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Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| 29th May(3) | 0830 | Proceeded to by dro. Gallant |
| 1155 | Dive bomber 011 The Callant | |
| 1250 | The of the | |
| 1400 | west Jaguar did not The P/V to of the | |
| 1420ca | by the Arley) end The Fylden, Brock. Calvi, | |
| (1) The crew, (3) D.B. killed | 15300a Abukie was 163008 the in | Polly entered the Johnson The the berth The Eylden the pier; and the secured Air abroastmenced» guns not fire her her port side Juguar on on her und ordered The cover for the NA cast which off was and than closed off the near misses. one the the of the the enatern off 1b9 fire. Air sttack. The Juguse survivors THE including the |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
-1- NEPHRITE 1) (Store ship) Stephenson Clarke & Assocd. Cos. Ltd. Capt. C.G. West, O.B.E., Laster. 31st May 0600 Lying off Deal loaded with military stores. Ordered to Dunkirk. 0630 Jettisoned some of the stores. 1200 Sailed for Dunkirk. Berthed alongside Dunkirk pier. Embarked about 200 troops, who were starving. Food had been prepared for them. The Doctor who WaB Jewish, on being told there was pork in the stew, said "I don't care if there are dead dogs in it, I'm going to have 1300 my share, it smells Bo good". Shifted berth alongside P/V Roebuck where there was greater depth of water. Air attacks. 1500 Berthed alongside again. 1815 Proceeded via X route with 504 troops on board (70 of them French). Hundreds of small craft of every description were seen making towards Dunkirk. Air attacks on passage. One fighter shot down by the ship's gunner, A.B. Mellis. 2330 Deal roads. Anchored to await daylight. let June 0545 Dover. Ordered to Folkestone. 0830 Folkestone. Disembarked 504 troops. Total 504. Authority - R.O. III, p.170. TM.6213/40. The following awards were made: D.S.M. Actg. A.B. A.E. Mellis. Mention in Despatches. Capt. C.G. West, O.B.E., Master. (1) Shown in D.R. under "Miscellaneous". 335
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
ROEBUCK( P/V G.W.R.Co. Capt. W.Y.Larbalestier, Master. 31st May 0200 Left Dover for La Panne. 0705ca In collision in Dunkirk channel with a destroyer [1.e. the Wolsey]. Slight damage. 0811 Anchored off La Panne. Ordered to Dunkirk. 0910 Arrived Dunkirk. Had to wait for a berth. 1050 Occupied the berth just vacated by the H/C St. Julien. Embarked 45 cot cases, 70 wounded and about 385 troops. 1525 Proceeded. 2055 Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (1) The ship was not allowed to do another trip as she was not de-gaussed. (2). Total 500 Authority - R.O.I. p.194. R.O.III. p.185. TM.6213/40. The following awards were made: Mention in Despatches Captain W.Y. Larbalestier, Master. D.R. says 342. R. gives a second disembarkation (408) on 1st June. nnown in D.R. as a coastal steamer, under "Miscellaneous". 31
WOLSEY (L.02) Attached Dover Command Lt. Cdr. C.H. Campbell, 31st 1930 26th May Left link Dover ship. for Dunkirk to act as W/T R.N. 2350 Secured to Felix Faure jetty, Dunkirk. 0530 27th May Shifted to berth to allow troop anchorage. come alongside Wolsey under transports way in 0700 0930 Berthed alongside east pier. Air raid, and water getting shallow, so removed grounded. to anchorage; propellers 1030 Hauled off by French tug and proceeded to anchorage, where Wolsey remained for the rest of the day. She was bombed 6 times. 1800 The dr. Wolfhound arrived and secured alongside east quay of tidal harbour. 1910 Wolsey and Wolfhound subsequently anchored as close to the eastern beaches as possible and embarked troops. 2005 S.N.O. Dunkirk reported to V.A. Dover that the bombing made it impracticable to use a destroyer as a W/T link. 28th May 0100 Both destroyers sailed for Dover. 0330 Arrived Dover. Wolsey disembarked 206 troops. 1850 Wolsey to Braye-Dunes by Y route. 2300 Braye-Dunes. Lowered boats and embarked troops. 29th May 0400 Sailed for Dover with 500 troops. - Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (1) 1100 Ordered, in company with the drs. Vivacious and Vimy, to Sheerness. 1830 Sailed from Sheerness for "operation F.D." Operation F.D. cancelled. Wolsey returned to Dover. 30th May 0615 Left Dover for Dunkirk. 0915 Secured alongside east pier Dunkirk. Returned to Dover. Disembarked 608 Embarked about 800 troops. - troops. (2) 1525 Sailed for Dunkirk. 1825ca Arrived Dunkirk. Secured to east pier. Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1065 Embarked 1060 troops. 2235 troops. (2) 31st May 0600 Left Dover for Braye-Dunes by route X, 0703 In carrying collision medical with the stores. P/V Roebuck, only 0930c Proceeded slight dalongeide esst pier R.A.M.C. Dunkirk, and disembarked and the medical stores. (1) Not mentioned however, troops, D.R. the latiptscript states of that which Wolsey made in D.R. 3 is of probably (2) D.R. for 400 and was should of "4 have been 29th. 333
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 116 4649. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 16. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B' STORE SHIPS, NEPHRITE. Commanding Officer. Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E., Master. NGAROMA. Commanding Officer. John William Dickinson, Master. ROEBUCK. Commanding Officer. Wilfrid Ivan Larbilestier, Master. 3518. /JX.128351 18. D.476. D.514. For/
Wt. 22622/4318 50M 9/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671. 09) base 6801 Val 2 03VC Register No. Minute Sheet No. Naval of the Secretary. Merchant have been inserted on the instructions and men of The following Navy additional names of officers D.S.C. Mr. David Douglas Robb, Chief Engineer, ISLE OF GUERNSEY. Mr. William MacGregor, Chief Engineer, KING GEORGE V. Mr. George Clifford Frederick Todley, Second Engineer, MAID OF ORLEANS. Mr. Rowland Baxter, Master, PRAGUE. Mr. Walter Ernest Oxenham, Chief Engineer, PRAGUE. Mr. A.Patterson, Chief Officer, ROYAL DAFFODIL. Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Chief ineer, ROYAL SOVEREIGN. Mr. A.B. Freeman, First Officer, ST. HELIER. Mr. H.Whiteway, Master, TYNWALD. Mr. Charles Mason, Radio Officer, TYNWALD. D.S.M. Quartermaster Henry Russell, MAID OF ORLEANS. Donkeyman Albert Delamain, ROYAL DAFFODIL. Chief Steward Thomas Edward Manser, ROYAL SOVEREIGN. Quartermaster Clarence T. Walkey, ST.HELIER. Mention in Despatches. (Posthumous) Fireman A. Phillips, BIARRITZ. Mention in Despatches. Captain R.Hughes, Master, KILLARNEY. Captain C.G. West, O.B.E., Master, NEPHRITE. Captain H. Clarke, Master, PRINCESS MAUD. Captain J.N. Larbalestier, Master, ROEBUCK. Mr. W.Lister, Purser, TYNWALD. Carpenter J.Garre, TYNWALD. Donkeyman A.Allen, TYNWALD. Jumph 25th July, 1940. Naral Secretary. Naval Secretary has given orders for the following further names to be inserted:- Mention in Despatches. Captain Thomas C. Woods, Master, LADY OF MANN. /Captain A.M. Poole, Master, LADY SOUTHBOROUGH. (Hopper Barge). Captain Ewen Mackinnon, Master, LOCH GARRY. Captain R.G. Banks, Acting Master, Lighter X.209. Captain William Josiah Penny, Master, Tug St. Clears. /Captain Robert Durrant, Master, Drifter LORD RODNEY. /Captain John William Dickinson, Master, NGORAMA. vMr. Victor Smith, Mate, Drifter JAVA. /Mr. Raymond Crane, Engineer, M.V. LAROC. Mr. Jack Lynn, Mate, M.V. LAROC. Xxxx Steward H.A.E. Frost, M.V. LAROC. Deckhand Leonard Lynn, M.V. LAROC. deshington for Naval Secretary 28th July, 1940.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| ISCELLANEOUS. | 29/5 BIDEFORD (Sloop) 1/6 KINGFISHER (Corvette) 1/6 MONA'S ISLE (A.B.V.) | 27/5 MONA'S ISLE (A.B.V.) 27/5 KING ORRY (A.B.V.) | 31/5 ROEBUCK |
| MALCOLM (II) 1014 | 3 Various 700 | LAROC, F.W.23 & | 3177 | ROEBUCK -do- 342 |
APPENDIX to 1st June Page 7 Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events. DESTROYERS PERSONNEL SHIPS MINESWEEPERS PADDLE MINESWEEPERS SKOOTS FRENCH DESTROYERS VANQUISHER (I) 640 ST. HELIER 659 GOSSAMER 845 QUEEN OF THANET 850 DEMOK 114 FLORE 351 HAVANT 882 LADY OF MANN 870 NIGER 310 SANDOWN 800 ORANJE 100 BOUCLIER 300 WHITEHALL (I) 871 MAID OF ORLEANS 1856 FITZROY 67 ORIOLE 470 HEBE 365 SCIMITAR (I) 584 TYNWALD 2000 LYDD 252 PRINCESS ELIZABETH 510 AEGIR 130 WOLSEY 533 ROYAL SOVEREIGN 47 LEDA 650 MEDWAY QUEEN 700 ANTJE 150 MALCOLM 1200 KING GEORGE V 700 DUCHESS OF WESTWARD HO 918 PACIFICO 414 WORCESTER (I) 661 BEN-MY-CHREE 2080 FIFE 535 WIPPINGHAM 2500 AMAZONE 111 WINDSOR 493 ST. HELIER 1250 HALCYON 243 QUEEN OF THANET 1500 HILDA 530 VIVACIOUS 427 ROUEN 800 SALAMANDER 479 WESTWARD Ho 900 RIKA 200 Total 58,4 VANQUISHER (II) 1200 COTE D'ARGENT 1000 SPEEDWELL 972 FRISO 648 HARVESTER 576 SALTASH 400 ICARUS 1114 QUEEN OF THE ROSS 260 CODRINGTON 746 CHANNEL 52 DUNDALK 280 SABRE 451 HALCYON 508 SHIKARI 623 SALTASH 400 DRIFTERS MISCELLANEOUS 453 HOSPITAL SHIPS FOREIGN VESSELS WINCHELSEA 1150 SUTTON SCIMITAR (II) 376 KELLETT 40 Miscellaneous 1110 FOREMOST 200 ESK (I) 979 WESTWARD Ho 900 ST. ANDREW 130 INCENIEUR CACHIN 1 GOLDEN GIFT 123 VINCIA 108 PATRIE WHITEHALL (II) 34 157 GRIEVE (F.A.A. GASTON RIVER 120 WORCESTER (II) 900 OCEAN BREEZE TRAWLERS Trg. vessel) 374 MISCELLANEOUS (Cont.) MONIQUE CAMILLE 302 JACKETA 564. MOSQUITO (Gunboat) 610 REINE DE FLOTS 62 LORD INCHCAPE 240 LOCUST " 620 LADY ANDRE LOUIS 317 17.97 SATURN 307 NEPHRITE 500 SOUTHBORO 350 CHALUTIER 100 D. TRAWLER 100 ESKBURNE 27 RAPID 25 CHASSEUR MARIE 117 GRIEVE (Yacht) 411 MAYSPEAR 15 NORMANVILLE 500 647 UNNAMED M.B. 23 TENIAS 100 ONDERS ONS 95 II's CHANNEL 108 GALLEON FRANSAH 500 KINGFISHER (A/S Exp. REACH 123 Ship) (I) 180 HOPPER 24 580 KINGFISHER -do- (II)210 LLANTHONY 90 IOLANTHE 35 (ex serv.vessel) 10593 173171 THREE KINGS 59 GOLDEN EAGLE KINGSGATE 910 (sp.serv.) 1250 CHRISTOBEL II 33 ROYAL EAGLE 10503 OLIVIA 103 (AA Ships)1250 ATHOLA 6 ROEBUCK (Coastal steamer)408 Lifeboat 35 MINWOOD = 51 509 MONA'S ISLE (A.B.V.) 1500 FL TB S 3 e S d it
| MALCOLM (II) 1014 | 3 Various 700 | LAROC, F.W.23 & | ROEBUCK -do- 342 |
Page 16. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B' STORE SHIPS NEPHRITE. ,40 Commanding Officer. Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E., Master. NGAROMA. Commanding Officer. John William Dickinson, Master. ROEBUCK. Commanding Officer. Wilfrid Ivan Larbilestier, Master. hur
18. Han Ordinary Seaman Bert Marston, P/JX.175182, H.M.S. Worcester. Ordinary Seaman John Philip Charles Mead, LT/JX.193106, H.M.Y.Christock Ordinary Seaman Hugh Watson Miller, C/JX.170010, H.M.S. Royal Eagle. Ordinary Seaman Frank Arthur Victor Patrick, C/JX.171302, H.M.S.Crest Eagle. Ordinary Seaman Thomas Edgar Whyte, R.N.V.R., CD/X.133, Newhaven Life Boat Rosa Wood and Phyll Lund. Seaman Arthur George Farrow, LT/JX.179655, H.M.S. Glenavon. Seaman George Fred Mathews, R.N.P.S., LT/JX.185264, H.M.D.The Boys. Seaman Raymond Allenby Stone, R.M.R., X.19746A, H.M.S. Jaguar. Ordinary Signalman Victor Albert Leslie Shallis, LD/X.4505, H.M. Danlayer Gulzar. Stoker Second Class Ralph Kearvell, P/KX,87052,H.M.S. Worcester Stoker John Pirie, R.N.R., X.10415,S., H.M.D. Dorienta. Second Hand John Malcolm Fenwick, LT/JX.185753, H.M.Y. Alouette 1. Engineman James Smith, H.M. H Drifter Douenta. Fireman John Develand Connell, T.124, H.M.S. Medway Queen. Cook George Henry Cliefe, T.124, H.M.Danlayer Gulzar. Deckhand Charles E Baldry, T.124, H.M.Danlayer Gulzar. Captain William Hay Baker, Master, S.S. Biarritz. Captain Herbert Cecil Bond, Master, S.S. St. Andrew. Captain II F Boyce, Master, Hopper Barge 24, Captain George Beaumont Butler, Master, M.V.Laroc. Captain John Willimm Dickinson, Master, Ngorama. Captain Henry Clarke, Master, Princess Maud. Captain RederickJohn Hopwood, Master, Tug Lady Brassey. Captain Eyril Glad west Hughes, O.B.E., S.S. Master, S.S. Nephrite. Captain R chard Hughes, Master, Killarney. Captain Welfred # yvon Larbalestier, Master, S.S Roebuck. Captain Ewen Mackinnon, Master, Loch Garry. Captain William Josiah Penny, Master, Lord Rodney. Captain A M Pooke, Master, Lady Southborough. Captain Thomas C Woods, Master, Lady of Mann. Captain R G Banks, Acting Master, Lighter X.209. Mr. John William Ailwyn Jones, Chief Officer, Hospital Carrier Vinard Mr. Reginald Frederick Pembry, Chief Officer, Hospital Carrier Isle Mn Arthur Patrick Joseph Paterson, First Officer, M. Mr. Jack Lynn, Mate, M.V.Laroc. Mr. Victor Smith, Mate, Java. Service, Mr. John Bingham Woodhouse, Second Officer, S.S. Prague it Massey Shaw London Fire Brigade Wire Flo
Page 4. WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940. PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued) NEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS RCHANGEL MANXMAN UTOCARRIER MONA'S QUEEN EN-MY-CREE NEWHAVEN IARRITZ NEPHRITE (Store Ship) ANTERBURY NGAROMA LAN MACALISTER NORMANIA OTE D'ARGENT PARIS (Hospital) OTE D'AZUR PRAGUE INARD (Hospital) PRINCESS MAUD ORIAN ROSE (Store Ship) # QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL ENELLA ROEBUCK ОЛМ QUEEN ROUEN SLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital) ROYAL DAFFODIL SLE OF THANET (Hospital) ROYAL SOVEREIGN ILLARNEY ST. ANDREW (Hospital) ING GEORGE V ST. DAVID (Hospital) ADY OF MAN ST. HELIER EVENWOOD (Store Ship) ST. JULIAN OCH GARRY ST. SEIRIOL LORINA # SCOTIA AID OF ORLEANS TYNWALD MALINES WORTHING (Hospital) MANXMAID WHITSTABLE BRITISH SHIPS ADVENTURESS BONNY BELLE re AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat) BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT ALBATROSS III B.P. ONE ALOUETTE BRITANNIA ANDORA BULLFINCH ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch) CABBY ANNE IV CANVEY QUEEN ATHOLA CAVERSHAM (M.B.) AURA CHAMOIS (Lighter) BATL CHERFIELD BAT (Lighter) / CLAUDE (Water Boat) BEE (Lighter) COMMODORE BELFAST CONSTANT NYMPH BLACK ARROW CORDELIA BLACK JAVA CORNELIA BLACKPOOL BOBELI (Motor Cruiser) C. 11 C. 9 } (Tugs) BONNY HEATHER C.Y. 63 DABB II DEFENDER DHOON (Trawler) (Continued) Sunk
Page 16. peration "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B' STORE SHIPS. NEPHRITE. Commanding Officer. Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E., Master. NGAROMA, Commanding Officer. John William Dickinson, Master. ROEBUCK. Commanding Officer. Wilfrid Ivan Larbilestier, Master.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| ROEBUCK | 187 |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 xxx. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
454 COPY. Rescue Tug "LADY BRASSEY". Saturday, 1st June, 1940. Sir, I, Frederick John Hopgood, was in charge of the tug "LADY BRASSEY" when at 10.40 B.M. Lt.-Commander Laloe was put on board the Hospital ship "ST. DAVID" lying at anchor off the detached Mole with engine trouble. He then told me to go back into harbour and see if S.S. "ROEBUCK" lying at the Admiralty Pier was ready to be assisted off. le had just left the Hospital ship about 11.30 a.m. when we received instructions from the examination steamer to proceed to the no Transport AMANDER" and 53 44 it a COPY. md "GONDIA", e Dover. rd. dp 10/6/40. Dalle Report of trip to Calais 24/5/40. To: in Admiral Ramsey, R.No VaADe Sir, At 1100 24/5/40, "Gondia" and "Foremost 87" left Dover for Calais and proceeded by routes given. Arriving in vicinity of No. 1 Calais de Ridens buoy ke at 1300, we found two destroyers engaged shelling the shore, one to the W of the entrance, the other close east of pierheads, while manoeuvring at full aneed. We proceeded lowly in towards No. 5 buoy, then "Foremost 87" spoke destroyer and was told to clear off as it was not safe to go in. Bomba at that time were also being S dropped in the entrance, and at 1335 we proceeded back to Dover for further orders. hen we were some two miles off Calais, a Saint tug e (name unknown) was proceeding along the coastal route d past Calais, as though proceeding towards Dunkirk, and bug continued hor voyage, and we saw nothing more of her a as we returned. Arrived back in Dover 1550, and made fast. I am, Sir, Yours obediently, (SGD.) CHARLES PRATT. MASTER. me.
454 COPY. Rescue Tug "LADY BRASSEY". Saturday, 1st June, 1940. Sir, I, Frederick John Hopgood, was in charge of the tug "LADY BRASSEY" when at 10.40 Selle Lt.-Commander Laloe WAS put on board the Hospital ship "ST. DAVID" lying at anchor off the detached Mole with engine trouble. He then told me to 80 back into harbour and see if S.S. "ROEBUCK" lying at the Admiralty Pier was ready to be assisted off. We had just left the Hospital ship about 11.30 SeMe when we received instructions from the examination steamer to proceed to the assistance of Transport "PRAGUS", "SALAMANDER" and "IVANHOE" and to instruct Salvage vessel "FORDE" to proceed that was lying at anchor in the Downs. We left Dover about noon and spoke the "FORDE" off Deal about 1 p.m. and proceeded on course when nearing the Fork buoy I could see a craft that appeared to be the "PRAGUE" off the N. W. Goodwin buoy. I spoke the Master who requested me to make fast, and also what was his position. I told him he was close to the Fork buoy. We got fast at 1.20 p.m. and towing at 1.30 p.m. About 1.45 Dalla we eased towing for the pilot to get on board. I had asked the Master if he could hold the water in the ship and replied yes, and draught 25 feet. We then proceeded on passage to Dover. When nearing the Port we received instructions to anchor "PRAGUE" in the Downs at about 2.30 p.m. We turned around and proceeded back to the Downs. During this time the En ineer reported Dynamo trouble. Whilst passing through the Downs and off Walmer we were hailed that we had better take the ship to anchor in Ramsgate Channel and on closing Ramagate channel we were told to ground the vessel. I then hailed them asking why they wished to beach the vessel and was told that they found they could not hold the water and that she must be beached. We then turned the vessel in towards the Conspicuous House and grounded her on Sandwich Flats at 11.30 Date We then received a signal to return off Deal for the Salvage Officer Lt. Commander Laloe. We then received instructions about proceeding to Dunkirk by signal. Lt. Commander Laloe came on board and I informed him we should like to inspect the Dynamo before leaving. He agreed and sent a message to that effect to V.A.D. and whilst we were at anchor he would proceed to the "PRAGUE" by motor boat this would now be about 5.40 p.m. On the return of the Salvage Officer we reported the Dynamo appeared satisfactory, but the engineer could not make a very good exam on account of the steam. Lt. Commander Laloe then told me that we should have to tow the "PRAGUE" further in shore and that he would go on shore to report. At 8.15 Dalla we have up anchor and got fast to the "PRAGUE" and towed her in shore Sast of Sandown Castle at 9 p.m. About 9.30 Dame we anchored the tug for further instructions from Salvage Officer. Sunday, 2nd. Hove up anchor 7.45 a.m. and spoke to Lt. Commander Laloe who was required on the telephone ashore and who was on the Dapper. We went alongside of Dapper and Brought Salvage Officer off the signal station when he was landed by Motor Boat. At 8.45 n.m. I received instructions from the Salvage Officers to return Dover and arrived along- side the Pier at 10.15 Bettle Took on board coal, and engineer overhauled Dynamo. Yours faithfully, (SGD.) F. J. HOPGOOD. To K.H.M. Master. Signed Tuesday, 11th June.
Confidential Two 150 71 to 145 6. During the morning of 28th May "WOLSEY" oiled and ammunitioned ship. At 1850 "WOLSEY" proceed to Bray beach by route 'Y' arriving there at 2300. Boats were immediately lowered and embarkation of troops began. "WOLSEY" sailed at 0400 for Dover with 500 troops on board. At 1100/29 "WOLSEY" was ordered in company with "VIVACIOUS" and "VIMY" to proceed to Sheerness. Ship sailed from Sheerness at 1830 for operation F.D. this operation was cancelled by Admiralty and "WOLSEY" returned to Dover. Ship remainede alongside while one rating injured by berthing wire was discharged to Hospital and proceeded to Dunkirk at 0615/30. "WOLSEY" secured alongside East Pier Dunkirk at 0915 and embarked approximately 800 troops. "WOLSEY" returned to Dover disembarked troops, and again proceeded to Dunkirk at 1525. "WOLSEY" again secured to East Pier and embarked 1060 troops returning to Dover at 2235. Troops disembarked "WOLSEY" oiled and proceeded to Bray beach at 0600. Colonel Blake R.A.M.C. and Medical Stores were emLarked before proceeding. At 0703 'WOLSEY" was in collision with S.S. "ROEBUCK" (Already reported). Blake and stores and then proceeded to Bray beach. After being there 'WOLSEY" proceeded alongside East Pier Dunkirk, disembarked Colonel two hours and embarking 40 troops I was ordered by "CODRINGTON" to proced alongside. Secured alongside, embarked 500 troops, returned to Dover at 18 knots, disembarked troops, and at 1830 slipped from Harbour and proceeding alongside East Pier "WOLSEY'S" D.G. Coil Admiralty Pier and returned to Dunkirk. Whilst inside Dunkirk Fused and caught fire, This may have been caused by a shell splinter as embarked was electric light party endeavoured to repair the Dunkirk being shelled at the time. While 600 troops D.G. were coil. being the 2330 the 30 cent efficient. I considered the risk Either justifiable it the B.A. reported to me that he had done all he could and that the having condition was efficient against Magnetic The and coil was announced per repairs completed, sailed for Dover. lines or nce was lucky noticable and 8 veral aircraft were half. "WOLSEY" coil in the that and the passage was made safely. heard, Phosphoresce so "WOLSEY" proceeded alongside Admiralty Wharf 0425 and D.G. disembarked coil. At troops, "WOLSEY" was extremely at 12 knots for the first hour and a 1300 subsequentyly "WOLSEY" reported ready for sea and a 1600 ordered secured securing to buoy to effect repairs to "WOLSEY" was to proceed to Portsmouth for repairs. I Have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Obedient Servant. Colampber LISUTENANT-COMMANDER, R.N. FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
FRIDAY, 31ST MAY CHAP. VIII After about an hour the Margate life-boat, the Lord Southborough, appeared. All destroyers were now under way, and as the life-boat was returning to Margate the party went back in her¹. She reached Margate at 1450 on May 31st. Thus, by about 0830 on the 31st May all the beach parties of which there are any records had returned or were on their way to England. Devonia is beached At 1035 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker had informed V.A. Dover that he would beach a ship in the hope of improving conditions for boat work, which was then being made difficult by a lop and he instructed Cdre. Stephenson accordingly. Cdre. Stephenson, then in the yacht Bounty off. La Panne, boarded the minesweeper Devonia at 1600 and gave orders to beach the ship. The Devonia, already much damaged by near misses at 1230, was beached at full speed off La Panne, and at 1930, on account of the shelling and bombing, she was abandoned. Fortunately by 1700 the weather off the beaches had much improved. Casualties to H.M. Ships With the exception of the Devonia none of H.M. ships was lost on this day, but the following were slightly damaged : the Vivacious was damaged by a shell hit and had 3 dead and 12 wounded; the Hebe received slight damage from a near miss; the Wolsey was in collision with the P/V Roebuck; the Impulsive damaged a propeller on uncharted wreckage; the Malcolm was in collision with Dunkirk pier; and the Scimitar was in collision with the Icarus and later with a drifter². Air patrols During the 31st May Fighter Command carried out patrols, as on the 30th May, at an average strength of three to four squadrons. Eight patrols in all were flown, involving 289 sorties. The periods in the day when the Dunkirk area was not covered were 0620-0800, 0830-1110, 1510-1615, and 1745-1915³. Coastal Command patrolled the line North Goodwins-Gravelines-Ostend throughout the day, patrols being of one section strength, involving in all 37 sorties⁴. Shortly before 0930 the Air Ministry intercepted a meassage indicating that the enemy air force had been ordered not to attack the town or harbour of Dunkirk but to concentrate attacks on shipping at sea, or leaving the coast³. It was at about 1230 that, off La Panne, the Devonia received extensive damage to her hull from 4 near misses, but the first major attack on our ships occurred about 1415-1430 when one of our squadrons estimated the enemy strength as about 100 aircraft (bombers and fighters). Rear-Admiral Wake- Walker says, "a terrific air battle took place overhead and it seemed to go against us". Actually, we lost 9 aircraft and claimed 7 enemy shot down.6 Air attacks then followed at half-hourly intervals between 1530 and 1730, and at about 1717 the Ivanhoe, Whitehall and Express off Dunkirk harbour were attacked by about 50 bombers. The Whitehall received some damage and the Express slight damage from near misses. At this time also the Hebe was attacked off La Panne by 4 bombers and was damaged by near misses ; I Cdr. Richardson's report (R.O.III, p.370). 2 Probably either the Gervais Rentoul or the Eileen Emma which both returned damaged as the result of collisions. 3 R.A.F. Narrative, p.334. 4 R.A.F. Narrative, p.336. 5 M.017978/41, p.17. 6 R.A.F. Narrative, p.335. 83
| Queen of the Channel Roebuck (Capt. W. J. O'Dell, Master) | - |
| TYPE | How SUNK | DATE | ||
| NAME | Torpedo boat | Shell fire | 30/5 | |
| Bourrasque | Destroyer | Air attack | 1/6 | |
| Foudroyant | Destroyer | E.-Boat | 31/5 | |
| Siroco Denis Papin | M/S trawler | Air attack | 1/6 | |
| Joseph Marie | M/S trawler | Air attack | 29/5 | |
| La Majo | M/S trawler | Air attack | 29/5 | |
| Moussaillon | M/S trawler | Air attack | 1/6 | |
| Vénus | M/S trawler | Air attack | 1/6 | |
| Douaisien | Cargo ship | Not known | Not known | |
| St. Camille | Cargo ship | Not known | Not known | |
| Emile Deschamps | Fleet auxiliary | Mine | 4/6 | |
| Pierve | Trawler | Shell fire | 31/5 | |
| Yvonne St. Moabe | Not known | Air attack | 1/6 | |
| Belgian Ships etc. | ||||
| Getuigt Vor Christus | Trawler | Not known | 2/6 | |
| Maréchal Foch | Trawler | Collision | 4/6 | |
| O.L. V. Van Vlaandaren | Trawler | Not known | 2/6 | |
| Sunny Isle | Trawler | Not known | 2/6 | |
| DATE 26/5 | PATROLS 22 | TOTAL FLYING HOURS DAILY 480 | ENEMY AIRCRAFT DESTROYED 30 | ENEMY AIRCRAFT DRIVEN DOWN 20 |
| 27/5 | 23 | 536 | 48 | 32 |
| 28/5 | 11 | 576 | 20 | 6 |
| 29/5 | 9 | 674 | 78 | 8 |
| 30/5 | 9 | 704 | I | I |
| 31/5 | 8 | 490 | 36 | 4 |
| 1/6 | 8 | 558 | 69 | I |
| 2/6 | 4 | 231 | 16 | 6 |
| 3/6 | 4 | 339 | I | I |
| 4/6 | 3 | 234 | I | I |
| Total flying | hours 4,822 |
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
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 4. OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940. PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued) PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS ARCHANGEL MANXMAN AUTOCARRIER MONA'S QUEEN BEN-MY-CREE NEWHAVEN BIARRITZ NEPHRITE (Store Ship) CANTERBURY NGAROMA CLAN MACALISTER NORMANIA COTE D'ARGENT PARIS (Hospital) COTE D'AZUR PRAGUE DINARD (Hospital) PRINCESS MAUD DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship) QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL FENELLA ROEBUCK FOAM QUEEN ROUEN ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital) ROYAL DAFFODIL ISLE OF THANET (Hospital) ROYAL SOVEREIGN KILLARNEY ST. ANDREW (Hospital) KING GEORGE V ST. DAVID (Hospital) LADY OF MAN ST. HELIER LEVENWOOD (Store Ship) ST. JULIAN LOCH GARRY ST. SEIRIOL LORINA SCOTIA MAID OF ORLEANS TYNWALD MALINES name WORTHING (Hospital) MANXMAID of Inen WHITSTABLE OTHER BRITISH SHIPS ADVENTURESS BONNY BELLE AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat) BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT ALBATROSS III B.P. ONE ALOUETTE BRITANNIA ANDORA BULLFINCH ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch) CABBY ANNE IV CANVEY QUEEN ATHOLA CAVERSHAM (M.B.) AURA CHAMOIS (Lighter) BAIL CHERFIELD BAT (Lighter) CLAUDE (Water Boat) BEE (Lighter) COMMODORE BELFAST CONSTANT NYMPH BLACK ARROW CORDELIA BLACK JAVA CORNELIA BLACKPOOL C. 9 ) BOBELI (Motor Cruiser) (Tugs) C. 11 ) BONNY HEATHER C.Y. 63 DABB II DEFENDER DHOON (Trawler) Sunk (Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36 Pt 2. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| "ROEBUCK" | S.S. | G.W.R. (Weymouth) | TM.4167/40 | 402 5 - |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 4. LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940. PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued) PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS ARCHANGEL MANXMAN AUTOCARRIER MONA'S QUEEN BEN-MY-CREE NEWHAVEN BIARRITZ NEPHRITE (Store Ship) CANTERBURY NGAROMA CLAN MACALISTER NORMANIA COTE D'ARGENT } french PARIS (Hospital) COTE D'AZUR PRAGUE DINARD (Hospital) PRINCESS MAUD DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship) QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL FENELLA ROEBUCK FOAM QUEEN ROUEN ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital) ROYAL DAFFODIL ISLE OF THANET (Hospital) ROYAL SOVEREIGN KILLARNEY ST. ANDREW (Hospital) KING GEORGE V ST. DAVID (Hospital) LADY OF MAN ST. HELIER LEVENWOOD (Store Ship) ST. JULIAN LOCH GARRY ST. SEIRIOL LORINA # SCOTIA MAID OF ORLEANS TYNWALD MALINES WORTHING (Hospital) MANXMAID WHITSTABLE OTHER BRITISH SHIPS ADVENTURESS BONNY BELLE AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat) BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT ALBATROSS III B.P. ONE ALOUETTE BRITANNIA ANDORA BULLFINCH ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch) CABBY ANNE IV CANVEY QUEEN ATHOLA CAVERSHAM (M.B.) AURA CHAMOIS (Lighter) BAIL CHERFIELD BAT (Lighter) CLAUDE (Water Boat) BEE (Lighter) COMMODORE BELFAST CONSTANT NYMPH BLACK ARROW CORDELIA BLACK JAVA CORNELIA BLACKPOOL C. 9 (Tugs) BOBELI (Motor Cruiser) C. 11 BONNY HEATHER C.Y. 63 DABB II DEFENDER DHOON (Trawler) Sunk (Continued)
MOTOR Robert DRIFTER G.Banks "LOCH Banks LOCH GARRY GARRY" X209 Butler NE ST 8.8. Cyril : F: 8.5." 8.8. Harry "PRINCESS "ROEBUCK" Clark MAUD" was Diskinson "MEPHRITE" "EGAROMA" Gifford West sed 343TJM FIREFLOAT "MASSEY SHAW" "LORD YACHT Coggins Durrant RODNEY" "MASAYRA" B.B. 1. S.B. TUG "ST. TUG W.D. Herbert "ROYAL "ROYAL DAPPODIL" B. I. "ST. HE. "ST. Woodhouse Evens Hay Launch Cherry Che DAFFODIL" ANDREW Penny c. rry 78 CLEARS" "SWALLOW" Master des Acting das Master 10.8 THE 188 stevener Deck Master ster Hand LINE IOW and guog in AND THE waster STATES 18.8 77 S Master Master Master and and 2nd 1 1 Master - THE Invoice RECOMMENDED FOR - TXNNALD" A.B. Master abooh Master shown NEWS THE THE Motor B.W.T. H.M.T. / STATE / E 8, Bost SOLD SEAL STATE THE I Hocht kngineer R.M.Y. H.E.S. GRIEF Steut: / HET STOLE "Elle Minda door USA Willins Acet, Stoner Stome. M.R.S. H.W.Deniarer solem Lane Stoker N.W.B. H.B.S. "0103" f R.W.B. Hims Med EDIV AND
STATE / // Medical B.D. STATE (4) is 1. Longue Allona N Hall M.N.S. Tacht WOITHEN сацианирая Devolane / It they STARRATE" 18.8 STATE reded yaH 1289 M.V. "LAROC" Raymond Crane Engineer Steward Deck Hand TCH H. A. E. Frost Leonard Lynn Master George B. Butler Mate Jack Lynn form IGHTER X209 Acting Master R. G. Banks B.S. "LOCH GARRY" Master Ewen Mackinnon DRIFTER "LORD RÓDNEY" Master Robert Durrent MOTOR YACHT "MASAYRA" Engineer C. Coggins FIREFLOAT "MASSEY SHAW" Aux. Fireman Aux. Fireman E.J. Wright has H. A. W. Day E.S. "MEPHRITE" Master Cyril Gifford West 8.5. "NGAROMA" Master J. W. Dickinson S.S. "PRINCESS MAUD" Master Herry Clark Master 8.8. "ROEBUCK" W. J. Larbalestier 8.5. "ROYAL DAFFODIL" 2nd Officer 2nd Engineer J. B. Woodhouse W. L. Evens 8.8. "ST. ANDREW Master Herbert C. Bond TUG "ST. CLEARS" Master W. J. Penny W. D. Launch "SWALLON" A.B. A.B. H. Hey F. Cherry JARINIA EDIV
-2- of Ship. Name & Address of Owners Name of Master. LAN MACALISTER Clan Line Steamers, Ltd. Capt. R.W. Mackie Tylney Hall, longuines are still learning Rotherwick, made as to whicher Near Basingstoke, Hants. office is still alive. KOHISTAN * F.C. Strick & Co. Ltd. Capt. W.C. Robertson 117-121, Leadenhall St. E.C.3. BENLAWERS * Petrograd Steamers Ltd., Capt. J.P. Drummond. 28, Bernard Street, Leith (Managers: Wm. Thompson & Co.) K L CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH Ellerman & Bucknall Capt. A.W. Wooster S.S. Co., Ltd. Tudor Court, Cobham, Surrey. K1 ROEBUCK c/o Chief Docks Manager, Capt. .Larbalestier. G.W. Railway Company, Cardiff. ST KITTY Basso & Company, Mr. W. McCondach, Weymouth. 13, Ox Street, Weymouth. ST SPINEL + William Robertson Ltd., Capt. R. Humphreys ST Glasgow, C.1. ST QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL The General Steam Capt. W.J. O'Dell PAR Navigation Co., Ltd., " ROYAL DAFFODIL G. Johnston ISL ROYAL SOVEREIGN 15, Trinity Square, " T. Aldis DIN E.C.3. WOR ISLI MONA'S QUEEN Isle of Man Steam Packet ~~ Capt. A. Holkham " R. Duggan $ FENELLA Company Limited, Capt. W. Cubbon MANXMAN x Imperial Buildings, If P.B. Cowley TYNWALD * Douglas, - qual & Isle of Man. Chief Officer J.Whiteway 0 BEN-MY-CHREE X Capt. G. Woods and Chief Officer T. Cain / LADY OF MANN Capt. T.C. Woods LORINA Southern Railway Co., Capt. A. Light. NORMANNIA Waterloo Station, Capt. M.C. Whiting CANTERBURY S.W.1. Captain C. Hancoc MAID OR ORLEANS 2 (Capt. A.E. Larki (Capt. G. Walker BIARRITZ Capt. M.H. Bake AUTOCARRIER Capt. C. Maste orized.
tothe COPY. GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. benefits Chief Docks Manager's Department, Marine Section, Weymouth. of B.S.28488. 5th June, 1940. 184 AA Dear Sir, "In 30% BUS S.S. "Roebuck". ong I confirm my telephone message of to-day informing you this vessel arrived and b erked at Weymouth at 12-40 p.m. The vessel left here for Dover on May 29th and on arrival at that port was instructed to proceed to La Panne, a small Belgian seaside resort nine miles east of Dunkirk. the When approaching Dunkirk following the Channel in accordance with instructions, the "Roebuck" was struck in the 0705/31 stern by a destroyer. The damage is fortunately slight, a few plates being dented, a frame forced, the belting torn and one of the deck leads snapped. was La Panne arrangements were being made to take troops from the open beach when an urgent order was received to proceed at once to Dunkirk. On arrival off Dunkirk it was not possible to enter at once as the "St. Julien" and another vessel were occupying the available berths. When the "St. Julien" came out the "Roebuck" went alongside and loaded 45 cot cases, 70 wounded and about 385 troops making total of 500, nd conveyed these safely to Dover. The Authorities at Dover would not permit the vessel to make another trip as the Master was given to understand he was the only vessel engaged in the evacuati on work that had not been degaussed. Having regard to the fact that the whole of the crew knew before departure from Weymouth the work on which they were about to be engaged and the extra danger which they would run that as the vessel had not been demagnetised, I report with pride the whole of the crew were only too pleased to under take the work, and they appear to have done remarkably well. at are known asking if in view of the fact that magnetic mines Portland I have to-day been in touch with the Degaussing Officer bet to be in the vicinity of Weymouth the vessel could now dealt with, and the Officer states that Portland is be already dealt overloaded th work and the S.S. "Roebuck" could not wed Ministry of Shipping. with unless a priority order is received from the g and an o Channel sail for Guernsey to take up their regular sailings on the The Crew of the "Roebuck" are being rested and will esco ff the Islands traffic tomorrow night. rcra Yours faithfully, (sgd) D.G. HOPPINS. W.J. Thomas Esq., CARDIFF.
-2- ear 189 About 1.00 p.m. I was ordered to shift alongside the S.S. ROEBUCK" to avoid taking the ground, as I was drawing more than 14 'eet of water. Destroyers, Trawlers and Hospital Ships were arriving continuously, and the embarkation of the troops and wounded proceeded 1990 without interruption, notwithstanding the efforts of the German Bombers TO who were continually coming over the port and dropping their bombs. Lewis Gunner Mellis was continually in action with his Gun and soon had some willing assistants from amongst the troops, who collected ammuni- tion from the other troops and kep the Lewis Gun trays full. About 3.00 p.m. I berthed alongside again and on being asked by the Pier Commander when I would be ready to sail, replied "I have come for a full load of troops so why sail before I am full up it only means more ships will be required". The Commander informed me that he had to dispatch the Destroyers as quickly as possible, and that I could assist the embarka- tion by taking troops whenever a jam occurred on the Pier, so I carried on accordingly. About this time, the Germans were particularly active, and shore A.A. Guns, Destroyers and ships were hitting back with every- thing they had. Occasionally a few shells whined overhead and fell into the Harbour, but did no material damage. Numerous air battles were in progress and several machines came down, some of the Pilots baling out. At 6.00 p.m. the Pier was crowded with French Troops, most of them keen to board the Destroyers in the hope they would be landed in French Ports. Observing a lot of them coming on board, having a feed and going ashore again, I had a conference with a British Army Captain and a French Major, and decided that if the French Troops would not embark that the ship should sail. I estimated that I had 500 Troops on board, about 70 of them French, and the French still refusing to embark I reluctantly cast off and steamed out of the Harbour. The homeward roûte was a wonderful sight, hundreds of small craft of every description were seen making towards Dunkirk. Meanwhile the German Bombers were busy, large flights of them appearing and dropping their loads all over the place. I organised a party of ten sildiers on the Forecastle Head with orders to fire at any aircraft coming within ranage. Gunner Mellis was putting in some great work with his gun, and it was afterwards reported to me by an Army Officer that he had registered hits on three enemy 'planes, two of which came down; in fact, the Officer hearing of his excellent shooting went to stand by him with his glasses and observed him shoot down an enemy fighter plane. The Pilot baling out was eventually picked up by a tug about half a mile astern of us. At this time there were more than seventy enemy planes overhead dropping their bombs all around us like hailstones, but our luck held good and we escaped undamaged, but I feel sure that some of the small boats being towed towards Dunkirk were either hit by the bombs or swamped with the huge columns of water caused by the explosions. At Dusk the North Goodwin Lt. V. was sighted and navigating the vessel through the Downs in the dark I dropped anchor off Deal at 11.30 p.m. to await daylight to proceed to Dover. Most of the troops
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