Details

Details

Tug (Portsmouth)
C.9
J. Treleaven, Master.
1st June
0650
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk.
1030
Air attack.
1050
"ordered by officer in motor boat to
assist in towing damaged destroyer
[the Ivanhoe] which was being towed
by a tug. [The Persia].
1110
Ordered to tow a second destroyer(1)
[ the Havant]. On arrival found that
crew was being taken off by a sloop
[ the M/S Saltash], which then
proceeded to sink the destroyer by
gunfire.
Air attack.
Witnessed sinking of the M/S Brighton
Queen and the P/V Scotia.
1200
Proceeded to the rescue of survivors.
Air attack.
1250
Ordered by dr. Esk to proceed with
survivors, viz: Captain and 1st
Officer of Brighton Queen;
a French army commander and 27 others.
Progress slow owing to troops in the
1230
Wounded water. airman embarked from tr.
Cayton Wyke.
1650
Discharged Ramsgate. survivors - J. British, 22
1710
Allied troops. (2)
Total 23
(1) (2) The Ramsgate Master report.
believed this to bead the in dr. D. R. Keith.
140

Details

CERVIA
Tug (william
Watkins Ltd.)
W.H. Simmons, Master.
31st May
2145
Left in Dover, sailing barge Royalty
two tow, and the tug Persia towing
in company.
sailing barges Sark and Shetland]
1st June
0720
1 mile east of Dunkirk pier, Royalty
being towed at full speed, slipped the
tow, and beached herself head on, on
Malo beach.
Air attack. Nine bombs fell in a line
along the starboard side of dr.
Keith, which was outside Cervia.
Cervia got under way to avoid the
turning and twisting destroyer.
Picked up crew and boat of Royalty
and also of S/B Duchess.
0800ca
Keith began to list, and was again
bombed; her guns were going all the
time as she steamed round and round.
She then stopped and let go her
anchor. As the crew began to abandon
ship, the bombers machine gunned them.
The tug Vincia began to pick up
survivors, and the tug St. Abbs got
alongside Keith's starboard bow. A
sloop(1) also went to her assistance.
Cervia turned round and picked up
soldiers from a M/B.
0815ca
At this time, the dr. Ivanhoe, to the
westward, was seen to be disabled,
and a "small tanker" [the M/S
Skipjack] astern of Vincia, went up
in flames.
-
Cervia then took the sailing barge
Tollesbury, which had 200 troops under
hatches, in tow. The M.L.B. Orient IV
was added to the tow, and Cervia
proceeded down Dunkirk roads. When
west of the pierhead, Ivanhoe was
seen to be in tow of the Persia and
Vincia, with decks full of survivors,
At No.5 W. buoy, about 20 planes
passed the Cervia.
0900ca
appeared. Ivanhoe put up a smoke
screen, and 9 bombs fell near a
cross-channel boat which, however,
kept on Cervia's port bow, bomb
going. 5 bombs fell about lifting 100
feet tug cut of the water. A the
the between a sloop and towing
exploded destroyer she was
In disabled [M/8 the Downs Saltash Cervia towing to was dr. Ramsgate. met Havant] by the
Java brought about 230 troops( and
and ordered 2) all
"In tug
1500ca
Cervia Dunkirk, the Tollesbury and the crew
out crews of of Duchess and Royalty,
Orient IV."
(1) The sk. Hilda and that the M/S this the up survivors. troops in
(2)
It
1s
considered
Tollesbury.
170

Details

Details

GRIVE
Yacht( 1)
Capt. Lt. the Hon. L.J.O.
30th May
1400
1900ca
Arrived Left Dover for Dunkirk.
2130ca
Proceeded on board. with just whalers under 300 and troops 2 M/B's.
with the Malo ship's beach 2 and embarked troops
31st May
a.m.
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 325
troops(2)
1400
1830ca
Sailed from Dover.
Entered Dunkirk harbour, and secured
outside the dr. Whitehall which
alongside dr. Winchelsea. Embarked was
about 400 troops from the jetty.
Aircraft being sighted Grive left
the harbour, (3) on orders from the
Whitehall.
2030
When clear of harbour, an A/C was
believed to have been shot down by
Grive's after 12 pdr.
1st June
0100
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 374 troops.
0300
Sailed from Dover (with only 5 rounds
of ammunition per gun).
0800
Approaching Dunkirk, at first proceeded
to assistance of the dr. Ivanhoe;
then went alongside the jetty.
During heavy bombing, embarked troops
and proceeded.
By Persia, and the dr. Havant on
now the Ivanhoe was in tow of (with the
Ivanhoe's tug troops and survivors
board), and on fire (she Bank Havant later).
hit by a bomb, was listing
Saltash) The heavily (which Grive was and went transferred taken proceeded. alongside in tow her by to the troops Dover the M/S and
with survivors about Dover. .700 Disembarked 785(4)
1300ca
1600ca
Arrived 1 mile to pieces on for Dunkirk by board. a mine the Gula, and Grive
troops. now insisted a rest; on he Lieut.
1800 /
2230ca(5)
About The distant,
sank yards
(1) (3) (2) Fleet The D.R. Air Arm Training Vessel. that at 1920 she was 374 in and collision 2345+
dr. Whitehall states "Grieve" as
(4) (5) D.R. with shows Grive 2 of the dfr. Gula gives this time
West
Date Lad

Details

H.A.C.
Sailing barge (H.A. Cunis
R.H. Scott, Master
Ltd.)
31st May
-
Towed out of Dover harbour by the
barge Thyra.
The H.A.C. and Thyra were then taken
May
0845
in tow by the tug St. Abbs.
1st June
0500
Arrived Dunkirk. Tow slipped and barges
ordered to beach themselves. The
H.A.C. was towed into the beach by the
Thyra which then embarked the H,A,C's
crew.
1415
2nd June
The H.A.C. was towed back at night,
damaged, but full of troops.
drifters.
Од
Estimated Total 100 57
seiled for Ramsgate.
2200
Arrived
Ramagate.
Disembarked
60
troops.(1) (1)
1st June(2)
Sailed
for
Dunicisk,
attack
near
6 * buoy.
Arrived off Dunkirk. The beaches
almost empty,
0800ca
While returning to enter the harbour,
pew the dr. Ivanhoe on fire and In
tow or the tug Persia,
Closed the Ivanhoe and offered
assistance. Haig USE requested to
05001's the Ivanhoe, which she dids
It. Cdr. Pisani then says:
"After ciroling him at speed, as
ensmy airoraft were active, I
noticed that he had slipped his too
and appeared to be proceeding at
about 12 knots. Persia full actern
but at No.6 booy Ivenhoe stopped
and told me to instruct Permis
to resume tow. An tow was being
connected, and subsequently for 8
on hour, 3 waves of 21 (sech)
enemy bombers attacked Lynnhoe,
incoming trensports, and out-going
missellaneous vessele, all within
0845ea
2 miles of No.6 W bucy". (3)
The Heig steaming at 30 knota
maintained a continuous fire with
har 2 gune, and circled the Ivanhee
and the Persin, "Insocurate bombing
resulted, only one salvo falling near
the Forsia."
Near W buoy, a tug bound for Dunkirk
yas contacted and sent to a destroyer
the Havant/in distress near Hills
Bank,
orr II. Foreland the fest M/B Heleyone
from pamagate closed the Huig who
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. or Ramagate report.
The Asst. Dir. Mil. Transport's report states, "Ferried
800 sroops" and *Disembarked 65 troops".
(2) Lt. Cdr. Pisani mistakenly saya "2nd June".
(3) It VISA at this time that the This withossed the sinking of
the U/S Skippack.
6

Details

HAIG
W.D/M.L.
Lt. Cdr. N.L.J. Pisani, D.S.C.,
R.N. (Retd.)
F.J. Wales, Master.
Cdr. H.R. Troup, R.N.
31st May
0845
Arrived Ramsgate from Lowestoft.
Lt. Cdr. Pisani (ex. sk. patria)
assumed command of the Haig and
transferred to her the Patria's
Lewis guns and gunners.
-
Sailed independently for Dunkirk. Air
attack on passage.
1415
Arrived Dunkirk and closed Malo-les-
Bains beach.
Loaded up 3 times with French troops
and ferried them to trawlers and
drifters.
On the 4th trip, embarked 57 French
troops and 3 British officers and
sailed for Ramsgate.
2200
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 60
troops. (1)
1st June(2)
a.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk. Air attack near
6 W buoy.
-
Arrived off Dunkirk. The beaches were
almost empty.
0800ca
While returning to enter the harbour,
saw the dr. Ivanhoe on fire and in
tow of the tug Persia.
Closed the Ivanhoe and offered
assistance. Haig was requested to
escort the Ivanhoe, which she did.
Lt. Cdr. Pisani then says:
"After circling him at speed, as
enemy aircraft were active, I
noticed that he had slipped his tow
and appeared to be proceeding at
about 12 knots. Persia fell astern
but at No.6 buoy Ivanhoe stopped
and told me to instruct Persia
to resume tow. As tow was being
connected, and subsequently for 1-1
an hour, 3 waves of 21 (each)
enemy bombers attacked Ivanhoe,
incoming transports, and out-going
miscellaneous vessels, all within
0845ca
2 miles of No. 6 W buoy". (3)
The Haig steaming at 30 knots
maintained a continuous fire with
her 2 guns, and circled the Ivanhoe
and the Persia. "Inaccurate bombing
resulted, only one salvo falling near
the Persia."
Near W buoy, a tug bound for Dunkirk
was contacted and sent to a destroyer
the Havant in distress near Hills
Bank.
-
off N. Foreland the fast M/B Halcyone
from Ramsgate closed the Haig who
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. or Ramagate report.
The Asst. Dir. Mil. Transport's report states, "Ferried
800 troops" and "Disembarked 65 troops".
(2) Lt. Cdr. Pisani mistakenly says "2nd June".
(3) It was at this time that the Haig witnessed the sinking of
the M/S Skipjack.

Details

IVANHOE (D.16)
20th Destroyer Flotilla
Cdr. P.H. Hadow, R.N.
29th May
0145
Left Dover, drs. Javelin, Icarus,
0430
Intrepid and Vanquisher in company.
Off Kwinte buoy, Ivanhoe was detached
to stand by the dr. Grafton.
Embarked survivors from her and
accelerated her sinking by gunfire.
0615
Proceeded to Dunkirk.
0856
Dunkirk. Secured alongside mole and
embarked troops.
1115
Sailed for Dover.
1610
Dover. Disembarked 614 troops.
1745
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1820
Near S.W. Goodwins buoy, picked up 4
survivors from aircraft K.8773 and
transferred them to a nearby drifter.
2100
Off Dunkirk.
2240
Recalled to Dover.
30th May
0250
Dover.
0500
To Sheerness, drs. Javelin, Intrepid,
Icarus and Impulsive in company.
0930
Sheerness.
1715
To Dunkirk, drs. Impulsive, Icarus,
and Harvester in company.
2115
Dunkirk beach. Commenced embarking
troops.
31st May
0315
Proceeded alongside Dunkirk pier and
embarked further troops.
0415
Sailed for Dover.
0800
Dover. Disembarked 1290 troops.
0955
To Dunkirk.
1300
Off the beaches. Acted as V/S link
between Dunkirk and R.A. Dover.
Embarked troops. Air attacks.
2145
Off La Panne. Continued embarking
troops.
1st June
0230ca
A large body of British troops arrived
at La Panne beach.
0400ca
Continuous m.g. attacks by low flying
aircraft. One (possibly two) aircraft
shot down.
0715
Proceeded with about 1000 troops on
board. Level bombing attacks off Bray
0800
Dive bombed off Dunkirk. One direct
hit. Severe damage. 26 killed, 30
wounded. Troops and wounded transfer-
red to dr. Havant and M/S Speedwell.
Assisted to Sheerness by tg. Persia.
Two further air attacks en route.
Total 1904
Authority-R.O.I p.76.
68

Details

LARK
Sailing barge (T. Scholey
and Co. Ltd.)
R.H. Scott, Master
31st May
2230
Left Dover in company with the S/B
10th May
0030
Glenway in tow of the tug Persia.
1st June
0800
Arrived 1 mile east of Dunkirk pier.
The beachwards. Lark and the Glenway sailed
-
The Lark beached herself by order of
the French for whom she was carrying
stores. The Lark's crew transferred
1400ca
to the barge Thyra. The Lark did not
1930cm
return from Dunkirk.
troops
2200
Sailed for Nil
comended.
31st May
0500
Arrived Ramagate. Disemberked 75 troops.
0600
Sailed for Dunkirk with shaler in tow.
Authority - Γ.0.9436/40.
Anchored off Malo beneh.
1100
Collected two "Inrge passenger bonte"
and embarked troops.
Note: At 1100, the Adventuress landed
85 troops at Margate,
1515ca
"All three ships filled" - about 170
troops. Proceeded.
1930ca
Arrived Ramsgate. The Large disemberked
50 troops.
1st June
0600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1000ca
off const between Gravelines and
DOBRITK.
Heavy Combing of large ships,
A damaged British destroyer [the
1005ca
Havent was taken in too by tug [the
K/8 Saltash].
1015ca
Steared N.W. from 5 W booy to get clear
of big ships.
1025cm
Salvo of bombo dropped 30 yards astern
of a troopship [the Proguel near 9 W
1030ca
French beuy. destroyer [the Foudrovant] hit
by bombs) she Bank within about one
minute, about 1 mile north or 13 W
10350a
British booy. destroyer [the Keith) bombed 3
miles N.N.E. from 5 W buays She WB.D
later suns by nunfire from a sloop
Proceeded to Picked up 8 men
[the M/S Salamander|-
1115
from B. small boat.
1800
Arrived Proceeded. Remugate, pisembarked 12 troops
1815
Perried about 310 troops from ships
outside the harbour to Ramsgate
pier.(3)
Total 147
Gervice veesel of this name appears for the
time in the Red List on 23rd June,
report in D.R. 55 landed at 2030.
or Ramegate report.
151

Details

Tug
PERSIA
H. Aldrich, Master.
0900
29th May
Left Dover, towing dumb barges Sark and
Shetland. En route to Dunkirk, the
tow parted twice.
0500
30th May
Anchored 4 miles east of Dunkirk.
1245
Towed the barges to east pierhead,
Dunkirk, and anchored them as ordered.
(See Foremost 87)
1600
Left Dunkirk with soldiers and equipment
2400
Anchored in the Downs.
0700
Disembarked 27 troops at Dover.
31st May
2230
Left Dover, towing the S/B's Glenway
and Lark.
2305
Tow parted.
2400
Tow connected up again.
1st June
0800
Arrived east pier Dunkirk. Air raid on.
Towed the barges to 1 mile east of
pierhead and then let them sail ashore.
Saw dr. Ivanhoe hit by bomb; ordered
to take her in tow. Did so, but
concussion from a bomb broke the
towing hawser. Put another hawser on
board and proceeded towards Dover.
Bombed for over 2 hours until our
1000
planes came and dispersed the enemy.
Fired on by shore batteries - no
Abreast damage. the North Goodwin L.V.,
ordered to tow the Ivanhoe on to
Sheerness. In vicinity of Oaze, to a
the C.9
/
Government tug [e.g.] assisted
the Ivanhoe to Chatham. Another Point.
tow came to assist at Garrison Sheerness.
Persia tug made fast to a buoy at
2200
Left Sheerness with lifeboats for for
2nd June
1200
Ramsgate, Made Margate and
and oil tender Ramsgate, Margate
then roads. on to Deal, where Persia anchored
2200.
3rd June
0700
At Dover.
4th June
Standing by.
Total 27
Authority - T.M. 6213/40.
W. W.
389

Details

SARK
Dumb barges
SHETLAND
20th May
Towed to Dover by the tug Foremost 87.
2
29th May
0900
Left Dover in tow of the tug Persia.
30th May
0500
The Persia anchored 4 miles east of
1245
Dunkirk, with the barges.
The Persia towed the barges to the east
1700
pier Dunkirk, and anchored them there.
The two barges were assisted on to Malo
beach by the Foremost 87.
I
Authority - M. 016146/40.
I 12
d
(a)
a

Details

TUGS
THE FOLLOWING TUGS TOOK PART
IN OPERATION DYNAMO:
William Watkins Ltd.
Cervia
Kenia
Doria
Persia
Fabia
Racia
Fairplay I(1)
Tanga
Foremost 87(1)
Vincia
Java
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd.
Sun
Sun VIII
Sun III
Sun X
Sun IV
Sun XI
Sun V
Sun XII
Sun VII
Sun XV
The Gamecock Steam Towing Co.
Crested Cock
Ocean Cock.
Gaselee and Son Ltd.
Fossa
Saml. Williams and Sons Ltd.
Duke
[Marquis] (2)
Prince
Princess
Elliot Steam Tug Co. Ltd.
Challenge
Contest
United Towing Co. Ltd.
Empire Henchman
Southern Railway Co. Ltd.
Foremost 22
(1) Managed by W. Watkins Ltd.
(2) Left Ostend at 2200 on 26th May. There is no record of
her having taken part in Dynamo.
244

Details

120
in No 1 Briles wom in tow of Persia
closed him & ashed if he wanted
The Captain ashed we to exent
which I did
after circling him
as awaraft were active I
enemy he had slipped his tow '&a
that be procuding at about 12kh Ivanhoe "Pesse
astern but at ho 6 Bud,
told we to instruct "Peria to new
tow was being be connected rouke
As for half an hour, three waves of
every bombers, attached anhae",
transports sentife ing muscellanems
when 2 miles the 6 W. Budy. both
all all possible at 30 knots with anicraft
funo to m not, keep them at with
ing, whether every hey
large Continu ally circled what was tug
Convay of the damaged des troyer about
third tug resul with a barge in tors
(Incia orDonal with hosh al
of hoops Inaccurate bombing Persia". usult
one salvo falling wal"
The appeared Um ander from S.W. Subsequently the but tup was a was sample soon made di
heal "W Bud, another tug bound for
incident. I had any 3 have of ammy
was contacted x sent to a des to aif
distress was Hills Banck
Finally heal horth
"Ivanhoe. ashed we to Contenue esca
Sheetness or until and D.Y. trys arrived.

Details

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
MESSAGE 0746/3rd June
OUT.
To. V.A. Dover, 438.
Date 3.6.40
Repeated C. in C. Nore. 922.
20
C. in C. Portsmouth. 245,
F.O. 1/c London.
Commodore 1/c Sheerness. 618.
F.O.1/c Portland. 567.
N.O.i/c Ramegate.
N.O.1/c Newhaven.
War Office.
P/L BY T/P
From Admiralty.
IMPORTANT.
Reference Admiralty mesuage 2321/1,
instructions regarding disposal of tugs and lighters
should be amended as follows so far as craft named
are concerned:-
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
CHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA
Gravesend - -
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COCK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOCK,
They should be utilised as fully as possible
SUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
for towage of craft or boats to be returned to
the Thames or elsewhere en route.
(ii) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
D. of S.T. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENCHMAN to Portsmonth with barges
SNOWDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These carges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANGA on 29th May.
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) Below
(b) FOREMOST 37 to Weymouth with any convenient
sufficiently seaworthy, for towage as in (1)
(c) FAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if
above. (d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges SARK and
SHETLAND. These barges ware left at Dover on
20th May by FOREMOST 87.
(iii) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 23 should return to
station at Southend and Newhaven respectively
taking any convenient tow.
(iv) If any of the tuge named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangementa
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENCHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 24 hours
standeasy before proceeding Westward.
(v) The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, APRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be
returned/....

Details

27
MESSAGE
To O. in C Portsmouth
0120/14th Juno
OUT
Repeated C. in C Western Approaches
c. in C Nore
Date 14/6/40
Seatrans, Newhaven
Seatrans, Plymouth
Seatrans, Falmouth
Commodore in Charge Sheerness
Seatrans, Littlehampton
Divisional Transport Southsmpton
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
P/L by T/P
From D of S.I.
The following craft when no longer required for
Operation Cycle should be directed as follows. Tugs PERSIA
and TANGA proceed to Plymouth as Boon as possible and report
to S.T.O. on arrival. Both tugs should be kept at Plymouth
b
ready to sail at short notice. Instructions to S.T.O. will
follow. Tugs CONTEST and QUEENS CROSS tow barges WESTOLIFF
WOKING BRENTLAND and LINCOLN from Newhaven to Felmouth
reporting to S.T.O. on arrival. Tug FOREMOST 87 tow barges
VARSITY and VIGIL from Littlehnmpton to Falmouth. Tug
KROOMAN tow barge SERLO from Southampton to Falmouth. Tug
HEADWAN tow S.B. DORRIEN ROSE from Newhaven to Orchard
Drydock, Blackwall, London and return to Sheerness to tow
barges JULIA and CHARLES I from Shoorness to Scapa. Tug
FAIRPLAY ONE proceed to Sheornese and tow barges BASKET and
CHEEKIE from Sheerness to Portsmouth for dolivery to N.S.O.
Tug WATERCOOK proceed to Falmouth. Tuge SUN XI and CRESTED
COOK proceed to Ramsgate for orders.
0120/14.
for D. of S.T.
D of P (3)
C.O.R.T.
M. (3)
D of S.T.
D.T.D. (2)
D.T.D. (Basement)
D.S.V.P.
Msl
68

Details

RAS
of
-2-
MAY 26TH. A careful sweep of the Harbour and approaches
carried out during the forenoon and the area was declared
and the Harbour open at 1436. Sweeping operations were
later to ensure that delayed action mines should be destrope
The order to withdraw the B.E.F. from Dunkirk was given and
embarkation of the troops started this evening.
JOFF
A staff organisation known as "DYNAMO" was set up to carry
plan for evacuating the beaches at Dunkirk. Dutch Skoots,
Launches, Life-boats and numerous other small craft began
assemble at Dover and were berthed at Prince of Wales Piers
in Submarine Basin. These vessels were at once supplied
fuel, food and water to enable them to sail for Dunkirk at
earliest possible moment.
MAY 27TH. The tugs "Sun V11" and "Sun X" and "Persia" arriv
and reported for duty with K.H.M. They were detailed for
lighters and boats to Dunkirk.
MAY 28TH. At 0300 the Examination Vessel "Ocean Reward" ⑉
and sunk off Dover by the Hospital Ship "Isle of Thanet" with
loss of all hands. Boats were lowered by "Isle of Thenet
serched the position of the accident to gether with the tug
Brassey" but no survivors were found. The night was fine
calm and clear and both vessels were showing lights. Facts
contributory to the accident may have been the high speed
"Isle of Thanet" and possibly a misunderstanding on the pari
"Ocean Reward" that "Isle of Thanet" would stop off Dover
The tug "Foremost 87" arrived and joined the flotilla of
lighters and boats to Dunkirk. At 0830 the requisitioned
Skoots "Ruja", "Sursum Corda", "Jaba Amazone", "San Antonio"
arrived for duty on the Flanders coast. They required water
"Pacific", "Frendja", "Hebe", "Frisco Wega", "Pascholl" and
fuel and provisions and steps were to provide
During these operations the air raid taken warning at once sounded and
precautions in the Dockyard were taken. No attack develop
immediately after the "All Clear" was sounded these vessels
for Dunkirk.
MAY tow. 29th. The tug "Fairplay 1" with the water lighter "Cla "SM
was Lt. with Sub. the Comdr. detached Commodore Lieuts. Military and the R.G. K.A. for tug stores Wardrop Harwood, duty "Persia" sailed at R.N.R. Dunkirk. with E.S. for of Hill the Dunkirk. Commodore lighters and G. Jones "Sark" R.N.V.R. and
MAY connection numerous by motor of enemy the 30TH. boats Examination holes action. with H.M.S. arrived Superintendent's caused operation The Service "Jaguar" by former bombs "DYNAMO". was and had detached and staff, "Greyhound" thirteen aircraft for dead arrived duty on at board both duty Many
Dunkirk order by tugs and drifters. during the day All and whose were
Several Thames sailing barges orene
sailed during afternoon.
available at the Prince arrived and as will
visions same day. and ammunition. of Two Wales tugs Pier sailed they with them to
whom Many more vessels were now available evacuating the
many thousands were landed at Admiralty for Pier.
MAY 31ST. The Fleet in tow
"Locust". She had been Sweeper struck "Bideford" arrived which had
her depth charges and blown by & bomb aft
was taken in hand for temporary repairs H.M.S. Sanahu
800 troops on board at the time thirty and feetmoff suffered her
At the Prince of Wales Pier in the by the
"Ocean Cook" and "Challenge" towed morning the lighters and
"F.23" loaded with Military stores over to Dunkir&,

Details

-3-
250
sailing barges "Glenway", "Lark" and "Spurgeon" similarly loaded
were towed over by the tugs "Persia" and "Cervia".
Lt. Comdr. R.G. Wardrop and Lieut. F.H. Whalley R.N.R. returned from
Dunkirk and reported back for duty on the Commodore's staff.
JUNE 1st, The C in C of the B.E.F. Lord Gort arrived at Admiralty
Pier at 0605.
The tugs "SunX1", "Sun X11", "Sun V11", 'Océan Cock", "Challenge"
"Crested Cock", and "Fairplay 17 with one sailing barge in tow left
for Dunkirk. The tugs were intended to assist disabled craft and
carried out this duty off the Belgian coast until they were forced
back by heavy air attack.
Numerous motor boats left the Prince of Wales Pier for Dunkirk beaches
in tow of drifters.
H.M.S. "Harvester" and "Salamander" arrived with extensive damage
sustained during the night operations and repairs were at once carried
out by H.M.S. "Sandhurst". At midnight enemy air craft attempted
to lay magnetic mines off the Harbour. Mines were laid outside
before the raiders were driven off by anti-aircraft fire. The
mines were swept up during the morning.
At 2130 the troops transport "Maid of Orleans" was badly damaged
by collision in the Harbour. Several of the troops were thrown into
the water but all were rescued by the tugs who happened to be in the
vicinity.
JUNE 2nd. The tug "Sun X1" towed in the self-propelled lighters
Sherfield" and "YeC. 63" with troops on board. At 1430 the tugs
coastal 87", and five motor-bosts in tow for the Dunkirk beaches.
"Foremost "Sun X", 'Sun X1", and "Fairplay 1" sailed with six
The tug life-boats Brassey" proceeded to the assistance of H.M.S. The "Mona's
Isle" "Lady received severe damage from enemy bombs. tug
X11", and "Ocean 22" Cock" refused to go owing to their lack of protection.
"Foremost which had sailed at 2000 for Dunkirk. The tugs "Sun V11", "Sun
JUNE the day troops were arriving in "Glenway" the Harbour returned in all
from of craft. beaches filled with soldiers, in the got channel.
kinds 3rd. During The sailing barges "H.A.C." and who had them off
and sailed the Dunkirk them until they were picked boats. up by tug
Some No troops came in Belgian to the fishing Dunkirk beaches on account Base made of a the
quantity of brows "Halcyon", "Speedwell", brows were used with
strong easterly wind. and ladders which were put "Vega", "Princess "Venimous",
boats could be sent During the day the Repair aboard H.M.S.
"Vanquisher", "Express", and "Malcolm". The numbers of troops
Elixabeth", splendid effect "Sutton" at Dunkirk Mole and large were
brought off during the night.
JUNE 4TH. Tugs "Sun V11", and "Sun X11" left towing H.M.S. "Bideford"
On completion of the up for the passage and following to days every
to Portsmouth for repairs. operation of disembarking their troops Home from Ports Dunkirk and
destroyers were patched During this day small craft, barges,
endeavour subsequently was sailed. made to return the numerous lighters
and tugs to their Ports.
NOTES.
ASUALTIES.
During the this H.M.S.
10th to Port, June of 4th whom a "Sandhurst" total of
dealt.wistely 6,880 wounded were and over 60 suffering from shock and
50 dead.
EFECTS.
The 26 Repair Base and H.M.S. "Sandhurst" by bomb and holes splinters temporarily rigging. in them and ai a
suffered repaired craft cannon. damage also the

Details

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

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
side by two further hits, within a few inches of the to port, which the
bomb hit. It seems probable for the that ship serious took a damage heavy list was now caused to
until the upper deck was with one anchor down. water. Steam was increased
lost and the ship stopped, depth charges set to safe and Torpedoes were gradually
no range on and all were jettisoned.
As the ship was now settling, the order Rear-Admiral to abandon Wake-Walker transferred
the Keith to M.T.B. 102 this moment a further series ship was given, and from
shook the ship with near misses amongst the men in the water.
the men left her. At which landed of dive bombing most attacks of
took off survivors and picked up men water. The skoot Hilda
About 0830 the tug St. Abbs came alongside in the and assisted by the tug Vincia
was bombed and sunk. As late as 1100 men were still struggling in the oil
rescued 7 ratings. An unidentified grey yacht which was picking up survivors
Lt. Gen. Laidsell, 2 officers, and 20 ratings. The minesweeper Salamander rescued
slick, and the motor barge Sherfield, which had arrived off the coast with a small
convoy of 2 X lighters and a motor launch, rescued 15.
At about 0940 aircraft again appeared, and the Keith was sunk in a salvo of
bombs from about 50 of the enemy. Three officers and 33 men were reported
lost.
Ten minutes later the St. Abbs, by this time off Dunkirk, was hit by bombs
and sank in 45 seconds. Of the 135 officers, ratings and trcops on board, 30
were left swimming in the water, including the Captain of the Keith, Capt. E. L.
Berthon, D.S.C., R.N., who was saved.
Meanwhile the Skipjack, which had been busy off Malo embarking troops
and fighting off continuous air attacks from 0530 which had reduced her
ammunition supply to about 12 rounds a gun, was dive-bombed at 0845 by 10
aircraft and hit by 2 bombs. A minute later 3 more bombs hit her. She
turned turtle and floated bottom upwards for about 2 minutes before finally
sinking. A few survivors were picked up by the Hilda and the St. Abbs. Nearly
all the 275 troops on board were below decks and had no chance to escape.
Enemy aircraft machine-gunned men in the water.
Ivanhoe damaged, Basilisk sunk.
Already, by this time, another destroyer had been put out of action. At
0800 off Dunkirk harbour, the Ivanhoe, with 1,000 troops on board which she
had embarked from La Panne, was dive-bombed and hit amidships. Damage
was severe and she had 26 killed and 30 wounded. The troops and wounded the
were transferred to the Havant, the Speedwell and the yacht Grive; and
proceeded to Sheerness. tug While within radius of 1 mile of No. 6 W buoy,
Ivanhoe, assisted by the Persia and escorted by the War Dept. M. L. Haig, 3
waves (each of 21 bombers) attacked the a Ivanhoe and other vessels in that area
for half an hour, but the Ivanhoe received no further damage.
and Dunkirk, the Basilisk the also Keith and bombed off La Panne. Three room,
At about the time that Ivanhoe were under attack off attacks Bray
were made. In the first was being exploded in No. 3 boiler out of
action; six other bombs auxiliary exploded steam underneath lines the ship, causing the upper
cutting the main and attack one bomb and putting all machinery deck
and the ship's sides to buckle.
Torpedoes and depth charges were jettisoned and at 0845 the ship was
floating on an even keel.
An hour later, while efforts were being made by the French trawler Jolie
90

Details

Details

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

Details

Details

rata
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
CONFIDENTIAL
MESSAGE.
0748/3rd June
OUT
COSPIDENTIAL
286
To V.A.Dover, 488
& 4 OF THEM STATE 1
DATE 5.6.40
Repeated 0. in C. Nore. 982
Rejoy 0. in O. Portsmouth 245.
P.O. 1/c London.
0
Commodore 1/c Sheerness 618.
SENT
Cortland 567.
616
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
COME
N.O. 1/c Newhaven
War Office.
P.O.
2/0
(282)
Y.O.
i/c
2/6 By T/2
From Admiralty.
RES
&
IMPORTANT. 1/0 Crimsby.
1/6 Yarmouth.
Reference Admiralty message 2321/1.
instructions regarding disposal of tuge and lighters
should be amended as follows 80 far as craft named
are concernedi-co
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
Gravesend -
GHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA,
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COOK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOOK,
GUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
They should be utilised as fully as possible for
towage of craft or boats to be returned to the
Thames or elsewhere en route.
off
(11) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
be Date of B, 7. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENGHMAN to Portsmouth with barges
(84324C) Wt 84295/31 200 Pads 11/39 H,J,R&L,Ld Gp 684
SNOUDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These barges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANOA on 29th May.
(b) FOREMOST 87 to Weymouth with any convenient
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) below.
(c) PAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if sufficiently
seaworthy, for towage as in (1) above.
(d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges BARK and SHETLAND.
These barges were left at Dover on 20th Bay by
FOREMOST 87.
OD.
(8)
(111) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 22 should return to station
at Southend and Newhaven respectively taking any
convenient tow.
(iv)
If any of the tugs named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangements
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENOHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 94 hours
standessy before proceeding Westward.
(v)
The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, AFRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be returned
to Themes but will be allocated, if still seaworthy
to West Coast. FOREMOST 87 should take one pair to
Teymouth. Instructions for disposal of this pair
and of remainder will follow later.
0748/3
For D. of S.T.
V.O.N.S.
N.(2)
Sir J.Foley
A.O.N.S.(H)
S.T.N.4.
D. of (3)
D. of S.T.
A.C.N.S.(T)
C.C.R.T.
S.T.N.6A.
Mr.Justice
0.0.(8)
D. of S.T.
S.T.N.63:
W.P.L.
Mr.D.H.Ndwards
Dps. (4)
Mr.F.V.Cross
Nr.Bellamy
Capt.Fisher
Extra

Details

Page 6.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
#
RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
PELLAG II
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL Renumed FRANCOLIN NOWJACKDAN
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN x
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
SUN XI
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
Renamed Wranglu.
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

indicates Card for read and visal on newser driving
It.
NELSON (MB)
VINCIA. (Tug)
NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT.
No 4
WALMER CASTLE
No 101
Hopper barges.
WESSEX (Lighter)
No 102
WEST. COVE
WEST GROVE
ORIENT LINE (M.B)
WOLFE (WD wap)
WOOTTON (J-g-w Fevry)
PERSIA (Tug)
W24 (Hopper Barge)
PIGEON (WD Crap.)
PRIMA (Tug)
X 95
PUDGE
X 134
(Lighters)
x 209
QUEEN'S CHANNEL (Hopper Baye)
QUEENSLAND
YC 63
YC 71
(highten)
RICAS
yc 72
ROBERT CLIFF
ROWAN (Smack)
ST.ABBS
ST. CLEARS
# ST. FAGAN
Dialy 'Lhila (T.M.1899/UND)
ST. OLAF
SAMBRA (M.B)
SAVIOUR
Claim all
SEINE
SHEFFIELD (M.Bmge)
SILICIA (Coaster)
SINGAPORE
SMALL VIKING
SPEEDWELL renamed FRANCOLIN
now JACKDAW.
SPRITE (Harborn Camch)
SULTAN
SUN IV
SUN X
(Tugs)
SUN XI
SWALLOW
S.O. ONE
TANGA (Tug)
TENIAS
THYFORSA
THYRA renamed WRANGLER
TUG XV
37270.
# Smith

Details

PELLAG II
ANTHE MARIA (Fishing boat)
PERSIA (Tug)
PIGEON (WD crap)
PRIMA (Tug)
INTA (Trawler)
PUDGE
67. (Hopper Bmse)
QUEEN'S CHANNEL (Hopper Baye)
HANNA (Eel Boat)
QUEENSLAND
RDAN
RICAS
IGSGATE
ROBERT CLIFF
ROWAN (Smack)
BRASSEY (Resene ing)
ST. ABBS
SHEILA
ST. CLEARS
SOUTHBOROUGH (Hopper Bange)
# ST. FAGAN
VDANIA
ST OLAF
ROC
SAMBRA (M.B)
us
SAVIOUR
UISIANA ? Orusisana
SEINE
SHEFFIELD (m Bange)
ERRANT Marad Errant
SILICIA ( Coastin )
LDEN
SILVER BREEZE Schney Breye
ANNIE IV
# SILVER QUEEN rosemb
BOROUGH (WD craft)
SINGAPORE Card for
ARQUIS (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
ASSEY SHAW Fire Hoat)
SPEEDWELL renamed FRANCOLIN now JACKDA
YSPEA
SPRITE (Hanhour Lannch)
NWOOD
SULTAN
BOAT 42
SUN IV
-
27 27B. B.
SUN X
(Tugs)
:
43 (RAF)
SUN XI
--
101
..
SWALLOW
..
102
--
SO.ONE
- 243
,
- 270
"
TANGA (Tug)
- 275
TENIAS
THYFORSA
NETTE (M.L) Cand fw Nanette II
THYRA Renamed WRAN
ELSON (MB)
TUG XV TUG XVI
WHAVEN LIFEBOAT
37270
4
101
Hopper Banges
VINCIA (Tug)
102
WALMER CASTLE
BREEZE
FERIA offerma
WESSEX (highter)
WEST.COVE
IVIA
WEST GROVE
RIENT LINE (M.B)
WHITE HEATHER (M.B)
WOLFE (WD crap)
WOOTTON ( log W Ferry)
W 24 (Hopper Bange)
over

Details

Hire and
Repairs and
Expenses
Replacements
Total
Vessel
Type
Claimant
Paper No.
£
S
d
£
8
d
£
S
"SKYLARK"
"SOUTHERN QUEEN"
---
The Southern Railway
3 9
"FERRY NYMPH"
Company
AG.3/3531/40.Pt.I
"DIANA" &
"SCORCHER"
Tugs
Clements, Knowling
19 1 9
& Co. Ltd.
"
"
"
3
1
-
"MAY C"
Tug
W.F. Corsan
"
"
"
"CULEX""APAR"
"ABONIA"
}
159 5 6
Tugs
Gaselee & Son Ltd.
"
"
"
"WASP" "KNAT"
& "SAURIA"
"JOHN HAWKINS"
Tug
John Hawkins
"
11
"
23 15 10
Humphery & Grey
12 10 -
(Lighterage) Ltd.
"
"
"
"AUGUSTA" "KATIA"
& "KHURDAH"
Tugs
"
"
"
80 16 2
J.P. Knight Ltd.
"RIO" "LECTRO"
& "DITTO"
"
Union Lighterage
Co. Ltd.
"
If
"
57 10 -
Various Barges
P.L. Authority
"
"
Pt.II
49 15 2
"SKYLARK"
Brighton, Hove &
Worthing Gas Co.
11
11
"
2 3 8
"ARCADIA"
"PERSIA" &
m
Tugs
William Watkins Ltd.
"
"
Pt.I
1626 5 -
"TANGA"
"BEATRICE MAUD"
& "SPURGEON"
3
S.Bs.
J. P. Knight Ltd.
"
If
11
20
-
I
S.T. New Quay,
Sandbanks Yacht
Co.Ltd.
"
"
Pt.II
Poole
1 8 -
"PASS OF BALLATER"
Tanker
Bulk Oil Steamship
Co. Ltd.
"
"
"
3 10 -
Various and Tug
"SECURITY"
J.W.Cook & Co. Ltd.
"
"
Pt. I
65 4 8
H.Trust & Son
"
"
BELGIAN
Trawlers
Pt.II
2 10 -
Various
Tugs
Soton, I.of W. & S.
England Royal Mail
Stm. Pkt. Co. Ltd.,
"
"
11
16 16 -
Various
Gamecock Steam
Towing Co. Ltd.
"
"
"
13 2 5
W.G.James & Sons Ltd.
"
"
"
"ESKBURN"
S.S.
13 3 2
If
"TEANO"
Ellerman's Wilson
"
"
"
Line Ltd.
19 14 9
"
"
11
Southern Railway Co.
Various
94 10 -

Details

Page 6.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
# RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.)
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
#
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.)
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
in
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
)
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
#
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PELLAG II
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN X
SUN XI
~~~
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

COPY OF REPORT.
65
(DOVER HARBOUR TO DUNKIRK &
RETURN TO GRAVESEND)
Tug "CERVIA."
154
31st May, 1940.
Wind Light West.
We left Dover Harbour at 9-45 p.m. towing sailing barge
ROYALTY" part loaded with cans of fresh water and provisions, bound for
alo, Dunkirk. "e were in company with Tug "PERSIA", towing two sailing
Darges. It was pitch dark towing up through the Downs and we had to
keep our navigation lights burning on account of the number of H.M.
Destroyers which we kept meeting.
1st June, 1940. (Saturday).
About 12-30 a.m. we should have been abrest the North Goodwins
Light Vessel, but we could not find it and we set our course from the
Gull Light Buoy. S.E.4 E.24 miles to tow to the Ruytingen Pass Light
Buoy which we passed about 5-0 a.m. The stern barge of the "PERSIA'S"
tow had broken adrift twice on the way accross on account of the heavy
wash from the passing Destroyers, and we had to ease in and wait for
"PERSIA" whilst he picked her up. From the Ruytingen Pass Buoy we
steerëd a course S toward No. 5. Buoy in the West Dunkirk Roads, All
sorts of craft were coming round the buoy all fully loaded with troops,
and a batch of about 20 Belgium motor fishermen bore down on us, the
leader asking us the way to England. I sang out the course and told him
to follow the other traffic and he would be all right. I heard afterwards
that they all passed over the Goodwin Sands on the High time Water and
landed their troops and refugees safely on this side. We had to ease
down many times whilst towing up the Dunkirk Roads as the Destroyers and
Cross Channel pakkets were coming down from the Mole in a 20 knot
procession, but we had a good towrope and it held on.
The oil works to the west of Dunkirk Harbour were on fire and
a black pall of smoke hung over the town. As we passed the pierhead,
Destroyers were embarking troops and some were backing out of the harbour.
The "PERSIA" was now about 2 miles astern of us, and about a mile East
of the Pierhead we gave our barge a good full speed tow and he slipped
the towrope and steered her head first up on the shore at Malo, at 7-20 a.m.
We dropped our anchor and watched the barge. Soldiers began to rund
down the beach towards her, but guns started to bang away on the oubskirts
of Dunkirk and an air raid siren blew and the soldiers went back to shelter.
A British Destroyer outside of us began to fire at the enemy
planes and bombs began to fall near her as she steamed about. At full
speel with her helm hard to port nine bombs fell in a line in the water,
along her starboard side, and they exploded under water, heeling the
Destroyer over on her beam ends, but she was righted again and a sloop
joined in the gun fire, also shore batteries, and as the raiders made
off they over towards the land they machine gunned us and we returned
the fire with our Lewis gun.
I immediately hove up our anchor and kept the Tug underwigh
as I could see we were likely to get run down whilst the destroyers were
twisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore
a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevedores
were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat
and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the
next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

COPY OF STATEMENT.
(2)
155
HMS keith
Steam and smoke were coming away from the Destroyer, and she
n to take a list. I began to run towards her, as also did the Tug
ABBS", but the planes were bombing her again, intent on finishing
off, so we had to sheer away from her. Her guns were going all
time as she steamed round and round, but she stopped as she must
re been hit again. She let go her anchor and swing round to head
the tide, as the crew began to take to the boats and rafts we made
r her again. As the bombers came over and machine-gunned the crew
3 they were all jumping overboard and the Tug "VINCIA", which was
oming in the Bast end of the Roads began to pick them up, and the
'ST. ABBS" had got alongside her starboard bow and the sloop was also
going to their assistance, so I turned rouried to a motor boat full of
soldiers and picked them up.
lvanhoe
At this time I could see that another Destroyer had been dis-
abled to the West of the Harbour, and a 'plane had just dropped a bomb
on a small oil tanker astern of the "VINCIA" which went up in flames.
A direct hit on the stern of the sinking Destroyer blew up her depth
charges and we made to the sailing barge #TOLLESBURY" which was sig-
nalling us. We went alongside of her and were requested to tow her
out of it as she had over two hundred soldiers under her main hatch.
We passed the motore lifeboat "ORIENT IV" on to her stern and began to
tow her down the Dunkirk Roads.
A Cross-Channel boat was backing out of the Harbour full of
troops, and no more troops were to be seen on the Pierhead, when,
West of the Pierhead we saw that the "PERSIA" had the other disabled
Destroyer in tow and he was blowing for us. But we could not catch
him as the Destroyer had one engine going as well.
The "VINCIA" by this time, was passing us with her decks
laden with survivors of the sunken Destroyer, and as we all came to
No. 5 W. Buoy to turn out to sea, here the gun fire from shore batteries
and Destroyers and trawlers was terrific as about 20 planes flew towards
us to try and stop us getting away. The "PERSIA's" Destroyer put up a
smoke screen, and we watched nine bombs fall from a plane and drop
right alongside a Cross-channel boat that was bound in, but she kept
going. Then a plane over us released five bombs and we watched them
fall and they dropped in to the sea about 100 feet on our port bow,
lifting the Tug bodily out of the water. Another bomb was aimed at
the "PERSIA" which missed and must have put water on her deck, and yet
another was aimed at the "VINCIA" which also missed. The Lewis gun
on our barge was going all the time with ours.
A squadron of our planes was coming over and the Enemy 'planes
began to turn away. A bomb exploded between a Sloop towing a disabled
Destroyer, and I think it must have parted the towrope as I could see
they were trying to get connected again soon afterwards. The "PERSIA"
and Destroyer began to draw away from us, also the "VINCIA", and we
continued on our tow.
A mine was exploded near us by a navy motor boat and when we
arrived in the Downs we were met by the examination Tug "JAVA" about
3-0 p.m. and were ordered to Ramsgate. "e hove barge up alongside and
anchored at Quern Buoy 4-45 p.m. where a motor boat launch came off
and took ashore about 100 troops and returned for the others, with orders
for us to tow barge to Gravesend.
In all, we brought about 230 troops out of Dunkirk, the Barge
"TOLLESBURY" and crew, and crew of "DUCHESS" and crew and Soldier steve-
dores of "ROYALTY" and Motor boat "ORIENT IV". We andored at Southend
10-0 p.m. and proceeded to Gravesend at 7-0 a.m. on Sunday 2nd June,
arriving at Lobster Buoy with "TOLLESBURY" 9-30 a.m. Went to Pier and
handed "ORIENT IV" over to Custom House,
(Signed) W.H. Simmons.
Master of Tug "CERVIA".

Details

COPY.
64
EXTRACTS FROM LOG.
22nd May, 1940 to 6th June.
156
s.t. "PERSIA"
a May.
Left Gravesend 9-0 a.m towing barge "CELTIC" and Motor barge
AFFORD" for Dover, anchored Southend 11-0 a.m. for signal to proceed.
ve up at 2-15 p.m. Arrived at Dover Submarine Base 9-30 p.m., made
ast at West Wall 9-45 p.m.
3rd May.
Underweigh at 10-30 a.m. Towed barge "CELTIC" to her unload-
ing berth, then made fast at West Wall at 11-0 a.m., standing by.
24th May,
Underweigh at Noon. Went in Dock took in 19 tons 7 cwts. of
coal, finished at 2-30 p.m. Made fast at Submarine base at 2-45 p.m.
Standing by.
25th May.
Underweigh at 5-15 p.m. with Tug "FOREMOST 87" towing
Destroyer "H.73" stern first for rtsmouth.
26th May,
Anchored at 6-20 p.m. abreast of Nab Tower, Port being closed.
Hove up at 7-30 p.m., anchored Destroyer off Ryde at 1° p.m., our
services being finished. Anchoring Tug at 1°-15 p.m. for the night.
27th May.
Hove up at 6-30 a.m., steaming for Dover. Arriving 5-20 p.m.
made fast in Submarine Base 5-30 p.m. Standing by.
28th May.
Underweigh at 11-15 a.m. Shifting small craft, etc., until
4-50 p.m. Then made fast at South Wall at 5-0 p.m. Standing by.
29th May.
Underweigh at 9-0 a.m. Twwing Dumb barges "SARK" and
"SHETLAND" for Dunkirk. Tow parted abreast Goodwin Fork Buoy.
After some careful operations we got connected up again. Tow again
parted and was connected up and we arrived and anchored 4 miles east
of Dunkirk, at 5-0 a.m. on 30th May.
30th May.
Underweigh at 12-45 p.m. Received orders to tow barges to
East Pierhead Dunkirk. On arrival we received orders to anchor barges
as close as it was prudent, and motor boat would pull them on the
beach. Left Dunkirk 4-° p.m. with soldiers and equipment, anchoring in
the Downs at Midnight.
31st May.
Hove up at 5-45 a.m. proceeded to Dover, made fast at Prince
of Wales Pier at 7-0 a.m.
(Continued)

Details

COPY.
EXTRACTS FROM LOG.
(2)
157
s.t. "PERSIA"
C May.
Underweigh at 7-15 a.m. Assisted French Destroyer off
iralty Pier to sea, finished 8-0 a.m., made fast at Quay. Took in
tons of coal and 15 tons of water. Underweigh at 10-30 p.m. with
rges "GLENWAY" and "SARK" for Dunkirk.
st June.
Stern barge carried away at 2-10 a.m., connected up again
5-15 a.m. Arriving East Quay Dunkirk at 8-0 a.m. Air raid was on:
Received orders to tow barges 1 mile east of Pierhea and let them sail
ashore. During these movements we had bombs droped all round us, and
I noticed one of our Destroyers hit, which proved to be the "IVANHOE".
I at once steamed full speed towards her, and found she had been hit.
I was told to get her in tow, and we had her in tow in a few minutes.
During the tow the concussions of the bombs and gunfire caused our
towing hawser to carry away. Only a few minutes had elapsed when
we had another hawser on board the Destroyer and were towing her towards
Dover. For over two hours we were being bombed and fired on by German
'planes, until our own 'planes came in sight and then the Enemy flew
off. Towing by the shore batteries they fired about 15 rounds at us,
but all missed their object. Abreast of the North Goodwin Light
Vessel we received orders from the Destroyer to tow on to Sheerness.
In the vicinity of the Oaze we were met by a Government Tug, and he
made fast alongide and assisted us to tow same to Chatham Dockyard.
Another Tug came to assist us at Garrison Point. We finished with
the Destroyer at 9-15 p.m., ran to Sheerness and made fast to a Buoy
at 10-0 p.m.
2nd June.
Underweigh at 7-30 a.m. Went alongside Sheerness Dockyard,
awaiting orders, etc. Left Sheerness at mid-day with oil tender for
Margate Roads and lifeboats for Ramsgate. We had a nasty Easterly
breeze and could not proceed very fast. We made Margate 8-0 p.m. and
Ramagate 9-15 p.m. Then ran to Deal and anchored 10-0 p.m.
3rd June.
Underweigh at 6-0 a.m., making for Dover. Arriving alongside
Admiralty Pier at 7-0 a.m. Standing by.
4th June.
Lying alongside Quay. 'Standing by'.
5th June,
Left Dover at mid-day with small motor craft,a breast of
South Foreland, heavy swell, had to return to Dover with craft, made
same fast to Quay. Reported this to "ing's Harbour Master. Awaiting
orders. 3-45 p.m. received orders for Gravesend. Left Dover at
4-0 p.m., arriving at Gravesend 10-40 p.m.
(Signed) H. Aldrich.
Master of Tug "PERSIA".

Details

120
in No 1 Briles wom in tow of Persia
closed him & ashed if he wanted
The Captain ashed we to exent
which I did
after circling him
as awaraft were active I
enemy he had slipped his tow '&a
that be procuding at about 12kh Ivanhoe "Pesse
astern but at ho 6 Bud,
told we to instruct "Peria to new
tow was being be connected rouke
for As half an hour, three "Sanhae", waves of
every bombers, attached
transports sentifo ing muscellanems
when 2 miles the 6 W. Budy. both
all all possible at 30 knot with anicraft
funo to m not, keep them at with
ing, whether every hey
large Continu all circled what was tug
Convay of the damaged des troyer about
third resul with a barge in tors
tug (Incia orDonal with hosh al
of hoops Inaccurate bombing usult
one salvo falling wal' Persia".
appeared from S.W. but was soon di
Subsequently a sample
the um ander the tup was made
heal "W Bud, another tug bound for
incident. I had any 3 have of ammy
was ant acted x sent to a des to aif
distress was Hills Banck
Finally heal horth
"Ivanhoe. ashed we to Contenue esca
Sheetness or unfit D.Y. typs arrived.
nek.