Details

ARLEY
Oropesa Trawler
Skr. Lt. G.W. Robinson,
R.D., R.N.R.
27th May
Ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
Shelled off Calais. Returned to
Dover.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5 other
Oropesa trawlers of the Dover n/s
Command under the command of the tr.
Fyldea (q.v.)
1430
Arrived off the entrance of Dunkirk
harbour.
Entered in company with tr. Fyldea
and towed the P/V Lochgarry away from
In
the quayside. The Arley moored
alongside the east pier, astern of
the tr. Fyldea; the trs. John
Cattling and Calvi then berthed out-
side the Arley - Calvi being the
outside ship (see Fyldea).
1530ca
Air attack. Bombs dropped either side
of the east pier.
1630ca
Several air attacks followed at short
intervals. During one of these tr.
Polly Johnson, was damaged.
1830ca
The dr. Grenade was hit and also the
Calvi. Both ships soon commenced
settling down. The John Cattling was
now fouled by the Calvi settling
alongside her. Arley therefore towed
her astern, clear of the Calvi.
Arley then went alongside the pier
again and embarked troops.
1815ca
Arley proceeded out of harbour.
-
Closed the tr. Polly Johnson which was
leaking badly. Between Nieuport and
Middelkerke buoys, transferred
Polly Johnson's crew and troops to
Arley; fired 2 rounds of common
shell at Polly Johnson's waterline and
proceeded for Dover.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 90 troops.
30th May
-
Dover. Disembarked 45 troops. (1)
Total 135
Authority - R.C.II, p.523.
(1) D.R. Commander M/S does not mention this trip.
69

Details

Details

FYLDEA
Oropesa trawler (Dover
M/S Command)
Lieut. R. Bill, R.N.
Asst. to Cdr. M/S Dover.
Lieut. J.K.N. Warde,
R.N.V.R., Unit Officer.
Skipper G. Whamond.
27th May
-
Mine-sinking duties, under orders of
the M/S Skipjack.
29th May
0430
Sailed from Ramsgate, in company the 5
Oropesa trs. Arley, Brock, Calvi,
John Cattling and Polly Johnson.
1330
Off Dunkirk harbour, Fyldea and Arley
were ordered inside to pull the P/V
Lochgarry away from the Western (1.e.
inner) side of the East pier.
1420
The other 4 trawlers entered the harbour
and all six of them (triple-banked)
occupied the Lochgarry's berth.
Ahead of the six trawlers was the dr.
Grenade, and outside the Grenade was
the dr. Jaguar. Astern of the
use
then
trawlers was the P/V Canterbury, and
astern of the Canterbury a French
destroyer.
On the eastern (or outer) side of the
east pier was the P/V Fenella, and
at about 1430, the Sp. S/V Crested
Eagle berthed astern of her.
Two French destroyers were on the
opposite side of the harbour.
1530
First air attack, by 6 or 7 bombers;
20/30 bombs dropped, mostly wide.
Polly Johnson damaged by a near miss.
One bomber shot down by fighters.
The six trawlers commenced embarking
troops.
1550ca
The Jaguar, full of trcops, left
harbour to escort the Lochgarry.
1630
Second air attack; 20/30 bombs dropped.
The Jaguar, off the harbour entrance
severely damaged by a near miss.
Raiders driven off by fighters.
The P/V Canterbury left harbour, and
a destroyer [the Verity] took her
Third berth. air attack, by waves of bombers;
1800
about 100 bombs dropped. The
Grenade and the Calvi hit; the
latter sank immediately, the former
shortly after. The east pier was hit
abreast of the Fenella, which was
so damaged that, after transferring
her troops to the Crested Eagle, she
had to be abandoned. [The Crested
Eagle swung clear and proceeded;
but she was hit almost at once,
caught fire and (she was a wooden
Verity slipped and turned ship in
ship) had to be beached. The
the channel. At this stage there
was the troops who began climbing of
an inclination to panic among out
one [cdr. J.C. Clouston,
ship into another. The R.N.] Piermast-
instructed er Lieut. Bill to draw his
revolver, and order was restored.
349

Details

FYLDEA (continued)
29 th May
1805
(contd.)
The Verity cleared the entrance and
1815ca
proceeded to Bray.
The wreck of the Grenade was now
drifting down on to the five trawlers;
the John Cattling was ordered to
attempt to pull her clear. [This
trawler remained in the harbour until
dark to assist the Piermaster].
The Polly Johnson and the Brock
picked up troops and survivors and
proceeded out of harbour; the Arley
was clear, and Lieut. Bill just
managed to jump aboard the Fyldea
as she was leaving the pier. These
4 trawlers then proceeded to the
beaches, where, however, there were
found to be adequate ships for the
troops available.
-
Near Nieuport Bank buoy, the Arley,
which had been standing by the
Polly Johnson, which was leaking
badly and whose engines were damaged
embarked her crew and troops and sank
her by gunfire.
1900ca
With Brock in company, the Fyldea
proceeded to the Jaguar, off Nieuport
Bank buoy; a destroyer the Express
was alongside her taking off her
troops. The Fyldea was ordered to
escort the Jaguar, which had no boats.
The Brock was ordered to proceed
independently.
1930ca
Fourth air attack; four dive bombers
attacked the Jaguar. A fifth bomber
attacked the Fyldea and dropped 6
bombs. The Fyldea took evasive
action; no damage. Jaguar was now
able to increase speed and was soon
out of sight.
-
Between T and S buoys, Fyldea overtook
Brock, who could only steam at half
speed. Fyldea embarked Brock's
survivors and troops, 3 of whom were
seriously wounded.
30th May
0300
Fyldea arrived at Dover. Disembarked
41 troops. (1) Lieut. Bill disem-
barked. The report of the Fyldea's
second trip is compiled from the
reports of the tr. Brock and the M/B'E
Britannia and Skylark'6].
31st May
1030
The M/B Britannia made fast to the
The Fyldea left Dover towing the M/B's
Fyldea at a buoy.
1355(2)
Britannia and Skylark 6, in company
the tr. Brock, towing 4 M/B's, all
bound for Dunkirk by Y route.
A8 Middel Kerke Bank buoy could not
be located, decided to return to R
buoy and proceed by X route.
logged and was abandoned].
[one of Brock's M/B's became water-
(1) D.R. This appears to be an underestimate.
(2) The Brock says it was 350 1410.

Details

GRENADE
28th May
(H.86) 0500 Destroyer A (Nore Command) Cdr. R.C. Boyle, R.N.
and patrol, established Kwinte between Bank light the N. Goodwin L.V.
Javelin, by buoy, was
0700ca
Survivors and of the S.S. Aboukir(
of a F.A.A. Gladiator 1)
detached transferred to the Grenade, were which
Presumably, the Grenade landed these
from the destroyer flotilla. was
survivors and then proceeded to
1730
The Grenade sailed from Dunkirk with
Dunkirk, where she embarked troops.
over 900 troops on board.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,000
troops. (2)
29th May(3)
0830
Proceeded to Dunkirk by route I, the
drs. Gallant and Jaguar in company.
1155
Dive bomber attack off Snouw bank.
The Gallant was damaged and retired.
1250
The Grenade berthed alongside the
west side of the east pier; the
Jaguar berthed outside her. Grenade
did not embark troops, because S.N.O.
Dunkirk stated that he wanted a
destroyer to remain alongside.
1400
The P/V Lochgarry, which was berthed
ahead of the Grenade, cast off
(assisted by the trs. Fyldea and
Arley) and left the harbour.
1420ca
The Fyldea, and the 5 trawlers Arley,
Polly Johnson (the last 4 having just
Brock, Calvi, John Cattling and
entered the harbour), then occupied
the berth vacated by the Lochgarry.
The Fyldea and Arley secured along- 4
side the pier; the remaining
trawlers secured alongside them,
Air three abreast. commenced. Grenade pier could
1530ca
attacks fire because the the
not on her side.
was on
Jaguar was ordered to provide She
The Jaguar for the Lochgarry. Lochgarry
A/A cover off and closed the harbour
which cast was then off the
Two a the two near also in trawlers S/V were
There damaged;
Crested casualties [See Fyldea] Eagle the and eastern which in was the side Sp. berthed of the
Air alongaide east attack. pier. The Jaguar, off the
1630ca
(1) The Abukir was 220 survivors including were
killed crew, troops fire.
the
(2) (3)
D.R. D.R. records in the a 29th May. This is of evidently an from error.
Lad
Grenade on

Details

2
GRENADE (contd.)
1630ca
29th (contd. May
(contd.)
harbour entrance, was
Fenella, east which was berthed on P/V
damaged by & near miss. severely The
and had to be abandoned; her
side of the east pier was the hit
troops were transferred to the
Crested Eagle.
1700ca
The dr. Verity berthed ahead of the
six trawlers, in a berth which
had just been vacated by the P/V
Canterbury.
1750ca
Attack by dive bombers. A near miss
blew a hole in Grenade's side.
The tr. Calvi, ahead of the
Grenade, was hit and sank.
The Grenade then received two hits
which put the engines out of action
and started a fire.
1800ca
The Verity left the harbour.
The Grenade, now on fire in the
boiler room, the upper mess deck
and the canteen flat, swung round
enabling many of her officers and
men to step on board the tr.
The Grenade was ordered to abandon ship
Polly Johnson.
1815ca
some of her survivors were picked
up board the tr. Fyldea.
by the tr. Brock, others
Boyle The jumped Grenade stepped on was into the now the awash, last water of and the and Cdr. was
Cdr. master,
-
Belgian Cdr. clear hauled and trawlers [the Boyle arranged J.C. John of on then tug the Cattling in Clouston board to fairway. with landed push the the R.N., on the Pier the Crested He the Grenade for harbour then pier, a was
they set to be
board very shortly on fire after (she
hit wooden and had
beached.].
Total 1,000.
Authority - R.O.I. p.68.
R.O.II, p.518.
R.O.VI, p.182.
Date
Lad

Details

MIRASOL
M/B
heat 19th
Omitains de corrette
See under Pauleter
Quillenton, Montenant de velowood
29th my
1010
The 6th Division (the Cyclone, direct,
1330
one Misical) smiled from Davery
Fired on by shore batteries from
1530
Ostend, about 10,000 yards distent.
The Vistral neusred alongaide the west
1539
Rick Denking.
The Signature neaisted by 2 was,
secured alongside the Histrol's
post side.
The Ovelons went alongeAde the cant
piero but shifted, by order, to the
Qual Pelix Faure,
1540
Attack by 12 hombers,
1555
One bomb struck the edge of the guay
and exploded. The Mistrel had 3
billed, 4 seriously wounded,
including the Ceptain, and 5 slightly
wounded. The second officer,
Licutenant de vaissons Guillanion,
took command,
1700
Attack by 15 dive bashers on a group
of British whips secured alongaida
the north and of the cast Dier. The
group included 2 destroyers [1.0.
Granade and the Jaguari, 3 trawlers
[actually there were six, visi the
Pylden, Ariez, Brook, Colvi, John
Cattling and Polly Johnson and N
personnel чевно1 [the Penellal.
All the British ships were 328 except
a destroyer [the Famor which got
under vay at the beginning of the
attack [she was severely Amerged by
a near miss off the harbonn entrance).
During the course of this attack
there voro no allied airoraft present.
An enemy plane was shot down on to
the beach to the west of the chonnel.
1705
French soldiers commenced to embark.
The Ceptain of the Birdoo decided to
enbark to full capacity. The Mistral
was to take what she sould.
1715
Air attack, directed against the
troops enbarking,
1730
The Biroob sailed.
The number of troops for unbarastica
fell away repidly. At this Sixe
the Mistral was the only target
afloat in the herbour the $2,
John Cettling wis still there]: a
VSS on fire and sinking 17 the howes
British destroyer [the Grenade
studing [only only the Salvil and
two trawlers yors abandoned and
the personnal ship (Vencial hit,
To Brench troops ware in vi.eu and the
had taken a list.
while getting under noy, the distrel
bomberdment continued.
attempted to holet to her notor 20131 the
she 4 troops in ber embarked and she
nearly repaired however, 80
was abandoned.
284

Details

MISTRAL
French Torpedo
boat (6th
Capitaine de corvette
Division, 2nd
Lavene.
Flotilla)
Lieutenant de vaisseau
Guillanton.
29th May
1010
The 6th Division (the Cyclone, Siroco,
1330
and Mistral) sailed from Dover.
Fired on by shore batteries from
1530
Ostend, about 10,000 yards distant.
The Mistral secured alongside the west
pier, Dunkirk.
1535
The Siroco, assisted by 2 tugs,
secured alongside the Mistral's
port side.
The Cyclone went alongside the east
pier, but shifted, by order, to the
Quai Felix Faure.
1540
Attack by 12 bombers.
1555
One bomb struck the edge of the quay
and exploded. The Mistral had 3
killed, 4 seriously wounded,
including the Captain, and 3 slightly
wounded. The second officer,
Lieutenant de vaisseau Guillanton,
took command.
1700
Attack by 15 dive bombers on a group
of British ships secured alongside
the north end of the east pier. The
group included 2 destroyers [1.e.
Grenade and the Jaguar], 3 trawlers
[actually there were six, viz: the
Fyldea, Arley, Brock, Calvi, John
Cattling and Polly Johnson and a
personnel vessel the Fenella].
All the British ships were hit except
a destroyer [the Jaguar] which got
under way at the beginning of the
attack [she was severely damaged by
a near miss off the harbour entrance].
During the course of this attack
there were no allied aircraft present.
An enemy plane was shot down on to
the beach to the west of the channel.
1705
French soldiers commenced to embark.
The Captain of the Siroco decided to
embark to full capacity. The Mistral
was to take what she could.
1715
Air attack, directed against the
troops embarking.
1730
The Siroco sailed.
The number of troops for embarkation
fell away rapidly. At this time
the Mistral was the only target
afloat in the harbour [the tr.
John Cattling was still there] a
British destroyer [the Grenade
was on fire and sinking by the bows;
two trawlers were abandoned and
sinking [only one, the Calvi and
the personnel ship Fenella hit,
had taken a list.
No French troops were in view and the
bombardment continued.
While getting under way, the Mistral
-
attempted to hoist in her motor boat;
The
she nearly capsized however, Bo the
4 troops in her were embarked and she
was abandoned.
285

Details

Oropesa trawler
POLLY JOHNSON
Skipr. Lieut. L. Lake, R.D.
R.N.R.
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5
29th May
Oropesa trawlers of the Dover M/S
command, under Lieut. Bill, R.N. in
the tr. Fyldea (q.v.)
2150
1330ca
Off Dunkirk harbour.
1420ca
Entered the harbour and berthed along-
side the tr. Brock which lay along-
side the Fyldea; the Fyldea was
secured alongside the east pier.
1600
Air attack. Damaged by a near miss.
Six casualties.
1815ca
Polly Johnson got clear of the harbour
vone
with survivors of the dr. Grenade
2nd
and troops on board.
1830ca
Ship making water fast. Water over the
stokehold floors. Signalled tr.
Arley to keep close to Polly Johnson.
Ordered to transfer troopa and crew
to the Arley. The Arley fired 2
rounds at the Polly Johnson. When
last seen Polly Johnson was afloat,
midway between Middel Kerke Bank and
Nieuport Bank buoys.
Nil
Arrived
Total 618
Authority - R.O.IV, R.O.II, p.517. p.166. Portsdown she
you or)
- 20.11, 8.207=
P.O.TII. P.66.
following made:
Kention 1n Despatches
R.H. Ghurch, R.N.K.
CL. E. white.
sta. F.O.
is Rumel,
4/818
P.A. Kent.
Ord, See.
A.T. Burton.
3
(1) First in D.I.
Duan M or Wilson Insurance Lid
minesveeper. shown degaussed, This
WES

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
M.T.B. 107 447
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 68 405
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 67,
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
D.C.M.B., 484
CHICO
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 x476
M.A.S.M. No. 7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8V487 8 491
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
193
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
VEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
X
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
x
TARANSAY

Details

8
The following REPORTS have been extracted from this file
and are being fowarded under cover of Vice Admiral, Daver's
letter concerning loss of ships during operation DYNAMO.
TRAWLERS:
THOMAS BARTLETT
POLLY JOHNSON~
STELLA DORADO

Details

38. G.D.309/58
SECRET.
-
45496
5th June, 1940.
467
To: The Vice Admiral,
Dover.
Report of Operations Carried out by Ships
Under the Command of Commender M/S, Dover
during the period 26th May to 3rd June in
accordance with V.A.D's 2050/4.
I have the honour to report the following operations
carried out by M/S Vessels under my command during the period
26th May to 4th June, 1940.
The list of vessels employed in these operations is
as follows:-
LL TRAWLERS.
Thomas Bartlett."
Inverforthx
Lord Inchcape.⁴
Our Bairnsr
Lord Grey X
Clythness.x
Relonzo.
Restrivo.
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
Botanic. Dankink
Marettax FyldeaX not of Dunkisk
Arleyx
Polly Johnson.
Brockx
CalviX
John Cattling.
DANLAYERS.
Gulzar.*
Grey Mist.*
Sargasso.r
Comfort.*
Nautilus*
Starlight Rays
Thomsons.
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
Conidaw.*
Chico. X
(Continued over).

Details

-2-
497.8
sailed for
On Calais the night Roads:- of 25th/26th May, the following vessels
468
Botanic.
Fyldea.
7
Maretta.
Arley.
Polly Johnson.
Brock.
Calvi.
Grey Mist.
Conidaw.
Chico.
Playmates.
Willing Boys.
of Calais.
The object of the expedition was the possible evacuation
"Grey Mist" in charge of forces employed.
Commander M/S (Commander W.V.H. Harris R.N.) sailed in
The orders to form the expedition were received at 1900,
and vessels sailed at 2130, the first five trawlers to leave,
towing motor boats.
Vessels were ordered to rendezvous at No. 3 Buoy Calais
Roads, and await instructions from Commander M/S. Destroyer
force was in support.
On receipt of signal which had been wrongly decoded, two
motor boats were ordered into Calais Harbour. These boats had
left for the harbour when a further signal was received that
Calais was to be held at all costs, and the signal was ordered to
be sent by hand to the Brigadier Commanding Forces. "Conidaw"
was ordered to proceed immediately and deliver the message.
A further signal was then received recalling all forces
to the Downs. On receipt of this signal "Botanic" and "Maretta"
were ordered to remain until boats and "Conidaw" returned, and
Destroyer escort was asked to be provided. All other vessels
returned to the Downs.
Reports from Lieutenant Commander P.F. Cammiade R.N.V.R.,
Sub. Lieutenant M.R. Mills R.N.V.R., and Skipper R. 9nelgrove,are
attached (la, lb, lc, ld).
There was constant enemy air activity during the night,
and a considerable amount of firing ashore.
26th May. Danlaying Yachts"Gulzar" and "Grey Mist"
to Calais P.M. with Commodore W.P. Gandell, P.S.T.O. France. Report
of Lieutenant C.V. Brammall R.N.R. attached (No. 2).
"Arley" ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
She 27th May. shelled off Calais, and returned with engineer
seriously was heavily wounded. Operation was then cancelled.
"Fyldea" sailed, buoy laying, under the orders of "Skipjack"
employed on mine sinking duties.
"Thomas Bartlett", recalled on report of returned to
"Inverforth", & "Our shelling Bairns" of were "Arley". sailed
for Dunkirk, but ordered were to sweep the Admiral war channel, Dover. and
They harbour were p.m. then on orders from Vice
(Continued over).

Details

-4-
- 499 68
470
command are
The submitted:- following casualties to H.M. Vessels under my
7
26th May.
"Botanic" and "Maretta" heavily bombed
on return from Calais. Both ships
damaged. (Maretta 3 weeks refitting).
28th May.
"Thomas Bartlett" mined on own field.
10 survivors.
29th May.
"Comfort" believed rammed.
"Nautilus" damaged by bombs, and
destroyed by fire. All saved (See
report of Lieutenant Gelling No.4).
"Calvi" bombed and sunk - Dunkirk
Harbour.
"Polly Johnson" badly damaged, and
sunk by "Arley" (See report No.5c).
1st June.
"Brock" damaged by several near misses.
VICE A14/0/1407 ADMIRA
6- JUN 1940
*
*
T
DOVER

Details

-3-
idpper Lieut.
Robinson.
Arley.
503
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1 dalais.4
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
}kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brock.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
skipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
$kipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
Skipper
S.Bindler.
B.D. spridler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
Supper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunitiplt.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais LD.
Skipper.
Playmates.
1 off Calata.
Stather.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
Thompson.
w
of individual Officers.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Willing Boys.
1 Flushing, Calais,
Skipper.
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

Details

340/58.
505
Name.
is
Ship.
Anthony Brooke
Rank or Rating.
476
CLYTHNESS
.Heckstall Smith.
300 lin to
Walter Fredk.Salenius.
Skipper. Sub. Lt. R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
George S. Day.
what's Yook 150
Smauel B. Sussans
Mate. Chief Engineman. LT/RX 102500.
John A. Cargill.
Seaman.
LT/JX 175090.
For devotion to duty under very trying
circumstances (See report No. 6.
POLLY JOHNSON
Bonter, b
Skipper Lieut. Leonard Lake extricated his ship in a
Sunk.
sinking condition from Dunkirk in a heavy bombard-
ment. Was eventually forced to abandon ship, and
transferred his crew and himself to "Arley".
(See report Nos. 5b and c). 38 49
FYLDEA.
29/5 2/31/5
Liewt. John .K.M. Warde R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
has misses.
Thomas Owens,D.S.M.
Chief Engineer. X2573U.
?
Recommended for coolness and devotion to
duty during heavy bombing at Dunkirk.
(See report No. la).
31
BROCK.
Kenneth Henry G.Roberts.Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.
brooks
Behaved with great coolness and devotion
was became he saw no mile
to duty in assisting his Group Officer
suspected hishiplo
his ship from a perilous position).
(Lieutenant Robert Bill R.N.) to extricate
King water'
(See report No. 7).
NAUTILUS
Richard McLean.
Skipper (No.WS 3159).
J
p
For displaying great gallantry in going
strolp tisant
the side to save a seaman whilst
destroyer over and "Nautilus" were being
bombed.
m h hw sunk. each Duly
2nd Engineman.
George Addison.
Cook.
Andrew Strachan.
Worked conditions (See report No.4
hard in small boats all day during by
Lieutenant trying W.E. Gelling R.N.R).
GULZAR
Edward S. Woodhead.
Coxswain.
Seaman.
A
thips(30/5-2/6)
Charles H. Baldry.
Cook.
George Cliefe.
Greaser.
Arthur L. Shallis.
Peter Blake.
Signalman.
to duty been in very nade trying to
the
26th May
to 4th June,

Details

Report Operations of - LIEUTENANT R. BILL
G.D.
517
Wednesday with M/S Trawlers at R.N. on
48
Trawlers 29th May, 1940, and the Dunkerque loss of
N°
"CALVI" & "POLLY JOHNSON
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
arley
Brach
oux
calve
Sir,
Fylder (So)
John Getting
Wednesday 29th May, 1940.
connection operations by M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque report on
I with have the honour to submit the following Pic/der Johnson in
routes, and impressed on them that they must act independently
explained what we were going to do, issued and explained their
Before sailing I collected all Unit Officers. and
in the case of an emergency. I then instructed them to and
0400. independently and meet me in the vicinity of the Gull Buoy by
Ladders were embarked off Ramsgate by 0430 and we
rriving at 1330.
no No.: ABBEY 7711.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPIK?
ignalled to S.N.O. through
nter harbour. The reply
reply to this communication
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE, our after 1600". I then
quote the following reference
BERKELEY SQUARE,
he beach", as there were
nsports alongside the vall.
LONDON, W.I. harbour and pull off"Loch
rth".
Prammal
25th June, 1940.
0 follow no in. and TO pulled
Dear Branwal,
eeded to take her berth. The
harbour and berthed alongaide
If you are sending in any report
mmander
yat about
on our midnight trip to Calais, I
should like to remind you of one of
your A.B.'s, Gibson by name, who was
he Piermaster and asked for
plucky enough to go ashore into the
wait and to fill up my ships
Gare Maritime with Captain Robinson, R.A.
renade" had completed. Ladders
3 were prepared to receive
Yours W.P.Gandell sincerely
be no troops had appeared at
was nearly full and "Tynella"
also nearly full and was
animed other traffic along the
E ships at this time.
about 1530, by about six or
re and a fairly effective
be were dropped, but they were
Commanding Officer,
tms. hulzar,
"Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly
e men received shrapnel wounds
% his On
London
the raiders were driven off.
think one by "Jaguar". "Jaguar"
hips attended to their wounded.
18 "Canterbury" and not the
from "Grenade" for the more

Details

Report Operations of - LIEUTENANT R. BILL R.N.
G.D.
517
Wednesday with M/S Trawlers at on
29th May, 1940, and the Dunkerque loss of
N:
Trawlers "CALVI" & "POLLY JOHNSON
7
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
arley
Brack
oux
calvi
Sir,
Fyldax (So)
Telm Getting
connection with operations by M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
I have the honour to submit the following report in
Paller Johnson
Wednesday 29th May, 1940.
Before sailing I collected all Unit Officers and
explained what we were going to do, issued and explained their
routes, and impressed on them that they must act independently
in the case of an emergency. I then instructed them to onil
0400. independently and meet me in the vicinity of the Gull Buoy by
Ladders were embarked off Ramsgate by 0430 and we
proceeded in company to Dunkerque, arriving at 1330.
On arrival I hove to and signalled to S.N.O. through
"Grenade" requesting permission to enter harbour. The reply
came back "Wait - you may enter harbour after 1600". I then
signalled - "Can I be more use off the beach", as there were
already three destroyers and the transports alongside the wall.
I then received the signal - "Enter harbour and pull off"Loch
Garry," trawlers may then take her berth".
I then signalled "Arley" to follow ne in. and we pulled
"Lock Garry" from the wall, and proceeded to take her berth. The
remaining four trawlers then entered harbour and berthed alongside
us as directed by the Piermaster (Commander
yat about
1420.
I landed and reported to the Piermaster and asked for
instructions. I was instructed to wait and to fill up my ships
after the transport "Fynella" and "Grenade" had completed. Ladders
were rigged up the wall and the ships were prepared to receive
troops.
Fenella
Up to this time practically no troops had appeared at
the far end of the pier, and "Jaguar" was nearly full and "Fynella"
about half full. "Canterbury" was also nearly full and was
embarking wounded which completely jammed other traffic along the
pier. Sketch "A" shews positions of ships at this time.
The first raid occurred at about 1530, by about six or
seven bombers. All ships opened fire and a fairly effective
barrage was put up. About 20/30 bombs were dropped, but they were
mostly wide.
There were near misses on "Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly
Johnson" and "Jaguar" and a number of men received shrapnel wounds
in all these ships.
One down by fighters and I think one by "Jaguar", "Jaguan"
Fighters then appeared and the raiders were driven off.
left was shot and the remainder of ships attended to their wounded. the
I harbour, to place all wounded in the "Canterbury" and got the
assistance arranged of the Surgeon Lieutenant from "Grenade" for more
serious cases.

Details

-2-
518
Skipper considered not to embark made the return journey and instructed damaged I 489
I she inspected could "Polly Johnson" and although
more them to "Brock".
serious to transfer more than fifty men, and if damage became the
7
"Fynella" I was "Canterbury" then and a few other troops wandered in the
During and this lull more wounded troops were embarked
and I all Officers abreast each ship and instructed my ships them
jetty. stationed told that I could try and fill up up
unwilling in what they considered "fishing boats" at
order unwounded to embark men down into the trawlers. They were mostly to
first and made various excuses to try and get to the larger ships.
As the rate of filling up was so slow I asked the Pier-
master if I could send the four outside ships to sea to wait their
turns and decrease the target, but I was told that there would be
a large number of men ready as soon as the wounded had been
embarked and that the ships were to remain alongside.
I was then asked by the Piermaster if I would place a
trawler alongside the Western Jetty and light some smoke floats,
and he suggested that I might like to volunteer for the job. I
said that I was quite prepared to do the job by boat, but that I
did not consider it possible to place a ship alongside the jetty
as the foundations of the pier were shewing when I entered harbour,
and that my trawlers were all drawing over 15 feet while the rise and
fall on that day was only 11 feet.
"Jaguar" completed and left harbour during this period,
and a large paddle steamer (I think Crested Eagle) berthed shead
of "Fynella".
At about 1630 the second raid was carried out, but this
was a rather half-hearted affair. All ships opened fire as before,
and no damage was done to the ships alongside. About 20/30 bombs
were dropped as before but they were divided between three targets
"Jaguar" leaving the harbour - the ships alongside, and two French
destroyers on the opposite side of the harbour. The "Jaguar" was
damaged.
Fighters again appeared and the raiders were driven off.
The Canterbury completed and left harbour, and a destroyer
came in to take her place.
After this raid more troops started to come down the pier
and although traffic was still hampered by the wounded and stretcher
cases quite a large number were embarked in the trawlers.
At about 1800 the third raid started. This was a very
much more determined attack, and the bombers came over in waves at
a few minute intervals - fire was opened but fighters appeared and
it was impossible to tell if they were enemy or not and it hanpered
the firing to a great extent.
About 100 bombs were dropped, and the attack appeared to
be directed entirely on the pier and the ships alongside.
The "Calvi" and "Grenade" received direct hits and sank
ensign remained flying from the foremast. There was a Mrect hit
immediately. "Calvi's" masts and funnel were above water and her
amount of panic ensued and men started climbing out of one shore. ship
on the pier close to the end and "Fynella" was damaged. A cortain
into another, and some attempted to run back towards the
At this time I was with the Piermaster and he instructed with
me to draw revolver to quell the panto and to load up
survivors and my troops and to get the ships out as quickly as possible.

Details

519
-3-
-
490
As instructed the wreck "John of the "Grenade" was drifting down on the I
follow and ships out. "Polly Johnson" and "Brock" and to
the other Cattling" to attempt to pull her clear trawlers,
7
up troops survivors, got clear, and proceeded out of harbour picked
at full speed. "Arley" was clear and "Fyldea" under way.
and several the more troops and survivors jumped on board. I was
The Skipper of "Fyldea" kept his ship close to the wall
further up but pier trying to find the Piermaster again for further
instructions, I failed to find him and just managed to jump
on board as she was leaving. This was at about 1815.
Lieutenant Peake the First Lieutenant of the "Granade"
then told me that the Piermaster had also instructed him to get the
ships clear of it and to go round to the beaches. I therefore took
the four remaining ships towards the beaches and signalled to the
ships there asking if there were any troops available for me. After
three unsuccessful attempts to obtain further troops to fill up to
capacity - all ships replying that they were themselves having
difficulty in completing I received signals from "Polly Johnson"
and "Brock" stating that they were damaged. I ordered "Arley" to
stand by "Polly Johnson" and to remove her crew and sink her if
necessary.
With "Brock" in company I then proceeded towards the "Jaguar"
who was anchored in the vicinity of the Nieuport Bank Buoy with her
troops on board and another destroyer alongside her, and asked if I
should take some from her. I was told to escort her as she had to Express
boats and I therefore told "Brock", whose damage was slight, to
proceed independently. I proceeded with "Brock for about two miles
to exchange the necessary signals and satisfy myself that she was
capable of making the journey and then returned to "Jaguar".
By this time she had weighed, and I followed astern of
her and signalled my maximum speed.
At about 1930, five German Dive Bombers passed on our port
side at about 2500 feet, in the direction of the "Jaguar" and started
to make an attack. We opened fire with the 12 pounder and one plane
detached itself from the formation and made an attack on us. As
the plane straightened up to attack I gave the order"hard-a-stareoard"
Six bombs were dropped which fell about 40/50 yards on our port beam.
We then straightened up and proceeded on our course.
The other planes attacked the "Jaguar" who replied with
her multiple pom-poms and zig-zagged, and no hits were registered,
although all attacks appeared to be very close to her.
After this attack she increased speed and she was soon
out of sight.
Having been left by "Jaguar" - who was taking a different
route I set a course for the Dyck Buoy and followed "y" route.
Between "T" and "S" buoys I overtook "Brock" and she
signalled that she could only steam at half speed and that she had
three serious cases on board. I signalled her to heave to and
went "Fyldea". alongside her and transferred her survivors and troops to
I then proceeded at full speed and arrived back at Dover
at 0300.
During the bombing raids and the periods between, the
situation was so tense that it would have been almost impossible to
realize any passage of time, so that the times in this report may
be in error to a considerable extent.

Details

Details

Details

Dynamo NE
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. 494
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head steamer to seaward Garry" in tow out of harbour. After
proceed up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the transport
then gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre.
I was ordered to tow transport out, as turning I had
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while the steamer came astern with engines.
towing her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
harbour all clear stern first, but for some reason, which I
This operation would have taken the vessel out of
cannot explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing
the towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by the lengthened
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G. wiring of
towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
which I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying us both
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to go full
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I e-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troopa coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).

Details

continued.
-2-
495+
H.M.T. cleared "Fyldea" harbour leading. of H.M.T. "Polly Johnson", "Brock" and with
I then astern passed ahead inside of H.M.S. "Grenade"
who faster informed owing to trouble megaphone that she was unable to proceed
When me clear by of harbour I closed on H.M.T. "Polly Johnson"
reduced she to slow charts had been shattered. We were by as then
to reported all her up position about m/d of a mile ahead of keep her
her. I took in the engineroom. and would I close any
faster. "Polly Johnson" I received was in difficulties and could not proceed any
speed, and I informed H.M.T. "Fyldea" that
Johnson", I did, keeping about me of a mile ahead of her.
which orders from "Fyldea" to stand by "Polly
Although I was only proceeding at slow speed, the "Polly Johnson"
still dropped astern.
I then received a message from H.M.T. "Fyldea" that if
"Polly Johnson" could not proceed I was to take her crew and
scuttle her clear of the channel and act independently. I
ordered this message to be sent to "Polly Johnson" as relayed from
"Fyldea". By this time we had reached a position half way between
Nieuport Buoy, and Middlekerke Buoy, and I stopped engines until
"Polly Johnson" came within hail. During this period several
more raids were carried out by German Aircraft on the Destroyers
and other craft close to us.
When "Polly Johnson" closed on me, the Skipper informed
me he was already to abandon ship; his confidential books etc.
were packed ready to pass to me. I then closed on her and lashed
alongside until the two stretcher cases and all the other members
of her crew and passengers were safely on board. I then cast off
and moved away from her.
The Skipper of "Polly Johnson" - Skipper Lieutenant
Lake R.N.R. (ret) informed me that the water in engineroom had
gained up to the platforms, and in the stokehold the water was
about to put her fires out.
After leaving "Polly Johnson" I requested one of our
Destroyers to sink her as she had been abandoned, but as I received
no satisfactory reply, I returned to her and fired two shots of
common shell into her at waterline.
As I had by now about 90 men on board, including several
wounded, I decided to make all speed for Dover. The tide was
setting to East North East, and assuming the "Polly Johnson" would
drive away from the channel, I left her, the Skipper agreeing that
she would sink in about two hours.
Soon after leaving "Polly Johnson" I received an 8.0.8.
from a Paddle Steamer who had been badly bombed whilst I had been
taking off from "Polly Johnson". I decided I could not take all
her men, so I steamed and intercepted one of the scouts, and two
French trawlers, and directed them to go to the paddler, which
they did. There was also one drifter standing by her and one of
our destroyers heading for her, so I decided nothing further could
be done, and returned to harbour forthwith.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Skipper Lieutenant R.D.,R.N.R.
ske Lieut G Kobinson RD RNR
HMT. "arley"

Details

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

Details

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

Details

Details

Details

34
-2-
29
which between GRENADE'S Port the water dropped
About hit X four gun minutes shield, bounced later a third into bomb was
both. exploded Details of the damage done Side and the pier, where it
MAY in appendix. by these bombs are damagi give
an
6.
Experiences of and action taken by Bridge personn
take orders for I did not and engaged gave
As fire soon to as be I opened heard the attack.commencing I
When hit all the that they were getting but
I realised cover. from their noise actually see the bombs falling, to
force they of the Bridge personnel were lying down. very clo
I personaly noticed that I was level with the top of the
explosion blew everyone 3 - 4 feet into the Th ai
screen at the back of the bridge before I commenced to fall
Almost immediately a large quantity of water and oil fuel
commenced to fall on the Bridge until it was 1/2 feet deep.
No further bombs were dropped for a minute or so and everyon
on the Bridge commenced to think about the amount of damage
done, when more bombs were heard, one of which hit X gun
shield.
This was the final serious raid and as I saw several
men in the water close to the ship I ordered them to swim
back. I sent for the Engineer Officer and asked him if we
could move the engines, as by this time GRENADE'S stern had
commenced to swing out away from the pier right across the
harbour. He informed me that the engines were out of action
and that there was a serious fire in No. I Boiler Room. I
sent the First Lieutenant to find out our condition forrard
and he informed me that the after end of the Upper Mess
Deck and the Canteen Flat were ablaze. The destroyer
mentioned in para. 3 proceeded out of harbour and I shouted
to her captain as she passed US to report the damage to
GRENADE by signal.
29/5
I then decided to give the order to Abandon Ship. In
the meantime GRENADE had swung still further round and many
POLLY JOHNSON. When I had seen that everyone was away Deck from
officer and men were able to step on board the trawler
Port Side, intending to charge by the Asdic Dome could the
the ship I see for myself the damage forrard in
left the bridge and went down to the Iron
fore store, but owi g I consider that it was it
and to try and fire the to depth the fire in the Canteen Flat just I as
not well make that my this way charge forrard. was not now exploded at this time the as
would have undoubtedly then walked caused aft and RENADE tried to to sink get into in the was after
fairway. I Books. While I as I
doing this more bombs were dropped the clips in off the doors, lobby, I
lobb to see about my Confidential the vicinity and which had
found that I could not bottle get the fire in the after walked
been decided hammered that I up could to do no more up good on into board. the water I from and was the
deck which board was the only remaining trawler. It
forrard on the now Port practically Side and stepped level with the water, had
wires. bridge hauled originally us clear prevented on but I been ordered this my anyone was the intention rendered trawler getting to impossible to forrard order take this me to as to let trawler him the the go for pier fire the to a bow by tow the
with
I tug, met which Commander and was for in Clouston. depth the charges vicinity, I arranged to to be pust placed GRENADE near clear the Asic fire had
channel found necessary when
and died my out. cabin, I then should proceeded it be on board the CRESTED

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217
215
-3-
GRENADE
2915
7.
The following report of what happened at the after
end of the ship is compiled from reports of Mr. Clare,
Gunner T, and Mr. Crews, Schoolmaster. When the raid
started they were standing near the door of the after lobby
and the former gave orders for all those not manning the
guns to take cover. When the bombs hit GRENADE forrard
there was a large concussion and vibration aft, all the
lights went out and clouds of dense smoke and steam appeared
forrard of the Bridge, giving the impression that the fuel
was burning furiously. All compartments except the
magazine and shell rooms were then closed down.
There was then a lull in the bombing and several
ratings ran aft from the Canteen Flat; a number of these
ratings were burnt and injured and were all covered with oil
fuel. In two cases the fuel on their clothes was alight.
These latter were guided to the door of the after lobby where
they were stripped of their clothes and attended by Leading
Stoker Stables.
A certain number of ratings had jumped over the side
but on being ordered to return, they did so. Mr. Clare
then ordered the ready-use lockers to be closed. On
hearing the order from the Bridge to take cover he got as
many men as possible into the after lobby, telling those
remaining on the Quarter Deck to lie down. Then came the
bomb which hit X gun and burst in the water alongside the
ship. The concussion was very severe; it parted all
the stern wires and gave the impression that the stern was
under water. Many of the ratings on the Quarter Deck,
especially those who had been injured, were either blown or
washed over the side.
Mr. Clare then gave orders for all magazines and shell
rooms' hatches to be Closed. It was then reported to him
that the ship was on fire in the vicinity of the Ward Room
and he ordered the magazine to be flooded. This was event-
ually done in his presence by Leading Stoker Stables. He
then heard the order to abandon ship. He superintended
getting out Carley Floats and then went forrard to try
and blow up the Asdic Dome. He could not get past the fire
in the Canteen Flat. By this time GRENADE had drifted
alongside the POLLY JOHNSON and he transferred to her.
8.
Before the order to abandon ship was given the
signal books from the Bridge were transfered in a bag to the
trawler FIDHEA, Lieutenant Ward, R.N.V.R. The books from
the wireless office were not removed but were doubtless
burnt in the fire which raged all round the Bridge structure.
Lieutenant Horne placed two rockets in the chart house and
fired two Verry's lights into it to destroy the charts. He
also tried to get down by way of the ladder outside the Sick
Bay to blow up the Dome, but was prevented by the fire. The
current Challenges and Replies were in a safe in the wheel
house; this safe could not be opened owing to damage butthe
fire was 80 intense that it is considered that they were
destroyed. As stated before, arrangements were made with
Commander Clouston to destroy the Dome and Confidental Books
should it be necessary. All other signal books had been
landed previously in accordance with your instructions.
The loss of signal books and failure to destroy the Dome was
reported by Lieutenant Horne!on arrival at Dover.
9.
I consider that the behaviour of all officers and
men under my command in GRENADE was admirable; the Engine
Room Department stood to their posts until the last minute
and those men who were in the water immediately returned to

Details

Dyram. #9
G.D.
No. 5d.
To: Commander Dover. M/S
31st May, 1940.
245
Sir,
Polly 247 JOHNSON
I beg to report the following:-
On the 29th May I proceeded in company to Dunkirk.
arriving about 1500.
About 1600 the fleet laying alongside the pier were
heavily bombed by air attack, The "Polly Johnson" laying
outside berth, in my opinion, got the full weight. Bombs were
exploding within 10 yards; she shook and trembled.
I had six casualties.
65
With great difficulty, also with half of my crew
wiped out, I managed to get my ship clear of Dunkirk harbour
with survivors from a. Destroyer, and also soldiers.
About half an hour after leaving Dunkirk, my chief
reported that the ship was making water fast. Water was over
the stoke hole floors. I signalled to H.M. Trawler "Arley"
(next ahead) "ship making water rapidly, keep close to me". About
five minutes afterwards I received a signal "have orders to
take survivors and crew and sink "Polly Johnson". About ten
minutes after this was carried out. The "Arley" fired two
rounds then left "Polly Johnson". She was still afloat when I
last saw her. Position Middlekerke Bank Buoy (midway) Nieuport
Bank Buoy.
In my opinion that was the best way out, the "Polly
Johnson" being badly bombed and would not have been fit for
further service. Her port side was simply riddled along the
water line and I am sure she would not have reached the nearest
port.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
g. Lake
Skipper Lieutenant R.D., R.N.R.
a
S,
cannt.
In
ADMIR
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATRO
VICE JUN 1940 1-
DOV
(Continued over).

Details

in
NED СУДИИ
3'8"
J.Con
INVIDOR LOI
ASSERITY
=
REVAEB LOZ
DETOMENON RSITS
TV" OURS B'WA'E'
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BOMLING 2°
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B'M'
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HYHATON YWD INVOICE
D'H'D'
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ORRGIN EVOTE
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5'5" Booth* 5'W'5"
LOA PV*
БЕНЬКОКИ 4,
GEVOTE MIRITS
E 20062
Jsmb*
AIIDLINE
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP.
RANK
SHIP
LOWESTOFT AND YARMOUTH
LARKE
A.C. Weeks
Temp. Lieutenant,
SAND
GRACIE FIELDS
R.N.R. R.N.R.
LOVERS
L. Lake
Chief Skipper,
MINO
POLLY JOHNSON
R.N.R.
B.D. Spindler
Temp. Skipper,
EUROI
CALVIE
R.N.R.
A. Gove,
Chief Skipper,
EUROI
WESTELLA
R.N.R.
Ideal,
E.W.Y.B.
LIVERPOOL
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
Temp. Sub-Lieut.,
CAROI
ARGYLLSHIRE
R.N.V.R.
E. Richardson
Temp. Lieutenant,
PATRO
SKIPJACK
R.N.R.
Combon
M.S.R.
BARROW
S.F. Harmer-Elliott,
Temp. Lieut,,
CLIO
WAVERLEY
R.N.V.R.
R.B.V.D.
R.W. English,
Commander, R.N.
Gurne
BLACKBURN BOVERS
Texas

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Details

Any further communication
CONFIDENTIAL.
NL
d be addressed to:-
Secretary of the Admiralty,
11798
London, S.W.I.
110
quoting " 29/28 A.B/40
1940
Admiralty, S.W.1.
1 the outside of the
velope as well as in
4th October, 1940
e text.
Report of Enquiry into the loss
of H.M. M/S Trawler POLLY JOHNSON
MILITARY
BRAN
in operation "Dynamo".
6F OCT 1940
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships
the following report arising from an enquiry into the loss of
H.M. M/S Trawler POLLY JOHNSON on 29th May, 1940.
2.
Skipper Lieutenant L. Lake, R.N.R. who was in
command of POLLY JOHNSON was examined on 1st October, 1940.
3.
At about 1500 on 29th May when POLLY JOHNSON was
secured to CALVI which was alongside the pier at Dunkirk and
astern of GRENADE, she was subjected to a heavy bombing attack.
Splinters from near misses perforated the ship's port side with
small holes just above the water line and put the 12 pdr. gun
out of action.
4.
The ship was subjected to further bombing attacks
during the next two hours but at 1700, with about 50 troops and
some survivors from GRENADE on board, she proceeded out of
harbour, being able to make only very slow speed.
5.
Engine and Boiler rooms were making water steadily
and ship's pumps were unable to cope with the rate of flooding.
6.
At about 1830 midway between Middlekerk and Nieuport
Buoys when it was obvious that POLLY JOHNSON would not remain
afloat much longer, Trawler ARLEY came alongside and took all
hands on board.
7.
ARLEY then endeavoured to destroy POLLY JOHNSON by
gunfire but failed and left her in a sinking condition in about
7/8 fathoms. It is considered, however, that she was unlikely
to remain afloat for long.
8.
Although it was not possible to elicit full
particulars of the damage sustained by this ship it seems, from
the evidence, in view of the fact that water was fast entering
the Engine and Boiler room that this compartment was flooding
below the waterline as result of heavy underwater explosions.
The flooding was accentuated when draught increased to admit
water through holes already made above the waterline.
9.
Secret Charts were burnt in the stokehold before ship
was abandoned and all S.P's and C.B's were transferred to ARLEY
and landed at Dover.
10, is the desirability of these craft carrying a number of varying
The only point brought out in the loss of this vessel
size wooden plugs for stopping shot holes.
11./
Secretary of the Admiralty.

Details

H.M.A.B.V.S. Paddle Minesweepers and A.A. Vessels, M/S Trawlers, etc.
Name of Ship and Date and No.
Item
of report
Existing Arrangements or
Recommendations
Fittings - Damage etc.
Paddle A.A. Ship CRESTED EAGLE
(1) Steering Gear
No.19/18 AB/40 of 4th September,
(1) Wire Hawser connection between
(1) Although Ship was very
wheel on bridge and tiller.
1940
badly shaken by explosions,
wire connections did not
fracture as so often happens
with rod and chain connection
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS
(i) Main Stop Valve
No. 25/24 AB/40 of 21st September,
(i) Situated in funnel casing on
(i) Valve should be in a
upper deck above boiler. Owing
1940
position more easily
to excessive heat valve would not
accessible.
be closed. In trying to do so so
Chief Engineer was badly burnt.
(11) Steering Gear
(11) Rod and chain connection
(ii) Wire hawsers considered
between bridge and tiller fractured
preferable - vide (1) above
by shock of bomb explosions.
for CRESTED EAGLE.
Harbour Defence Vessel AMULREE
(1) Watertight
(1) Deck openings not fitted with
(1) W.T. hatches would make
No.3/3 AB/46 of 10th August, 1940
compartment
W.T. covers.
ship less liable to sink in
the event of collision or
other damage
M.S. Trawler ARGYLLSHIRE
(1) Watertight
(1) Engines and Boilers in same
(1) Considered desirable to
No.22/21 AB/40 of 17th September,
compartment
compartment.
divide these by a W.T.
1940
Bulkhead.
(i) Auxiliary Steam
(1) No isolating valves.
(1) Isolating valves
A.B.V. KING ORRY
No.24/23 AB/40 of 20th September,
System
Escaping steam in after Steering
considered necessary, also
1940
compartment prevented access to
providing for shutting off
enable hand wheel to be connected.
steam to after steering
compartment.
(11) Scuttles near
(ii) Renders ship more liable to
(ii) Considered that
water line.
flooding when side is holed.
scuttles at or near water
line should be permanently
plated in.
M.S. Trawler POLLY JOHNSON
(1) Hull
(1) Splinter holes near water
(i) Considered necessary
line.
that these craft should
No.29/28 AB/40 of 4th October,
1940
carry a number of varying
size wooden plugs for
stopping shot or splinter
holes.
Small craft generally
C.B's and S.P's
Books kept in steel chests in
To ensure destruction when
cabin between decks.
as frequently occurs, access
to cabin is not possible,
it is preferable that books
be kept in lockers on bridge
and a weighted bag available
in which they can be quickly
placed for burning or
throwing overboard.

Details

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

Details

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

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Page 2.
PS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
SWEEPING CRAFT.
ARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
REED
TY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
NIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
CK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
I
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
THNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
FORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
IDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
TENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
SIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
GET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
HER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
DEA
MARE
STRIVE
NIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
A
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
ZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
VERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
CKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
CKEVE
F
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
S TRAWLERS.
GYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
ACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
PE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
YTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
IMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
INGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
HAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
RESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
.C. MOTOR-BOAT
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
A/S. B. 6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
.A/S. B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
OVER FLARE-BURNING DRIFTERS
PAXTON
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
SHIPMATES
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
THE BOYS
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
TORBAY II
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
UT PROSIM
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
YORKSHIRE LASS
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YOUNG MUN
(Continued)
Sunk.

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184
181
,o fall. Almost immediately a large quantity of water and oil fuel
:ommenced to fall on the Bridge until it was 1s feet deep. No further
bombs were dropped for a minute or so and everyone on the Bridge
commenced to think about the amount of damage done, when more bombs
ere heard, one of which hit X gun shield.
nul.
This was the first serious raid and as I saw several men in the
vater close to the ship I ordered them to swim back. I sent for the
Engineer Officer and asked him if we could move the engines, as by
,his time GRENADE'S stern had commenced to swing out away from the
ier right across the harbour. He informed me that the engines were
ut of action and that there was a serious fire in No. I Boiler Room.
sent the First Lieutenant to find out our condition forrard and he
nformed me that the after end of the Upper Mess Deck and the Canteen
'lat were ablaze. The destroyer mentioned in para. 3 proceeded out
f harbour and I shouted to her captain as she passed us to report the
lamage to GRENADE by signal.
I then decided to give the order to Abandon Ship. In the
meantime GRENADE had swung still further round and many officers and
nen were able to step on board the trawler, POLLY JOHNSON. When I
ad seen that everyone was away from the ship I left the bridge and
vent down to the Iron Deck Port Side, intending to see for myself the
damage forrard and to try andfire the depth charge by the Asdic Dome
in the fore store, but owing to the fire in the Canteen Flat I could
not make my way forrard. I now consider that it was just as well that
Bhis charge was not exploded at this time as it would have undoubt-
edly caused GRENADE to sink in the fairway. I then walked aft and
tried to get into the after lobby to see about my Confidential Books.
While I was doing this more bombs were dropped in the vicinity and
as I found that I could not get the clips off the doors, which had
been hammered up to bottle up the fire in the after lobby, I decided
that I could do no more good on board. I walked forrard on the Port
Side and stepped into the water from the deck which was no practically
level with the water, and was hauled on board the only remaining
trawler. It had originally been my intention to order this trawler

Details

7-186
hatches to be closed. It was then reported to him that the ship
183
was on fire in the vicinity of the Ward Room and he ordered the
magazine to be flooded. This was eventually done in his presence by
Leading Stoker Stables. He then heard the order to abandon ship.
He superintended getting out Carley floats and then went forrard to
try and blow up the Asdic Dome. He could not get past the fire in
G.
the Canteen Flat. By this time FRENADE had drifted alongside the
POLLY JOHNSON and he transferred to her.
8. Before the order to abandon ship was given the signal books
from the Bridge were transferred in a bag to the trawler FIDHEA,
Lieutenant Ward, R.N.V.R. The books from the wireless office were
not removed but were doubtless burnt in the fire which raged all
round the Bridge structure. Lieutenant Horne placed two rockets in
the chart house and fired two Verry's lights into it to destroy the
charts. He also tried to get down by way of the ladder outside the
Sick Bay to blow up the Dome, but was prevented by the fire. The
current Challenges and Replies were in a safe in the wheel house;
this safe could not be opened owing to damage but the fire was so
intense that it is considered that they were destroyed. As stated
before, arrangements were made with Commander Clouston to destroy
the Dome and Confidential Books should it be necessary. All other
signal books had been landed previously in accordance with your
instructions. The loss of signal books and failure to destroy the
Dome was reported by Lieutenant Horne on arrival at Dover.
9. I consider that the behaviour of all officers and men under my
command in GRENADE was admirable; the Engine Room Department stood to
their posts until the last minute and those men who were in the
water immediately returned to the ship when ordered to. I observed
that it was GRENADE'S men who manned some of the foremost pom-poms
of the CRESTED EAGLE after she had been hit.
Especially I should like to mention Mr Clare and Leading Stoker
Stables. T consider that the former acted with great coolness and
caurage taking complete control of the after end of the ship, giving
the order to close and flood the magazine at the correct moment, thus

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Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
the whole day, might at any time become impossible to close; were this to
happen, my last hope of reaching the coast would be gone".'
In order to secure the British northern flank Lord Gort decided to issue
orders for the occupation, as quickly as troops could be made available, of the
line of the Ypres - Comines canal and the positions covering Ypres. In the
absence of General Blanchard, who was visiting the Belgian G.Q.G. at Bruges,
Lord Gort communicated this decision that evening to the Headquarters of
the French First Group of Armies.¹
The necessity of evacuation was becoming a matter of paramount immediacy.
British destroyers bombard suburb of Calais
Meanwhile, on the 25th May, the trawler Lord Howe sailed to Calais with a
cargo of ammunition². She entered the port and discharged part of her cargo
in the face of heavy enemy fire from the dunes to the southward. In view of
the risk involved, Commodore W. P. Gandell, R.N. (P.S.T.O., French Ports),
who was on the quay, then ordered the Lord Howe to sail.
Outside Calais the destroyer Greyhound closed the Lord Howe, which was
carrying a request for bombardment support of the town. At the same time,
the Greyhound received a signal from the Vice-Admiral, Dover, ordering the
bombardment of the Calais suburb of St. Pierre. The Greyhound opened fire,
and at 2000, an H.A. battery east of Sangatte registered a hit on her, killing
2 and wounding 3. About this time the destroyer Grafton arrived and also
opened fire. The 2 destroyers returned to Dover as darkness set in.³
Evacuation of Calais countermanded
At 2130 a force of seven trawlers⁴, three yachts⁵ and two drifters⁶, sailed for
Calais road, ready to evacuate troops from Calais, the moment an order was
received to do so. Five of the trawlers towed motor boats. Commander
W. V. H. Harris, R.N. (Commander M/S, Dover), in the Grey Mist, was in
command. The destroyers Windsor and Verity left Dover at 2300, to cover
the withdrawal of this force.
On arrival off Calais, two of the motor boats were ordered into Calais harbour.
At about 0300/26, a signal was received that Calais was to be held at all costs;
furthermore, it was ordered that this signal was to be sent by hand to the
Brigadier commanding on shore. The Conidaw went in to deliver the signal.
All ships were then ordered back to the Downs, but the Botanic and Maretta
remained behind until the two motor boats and the Conidaw returned.⁷
The Botanic and Maretta were damaged by gunfire when returning on the
26th May, and were unable to take part in Operation "Dynamo".
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 43.
2 Lieut. L. C. Whittle, R.N.R., in the Lord Howe, says it was the 24th May.
3 Vice-Admiral, Dover's 1907/25/5.
4 The Botanic, Fyldea, Maretta, Arley, Polly Johnson, Brock and Calvi.
6 The Grey Mist, Conidaw and Chico.
5 The Playmates and Willing Boys.
7 Report by Commander M/S, Dover (R.O. II, p. 497).
13

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Gallant put out of action
The destroyers Jaguar, Gallant and Grenade, en route for Dunkirk by the new
middle Route x with instructions to test it for opposition by shore batteries,
were attacked at 1155 off. Snouw Bank by about 17 dive bombers. The attack
was concentrated on the Gallant which was damaged by a near miss and had to
retire; she was unable to take any further part in Operation "Dynamo".
"One dive-bomber, was seen to be hit by pom-pom, and while losing height
observes the Jaguar, was despatched by a fighter". This attack appears to
have taken place just when one of our main [fighter] patrols had turned for
home."¹
On arrival at Dunkirk, the Grenade reported that there had been no inter-
ference from shore batteries. Shipping was thus able to make use of the route
directly it had been swept. The minesweepers completed this work late on
the same afternoon, and the route was taken into use within a few hours of both
the other routes, Y and Z, being rendered unsafe for use by day owing to
the German shore gunfire.
Bombing of Dunkirk and beaches commences
At 1358 the S.N.O., Dunkirk reported to V.A. Dover that the bombing of
the beaches and of Dunkirk pier had commenced without fighter opposition.
This attack occurred while Hurricanes were sweeping inland to Cassel.¹
At 1250 the Grenade berthed alongside the east pier in Dunkirk outer har-
bour (the Nouvel Avant-Port), the Jaguar securing alongside her. The
Grenade was ordered by S.N.O., Dunkirk, to remain at his disposal and not to
embark troops. Between 1400 and 1525, the Jaguar embarked about 1,000;
level bombers were being held off by fighters and A/A fire during this period,
and two patterns of heavy bombs which were dropped close to the pier did no
damage to ships.²
Fourteen ships lying at Dunkirk
In the meantime, at 1330, six Oropesa trawlers of the Dover M/S Command,
viz. : the Fyldea (Lieut. R. Bill, R.N., S.O.), the Arley, Brock, Calvi, John
Cattling and Polly Johnson, arrived off Dunkirk harbour and the Fyldea and
Arley were ordered inside to pull the personnel vessel Lochgarry, which had
embarked over 1,000 troops, away from the east pier³. By 1420 when they had
done this, the six trawlers, triple-banked, occupied the Lochgarry's berth.
Ahead of the six trawlers were the Grenade and Jaguar; astern of the trawlers
was the personnel vessel Canterbury, and astern of her, at the Quai Félix Faure
in Dunkirk inner harbour (the Avant-Port), was the French destroyer Cyclone.
On the opposite side of the outer harbour, at the west Quay, lay the French
destroyers Mistral and Siroco. Outside the harbour, on the seaward side of
the east pier opposite the Grenade, was the P/V Fenella, and at 1430 the Special
Service Vessel Crested Eagle berthed astern of her (see Diagram p.40). Off Malo,
Bray and La Panne beaches were numbers of destroyers, minesweepers, skoots,
personnel vessels, trawlers, tugs and small craft.
I R.A.F. Narrative, p.326.
2 Jaguar's report.
3 See Fyldea's report.
39

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
West Pier
Grenade
Fenella
Jaguar
000
Crested Eagle
DOC
Canterbury
ASEA
Guiding
Inner
Jetty.
West
GH
Pier
Key
A: Polly Johnson
B: Brock
C: Fyldea
D Calvi
E:John Cattling
F : Arley
G: Mistral
H: Siroco
Ships Berthed
at Dunkirk,
Cyclone
1530,29ᵗʰMay,1940
The Tenb
TSD/HS(545)
This was the first occasion on which a massed target of ships had been pre-
sented in Dunkirk harbour, and the scene was thus set for one of the most
that disastrous air onslaughts of the operation ; indeed, it was only by good fortune
this early date. The air onslaught, which took place between 1530 and 2000,
the vital Dunkirk harbour channel was not blocked by sinking ships at
appears follows : to - have comprised 4 separate air attacks; the manner of it was as
Air onslaught begins
bombers¹. The first air attack over Dunkirk commenced at and made by 12
wide, but The 20 or 30 bombs which were 1530, harbour was fell mostly
One bomber the Polly Johnson was severely damaged dropped by on a the near miss (see p.44).
was shot down by fighters².
2 I See Mistral's report.
Fyldea's report.
40

Details

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

Details

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
straddled by bombs for and 35 minutes), the seeing burning that Grenade traffic all along the east
proceeded out of harbour, out of a into drifter in the Calvi,
had ceased, cast off, skirting grounding slightly on sunk and the sunken pier
The troops now of began the Piermaster climbing Cdr. J. one C. Clouston, ship
restored the instructions order.
having arrangements of his in the clear of the fairway,', R.N.,
At 1815 made the Grenade was abandoned with the Piermaster and her Captain, to tow her Cdr. R. C. Boyle,
embarked with some ship's company Crested Eagle.
Polly Johnson sunk
to the five remaining her Oropesa and the John Cattling was instructed on
The burning wreck of the Grenade trawlers. did, The in fact, commence to drift down
attempt vivors to pull clear, out of the remaining harbour 4 trawlers, with troops and to
on board, proceeded towards the beaches. A sur-
later, of the near Nieuport caused Bank buoy, miss the in Polly Johnson, leaking badly as a result little
engine, was abandoned; Arley embarked her crew and troops and sank
damage by a the near the first air attack, and with damaged
her by gunfire.
Grenade blown up
She burned fiercely for some hours and then blew up.
The Grenade was guided into a pocket to the westward of the main channel.
Crested Eagle blazing, is beached
swung clear of the east pier and proceeded on an easterly course. Shortly
Meanwhile, when the Verity left the harbour at 1755, the Crested Eagle
afterwards, she however, she was hit by 4 bombs and caught fire; out of control,
about she might transfer her troops; but the Crested Eagle could not stop. At
that continued under way. The Verity instructed the Crested Eagle to stop so
in Eagle ran aground west of Bray beach. The 200 survivors, who could be seen
1830, blazing fiercely fore and aft (she was a wooden ship) the Crested
to the the water, were heavily machine-gunned from the air, and the ships that came
rescue were bombed. Some of the survivors, several with severe burns,
Captain and other survivors of the Grenade, by the minesweeper Albury.
were picked up by the minesweepers Hebe and Lydd; others, including the
Among those picked up by the Sabre was the Second Engineer of the Crested
Eagle and a stoker from the Grenade.
Normania sunk
gunboat Ross took Mosquito, but then began to sink. The Mosquito and the minesweeper by
by a bomb off 11 W buoy. She was towed clear of Dunkirk channel was the
In the course of this third air attack the personnel vessel Normania hit
sank off off the crew and the few troops that on board. The Normania
11 W buoy at about 0245 the following were day.
Saladin and attacks The 2000. fourth off severely Ships Bray air attack, returning beach damaged, which to was England Lorina widespread, sunk were bombed. took place There between were about continuous 1830
was so company there were attacked; the destroyers attacked Sabre, 10 times,
Saladin in and its vicinity; the Verity and
severely damaged in the engine room by Saladin, a near miss that she had to
44

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

INDEX
Phillips, Vice-Admiral T.S. V., 16.
Phipps, L/St. M., 81.
Pickford & Co., 72n.
Pierre, set on fire, 74.
Pierre et Marie, 73.
Piers (beach) built at La Panne, 47, 60, 76; of barges impracticable, 49; built at Bray,
59, 82.
Pigeon, 72n, 114n.
Pim, Capt. R., R.N.V.R., 78.
Playmates, 13n.
Polly Johnson, 13n, 39, 40 (damaged), 43, 44 (sunk).
Pool, S/Lt. R. A. W., 72.
Port of London Authority, 32.
Porter, Col., 47.
Portsdown, 100, 103.
Portsmouth, C. in C.: sends destroyers, 20; provision of boats, 51 Inner Patrol yachts,
71 A.S.'s. barge, 117 (abandoned).
Pownall, Lt. Gen. H. R., 4.
Prague, 29n, 54n, 64n, 91 (damaged).
Président Briand, 93.
Preston, Vice-Adm. Sir L. (D.S.V.P.), 21.
Princess Elizabeth, 47n, 89, 114n.
Princess Lily, 75n.
Princess Maud, 48n, 53 (goes aground), 62 (damaged), 114n, 118.
Prudential, 60.
Pudge, 71s.
Queen of England, sunk, 53.
Queen of Thanet, 91, 114m.
Queen of the Channel, 22, 24, 29 (sunk).
Queen's Channel, 72n.
Racia, 71n, 114я, 117.
R.A. Dover, see Wake-Walker, Rear Admiral W.F.
Ramsay, Vice-Adm. Sir B. (V.A. Dover) : to control evacuation, 4; to arrange air cover,
5 ; asks for more destroyers, 20; driving force, 23, 33 ; promulgates disembarkation
ports, 25 ; efforts to increase supply of small craft, 23, 32; plan for night 29/30th
May, 50; orders all ships to beaches, 51; concern at losses of destroyers, 94; calls
for volunteers, 105; reports exhaustion of crews, 113.
Ramsgate, N.O.I.C. Administers in shore flotilla, 21, 94; services skoots, 30.
Raphael-Raymonde, 73n.
Rapid I, 72, 92.
Reda, 53, 60n.
Reed, 7ln.
Refugees, 37, 100-1, 119.
Reiger, 32, 47m, 64, 101-2, 116.
Reine des Flots, 102, 107n, 109.
Reliance, 73n.
Renascent, 71n.
Renown, 73, 93 (sunk).
Resolute, 73n.
Revoir, Capt. de, 115.
Rewga, 71n.
Reynaud, M., 10, 11.
Richardson, Cdr. H. du P., 80n, 82, 83n.
Riggs, Mr. H. C., 21.
Rika, 41.
Rina, 117.
Robinson, Cdr. C. E. C., killed, 37.
Roebuck, in collision, 83.
Rope for towing, 61.
Rose Marie, 72n.
Ross, 28n, 44, 97.
Rouen, 94, 107n, 108 (goes aground), 109, 112n, 120 (aground).
Route, X prepared, 20; mined, 38; tested by destroyers, 39 taken into use, 48; last
route to come under fire, 96-7 ; traffic suspended, 98.
Route, Y adopted, 20, 29 ; under fire, 48; E-boats, on 85; in use, 93 ; mines on, 110.
Route, Z under fire, 20, 48; to be used in darkness, 29, 48.
204

Details

2
very gingerly to the accompaniment of the most outrageous din and
guided by a furious blaze. Hell itself could not put up a better
show, I am pretty sure.
Various Destroyers & about six Yarmouth drifters were off the en-
trance, but owing to the presence of numerous wrecks they were (like
me) a bit chary of entering. A 'schoot' however came boldly past us
and entered with great confidence and I then hailed 'Clythmess' and
told her to follow 'Lord Grey' in at a respectable distance, so I
would have room to come astern & manoeuver if necessary. As I went
ahead the aforesaid schoot returned & shot out of the harbour en-
trance as if he had definitely decided that it was no place for him.
However we proceeded slowly in and tied up just ahead of the wreck of
H.M.T. Polly Johnson - alongside the Eastern mole. Clythness lay as-
tern of us. We now had time to survey thesituation by the eerie
light of numerous oil fires & the flaming wreck of a British Destro-
yer. Bombing was continuous as was the whine of whistling bombs.
There was no sign of anyone on the quay, which was - I now saw - com-
pletely severed just shoreward of us. Damage done probably by the
same bomb that sank 'Polly Johnson'. This of course meant that we
should have to move further into the inferno before I could land &
endeavour to report to Capt. Tennant. I may say I had the gravest
doubts about that officer's safety, for it looked impossible to exist
anywhere nearer the town. However I felt an effort must be made with-
out delay to carry out my very vague orders and so we moved - with
great difficulty - to the other side of the mole in the quay & again
made fast.
My opposite number in Clythness was no other than Tony Heckstall-
Smith, sub-Lt R.N.V.R., son of the famous Major - the pivot round
which all yachting seemed to revolve in the good old days of peace.
8/10
1156
6/4

Details

MINISTRY Hotel OF Group, HOTEL
Name of Vessel
Date.
Cause and Position.
a
and G.R.T.
Remarks.
essel
Date
Cause and Position
R.T.
Admiralty
Commissioned
Vessels.
y
oned
BRIGHTON QUEEN
(ctd.).
E
G.R.T. 807
1/6/40
Abandoned and
TERARD
blown up.
WAVERLEY
:.
G.R.T. 537
30/5/40
158
Abandoned at
ou
Sunk during operations
Dunkirk.
CRESTED EAGLE
at Dunkirk.
int
G.R.T. 110
30/5/40
e.
was
119
STELLA DORADO
G.R.T. 416
LASSIE.
fter.
in
WESTELLA
127
OS
Beached and abandoned
G.R.T. 413
1/6
Presumed
tis
OYALTY
at Male-les-Cains
total loss.
85
during evacuation at
Abandoned.
POLLY JOHNSON
Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 290
Sunk during operations
Struck submerged wreck
Abandoned.
THOMAS BARTLETT
at Dunkirk.
1/6
REEZE
at Dunkirk while
)
G.R.T. 290
rescuing survivors
er
from Beach.
THURINGIA
92
G.R.T. 396
Abandoned.
7
Bombed at Dunkirk
CALVI
ARA JEAN
a
1/6
G.R.T. 363
ing barge.
ARGYLLSHIRE
T. 119
G.R.T. 540
200
Blown up.
At Dunkirk
1/6
Abandoned.
3)
BLACKBURN ROVERS
IS
G.R.T. 422
ling barge.
.T.
PAXTON
1.
150
Abandoned.
do.
G.R.T. 92
Approx.
EC
31/5
BOY ROY
itb barge.
R.T.T. 95
R.T.
W.
70
do.
do.
RIGHTON BELLE
Approx.
EC.
.R.T. 396
31/5
28/5/40
imb barge
.R.T.
VONIA
.W.
60
Reported lost
R.T. 622
do.
31/5/40
About
on beach.
V.CLAUDE
31/5
ACIE FIELDS
ater boat
R.T. 393
do.
30/5/40
do.
BARK
do.
IVE
Jumb barge.
R.T. 687
do.
1/6/40
do.
SHETLAND
do.
G ORRY
Dumb barge
do.
do.
do.
.T.1877
30/5/40
do.
do.
F.23
do.
PAGAN
Dumb barge
ug.
-=3--

Details

Details

Page 2.
IST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINESWEEPING CRAFT.
ALCHARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
REARD
ARLEY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
BOTANIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
BROCK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
CALVI
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
CLYTHNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CHICO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
COMFORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
CONIDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
DORIENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
FEASIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
FIDGET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
FISHER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
FYLDEA
MARE
STRIVE
GENIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
GULA
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
GULZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
INVERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
JACKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
JACKEVE
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
A/S TRAWLERS.
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
CAPE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
GRIMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
KINGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
#
CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
D.C. MOTOR-BOAT
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
M.A/S.B.6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
M.A/S.B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
DOVER FLARE-BURNING DRIFTERS
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
Sunk.
(Continued)

Details

Page 2.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINESWEEPING CRAFT.
ALCMARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
RECERD
ARLEY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
BOTANIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
BROCK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
#
CALVI
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
CLYTHNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CHICO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
/
COMFORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
CONIDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
DORIENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
FEASIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
FIDGET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
FISHER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
FYLDEA
MARE
STRIVE
GENIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
GULA
#
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
GULZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
INVERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
JACKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
JACKEVE
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
A/S TRAWLERS.
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
CAPE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
GRIMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
KINGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
D.C. MOTOR-BOAT
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
M. A/S. B.6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
M.A/S. B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
DOVER FLARD-BURNING DRIFTERS
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
Sunk.

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
X3+30
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 107. 447
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 68 405
M.T.B. 67, 443
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
CHICO
D.C.M.B., 484
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 476
M.A.S.M. No.7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8.V487
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
493
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
WEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
TARANSAY

Details

The following REPORTS have been extracted from this file
and are being fowarded under cover of Vice Admiral, Daver's
letter concerning loss of ships during operation DYNAMO.
TRAWLERS:
THOMAS BARTLETT
POLLY JOHNSON
STELLA DORADO

Details

Department 38. G.D.309/58
SECRET.
-
46496
467
5th June, 1940.
To: The Dover. Vice Admiral,
Report of Operations Carried out by Ships
Under the Command of Commander M/S, Dover
during the period 26th May to 3rd June in
accordance with V.A.D's 2050/4.
I have the honour to report the following operations
carried out by M/S Vessels under my command during the period
26th May to 4th June, 1940.
The list of vessels employed in these operations is
as follows:-
LL TRAWLERS.
Thomas Bartlett."
Inverforthx
Lord Inchcape.⁴
Our Bairnsk
Lord Grey x
Clythness.x
Relonzo. *
Restrivo.
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
Botanic. Dankink
Marettax FyldeaX not of Dunkisk
Arleyx
Polly Johnson.
Brocks
CalviX
John Cattling.
DANLAYERS.
Gulsar.*
Grey Mist.)
Sargasso.r
Comfort.*
Nautilus
Starlight Rays
Thomsons.
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
Conidaw.
Chico. X
(Continued over).

Details

-8-
497.8
sailed for
On Calais the night Roads:- of 25th/26th May, the following vessels
468
Botanic.
Fyldea.
Maretta.
Arley.
Polly Johnson.
Brock.
Calvi.
Grey Mist.
Conidaw.
Y
Chico.
Playmates.
Willing Boys.
of Calais.
The object of the expedition was the possible evacuation
Commander M/S (Commander W.V.H. Harris R.N.) sailed in
"Grey Mist" in charge of forces employed.
The orders to form the expedition were received at 1900,
and vessels sailed at 2130, the first five trawlers to leave,
towing motor boats.
Vessels were ordered to rendezvous at No. 3 Buoy Calais
Roads, and await instructions from Commander M/S. Destroyer
force was in support.
On receipt of signal which had been wrongly decoded, two
motor boats were ordered into Calais Harbour. These boats had
left for the harbour when a further signal was received that
Calais was to be held at all costs, and the signal was ordered to
be sent by hand to the Brigadier Commanding Forces. "Conidaw"
was ordered to proceed immediately and deliver the message.
A further signal was then received recalling all forces
to the Downs. On receipt of this signal "Botanic" and "Maretta"
were ordered to remain until boats and "Conidaw" returned, and
Destroyer escort was asked to be provided. All other vessels
returned to the Downs.
Reports from Lieutenant Commander P.F. Cammiade R.N.V.R.,
Sub. Lieutenant M.R. Mills R.N.V.R., and Skipper R. Smelgrove,are
attached (la, lb, lc, ld).
There was constant enemy air activity during the night,
and a considerable amount of firing ashore.
P.M. 26th May. Danlaying Yachts"Gulzar" and "Grey Mist"
to Calais with Commodore W.P. Gandell, P.S.T.O. France. Report
of Lieutenant C.V. Brammall R.N.R. attached (No. 2).
27th May.
"Arley" ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
She was heavily shelled off Calais, and returned with engineer
seriously wounded. Operation was then cancelled.
"Fyldea" sailed, buoy laying, under the orders of "Skipjack"
employed on mine sinking duties.
for "Thomas but were recalled on report of shelling and returned of to
Bartlett", "Inverforth",& "Our Bairns" were "Arley". sailed
They Dunkirk, then ordered to sweep the war channel, Dover.
harbour were p.m. on orders from Vice Admiral
(Continued over).

Details

-4-
499
- 470
command are
The submitted:- following casualties to H.M. Vessels under my
26th May.
"Botanic" and "Maretta" heavily bombed
on return from Calais. Both ships
damaged. (Maretta 3 weeks refitting).
28th May.
"Thomas Bartlett" mined on own field.
10 survivors.
29th May.
"Comfort" believed rammed.
"Nautilus" damaged by bombs, and
destroyed by fire. All saved (See
report of Lieutenant Gelling No.4).
"Calvi" bombed and sunk - Dunkirk
Harbour.
"Polly Johnson" badly damaged, and
sunk by "Arley" (See report No.5c).
1st June.
"Brock" damaged by several near misses.
VICE A14/0/1407 ADMIRAL
6-JUN 1940
*
T
R DO E

Details

-3-
adpper Lieut.
Robinson.
503
Arley.
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
;kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brook.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
$kipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
Ekipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
skipper
S.Bindler,
B.D. spindler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
pipper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunicipit.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais ID.
Skipper.
Stather.
Playmates.
1 off Calais.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
w
of individual Officers.
Thompson.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Skipper.
Willing Boys.
1 Plushing, Calais,
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

Details

340/58.
505
Name.
50
ship.
Anthony Brooke
Rank or Rating.
476
CLYTHNESS
Heckstall Smith.
300 lins to
Walter Fredk.Salenius.
Skipper. Sub. Lt. R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
George S. Day.
shalls Yook 150
Smauel B. Sussans
Mate. Chief Engineman. LT/RX 102500.
John A. Cargill.
Seaman.
LT/JX 175090.
For devotion to duty under very trying
circumstances (See report No. 6.
POLLY JOHNSON.
Bonter, b
Skipper Lieut. Leonard Lake extricated his ship in a
Sunk.
sinking condition from Dunkirk in a heavy bombard-
ment. Was eventually forced to abandon ship, and
transferred his crew and himself to "Arley".
(See report Nos. 5b and c). 38 mg
FYLDEA.
29/5 2/31/5
Liewt. John .K.M. Warde R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
has misses.
Thomas Owens,D.S.M.
Chief Engineer. X257EU.
Recommended for coolness and devotion to
duty during heavy bombing at Dunkirk.
(See report No. la).
38 of
BROCK.
Kenneth Henry G.Roberts.Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.
no brooks
Behaved with great coolness and devotion
became he saw no mole
to duty in assisting his Group Officer
suspected his shipto
(Lieutenant Robert Bill R.N.) to extricate
Keng water.
his ship from a perilous position).
(See report No. 7).
NAUTILUS J
Richard McLean.
Skipper (No.WS 3159).
b
For displaying great gallantry in going
strop "Grey tisunt
over the side to save a seaman whilst
destroyer and "Nautilus" were being
bombed.
mb sunk. each Deslige
George Addison.
2nd Engineman.
Andrew Strachan.
Cook.
Worked hard in small boats all day during
Lieutenant V.E. Gelling R.N.R).
trying conditions (See report No.4 by
GULZAR
Edward S. Woodhead.
Coxswain.
Charles H. Baldry.
Seaman.
trips (30/5
Cook.
George Cliefe.
Greaser.
Peter Blake.
Arthur L. Shallis.
Signalman.
to duty in very made trying to
THE to 4th June,
THE been 26th May

Details

G.D.
Report of - LIEUTENANT R. BILL R.N.
517
Wednesday 29th May, 1940, and the loss of
Operations with M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
48
N°
Trawlers "CALVI" & "POLLY JOHNSON
To: Commander M/S,
artey
Dover.
Brach
oux
calve
Fylder (So)
Sir,
John Getting
I have the honour to submit the following report in
Pather Johnson
Wednesday 29th May, 1940.
connection with operations by M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
Before sailing I collected all Unit Officers and
explained what we were going to do, issued and explained their
routes, and impressed on them that they must act independently
in the case of an emergency. I then instructed them to and
0400. independently and meet me in the vicinity of the Gull Buoy by
Ladders were embarked off Ramsgate by 0430 and we
rriving at 1330.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPA&?
ignalled to S.N.O. through
no No.: ABBEY 7711.
nter harbour. The reply
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE, our after 1600". I then
reply to this communication
quote the following reference
BERKELEY SQUARE,
he beach", as there were
nsports alongside the vall.
LONDON, W.I. harbour and pull off"Loch
rth".
Prommal
25th June, 1940.
O follow no in. and we pulled
Dear Branwal,
eeded to take her berth. The
harbour and berthed alongaide
If you are sending in any report
umander
yat about
on our midnight trip to Calais, I
should like to remind you of one of
he Piermaster and asked for
your A.B.'s, Gibson by name, who was
plucky enough to go ashore into the
wait and to fill up my ships
Gare Maritime with Captain Robinson, R.A
renade" had completed. Ladders
3 were prepared to receive
Yours W.P.Gan.dell sincerely
byt no troops had appeared at
was nearly full and "Tynella"
also nearly full and was
animed other traffic along the
: ships at this time.
about 1530, by about aix or
re and a fairly effective
be were dropped, but they were
Commanding Officer,
tms. hulzar,
"Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly
: men received shrapnel wounds
% W.P. O,,
London
the raiders were driven off.
think one by "Jaguar". "Jaguar"
hips attended to their wounded.
18 "Canterbury" and got the
from "Grenade" for the more

Details

G.D.
Report of - LIEUTENANT R. BILL R.N.
517
Wednesday 29th May, 1940, and the loss of
Operations with M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
487
N:
5 A
Trawlers "CALVI" & "POLLY JOHNSON
7
To: Commander M/S,
arley
Dover.
Brach
oux
calvi
Sir,
Fylder - (So)
Tehn Getting
connection with operations by M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
I have the honour to submit the following report in
Paller Johnson
Wednesday 29th May, 1940.
Before sailing I collected all Unit Officers and
explained what we were going to do, issued and explained their
routes, and impressed on them that they must act independently
in the case of an emergency. I then instructed them to onil
0400. independently and meet me in the vicinity of the Gull Buoy by
Ladders were embarked off Ramsgate by 0430 and we
proceeded in company to Dunkerque, arriving at 1330.
On arrival I hove to and signalled to S.N.O. through
"Grenade" requesting permission to enter harbour. The reply
came back "Wait - you may enter harbour after 1600". I then
signalled - "Can I be more use off the beach", as there were
already three destroyers and the transports alongside the vall.
I then received the signal - "Enter harbour and pull off"Loch
Garry," trawlers may then take her berth".
"Lock Garry" from the wall, and proceeded to take her berth. The
I then signalled "Arley" to follow ne in. and we pulled
remaining four trawlers then entered harbour and berthed alongside
1420. us as directed by the Piermaster (Commander
)at about
I landed and reported to the Piermaster and asked for
instructions. I was instructed to wait and to fill up my ships
after the transport "Fynella" and "Grenade" had completed. Ladders
were troops. rigged up the wall and the ships were prepared to receive
Fenella
Up to this time practically no troops had appeared at
the far end of the pier, and "Jaguar" was nearly full and "Fynella"
about half full. "Canterbury" was also nearly full and was
embarking wounded which completely jammed other traffic along the
pier. Sketch "A" shews positions of ships at this time.
The first raid occurred at about 1530, by about six or
seven bombers. All ships opened fire and a fairly effective
barrage was put up. About 20/30 bombs were dropped, but they were
mostly wide.
There were near misses on "Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly
Johnson" and "Jaguar" and a number of men received shrapnel wounds
in all these ships.
Fighters then appeared and the raiders were driven off.
One was shot down by fighters and I think one by "Jaguar". "Jaguar"
left harbour, and the remainder of ships attended to their wounded.
I arranged to place all wounded in the "Canterbury" and not the
assistance of the Surgeon Lieutenant from "Grenade" for the more
serious cases.

Details

-2-
518
Skipper more than fifty men, and if damage became the
considered not to could embark made the return journey and instructed I
I she inspected "Polly Johnson" and although damaged
489
more serious to transfer them to "Brock".
7
During this lull more wounded troops were embarked in
"Fynella" and "Canterbury" and a few other troops wandered up the
jetty. I was then told that I could try and fill up my ships
and I stationed Officers abreast each ship and instructed them to
order all unwounded men down into the trawlers. They were mostly
unwilling to embark in what they considered "fishing boats" at
first and made various excuses to try and get to the larger ships.
As the rate of filling up was so slow I asked the Pier-
master if I could send the four outside ships to sea to wait their
turns and decrease the target, but I was told that there would be
a large number of men ready as soon as the wounded had been
embarked and that the ships were to remain alongside.
I was then asked by the Piermaster if I would place a
trawler alongside the Western Jetty and light some smoke floats,
and he suggested that I might like to volunteer for the job. I
said that I was quite prepared to do the job by boat, but that I
did not consider it possible to place a ship alongside the jetty
as the foundations of the pier were shewing when I entered harbour,
and that my trawlers were all drawing over 15 feet while the rise and
fall on that day was only 11 feet.
"Jaguar" completed and left harbour during this period,
and a large paddle steamer (I think Crested Eagle) berthed shead
of "Fynella".
At about 1630 the second raid was carried out, but this
was a rather half-hearted affair. All ships opened fire as before,
and no damage was done to the ships alongside. About 20/30 bombs
were dropped as before but they were divided between three targets -
"Jaguar" leaving the harbour - the ships alongside, and two French
destroyers on the opposite side of the harbour. The "Jaguar" was
damaged.
Fighters again appeared and the raiders were driven off.
The Canterbury completed and left harbour, and a destroyer
came in to take her place.
After this raid more troops started to come down the pier
and although traffic was still hampered by the wounded and stretcher
cases quite a large number were embarked in the trawlers.
At about 1800 the third raid started. This was a very
much more determined attack, and the bombers came over in waves at
a few minute intervals fire was opened but fighters appeared and
it was impossible to tell if they were enemy or not and it hampered
the firing to a great extent.
About 100 bombs were dropped, and the attack appeared to
be directed entirely on the pier and the ships alongside.
The "Calvi" and "Grenade" received direct hits and sank
immediately. "Calvi's" masts and funnel were above water and her
ensign remained flying from the foremast. There was a Mrect hit
on the pier close to the end and "Fynella" was damaged, A cortain
amount of panic ensued and men started climbing out of one ship
into another, and some attempted to run back towards the shore.
At this time I was with the Piermaster and he instructed
me to draw my revolver to quell the panic and to load up with
survivors and troops and to get the ships out as quickly as possible.

Details

-3-
519
*
490
As
the
wreck
of
the
"Grenade"
instructed follow the "John other Cattling" ships to was attempt drifting to pull down her on clear the trawlers,
I
7
up troops and survivors, out. "Polly Johnson" and "Brock" and to
at full speed. got clear, and proceeded out of harbour picked
"Arley" was clear and "Fyldea" under way.
further and several up the pier troops and survivors jumped on board. the I
The more Skipper of "Fyldea" kept his ship close to wall
instructions, but I trying to find the Piermaster again for was further
on board as she failed to find him and just managed to jump
was leaving. This was at about 1815.
then told clear me of the Piermaster had also instructed him to "Granade"
Lieutenant that Peake - the First Lieutenant of the
ships the four it and to go round to the beaches. I therefore get took the
ships three there asking if there were any troops available for me. to the After
remaining ships towards the beaches and signalled
capacity ships replying that they were themselves up
unsuccessful - all attempts to obtain further troops to fill to
and difficulty in completing I received signals from "Polly having Johnson"
necessary. by "Polly Johnson" and to remove her crew and sink her if
stand "Brock" stating that they were damaged. I ordered "Arley" to
who was anchored in the vicinity of the Nieuport Bank Buoy with her
With "Brock" in company I then proceeded towards the "Jaguar"
should take some from her. I was told to escort her as she had to I Express
troops on board and another destroyer alongside her, and asked if
boats and I therefore told "Brock", whose damage was slight, to
proceed to independently. I proceeded with "Brock for about two miles
exchange the necessary signals and satisfy myself that she was
capable of making the journey and then returned to "Jaguar".
her and signalled my maximum speed.
By this time she had weighed, and I followed astern of
side to at about 2500 feet, in the direction of the "Jaguar" and started port
At about 1930, five German Dive Bombers passed on our
detached itself from the formation and made an attack on us.
make an attack. We opened fire with the 12 pounder and one plane
We Six bombs were dropped which fell about 40/50 yards on our port beam.
the plane straightened up to attack I gave the order"hard-a-starboard" As
then straightened up and proceeded on our course.
her multiple pom-poms and zig-zagged, and no hits were registered,
The other planes attacked the "Jaguar" who replied with
although all attacks appeared to be very close to her.
out of sight.
After this attack she increased speed and she was soon
route I set a course for the Dyck Buoy and followed "y" route.
Having been left by "Jaguar" - who was taking a different
Between "m" and "S" buoys I overtook "Brock" and she
signalled that she could only steam at half speed and that she had
three serious cases on board. I signalled her to heave to and
went aea ongside her and transferred her survivors and troops to
at 0300.
I then proceeded at full speed and arrived back at Dover
situation was so tense that it would have been almost impossible to
During the bombing raids and the periods between, the
realize any passage of time, so that the times in this report may
be in error to a considerable extent.

Details

Details

Details

Dynamo ME
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. $404
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May proceed 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head to seaward Garry" I in tow out of harbour. After transport
steamer up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the
then was ordered to tow transport out, turning had
gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre. as I
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while towing the her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
steamer came astern with engines.
This operation would have taken the vessel
harbour cannot all clear stern first, but for some reason, which out of
the explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing I
towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by wiring the lengthened of
which towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to us go full
I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying both
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I re-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troops coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).

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continued.
-2-
405+
H.M.T. cleared "Fyldea" harbour leading. of H.M.T. "Polly Johnson", "Brock" and with
I then astern passed ahead inside of H.M.S. "Grenade"
who faster informed owing to trouble megaphone that she was unable to proceed
When me clear by of harbour I closed on H.M.T. "Polly Johnson"
she to slow charts had been shattered. We were by as then
to reported all her up position about mld of a mile ahead of keep her
her. I took in the engineroom. and would I close any
reduced speed, and I informed H.M.T. "Fyldea" that
faster. orders from "Fyldea" to stand by "Polly
"Polly Johnson" I received was in difficulties and could not proceed any
Johnson", which I did, keeping about me of a mile ahead of her.
Although I was only proceeding at slow speed, the "Polly Johnson"
still dropped astern.
I then received a message from H.M.T. "Fyldea" that if
"Polly Johnson" could not proceed I was to take her crew and
scuttle her clear of the channel and act independently. I
ordered this message to be sent to "Polly Johnson" as relayed from
"Fyldea". By this time we had reached a position half way between
Nieuport Buoy, and Middlekerke Buoy, and I stopped engines until
"Polly Johnson" came within hail. During this period several
more raids were carried out by German Aircraft on the Destroyers
and other craft close to us.
When "Polly Johnson" closed on me, the Skipper informed
me he was already to abandon ship; his confidential books etc.
were packed ready to pass to me. I then closed on her and lashed
alongside until the two stretcher cases and all the other members
of her crew and passengers were safely on board. I then cast off
and moved away from her.
The Skipper of "Polly Johnson" - Skipper Lieutenant
Lake R.N.R. (ret) informed me that the water in engineroom had
gained up to the platforms, and in the stokehold the water was
about to put her fires out.
After leaving "Polly Johnson" I requested one of our
Destroyers to sink her as she had been abandoned, but as I received
no satisfactory reply, I returned to her and fired two shota of
common shell into her at waterline.
As I had by now about 90 men on board, including several
wounded, I decided to make all speed for Dover. The tide was
setting to East North East, and assuming the "Polly Johnson" would
drive away from the channel, I left her, the Skipper agreeing that
she would sink in about two hours.
Soon after leaving "Polly Johnson" I received an S.O.S.
from a Paddle Steamer who had been badly bombed whilst I had been
taking off from "Polly Johnson". I decided I could not take all
her men, so I steamed and intercepted one of the scouts, and two
French trawlers, and directed them to go to the paddler, which
they did. There was also one drifter standing by her and one of
our destroyers heading for her, so I decided nothing further could
be done, and returned to harbour forthwith.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Skipper Lieutenant R.D.,R.N.R.
ske Lieut G Robinson RD RNR
HMT. "arley"