
Officer in charge, Ramsgate, as follows:
to
"Re Worthings affair am I to carry out previous received orders".
After a considerable period, Deal called me up by morse, asking
why delay in sailing to Dunkirk.
Ittnu
BU
I replied by flag signal that I was awaiting a reply to my radio
message.
At 16. 48 B.S.T. I received a radio message to proceed.
I at once weighed anchor and proceeded to Dunkirk.
I
Between the North Goodwins Light Ship and W buoy we ran into
thick fog, but approaching W buoy the fog cleared. to
In the close vicinity of W buoy, three enemy aircraft approached
from the landside
From my own ebservation two of these circled around.
I immediately gave the order to "Hard to Starboard" the wheel,
but before the effect of this order operated, two planes dropped
bombs very close to the ship, the explosions causing steam pipes to
burst in the engine room and putting machinery and lighting out of
action. Also No. 2A lifeboat was blown inwards lifting the foremost
davit out of its socket.
As the ship was out of all control, I ordered lifeboats to be
swung out and lowered to boat deck level, and part of the personnel
to take their stations in the boats.
The carpenter sounded the wells, and reported that the ship was
ed
not making water.
for
On the strength of this, I decided to keep the remainder of the
crew aboard, in the hope of a rescue ship being able to tow me back
se
to Dover.
es
Immediately after the bombing, the Wireless operator sent an A.A.A.
us
message by the emergency set, as the mains set was blown to pieces.
We also hoisted the distress signal - fired rockets, and hoisted
ensign upside-down. About 50 minutes later, a flight of about
fifteen enemy planes approached from the same direction, three of
which broke off, circled the ship, and dropped about ten bombs.
One

Details

STATE
STATE
131
OF
UPOX
55
For
COPY.
OF
H.C.T.S.S. ISLE OF THANET.
Report of Trips to and from Dunkirk,
On 23rd May left Newhaven at 00.08 bound for Dover for orders and
arrived off Dover at 03.38. Immediately we received orders to proceed
to. the Downs and anchor. 10.45 destroyer L.0.2. gave orders to follow
him to Dunkirk. At 14.17 we arrived at Dunkirk and an air raid was in
progress. H.C.T.S.S. Worthing lying at quayside berth and H.C.T.S.S.
Isleoof Thanet took outer berth, both vessels lying alongside each
other. At 14.49 we hove astern to quayside berth to await casualties.
There were continuous air raid warnings and numerous German planes
kept hovering overhead but no bombs were dropped. Ship moored head up
by Gare Maritime which had been bombed before our arrival. Gun firing
id
continued from ships and shore batteries at frequent intervals,
18.00 we commenced embarking casualties and at 19.50 the embarkation
was completed. Number of wounded on board totalled 296. At 20.37
in
order given Standby below and we were outside harbour at 21.05. Heavy
ne
pall of smoke hung over the coast this coming from fires around the
docks caused by bombing. At 22.57 arrived off Dover and received
S
orders to proceed to Newhaven. At 23.15 we were on our course. At
ond
02.20 on 24th we arrived off Newhaven but were detained for 45 mins.
r,
for signals. At 03.48 we moored alongside at No. 2 berth and at 6.20
ck
the disembarkation was completed. Vessel on immediate notice.
besga
On morning of the 25th we again left Newhaven at 11.46 and arrived off
Dover at 15.16. At 15.56 received orders to proceed to Dunkirk
adcompanied by s/s PARIS. Ships off Calais between us and the shore
being shelled by German batteries in wood west of Calais.
Arrived at Dunkirk at 18.15 "Canterbury" moored at Gare Maritime on our
arrival. We moored alongside her with the s/s "Paris" on the outside
berth. s/s "Canterbury" sailed at 19.10 and we took quayside berth.
X
At 22.00 commenced loading and air raid attacks were frequent during
the whole period of embarkation. One salvo of bombs fell close to
vessel, but although vessel was sprayed with shrapnel no damage was
done. Fires were raging all around the docks and lit the quayside where
we were lying, the white painted vessels shewing up prominently.
Loading of casualties was completed at 01.00 on the 26th. total number
on board 608 casualties. Left Dunkirk quay at 01.15 and proceeded to
Newhaven. Arrived off Newhaven at 07,20 received signals to enter
at 07.30 and moored at No. 2 berth at 08.00. At about 08.30
disembarkation of casualties commenced and at 11.15 completed.
Again, on the morning of the 27th at 01.10 we left Newhaven
for Dover for orders, arriving off Dover at 04.38. We received
orders to proceed to the Downs until 06.30 and at 06.34 left the
Downs and proceeded to Dunkirk. At 08.00 when off Calais we were
shelled from batteries on the French coast, several shells falling
close to my vessel. At the same time a vessel ahead of me between
Calais and Gravelines was being subjected to shell fire from another
battery on the coast. I deemed it prudent to return to Dover for
alternative route instructions and at 08.59 arrived off Dover.
At/

Details

75
74
THE
MARINE SUPERINTENDENT
213/40/3.T.A.6
DON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
21st August 1940.
PARKESTON QUAY
STATION,
138
E.C.2.
HARWICH
IPSGATE
137
7600
18181
LS
ISA
2292
t 1940.
8
RECEIVED 21 16
sir, I have of your to Pad.
receipt of the for 20th the interesting S.S. "PRAGUE" report of on
see abo 1212
you the his experiences during the Dunkirk
ence 4th instant (T.M. 6213/40/
to my letter of the
operation.
I
am, your Sir, obedient Servant,
ct made by Captain Baxter
riod his vessel was
the
(Sgd) b.J. whyman
from Dunkirk. I hope
its.
this
for Director of Sea Transport.
ly,
fl am
Waves
Law
The Marine
Londonverpool Street
ship and
ised to return with
but
as had obtained one
to a
ship made all her passages
scale charts only.
May
100. Orders to proceed were received and a departure
and of 1830 was fixed. In accordance with these orders the ship time
proceeded in company with "MANXMAN" and Hospital Ship "PARIS" weighed via
route "Y". The weather was drizzly and misty, the visibility
a
shortening as the coast of France was approached. The draught of the
G
ship was something over 16 feet and in view of the meagre information
e
about the Zuidcoote Pass which was procurable from the small scale
n
chart, it was decided to allow the other two ships, both of considerably
Ma
less draught than "PRAGUE" to keep ahead, the ships being roughly in
der
single line.
STM1
The great majority of the buoys were unlit, and as remarked above the
a bil,
next of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and also then boat the
were and crew rowing of off in their boat towards one us. varge I anu picked one them
t
wave bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

Letters to be addressed
74
CAPTAIN R. DAVIS
MARINE SUPERINTENDENT
THE MARINE SUPERINTENDENT
TELEPHONE
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
HARWICH 30. EXT.
NATIO
TEMPORARY LIVERPOOL ADDRESS:- STREET E.C.2. STATION, PARKESTON QUAY HARWICH
138
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS
EASTERN PARKESTON QUAY STATION
REFERENCE
TELEPHONE No: BISHOPSGATE 7500
LS
1
EXT. 2292
20th August 1940.
9097
RECEIVED 21
M1/4474/17 Pad
16
DOV
OF
FUG
The Director of bea Transport (HO)
the
Ministry of Shipping
Berkeley Square House
Berkeley Square W. 1.
see abo 1212
Dear Sir,
reference to my
13th instant and your With reply further of a the report 14th made instant his by vessel was hope
STA6), of the I S.S. on now the time Dunkirk. I
this red ont will your
Yours faithfully,
Ribanio
fl.
DUE ship and
west, and promised to return with
shart of the Dunkirk district when he had obtained
but to this was evidently not possible and the ship made all her passages one
and from Dunkirk on small scale charts only.
May 28th. 1700. Orders to proceed were received and a departure time
and of 1830 was fixed. In accordance with these orders the ship weighed
proceeded in company with "MANXMAN" and Hospital Ship "PARIS" via
ted
route "Y". The weather was drizzly and misty, the visibility
a
shortening as the coast of France was approached. The draught of the
G
ship was something over 16 feet and in view of the meagre information
e
about the Zuidcoote Pass which was procurable from the small scale
n
chart, it was decided to allow the other two ships, both of considerably
Ma
less draught than "PRAGUE" to keep ahead, the ships being roughly in
der
single line.
STM1
The great majority of the buoys were unlit, and as remarked above the
a bit,
were and rowing of off in their boat towards the us. Darge I anu picked them
1.
next crew wave of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and also then boat the
bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

8/36 7,000 pads of 250
27
5987 3/86 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 73
S. "PRAGUE"
DEPARTMENT
To Captain R.Davis.
139
West India Dock.
STATION
Marine Superintendent.
17th. August 1940
193
Liverpool Street Station.
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
RECORD OF PART PLAYED BY S.S. "PRAGUE" DURING EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
May 27th. 2015. In accordance with orders received the ship left the
Old Dock Southampton, where she had been in port since the 24th. at
short notice for steam, and proceeded to Dover via the route given
by the N.C.S.O. Southampton.
May 28th, 0448. The ship made Dover and orders were received to go to
anchorage in the Downs. This was done and the ship lying with the
South Foreland Lt-Ho. 261 31/4 miles by 0512.
During the same forenoon the Examination Officer visited the ship and
gave me two small charts of the district, and promised to return with
a large scale chart of the Dunkirk district when he had obtained one
but this was evidently not possible and the ship made all her passages
to and from Dunkirk on small scale charts only.
May 28th. 1700. Orders to proceed were received and a departure time
of 1830 was fixed. In accordance with these orders the ship weighed
and proceeded in company with "MANXMAN" and Hospital Ship "PARIS" via
1
route "Y". The weather was drizzly and misty, the visibility
a
shortening as the coast of France was approached. The draught of the
G
ship was something over 16 feet and in view of the meagre information
e
about the Zuidcoote Pass which was procurable from the small scale
n
chart, it was decided to allow the other two ships, both of considerably
Ma
less draught than "PRAGUE", to keep ahead, the ships being roughly in
der
single line.
The great majority of the buoys were unlit, and as remarked bove the
STM1
a bi
one
were rowing off in their boat towards us. varge I picked them up, also boat
anu
and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the
next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

8/36 7,000 pads of 250
TRA930
987 8/36 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
DEPARTMENT
Jawana. attic
Door 01501
DEPARTMENT
To
140
STATION
193
22 SEAL
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
sora
visibility poor and when very near to the Zuidcoote Pass "MANXMAN" and
"PARIS" ran aground on the Smal Bank and "PRAGUE" touched starboard side.
Door .NJTS You
"PARIS" came off immediately, but "MANXMAN" stuck for some hours.
softon JIONA 610
Meeting one of H.M. Sloops, whose Captain very kindly sent a boat with
и onf
advice of the district and a chart marked in better detail than our awn,
AO. yo
I realized that it was hopeless for a ship of my draught to attempt the
Pass at that state of tide and accordingly returned to the vicini ty of
the Nieuport Bank Buoy and anchored to let the tide rise a few feet.
"MANXMAN" joined us here a few hours later and afterwards acted in
concert with us.
910 9V.SS
May 29th. 0355. Got under way again and proceeded via the Pass to
Dunkirk and when ordered to enter the port made fast just inside the end
ENJ two
of the Eastern Jetty. Embarkation started almost immediately, the Naval
one
03
Beach Master realized our difficulties and loaded us up in time to return
Y.S.M.
through the Pass before the tide fell too much as our draught when loaded
20
with troops was estimated to be about 6".
bns
At 0735 the ship left Dunkirk and proceeded home by the same route,
signalling Dover at 1230 the same day and received orders to proceed to
Folkestone, which port was reached by 1300. Troops were disembarked
and the ship coaled and watered and prepared for the next voyage.
Generally speaking, as regards this voyage, the only serious difficulty
encountered was a navigational one, there was plenty of enemy action but
no direct attack upon the ship by air or sea.
May 30th. 1200 The ship proceeded to anchorage off Folkestone, weather
dense fog.
GHOP
SUILSIM1
a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and also
rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, boat
were and grew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the
next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

COPY.
EXTRACTS FROM LOG.
161
t.FOREMOST 87"
Sunday, 26th May.
Arrived at Portsmouth towing "O.R.P. BUZA" stern first at
10 p.m. Slight Fog.
Monday, 27th May.
Coaling and storing in Portsmouth Harbour.
Tuesday, 28th May.
Left Portsmouth Harbour 6-0 a,m. Steamed towards Dover
Harbour, arriving and making fast 6-0 p.m.
Wednesday, 29th May.
Lying Submarine Dock Dover Harbour. At 3-30 p.m. Ordered
to assist m.v. "RUYA" from berth to berth. Tooke hold of vessel at
4-0 p.m., finishing 4-15 p.m. At 4-20 p.m. took hold of S.S. "KING ORRY"
and assisted from Eastern Arm Dover Harbour to Sea, eastern Entrance
Dover, finishing at 4-50 p.m.
Thursday, 30th May.
At 8-0 a.m. received orders to proceed from Dover Harbour
to Dunkirk. On nearing Dunkirk Harbour heavy bombing and shelling in
progress. Went inside Harbour and received instructions to take barges
"SARK" and "SHETLAND", which were at anchor off St. Malo beach, in tow
and to beach same on the shore 100 yards apart on St. Malo shore,.
Dunkirk, - Heavy aerial bombing and ground gunfire going on while doing
this job, shrapnel splinters hitting deck very hard. Finished this and
steamed inside Harbour again. Things getting worse but everybody
happy. Troopship "PRAGUE" unable to get away from Eastern Arm Dunkirk
Hatbour, loaded with troops, so took same in tow and towed out clear to
Dunkirk Roads. Told to stand by and assist in any way. One or two
little jobs leading Destroyers to berths in the dark rendered - heavy
shelling and air raids still in progress. At 12 midnight told to return
to Dover.
Friday, 31st May.
Returned from Dunkirk arrived Dover at 6-0 a.m. At 2-0 p.m.
received orders to take two sailing barges in tow to Dunkirk. Took
hold of same at 2-45 p.m. and towed to Dunkirk. Orders received were
t beach them at St. Malo Beach. This was accomplished under heavy
bombing and shelling. The beach was one mass of troops. Time of
beaching barges was 11-0 p.m. The sky was lit up with fires caused
through bombing and shelling. Returned to Dunkirk Harbour, told to
keep clear of heavy barrage which was prevailing and to stand by out-
side Harbour. Still steaming outside Harbour at midnight.
Saturday, 1st June.
At Dunkirk standing by. Assisting in anything and every-
thing possible. At 2-0 a.m. received orders to return at once to
Dover. Arriving at Dover at 7-30 a.m.
Sunday, 2nd June.
Lying at Dover Harbour. At 3-30 p.m. received orders to
take lifeboats R.N.L.B. "CECIL and "LILLIAN PHILPOTT" and "R.N.L.B.
THOMAS KIRK WRIGHT" in tow to Dunkirk Towed same to given position
then did job of work with Hospital ship "PARIS" survivors who had been
bombed and machine-gunned by Enemy aircraft.
(Continued)

Details

COPY.
EXTRACTS FROM LOG.
16%
(3)
s.t. "FOREMOST 87".
Sunday, 2nd June.
Rendered assistance to 95 survivors - five of these being
nurses who were seriously wounded, also some of the crew of "PARIS"
who were scalded badly by boilers exploding. We also took 13 Spaniards
on board from small boat. Landing all survivors (including lad of
sixteen dying through injuries received in bombing of "PARIS") at Dover
on the morning of 3rd June, Monday, at 4-30 a.m. at Admiralty Pier,
Dover.
(Signed) J. Fryer.
Master of Tug "FOREMOST 87"

Details

COPY OF STATEMENT REGARDING SURVIVORS FROM HOSPITAL SHIP
"PARIS"
163
by
s.t. "FOREMOST 87"
June
Wednesday, 5th May, 1940.
Dear Sir,
On Sunday afternoon, the 2nd June, I received orders from
Naval Authorities Dover to proceed to Dunkirk. My orders being to
take Lifeboats R.N.L.B. "CECIL & LILLIAN PHILPOTT and R.N.L.B.
"THOMAS KIRK WRIGHT" in tow to assist in evacuating troops from
Dunkirk Harbour and Beach.
I cleared Eastern Entrare of Dover Harbour about 3-50 p.m.
with Lifeboats in tow, and on instructions before leaving towed
towards given position where I had to cast lifeboats.o: I arrived
at this position and was giving lifeboat coxwains courses for Dunkirk
Harbour, when, on hearing aircraft overhead and several explosions,
I noticed to the southward of me a Hospital ship which proved to be
S.S. "PARIS" of Newhaven, in, as It thought, difficulties. I at once
altered my course, irrespective of routing instructions, towards said
vessel, and onnnearing same I noticed several of her lifeboats full
of survivors who had survived this bombing and machine-gunning which
I was afterwards informed had happened. I at once gave orders to
crew to get lines etc. ready to take these survivors on board, some
of whom were Sisters who were very seriously injured, also some of
crew whod been badly scalded.
I managed to get all of the 95 survivors out of our boats, some
of which were half full of water, on board of "FOREMOST 87", and did
everything to make wounded (one of whom passed away on board Tug
"FOREMOST 87") as comfortable as I could, and then headed at full
speed towards Dover.
I had hardly altered my course when I noticed another boat
full of people. I stopped engines and on nearing this boat I found
that it had 13 Spaniards aboard. I ordered these to be taken on
board and kept apart from survivors of "PARIS" as I was uncertain of
their Nationality, and I was unable to gather from them how and when
they came to be in the boat I found them in.
I headed for Dover, time being about 10-50 p.m., at full
speed. Arriving at Dober Pierheads Eastern Entrance about 3-30 a.m.
on Monday, 3rd June, and received orders to proceed direct to
Admiralty Pier and land survivors, this I did as soon as possible,
everything being ready on shore to assist in this job of work. I
kept Spaniards on board until they were escorted ashore by armed
guard, who no doubt found out more about them than I could.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) J. Fryer.
Master of s.t. "FOREMOST 87".

Details

YO
sa to bas so visa your 0.03m bne benes 20
39
3
DBY
Lenns
&
GT6
196
&
se,
tw del Nest
.4.6213/40/S.T.A.6.
W.L.
15th August, 1940.
loat
7
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
A record is being compiled in the Ministry of Shipping of
the part played by the Merchant Navy in the Dunkirk operation,
and the owners of the vessels concerned have been approached for
copies of any reports they may have received from the Musters.
The Southern Railway state that reports from the Masters of
their steamers have been submitted to you through the P.S.T.O.
In the circumstances, would it be possible, please, for you to
supply copies of the reports, or, alternatively, to loan the
originals for inspection ? The names of the Southern Railway
steamers in question are:-
LORINA, NORMANNIA, CANTERBURY, MAID OF ORL ANS, BIARRITZ,
AUTOCARRIER, PARIS, ISLE OF GUERNSEY, DINARD, WORTHING,
ISLE OF THANET, HYTHE and WHITSTABLE.
(Sgd.) B. E. BELLAMY.
for
La
Director of Sea Transport.
o
ship)ii
p.s. "GOLDEN
SOVEREIGN"
channel
#
cl
#
S.S. "ABUKIR"
passenge
for by steamer G.S.N.
r
the Ministry)
Lo
in
GS an
our
Newmar
entrance enemy ---
A call for
th an es
bombs. the British Mission had previously would be waiting
for
me
off
consisting port. This of attack two destroyers lasted for half an hour when the airc
returned to Ostend.

Details

(2)
the TS the THE you cdusy of
May 31st Continued
206
2210 anchored off Pontoon Pier at Dunkirk. 2240 ordered by H.M. Ship
to La Panne, hove up and proceeded. 2315 anchored off La Panne.
June 1st 0220, troops on board, terrific bombarding and shelling of
SOUTH
beach taking place so have up and proceeded. 0615, anchored off
USA
Margate roads. 0745, hove up and proceeded to Pier. 0830 at anchor
FORM
under 1 hours notice. 1315, left for Dunkirk. 1520, attacked and
bombed by enemy aircraft, three bombs dropped; avoiding action taken.
1552, attcked and bombed by aircraft, three bombs being dropped,
again took avoiding action, and by doing so definitely saved ship.
Now came under heavy fire from enemy position at Gravelines Pier,
and as two ships appeared to be blocking channel returned to Margate
for instructions. 1730, arrived Margate roads. 1900 vessel under
1 hour's notice.
June 2nd 0115 received orders to sail. 0140 received orders not to
sail. 1800 left anchorage. 2000 passed Hospital ship Paris, having
been bombed and ship's company in lifeboats, but all very cheerful
and proceeded to Dunkirk. 2100 Heavy firing from shore batteries.
2130 arrived at Dunkirk and commenced embarking French troops from
middle pier in harbour. 2205 cleared harbour with more than comple-
ment of troops.
Monday June 3rd 0155 arrived at Margate Pier and commenced disembark*
ing troops. 0203, anchored off Pier. 1200 returned to Pier. 1400,
four seamen and two catering staff leave ship. 2015 left for Dunkirk.
2055, dense fog, visibility reduced to nil, but continue towards
Dunkirk.
Tuesday June 4th 0115, had slight collision with unknown steamer off
No. 3 Dunkirk buoy. 0220 arrived at middle pier in harbour. 0255,
overladen with troops and left pier, cutting our own forward ropes.
Heavy gun fire continuously; leaving harbour saw crew of unknown
vessel being rescued by small boats. 0600, arrived Margate after 1
hours dense fog, and disembarked troops and at 0700 departed to
anchorage. 2000 hove up and proceeded to Southampton. 2355 "Royal
Sovereign" light vessel abeam.

Details

Cxtract Joon any weekly Intelligine Report
No. 15 (21* June 1940). boky on T.09474. 17
BRITISH MERCHANTMEN OFF DUNKIRK.
242
The British Motorship "Royal Daffodil" 2,060 tons, under
Government charter, on May 27 brought away 900 troops from Dunkirk,
a further detachment on May 28, 750 on May 29, 2,500 French on
May 30 and 1,600 on June 1. On June 2 she started back to Dunkirk
again and was attacked at 1955 off the Ruytengen Bank Buoy by six
enemy aircraft soon after the British Hospital Ship "Paris", 1,790
tons, had been sunk. Captain G. Johnson, the Master of the
"Royal Daffodil" reports that he saw the German aircraft mabhine-
gunning the "Paris's" boats containing nurses and medical personnel.
When the attack was made on the "Royal Daffodil", the aircraft
dropped what the Master described as aerial torpedoes. Five of
these missed, but the sixth hit the ship, passed through three decks,
entered the engine-room and went out through the starboard side
before exploding when just clear of the ship. The collar of the
missile went through the bilge. The engines stopped and the
aeroplanes machine-gunned the ship with tracer bullets, which started
small fires. The ship began to make water through the hole made by
the bomb and listed to starboard. Gear was shifted to the port side
and the port boats were lowered to the deck and filled with water.
This raised the starboard side enough to lift the hole just clear of d
the water line. Mr. J. Coulthard, the Chief Engineer, and
Mr. W. Evans, the Second Engineer, took all the beds they could find
and used them to plug the hole. Mr. Evans stood up to his neck in
the water in the engine room holding open the bilge valve while
Mr. Coulthard kept the pumps going. With a diesel-engine ship this
was a great risk; but the "Royal Daffodil" managed to get back to
Romsgate, with the engines running very slowly, as they had three
parts of water to one of oil in their system, and was able to land
all the troops she had taken on board. In all she had takenoff
about 8,000 British and French from Dunkirk.
id
The British Levenwood, 803 tons, was at anchor about two miles
east of Dunkirk at 1200 on May 31, when she was attacked by German
aircraft. Her 12-pdr. Lewis gun and Bren gun were manned. The
'ew
Merchant Navy Gunlayer, Mr. G. Knight, hit one enemy with his first
shot from the 12-pdr., while the Chief Officer worked the Lewis gun.
The German aeroplane was seen to crash on the dunes. The officer
in command of a naval launch then asked the Master, Captain W.A.
Young, if he could beach the Levenwood, so as to facilitate the
embarkation of troops. The fore-peak tank was blown and the ship
got her nose on the beach in about 8 ft. of water. The Master
kept steaming slow ahead and steered allthe time SO as to prevent
the ship from swinging round broadside on to the beach on the
B
rising tide. She was thus kept about a quarter of a mile from where
the beach was dry. The Master lowered his own boats and got out
on
the "long messenger". The Chief Officer, with four men was sent
through the surf, collected men from the beach and put them in a
3
boat which was then hauled back to the ship by the "long messenger"
and, when empty, hauled ashore again. From 1430 to 1750 they worked
this till one of the boats was holed and the ship had to float herself red
off at high tide. They were hombed allthe time but no bomb fell
nearer than about 100 yards away. The Master describes the soldiers
as having been "all very good indeed. They were very tired but there
was no panic, and this also applies to the French troops".
Mr. R. Moodey, a ship's fireman, kept going overboard and swimming
to the soldiers who were wading out to the boats. He encouraged
them and swam back with those who were so tired that otherwise they
might have given up. He also brought some who were unable to swim
and got them into the boats through the surf. Moodey carried on in
this way for three hours and al the time there was a heavy swell
and much surf.
nk

Details

- 389
Resume of work done at Dover - D/C M.B.
Wednesday, 29th May, Arrived Dover and proceeded to Dunkirk
with Lieutenant Commander Dennis and
Commander Casalet.
S.S. "King Orry" was sunk by bombing
attack, 14 survivors being picked up.
Struck submerged wreckage which disabled
the boat. Taken in tow by H.M.S.
"Vigilant" and after effecting temporary
repairs returned to Dover at 8 knots.
Thursday, 30th May.
Ferried an Officer to Downs with
sailing orders for Convoy.
Friday, 31st May.
Returned to Dover at 0400.
D/C M.B. being completely out of action
commandeered Lifeboat and 40 ft. motor
boat.
12"
Saturday, 1st June.
Took Admiral Hallet to Downs in 40 ft.
motor boat giving orders to Convoy.
Sunday, 2nd June.
Lifeboat towed back to Dunkirk with
body of Lieutenant Mead R.N.V.R. who
was killed by shrapnel while evacuating
troops from beaches.
Proceeded in 40 ft. motor boat escorting
Admiral Somerville in M.A.S.B. 10 but
)
lost contact.
Picked up survivors of Hospital Ship
"Paris".
1
Monday, 3rd June.
0500 arrived Dover.
Tuesday, 4th June.
0900 hoisted D/C M.B. out of water.
2
Effecting temporary repairs on D/C M.B.
Wednesday, 5th June, 1000 sailed for Portsmouth in company
with M.T.B.'s 102 and 107.

Details

203
OPERATION DYNAMO
Enclosure No, 1.
SHIP: FOREMOST Tug No. 87. (genabo 6430) 2nd
June, 1940.
Officer Reporting: Sub-Lieutenant H.M. Davis, R.N.R.
Whilst proceeding to Dunkirk as ordered by C.A.P
with two lifeboats in tow, the Hospital Ship PARIS was
bombed by a number of German air-planes; this was at 2115
and at a position approximately 2 miles to seaward of No. 5
buoy. (Dunkirk Entrance). Knowing that my two coxwains in
charge of the lifeboats were capable of navigating their
boats, I cast them off and proceeded to embark the survivors
of the PARIS, which included 10 severely wounded cases.
The full complement of crew were rescued (95 in
all) including the Captain, officers and 5 Nursing Sisters.
The Deck Boy Bullock, aged 16 years, was so severely wounded
he died on board the tug shortly after being picked up.
Later at 2145 a lifeboat containing 13 Spanish seamen
was picked up and the whole brought to Dover. Wounded and
the dead boy were placed in hospital. Remainder of crew
were disembarked. 13 Spaniards were placed under guard and
interviewed by the Authorities.
(Signed) H.M. Davis
Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.R.

Details

SECRET
- 2 -
407
11.
Three
German
bombers
1830 yards from about astern. 8000 British feet. fighters Ten carried bombs were out a dropped level bombing falling attack 385 at
hour 250 later as three transports Passed. appeared about a quarter about of an
be shown of the night. The This boat remained with us asked the
12. the At way 2030 into the motor Dunkirk. lifeboat E.M.M.D. hailed us and to
remainder killed by Lieutenant R.N.V.R. in command for
by at Ramsgate.
unfortunately Commander Tyler on arrival shrapnel during the night. This was was reported
troops in the Commander Tyler disregarded this and were went no
13. left At in 2100 Dunkirk. a small motor boat informed us that there
into the harbour motor lifeboat with Lieutenant Fletcher.
14. At 2130 the tug was hailed by a motor torpedo boat and
orders were received to use the boats to fill up minesweepers which
were to arrive later.
15. At 2145 the motor lifeboat and one boat were sent in shore.
The tug then towed the remaining boat as near in shore as possible.
This boat then pulled for , shore. The tug was then anchored about
three quarters of a mile from the Eastern breakwater.
16. The pulling boat returned with the news that there were no
soldiers ashore at 2230, and said that she had not seen the other
boats.
17. 2300 - 0100/2 June, 1940, fairly heavy firing over and short,
chiefly shrapnel, All hands kept under cover, until the motor
lifeboat returned at 0130. The tug then weighed and proceeded to
Ramsgate.
18. At 0140 an M.T.B. again hailed us and weewere sent back to
fill up with soldiers, and anchored in position again at 0215.
After waiting till 0330 for the boats the tug weighed and went
further in shore to pick them up, but ran aground about a quarter of
a mile off shore. The flooding tide and the use of engines astern
together with physical jerks by the soldiers refloated her. Boats
meanwhile had been secured. We then proceeded to Ramsgate with
142 soldiers on board and in the motor lifeboat, which we towed.
19. At 0415 we ran aground for the second time one mile west
haze gave us a peaceful passage home arriving at Ramsgate at 07451
of the breakwater, but managed to get off after ten minutes. A slight
20. Commander Tyler left us A.M. and we were told the tug would
not be required that night, but at 2000/2 June, 1940, we were ordered
the Hospital Paris. At 0100 we eventually located her and the
to weigh and proceeded to a position near position wire to salvage
We lay with a got secured, but unfortunately her first
tug Sun XV Ship Commander R.N.R., onboard, attempted to tow her.
wire parted. off until About she had two minutes later a German machine Lewis dived down
both the gunned us. the guns getting in bursts. We were leave
and machine We engaged the aircraft with then guns;
ordered ratings on R.N.R., in the tug Sun XV to after ship he
had by the Commander thought of the situation. The hospital by the stern. was
Both about the five fathoms and I considered that if we be were very slow work to
in asked us what we of water and was very heavily down to get her back
safely we Tugmaster would require an escort. I It think would that she was already tow
her as she was a twin screw ship.
aground. but it was hard to tell.
The tug arrived back at Ramsgate
0645/3 June, 1940.
21. At 130 we

Details

Reseur Juy Lady Brassey
sund 2"June 1940
412
Sir
J Frederich John Hopgood wasche Master in charge of the
tug Lady Brassey on Sunday June, we had been busy
during the day pumping out the monis 20le was
ordered to assist H. An Sulton Miger off the Admiralty Peir
N during these operations we received a segmal from
the admiralty Rier signal station instructing us to leave ar
once to the assistance 7 the Hospital ship Raris, near
Buay Dunmirm route X. We left Dorr at 8.Rm the
weather fine clear, when nearing V. buay we nearly
collided with a destroyer bothvessels going astern also
narrow escapes of running into other vessels. aeroplane,
were overhead & bright lights continually flooting about
in pairs in the air v near the line of route. Wepassed
the Ramsgate Eug Fabia who hoiled that he could notfind
te Peris r he proceeded on course towards Bamagate. We am
ontineed on our course r arrived И W. Buay about 12.15
monday 3ʳᵈ cruised about hoping to see the Raris. about
15. am we sighted a craft that appeared to be stopped and
n approaching we made it out to be the Raris
about mile eastward of #W. Buay. We steamed
round close to her r hailed several times orgetting
no reply considered Raris had been abandoned.
The vessel had a very heavy list to Starboard
r was senting down fest I went around the
starboard xr side found the number on the butwarks just level
with the water r by the time I passed around the vessels
portsider bach to the starboard side she had jone
over another foot I then decided to remain mile see
the last of the Paris. The vissel such about 3/4 I
I castwards the W. Buoy in 14 fathous at returned 4. am.
reported of the particulars to the V.A.D am. of
Dres. arrived alongside PW. Pair 8.
X
yours faithfully
signed Tuesday gune
F

Details

484
Resume of work done at Dover - D/C M.B.
il
455
Wednesday, 29th May. Arrived Dover and proceeded to Dunkirk
with Lieutenant Commander Dennis and
Commander Cazalet.
S.S. "King Orry" was sunk by bombing
attack, 14 survivors being picked up.
Struck submerged wreckage which disabled
the boat. Taken in tow by H.M.S.
vivacious/
"Vigilant" and after effecting temporary
repairs returned to Dover at 8 knots.
Thursday, 30th May.
Ferried an Officer to Downs with
sailing orders for Convoy.
Friday, 3lst May.
Returned to Dover at 0400.
D/C M.B. being completely out 01 action
commandeered Lifeboat and 40 ft. motor
boat.
Saturday, 1st June.
Took Admiral Hallet to Downs in 40 ft.
motor boat giving orders to Convoy.
Sunday, 2nd June.
Lifeboat towed back to Dunkirk with
body of Lieutenant Mead R.N.V.R. who
was killed by shrapnel while evacuating
troops from beaches.
Proceeded in 40 ft. motor boat escorting
Admiral Somerville in M.A.S.B. 10 but
lost contact.
Picked up survivors of Hospital Ship
"Paris".
Monday, 3rd June.
0500 arrived Dover.
Tuesday, 4th June.
0900 hoisted D/C M.B. out of water.
Effecting temporary repairs on D/C M.B.
Wednesday, 5th June. 1000 sailed for Portsmouth in company
with M.T.B.'s 102 and 107.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Page 1 of
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. 29th D/C May, motor boat under my command arrived at Dover
possible over shallow minefield. Low water approximately
0100, least depth over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors
from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th,
accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harhour. 0400. Completed
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no
casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due to engine
defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff
of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously
on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to
harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still
unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat
should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received
to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for
duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
CONFIDENTIAL.
575
Subject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
From... The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
Date..
14th June, 1940.
To.....
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
a
In accordance with C.P.G.O. 1700, the report on
operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
)
11e)
Lieutenant in Command.
ted
utes
ans
ricer
from S.S. PARIS. (hospital Picked ship). up 6 Picked lifeboats up wounded and survivors took men in from tow.
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, to weight of tow. spoke
Spanish. 2005. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due
(Continued
)

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived at Dover p.m.
possible 0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 Low water Dunkirk by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, feet. (Commander approximately
Cleared screws. Fouled screws on submerged
from Dover H.M.S. KING ORRY. Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors
on board). 2300 Dover and Lieut. Crundr. Dennis Casalet, staff of
accepted Proceeded to H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in 30th, and started.
tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed
bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage,
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due no to engine
defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff
of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously
on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to
harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still
unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat
should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received
to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for
duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
Lieutenant Hamilton Meikle assumed command of 40 ft.
ships fast motor boat and manned it with:-
Petty Officer John Luckins. P/J 103170, coxswain of the D/C
motor boat (as coxswain).
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT) (as Lewis
Gunner).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. P/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
Hamilton Meikle, and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
them that orders were necessary before proceeding immediately to
Dunkirk. The boat was capable of 20 knots and one stripped Lewis
gun was transferred to her from H.M. D/C(boat, MORE the other gun being
in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
40 ft. motor boat assisted M.T.B. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
in regulating rescue traffic to and from Dunkirk.
Sunday, 2nd June.
motor boat escorted M.A.S.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
but 40 ft. due to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
Dunkirk to see aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch if boat was required for any purpose. ship. Proceeded Sighted
formation of enemy 1910 Air attack. Duration All petrol minutes. cans
87215 to assistance. dive-bombing and machine günning. Between spare 30-40 M/G
pierced and near 1930. Took offices
JU 97's and miss bomb strained boat. off Captain and some
from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 survivors tow.
bullet holes, no (hospital casualties. ship). Picked lifeboats up wounded and took men in from
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow. spoke
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued