Details

ADMIRALTY Open 36 ft. launch
S/Lt. R. Shrimpton,
R.N.V.R.(1)
lst June
p.m.
Towed over by & drifter and spent the
night at the beaches.
On a later night, S/Lt. Shrimpton went
into Dunkirk.
The
[No information as to whether this
vessel returned, or how S/Lt.
Shrimpton got back].
Authority - R.O.II, p. 393.
to
six.
ST 2 aircraft. Advance's signal
sist was carried sway by the
carriage of the second aircraft.
whaler inshore; it une awamped
OR reaching the beach. Emptied
righted the whaler, which was
token in tow by the Advance.
82th this and another whaler
DILB picked up, ferried troops to 0
destroyer and a drifter. Air
Shaler sunk. Ferried.troops to 03
assort vessel and a transport, and
boats to off-lying ships.
from a destroyer [the Sabre]
to transmitter, which, with 2
operatore, UGS transported to La
M/W ViewCinder was nighted aground.
THE and the M/D Klisobeth
book of which had suffered
The AMORICA to be beached to
from sinking alongaide.
Y. Snow, R.N. left Remagato in
the Advance for Durkirk, in
with 11 other 11/3's and 3
(see white MARR).
Durkirk.
while BE Dunkirk, the
was
on
the
Returned to Remente,
[No other Information of this 2nd
N11
(1) Shown in the August 1940 Navy List as a lieutenant,
seniority 31/5/40. Not shown in the June 1940 Navy
List.
11

Details

ADVANCE( 1)
M/Y
C.P. Dick, Owner, Skipper.
28th May
0730
Left Teddington.
1330
Arrived Sheerness.
1630
Left Sheerness with 8 other boats.
29 th May
0300
The Advance arrived Dover. The
remaining boats arrived at intervals,
except one which had been sunk in
collision.
0645
Slipped and proceeded, led by the M/B
Viewfinder, with the M/B's Elizabeth
Green, Bobeli, Hanora and one
other (which turned back) in company.
0700
Joined by the M/B Reda, which brought
the convoy up to six.
1230
Approaching Dunkirk, machine-gunned
by 2 aircraft. Advance's signal
mast was carried away by the under-
carriage of the second aircraft.
1300ca
Sent whaler inshore; it was swamped
on reaching the beach. Emptied and
righted the whaler, which was then
taken in tow by the Advance.
With this and another whaler which
was picked up, ferried troops to a
destroyer and a drifter. Air attacks.
Whaler sunk. Ferried troops to an
escort vessel and a transport, and
towed boats to off-lying ships.
1900ca
Received from a destroyer [the Sabre]
a radio transmitter, which, with 2
operators, was transported to La
Panne.
2045
The M/B Viewfinder was sighted aground.
The Advance and the M/B Elizabeth
Green, both of which had suffered
damage and were leaking, proceeded in
company.
30th May
0530
Arrived Ramsgate.
The Advance had to be beached to
save her from sinking alongside.
2nd June
1830ca
S/Lt. P. Snow, R.N. left Ramsgate in
the Advance for Dunkirk, in company
with 11 other M/B's and 3 skoots
(see White Wing).
-
Arrived Dunkirk.
While at Dunkirk, the M/B Bobeli
was sighted on the beach.
3rd June
-
Returned to Ramsgate.
[No other information of this 2nd
trip available].
Nil
Authority-- R.O.II, p.392.
TO.9144.
12

Details

ANNE MARIE
16th
Belgian drifter
Lt.Car.
N.V.Thew
R.N.
26th May
1523
See under Pierre & Marie
Left Portemouth, escorting the
27th May
1028
Left Days for Dunkiris, lending the
Las. the PvV's Riyn1 paffodil and
the 8,0's Ste_Andrew
we and the dr. Viny.
1220
orr Bucy, ordered to return to
Downs with Kyno.
1440
Ordered to return to Portsmouth with
Kims
28th May
0333
Instructed Kyno to anchor in St.
Holen's roads.
0704
Bailed for Dunkirk via Q.2.8.80 and 60.
1005
Signted floating French mine. Bunk it
and proceeded.
1125
Observed 40 to 50 planes in aerial
combat over Dunkirk.
1220
Socured alongside dr. Worcester inside
ward MORIN
2317
Proceeded via Y route with 533 troops
on board.
1400
dre. Sabre and Hontrose 2) miles shead
proceeding to Dover, bombed by 15
Heinkels.
1408/
Attacked by 4 aircraft. Slight
1415
damage.
1730
off Dover. Montrose and Sabre in
dompany.
1950
Disembarked 534 troops.
29th May
0645
The Tab Lieutenant, Lieut. R. de Law
Brooke, R.N., assumed command.
0714
Proceeded via Y route to La Ponne,
Woresster and Visty in company.
1045
Anchored La Panne. Embarked troops
with 1/B and whaler and the ACORD
1525
Proceeded by Y route to Dover with 340
troops.
1555
Attacked by Heinkel H/L bomber.
1645
Attacked by Heinkel dive bomber.
1905
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 550 troope.
30th May
0326
Proceeded via X route to Dunkirk, with
36 large cases of Army mape.
0000
Encountered thick fog.
0741
Anchored ore STAY and lended one
Royal Marine Start officer.
Embarked 620 troops brought off by
small oraft or every kind.
1105
Transferred army Mapa to a M/Y.
Proceeded to Dover by X route,
1430
Dover. Disanbarked 886 troops. (3)
1440
Lt. Thew resumed command.
1623
To Dunkirk by X route.
1915
Secured alongoide East nier, Dunkirk.
dr. Winchelaca embarking ahead.
(2) This apparently was the end of Kyno's participation in
(1) Ellerman wilson Line Ltd.
Dynamo,
(3) D.R.
61

Details

ANTHONY (H.40) 16th Destroyer Flotilla Lt.Cdr. N.V. Thew R.N.
26th May
1523
Left Portsmouth, escorting the
S.S. Kyno 1)
27th May
1028
Left Dover for Dunkirk, leading the
Kyno, the P.V's Royal Daffodil and
St. Helier, the H.C's St. Andrew
and St. Julien and the dr. Vimy.
1220
Off "R" Buoy, ordered to return to
Downs with Kyno.
1440
Ordered to return to Portsmouth with
Kyno.
28th May
0333
Instructed Kyno to anchor in St.
Helen's roads. (2).
0704
Sailed for Dunkirk via Q.Z.S.80 and 60.
1005
Sighted floating French mine. Sunk it
and proceeded.
1125
Observed 40 to 50 planes in aerial
combat over Dunkirk.
1220
Secured alongside dr. Worcester inside
Dunkirk eastern pier.
1317
Proceeded via Y route with 533 troops
on board.
1400
drs. Sabre and Montrose 2½ miles ahead
proceeding to Dover, bombed by 15
Heinkels.
1408/
Attacked by 4 aircraft. Slight
1415
damage.
1730
Off Dover. Montrose and Sabre in
company.
1950
Disembarked 534 troops.
29th May
0645
The 1st Lieutenant, Lieut. R. de L.
Brooke, R.N., assumed command.
0714
Proceeded via Y route tc La Panne,
Worcester and Vimy in company.
1045
Anchored La Panne. Embarked troops
with M/B and whaler and the M.L. C.15.
1525
Proceeded by Y route to Dover with 540
troops.
1555
Attacked by Heinkel H/L bomber.
1645
Attacked by Heinkel dive bomber.
1905
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 550 troops.
30th May
0326
Proceeded via X route to Dunkirk, with
36 large cases of Army maps.
0400
Encountered thick fog.
0741
Anchored off Bray and landed one
Royal Marine Staff officer.
Embarked 620 troops brought off by
small craft of every kind.
1105
Transferred army maps to a M/Y.
Proceeded to Dover by X route.
1430
Dover. Disembarked 886 troops. (3)
1440
Lt. Cdr. Thew resumed command.
1623
To Dunkirk by X route.
1915
Secured alongside East pier, Dunkirk.
dr. Winchelsea embarking ahead.
(1) Ellerman Wilson Line Ltd.
(2) This apparently was the end of Kyno's participation in
Dynamo.
(3) D.R.
62

Details

HOWSON. Captain J.M., R.N. (N.O.I.C. beaches)
Report by
29th May
At 1600 an additional beach party of 7 officers
[among them Cdr. H.G. Gorton, R.N. and Cdr.
R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, R.N. under Captain J.M.
Howson, R.N. was sailed from Dover in the dr.
Sabre for Dunkirk. [Captain E.W. Bush, D.S.C.,
R.N., who had already visited Dunkirk, also
took passage in the Sabre, to act as S.N.O.
Afloat off the beaches, in the M/8 Hebel.
"on leaving Dover", says Capt. Howson, "the
intention had been that ..... my officers
should work on the beaches in two batches either
side of Bray, and that I should either double-
bank the S.N.O. [Capt. Tennant, R.N., S.N.O.
Dunkirk] or alternatively, work on the beaches,
with H.Q. at or near Bray, the whole being
subject to S.N.O.'s [capt. Tennant's] wishes
on arrival".
On the party's arrival at Dunkirk, Capt.
Tennant was found to be away on a visit to
Lord Gort at La Panne, and Capt. Howson was not
able to confer with him until 2300/29. On
his return to Dunkirk Capt. Tennant decided that
he did not wish to be double-banked.
At about 2330 Capt. Howson therefore divided his
force into 2 parties; one party under Cdr.
Gorton, proceeded along the beach to work east
of Bray, the other, under Cdr. Otway-Ruthven
proceeded to Bray. Capt. Howson went with the
latter party.
30th May
About 0100, a boat from the M/S Medway Queen,
which was anchored off, was hailed. A second
pulling boat and later a power boat also
appeared. Troops in the vicinity were hailed
and some 700-750 were sent off by early morning.
Later, the Sp. S/V Crested Eagle was passed,
high and dry, and still burning after being
bombed.
on approaching Bray, at about 0300, Capt.
Howson saw 4 or 5 destroyers and minesweepers,
and some skoots off shore; men were embarking
in the few odd boats that were available.
Several boats were ashore, holed, or without
oars.
Capt. Howson made contact with Corps H.Q. in a
house at Bray at about 0600 and met Cdr.
Gorton. He also met some naval officers
[probably the beach party working under Cdre.
T.H. Hallett, C.B., C.B.E., R.N.] who had been
working on the beach before his arrival
[1.e. since 2330, 29th May].
It was then about 0800, and Capt. Howson proceeded
by motor cycle to La Panne where he met Care.
J.S. Dove, O.B.E., R.N., who took him to see
the Q.M.G. with whom he discussed the situation.
Having learnt of R.A. Dover's presence in a
ship lying off [the M/S Hebe], Capt. Howson
signalled to him the urgent need of boat
keepers. Throughout this day, says Capt.
Howson, vast bodies of French troops covered
the beaches and dunes on their westward
march to Malo; fortunately the visibility was
poor. "More and more British troops continued
to arrive, but there were practically no ships
for them to embark in and only a few boats and
pontoon craft and perhaps a couple of power
boats. An A.L.C. A.L.C.5 operating off La
44

Details

MONTAGUE WHALER
7th
(Owners, the 6th Ramsgate Scouts) PATIZ
27th
1535
Loft Hilford HAVED for Dover.
SEAR use
Did not return from Dunkirk.
to
Dunkirk.
0945
Reached Zuydcoote PROB. While making
for Dankirk pier, shouting was
Authority - TO.9144.
heard from a "mined" merchanten. (1)
TO.9436.
The an. BARRA which yes astern of
Montross und ordered to pick up
survivors.
1015
After waiting a short time for the an
Nackey to get clear, berthed alongside
seaward end of Dunkirk east pier,
with Sebre outside.
1120
The dre. Woreester and Anthony secored
ahead.
1134
Several aircraft attempted to bomb the
pier which was crammed with troope
but were driven off by guafire,
"Vest columns of smoke were drifting
westwards from the burning oil tanks
schore, and houses on the ses front
burst into flames from time to time*.
1240
Montrose and Sabre proceeded, full of
troops.
1430
Attacked by waves of bombers. One
bomber shot down.
1630/
Arrive Dover. Discubarked 925 troose.
1817
2230
Proceeded for Dunkirit.
NO By
0013
Ran into a patch of fog and collided
with the tog Sun V,
Montrose was towed back to Dover,
stern first, by the tug Lady Brasser.
1550
Arrived Dover.
Took no further part in Dynamo, (2)
Total 925
R.O.I. D.113.
the Clarabut was detailed from the HONOTORO on
y/v Queen 05 the Channel.
5.0, 287 Lieut. of the sk. Amazong.
300

Details

MONTROSE (D.01) 17th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. C.R.L.Parry R.N.
27th May
1535
Left Milford Haven for Dover.
28th May
0515ca
Off Dunkirk. Dover, ordered to proceed to
0945
Reached Zuydcoote Pass. While making
for Dunkirk pier, shouting was
heard from a "mined" merchantman. (1)
The dr. Sabre which was astern of
Montrose was ordered to pick up
survivors.
1015
After waiting a short time for the dr.
Mackay to get clear, berthed alongside
seaward end of Dunkirk east pier,
with Sabre outside.
1120
The drs. Worcester and Anthony secured
ahead.
1134
Several aircraft attempted to bomb the
pier which was crammed with troops
but were driven off by gunfire.
"Vast columns of smoke were drifting
westwards from the burning oil tanks
ashore, and houses on the sea front
burst into flames from time to time".
1240
Montrose and Sabre proceeded, full of
troops.
1430
Attacked by waves of bombers. One
bomber shot down.
1630/
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 925 troops.
1817
2230
Proceeded for Dunkirk.
29th May
0013
Ran into a patch of fog and collided
with the tug Sun V.
Montrose was towed back to Dover,
stern first, by the tug Lady Brassey.
1550
Arrived Dover.
Took no further part in Dynamo. (2)
Total 925.
Authority R.O.I. p.113.
(1) (2) Probably S/Lt. G.S.C. the P/V Queen of detailed the Channel. from the Montrose on
29th May, as Clarabut 1st Lieut. was of the sk. Ama zone.
301

Details

\OLVINA
Trawler- Portland
s/Lt. J.H. Cooper, R.N.V.R.
Unit Officer, 40th A/S Group
29th May
1700
Proceeded Topaze. to Dover in company with
30th May
1045
Having become detached from Topaze, the
1810
Olvina reached Dover independently.
2210
Left the Downs for Bray.
Anchored 1 mile east of Dunkirk;
then shifted eastward.
2345
Anchored off Bray. Embarked 31 troops,
and 1 stretcher case which was
put aboard a destroyer.
31st May
a.m.
After re-fuelling it from the Icarus,
ferried troops in the dr.
Scimitar's 1) motor boat and embarked
240 in Olvina. Use WAB made of a pier
of motor lorries, having planks
lashed to their roofs.
1120
The north-westerly breeze freshened to
force 3/4, 80 the Olvina proceeded.
Between Dunkirk and the N. Goodwin
L.V., took in tow from the Dwarf,
the diesel-engined Thames barge
Viking with 70 troops on board.
2200
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 244
troops. (2)
It was then ascertained from Captain
A/P that the Olvina should not have
gone to Dunkirk but should have
been on A/S patrol (see also Appendix
J.27).
1st June
0820
Proceeded to a patrol station, 17
miles N.N.W. of Dunkirk.
1500
70 survivors from the dr. Basilisk
came alongside in a French fishing
boat, [the Jolie Mascotte].
1917
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 103. (3)
Total 347
Authority - R.O.II, ₽.397.
WARYI kosrzina it was the Sabre's W/B; Sabre, her. however, was at
Bays at the time as had her N/B with
************* that "Olivia" (q.v.) disembarked 103.

Details

SABRE (H.18) 16th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. B. Dean, R.N. (Retd)
27th May
2300
Off Dover. Ordered to proceed to
beaches east of Dunkirk.
28th May
0120
Off beach, 2 miles east of Dunkirk.
Embarked about 100 troops in the
ship's 3 boats. Machine gunned by
aircraft. One casualty. Two
drifters came alongside and trans-
ferred their troops.
-
Proceeded to Dover by Z route.
0520
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 158 troops.
0618
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0830
Took station astern of dr. Montrose
and followed her through Zuydcoote
Pass.
1030
One mile east of Dunkirk, went along-
side a wreck (1) and took off about 20
troops.
Off Dunkirk, sent in the M/B to take
100
off the crew of a disabled Hurricane.
The M/B grounded on a falling tide and
got sand in the engine.
1100
Montrose berthed at the east pier and
Sabre berthed on her. Embarked about
800 troops.
1230
Both destroyers proceeded, via Zuydcoote
Pass.
1410
Attacked by a squadron of H.L. bombers.
=
No damage.
1820
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1077 troops.
2130
Proceeded by Z route.
2345ca
Off Bray beach, sent in the only ship's
boat - a whaler. No troops seen.
29th May
-
Further east, troops were seen on a
a wreck. Went alongside and took
off a few B.E.F. The remainder, all
French were taken off by a French
gunboat.
More destroyers were seen off La Panne,
and the whaler brought off some
troops from there.
0515
Ordered to proceed alongside east pier,
leaving whaler and 1st Lieutenant
behind.
0550
Proceeded via route Y, with about 500
troops.
1030
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 531 troops.
1600
Having embarked some naval officers (2)
for Dunkirk, proceeded by X route.
1815ca
Arrived Dunkirk, went alongside and
disembarked the naval party.
Embarked a few troops. The pier was
dive bombed. One Ju.87 seen to crash.
Sabre left the pier. Outside the
harbour rescued some survivors from
the water, including the Second
Engineer of the Sp. S/V Crested Eagle
(1) that of the P/V Queen of the Channel.
(2) Probably This a party of seven officers for duty on R.N.; the beaches, among
under the Cdr. H.G. Gorton, R.N. (Retd.), R.N., and
was command of Captain J.M. Howson, Cdr. R.J.O.
Otway-Ruthven, R.G. Wardrop, R.D., R.N.R. Sabre. (Retd.). E.W.
them were R.N., Lt. Cdr. Cockburn, Capt.
Lt. Bush, Cdr. R.N. also took passage in the
52

Details

SABRE (continued)
29th May
1815ca
and a stoker from the dr. Grenade;
(contd.)
(contd.)
also some Frenchmen from a raft. Dive
bombed during these operations but
no damage.
-
Proceeded to Bray to land W/T set and
1900ca
telegraphists; requisitioned a small
M/L the Advance] for this purpose.
Continuous dive bombing attacks.
2000ca
The sl. Bideford and the dr. Saladin
seen to be hit; also 3 transports
[among them the Lorina and a trawler.
The Sabre was shaken by near misses.
2010
All ammunition expended. Destroyers
ordered to withdraw. Proceeded in
company with the drs. Verity and
Saladin which could only do 15 knots.
30th May
0515
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1200 troops.
0830
Proceeded, with a borrowed whaler, to
170
Dunkirk.
1145
Secured to east pier, Dunkirk, and
embarked troops.
-
Grounded when leaving the pier; slight
damage.
1530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 500 troops.
1615
To Dunkirk by route Z.
-
Sank a drifting mine.
-
Shadowed by a reconnaissance aircraft;
XR
near No. 6 Calais buoy came under fire
from shore batteries. Several hits
on bridge and upper works; one through
the Master gyro compass. A splinter
penetrated the deck and admitted water
to No. 2 Oil fuel tank. D.G. cable
pierced, magnetic compass useless. (1)
Returned to Dover.
2030
Arrived Dover for repairs.
31st May
2120
Repairs completed, sailed for Dunkirk.
1st June
0115
Off the eastern beach. Sent in the
ship's M/B and motor skiff. No
troops found so proceeded further
east.
Went alongside a drifter [probably the
-
Fair Breeze] which was stranded on a
submerged wreck, and trook off the
crew and troops.
0400ca
Off Bray, embarked troops by ship's
boats. Other destroyers were there,
including the Shikari.
0530ca
Meanwhile on orders from R.A. Dover
(in dr. Keith), went alongside a
tug [ the Vincia], took off her
troops and sent her to tow offthe M/S
Speedwell. (2)
(1) Sabre's compass remained unreliable throughout the remainder
(2) The of the operation. does not mention this. The Speedwell Kellett says does she
was Vincia towed off by the M/S Kellett, but the
not mention the incident either.
53

Details

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

Details

SABRE (continued)
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Cdr. B. Dean, R.N. (Retd.)
D.S.C.
Commd. Engr. R.T. Jones, R.N.
D.S.M.
C.P.O.
E.G. Dewey.
C.E.R.A.
A.M. McOwan.
Sto.P.O.
G.A. Aitchison.
Sto.lst Cl. R.A. Powling.
176
Mention in Despatches.
Lieut.
N.J. Parker, R.N.
Mid.
E.F. Archdale, R.N.
Sto.P.O.
B. Fletcher.
Actg. L/Sea. F.A. May.
L/Stwd.
N.L. Gilchrist.
Sto.lst Cl. C. Irvine.
4 =
55

Details

SHIKARI (continued)
1st June
0330ca
0600
Shelling increases.
0620
Sailed Ordered to Dunkirk to fill to capacity.
Air with other ships for Dover.
1000
attacks en route.
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 623(1)
Army. French troops of General Piroux's
ep.
2130
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2nd June
0125
0200
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
0540
Ship full. Returned to Dover.
r
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 470
troops. (1)
1845
Sailed under orders of the dr. Sabre
for Dunkirk.
-
Shore batteries opened fire as Shikari
dear
rounded No. 6 W buoy.
-
Embarked troops.
2200
Ship full. Sailed for Dover.
3rd June
0130
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 700
troops(1)
1800
Capt. E. Dangerfield, R.N., and his
staff arrived on board.
Sailed for the Downs and anchored
for 2 hours near the 3 blockships
[Gourko, Moyle and Pacifico].
M.T.B.107 brought the Captains of the 31.
blockships to the Shikari, on board
which a conference was held.
2030
Sailed for Dunkirk by route Z, acting
as guide for the blockships. Speed
7 knots; the M.T.B.107 was in tow
of Shikari.
4th June
0130
Anchored near Dunkirk harbour entrance.
0230
Ordered to weigh by Capt. Dangerfield
who had transferred to a "M.T.B."
(1)
[i.e. M.A/S.B.10]. Shikari led the
a
blockships to the entrance. Shortly
after weighing, the leading block-
ship [the Gourko] blew up, presumably
on a mine. The "M.T.B." picked up
survivors. (2)
0245ca
The remaining 2 blockships "carried on
with their job".
-
Shikari proceeded alongside and
embarked 400 French troops "who had
been left after the last ship
evacuating had sailed". Among those
embarked was General Bathelemy,
Commander of the Flanders Garrison;
he stated that 12,000 French troops]
still remained in Dunkirk.
0330ca
Shelling commenced. One shell hit the
jetty causing many casualties.
0340
Ordered to withdraw by Capt. Dangerfield
se
(1) (2) D.R.
Both M.T.B.107 and M.A/S.B.10 picked up survivors; these
Shikari. by the latter were transferred to the
133

Details

VERITY (D.63) 19th Destroyer Flotilla Lt.Cdr. A.R.M.Black,
R.N.
Lieut. E.L.Jones, R.N.
27th May
0322
Ordered to escort the P/V's Biarritz
0342
and Archangel to Dunkirk.
Sailed from Dover.
0520
Shore batteries around Oye Church
0523
Lt. Cdr. Black seriously wounded, and
opened fire on Verity and convoy.
0530
there were 2 other casualties.
0538ca
Lt. Jones assumed command.
Convoy ordered to return to Dover, as
0600
Gravelines was approached.
0623
Biarritz damaged in the engine room.
Biarritz detached, to Dover. Verity
and Archangel continued on to
Dunkirk.
0748
Decided to use the northern route.
0845
Archangel reported insufficient fuel
for the round trip.
0856
Verity and Archangel returned to
Dover.
0943
Arrived Dover.
-
V. Adl. Sir J.F. Somerville K.C.B.,
D.S.O. addressed the ship's company.
28th May
1330
Sailed for Dunkirk, via the northern
route.
Off Dyck buoy, joined company with
the drs. Greyhound and Impulsive.
1705
Anchored off Bray; lowered boats to
embark troops. During the night,
occasional air attacks on ships at
anchor.
29th May
0148
Weighed and proceeded to Dover with
about 400 troops on board.
0602
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 400 troops
1415
Sailed from Dover for Dunkirk by Y
route. Had on board a medical
party for the beaches. (1)
1700ca
Passed Dunkirk harbour. Ordered by
S.N.O. Dunkirk to enter the harbour.
1720ca
Proceeded alongside the east pier,
ahead of the dr. Grenade and
trawlers [there were six trawlers -
see Fyldea].
1735ca
Heavy dive bombing attack on pier and
1745ca
One ships. trawler hit [i.e. the Calvi].
Grenade hit forward and commenced
sinking.
Verity continuously straddled for
35 minutes.
1800
Slipped and turned ship in channel.
On clearing the trawlers and
Grenade, Verity touched forward.
1805
Cleared Dunkirk harbour entrance and
proceeded to Bray.
1820
Off Bray, in company with the drs.
Sabre and Saladin, being bombed;
Saladin, ahead, was hit.
(1) D.R.
271

Details

VERITY - continued.
1840
29th May
A "paddle trooper" on fire, endeavouring
(contd.
to beach [i.e. the Crested Eagle].
Instructed her to stop and let Verity
get alongside and embark her
troops - but she could not stop.
1845
Embarked 20 B.E.F. and remained under
way in the channel.
1850
Dunkirk and Bray under heavy bombing.
Verity under constant bombing and
m.g. fire.
1910
Embarked 20 more B.E.F.
2010
Bombing eased. No embarkation boats
available; ship's whaler holed.
Verity proceeded towards Dunkirk.
Dunkirk again heavily bombed. Verity
followed Sabre out of Dunkirk roads
to Dover.
30th May
0130
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 104 troops.
Total 504
1
Authority - R.O.I, p.148.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lieut. E.L. Jones, R.N.
D.S.M.
Actg. L/Sea. F.J. Chivers.
Mention in Despatches.
Lt. Cdr. A.R.M. Black, R.N.
L/Sig. M.R. Dury.
272

Details

VERITY - continued.
1840
29th May
A "paddle trooper" on fire, endeavouring
(contd.)
to beach [i.e. the Crested Eagle].
Instructed her to stop and let Verity
get alongside and embark her
troops - but she could not stop.
1845
Embarked 20 B.E.F. and remained under
way in the channel.
1850
Dunkirk and Bray under heavy bombing.
Verity under constant bombing and
m.g. fire.
1910
Embarked 20 more B.E.F.
2010
Bombing eased. No embarkation boats
available; ship's whaler holed.
Verity proceeded towards Dunkirk.
Dunkirk again heavily bombed. Verity
followed Sabre out of Dunkirk roads
to Dover.
30th May
0130
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 104 troops.
Total 504
1
Authority - R.O.I, p.148.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lieut. E.L. Jones, R.N.
D.S.M.
Actg. L/Sea. F.J. Chivers.
Mention in Despatches.
Lt. Cdr. A.R.M. Black, R.N.
L/Sig. M.R. Dury.
272

Details

VINCIA
Tug (William Watkins Ltd.)
A.V. Hoiles, Master.
1450
31st May
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk towing 3
1900
civilian-manned life boats.
Off Sandettie buoy rescued an R.A.F.
1930
gunner who had parachuted.
Transferred the wounded R.A.F. gunner
to the dr. Venomous.
2100
Anchored off Bray. Sent in the life
boats and all ships boats. Embarked
troops until 0300.
1st June
0300
Had 200/300 troops on board. Proceeded.
In the roads, stopped by the dr.
Keith and ordered to transfer the
0530ca
troops to another destroyer, [the
Sabre] and to remain at Bray.
0815ca
Saw the Keith hit by several bombs.
Went to her aid. Keith sinking;
crew jumping overboard. Rescued 108
officers and ratings, some French
G.H.Q. staff and some British G.H.Q.
staff.
During these operations air attacks
were continuous.
Not far from the Vincia another one
of H.M. ships was blown to pieces
[the M/S Skipjack].
0930
Proceeded. Air attacks between Dunkirk
roads and Sandettie buoy.
1430
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 1 officer
and 83 ratings from the Keith and 24
members of the British and French
H.Q. staff. Later, returned to
Ramsgate.
Total 24
Authority - R.O.II, p.552.
R.O.III, p.496.
W.W.
282

Details

WHITSHED
(D.77)
19th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. E.R. Conder, R.N.
1730
1st June
2240
Arrived Dover from Spithead.
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0130
2nd June
Berthed side of at the outer berth on the west
Dunkirk east pier.
After The pier was devoid of troops.
side craft(1) from the beach on the other
using a loud hailer army landing
A les-Bains] brought troops to the ship.
of the pier [presumably Malo-
few other troops were collected
0300
after a search along the pier.
Slipped as dawn was breaking and
proceeded to Dover.
0530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 512 troops.
2135
Proceeded to Dunkirk.
Just past W. buoy an aircraftsman
survivor [A.C.1. B. Kernohan] from
Cdr. J.C. Clouston's R.A.F. launch
[Seaplane tender 243] was picked up.
3rd June
0030
Arrived Dunkirk. No berth available in
harbour; lay-to outside. Ordered
by R.A. Dover to use the loud hailer
and stop other ships entering.
Embarked about 80 troops and 10
civilians from small craft.
0245
Sailed for Dover.
0315ca
At No.5 W buoy, the blockship Holland
was observed apparently splitting
in half and sinking. Survivors were
being taken off by M.A/S.B.No.7.(2)
0530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 82 troops.
1900
Having embarked Cdr. H.J. Buchanan,
R.A.N., and a pier party, sailed for
Dunkirk.
2215
Arrived Dunkirk harbour. Conditions
difficult. Put part of the pier
party into "the M.T.B. that had R.A.
Dover on board" [i.e. M.T.B.102].
Got the Whitshed's bows alongside a
transport the Autocarrier and her
stern alongside the dr. Sabre and
embarked about 200 troops.
-4th June
0025
The Sabre left harbour and the transport
left at about the same time. The
Whitshed then went alongside and
embarked a further 400/500 troops.
0245
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 444
Sailed for Dover.
0530
troops. (3)
Total 1,038
Authority - R.O.I., p.175.
& It is not craft these were.
this
shipped
Cdr. Condor known says which this was the M.T.B.102;
(3) D.R. however at Dover at that time.
317

Details

Page 24
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. SABRE - Commander Brian Dean, R.N. (decorated D.S.O. for
this operation London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
During the period 27th May - 4th June, this old
Destroyer made 10 trips to the beaches, the record number
of trips for any class of vessel taking part in the
operation, and brought back a total of 5,000 troops.
On emerging from Dunkirk harbour, 29th May, SABRE
found some men struggling in the water. Having no boats -
they had left with the First Lieutenant working with other
vessels off the beach - the ship was manoeuvred alongside
each man in turn. Throughout that operation she was
repeatedly attacked by dive bombers, but sustained no
damage.
Later in the day she was severely shaken by near
misses.
30th May, she came under fire from shore batteries,
receiving several hits on the bridge and superstructure.
Her Gyro compass was put out of action, and Owing to the
D/G cable being damaged, her magnetic compass was rendered
practically useless. Although the D/G cable was repaired,
her compass was unreliable the rest of the operation.
By P.M. 30th, all hands were utterly exhausted, but a
night's rest and a day in harbour, while repairs were
effected, "gave them a new lease of life."
The Commanding Officer, in his narrative, points out
that SABRE'S engines are 22 years old, and were submerged
and full of salt water for 48 hours after a collision in
October 1939. To avoid bombs and shell fire, it was
necessary to make most exacting demands on the engines.
In every case the response was immediate, all that could
be desired, and far greater than could reasonably be
expected.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Lieutenant Norman John Parker, R.N.
Thoroughly reliable in all emergencies. Also did
well in charge of boats, embarking the maximum number
of troops in the minimum time. Was always one of the
first to sight aircraft and was quick to get the guns
on to them, and so to keep the aircraft at a respectful
distance.
Recommended for mention.
Midshipman Edward Folmer Archdale. R.N.
Was of great assistance in identifying aircraft,
and in keeping a record of the ship's movements often
when under fire, when he was invariably cool and
unruffled.
Recommended for mention.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones.
action and maintaining high efficiency of his engines.
For resource, leadership and devotion to duty in
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS/

Details

Page 25
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
I.M.S. SABRE (Continued).
RATINGS.
C.E.R.A. Andrew Millar McCowan, C/M.18445.
Who, under the Engineer Officer, was mainly
responsible for the efficient working of the engines
in most difficult conditions,
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer George Albert Aitchinson, C/K.61056 and
Stoker. 1st Class, Reginald Arthur Powling, C/K.52210.
Who, when off watch, ably assisted rigging gang
planks, and scaling-ladders, assisting the wounded
and controlling the traffic of troops under fire, all
seamen ratings being closed up at guns.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Petty Officer (Torpedo Coxswain) Ernest G. Dewey,
C/J.104364.
Who, whenever he could be spared from the wheel,
rendered first aid to the wounded, provided naked
survivors with clothing and did all he could for them
in the absence of a Medical Officer or Sick Berth
Attendant.
Recommended for decoration.
Leading Steward Norman L. Gilchrist, C/LX.21538.
Was indefatigable in his care and attention to
the wounded.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer Benjamin Fletcher. C/K.65982.
Acting Leading Seaman Frederick A. May, C/JX.141390.
Showed great resource in keeping steam in the
boilers under most difficult conditions. On one
occasion the main feed tank was left completely empty
for a moment, Fletcher at once switched over to the
reserve feed tank, thus averting a serious breakdown.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker, 1st Class, Charles Irvine, C/KX.86537.
Showed great initiative as an Engine Room
Watchkeeper, continually nursing the auxiliary
machinery without having to be told what to do,
showing exceptional initiative at all times.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

(1977) (Wt. 26777/4432 50M 10/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
4
Register No.
DSC e
Minute Sheet No.
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (First Lieutenant),
H.M.S. MALCOLM.
Commissioned Engineer, Reginald Thomas Jones AR.N., H.M.S.
Midshipman Malcolm John Ball, R.N.R., H.M.S. SABRE. SCIMITAR.
Lieutenant Commander Hugh Nicholas Aubyn Richardson, R.N.,
H.M.S. SHIKARI.
Lieutenant Adrian Paul Wilbraham Northey, R.N., H.M.S. VIMY.
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker, R.N., H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Lieutenant Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins, R.N.,
H.M.S. WINCHELSEA.
Mr. Frederick William Benoy, Gunner, R.N., H.M.S. WOLSEY.
Lieutenant Frederick Greville Woods, R.N., H.M.S. WORCESTER.
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet-Singleton, R.N.,
H.M.S. ALBURY.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. FITZROY.
Commander Michael Anthony Ormus Biddulph, R.N., H.M.S.
GLENGOWER.
Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R.,
H.M.S. HALCYON.
x
Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY QUEEN.
Sub-Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY
S
QUEEN.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. NIGER.
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. PRINCESS
ELIZABETH.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
PRINCESS ELIZABETH.
Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R., H.M.S. ROSS.
Mm
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds R.N., H.M.S.
SALAMANDER.
S
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R., H.M.S.
SPEEDWELL.
VX Sub-Lieutenant William Geoffrey Hewitt, R.N.V.R.,
H.M.S. SUTTON.
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N., H.M.S. BIDEFORD.
Commanded
Lieutenant,Ackroyd Norman Palliser Costobadie, R.N., H.M.S.
LOCUST.
X
Lieutenant Denis Harold Palmer Gardiner, R.N., H.M.S.
MOSQUITO.
X Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. MOSQUITO.
xSub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman, R.N.V.R., H.M.Y.
SERIOLA.
VX Skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., W.S.3319, H.M.Drifter THE BOYS.
XV Skipper Herbert Holden, R.N.R., W.S.3432, H.M.Drifter MIDAS.
Lieutenant Joseph Cox, R.N.R., Unit Officer of Drifters.
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.R., Unit Officer Drifters. of

Details

(1977) Wt. 26777/4432 50M 10/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
The Distinguished Service Medal:-
Seaman William Beer, R.N.R., 20873, H.M.S. CODRINGTON
Leading Seaman Douglas Nicholas, D/JX.137869, H.M.S. CODRINGTON
Able Seaman Samuel John Williams, D/J.100798, H.M.S. CODRINGTON
Able Seaman Frank Willcox, D/SSX. 16241, H.M.S. CODRINGTON
Able Seaman John McDonald, 78860, H.M.S. CODRINGTON
Acting Leading Seaman Mansell Richard Powell, P/SSX.15191,
H.M.S. ESK
Petty Officer Hyacinth Alec George Adam, P/JX. 131408, H.M.S. ESK
Able Seaman Frank Stroud, P/SSX.15110, H.M.S. EXPRESS
Acting Leading Seaman John Mountain, P/JX.142948, H.M.S. EXPRESS
Chief Petty Officer Maurice William Crisp, P/J.100655, H.M.S.
EXPRESS
Ordinary Seaman Gerald Arthur Douglas Rooke, R.N.V.R.,
SD/X.1581, H.M.S. EXPRESS
Engine Room Artificer 1st Class James Barton, R.N.R.,
Portsmouth 32 E.E., H.M.S. EXPRESS
Leading Stoker Frederick Staples, C/KX.84191, H.M.S. GRENADE
Chief Stoker M. Gallon, P/K. 59221, H.M.S. HAVANT
Petty Officer Steward J. Lysaght, 13388, H.M.S. HAVANT
Chief Petty Officer Reginald Frank Tupper, P/J.94060,
H.M.S. ICARUS
Chief Stoker Horace Frederick Goddard, P/K.56856, H.M.S. ICARUS
Petty Officer Joseph William Frederick Tibbles, P/J.108799,
H.M.S. ICARUS
Able Seaman Albert Thomas Williams, P/JX. 154589, H.M.S. ICARUS
XV
Able Seaman Frank William Knight, P/J.102492, H.M.S. IMPULSIVE
Able Seaman James Pearce Clare, R.F.R., C/J.99666, H.M.S.
IVANHOE
George Albert Furzer, Boy 1st Class, D/JX. 158564, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Able Seaman Harold Alfred Keeling, D/SSX.17807, H.M.S. JAGUAR
XV
Acting Stoker Petty Officer James William Carr, D/K.63042,
H.M.S. JAGUAR
Acting Petty Officer Ernest F. Standley C/JX.137068, H.M.S. KEITH
Abde Seaman Eric Bradley Wilkinson, C/JX.152120, H.M.S. KEITH
XV
Able Seaman George E. Davis, 86552, (wounded), H.M.S. KEITH
Leading Seaman Elric I.J.A.G. Joplin, 138400, H.M.S. KEITH
Yeoman of Signals Alfred Charles Halls, C/JX. 129457,
S
H.M.S. MALCOLM
1
Chief Petty Officer Rowland Evan Lines, C/JX. 142401, Pen. 11254,
H.M.S. MALCOLM
Petty Officer Walter Alfred Reginald Hooper, D/JX.142642,
H.M.S. MALCOLM
Leading Seaman James Sowerby, C/JX.109521, R.F.R, B.24792,
H.M.S. MALCOLM
Chief Engine Room Artificer Redvers Woodhead Atkinson,
C/MX.47004, H.M.S. MALCOLM
Stoker 1st Class William Stephen Grimmitt, C/KX.90969,
H.M.S. MALCOLM
Chief Engine Room Artificer Andrew Millar McCowan, C/M.18445,
H.M.S. SABRE
/Stoker Petty Officer George Albert Aitchinson, C/K.61056
H.M.S. SABRE
xv
Stoker, 1st Class, Reginald Arthur Powling, C/K. 52210,
H.M.S. SABRE
Chief Petty Officer (Torpedo Coxswain) Ernest G. Dewey, SABRE
J.104364, H.M.S.
XV Able Seaman G. Passmore, P/J.96339, H.M.S. SCIMITAR

Details

M in Despatehes
E. Thornton, R.N.,
Anthony
Robinson, Frank
Gunner
Sick Berth Attendant A. Keller, 6785, H.M.S.
HAVANTHAVANT R.N.,
Lieutenant-Commander Colin Douglas Maud, D.S.C., R.N.,
VXV
Able Seaman Eric Richard Ponton, P/SSX.14194, H.M.S. ICARUS
H.M.S. ICARUS
VXV
Lieutenant-Commander William Heath, Scott Thomas, R.N., H.M.S. IMPULSIVE
Leading Seaman Albert George Tullet, 129610,
Leading Seaman Thomas Henry P/JX.155193, H.M.S. IMPULSIVE
Commander Philip Henry Hadow, R.N., H.M.S. IVANHOE
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE
Lieutenant (E) Andrew Cormack Mahony, R.N., H.M.S. IVANHOE
Sick Berth Attendant Eric James Littlewood
Chief Engine Room Artificer Richard Edward Cox, C/M.34441,
H.M.S. IVANHOE
Chief Stoker Henry Joseph Prendergast, C/R.62741, H.M.S. IVANHOE
Vv
Lieutenant (E) Cyril Rothwell, R.N., H.M.S. JAGUAR
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry, D/JX.158456,
H.M.S. JAGUAR
Stoker Petty Officer John McCarthy, .65035, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Lance Corporal Chapman, 6208138, 1/8th Middlesex Regiment.
Petty Officer Gunner's Mate Frederick John Cole, D/J.110727,
H.M.S. JAGUAR
Able Seaman James Kidd, R.F.R., D/SSX.13321, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Acting Leading Seaman Walter James Whale, D/JX.134747,
H.M.S. JAGUAR
Able Seaman John Edward Ratcliffe, D/SSX.21633, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Able Seaman Raymond Allenby Stone, R.N.R., D/X.19746A,
H.M.S. JAGUAR
Stoker 1st Class Jack Chadwick, D/KX.81834, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Able Seaman Bertie Richard Culley, 130278, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Able Seaman John Lawrence Joyce, D/SSX.20230, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Able Seaman Frank Henry Hopwood, D/SSX.18782, H.M.S. JAGUAR
Captain Edward Lyon Berthon, D.S.C., R.N., H.M.S. KEITH
Lieutenant Graham James Alexander Lumsden, R.N. H.M.S. KEITH
Lieutenant Robert Walker Hughes, R.N., H.M.S. KEITH
Midshipman Harry Batten Poustie, R.N.R., H.M.S. KEITH
Able Seaman Ian A. Nethercott, C/55X.28288, H.M.S. KEITH
Able Seaman JamesWallis, C/55X.27313, H.M.S. KEITH
Able Seaman George J. Woodger, C/J.45802, P.N.22573,
H.M.S. KEITH
Leading Telegraphist Ernest J.N. Beeley C/JX.141015,
KEITH
Lieutenant David Barclay Nairne H.M.S. MALCOLM
Able Seaman Thoman F. Osprey, C/J.114945, H.M.S. H.M.S. KEITH
Mr. Lieutenant Ronald John Robertson, Mellis, R.N., H.M.S. MALCOLM
Petty Petty Officer Arthur George Engineer, H.M.S. MALCOLM
Arthur George Scoggins, Warrant R.A.N., H.M.S. MALCOLM
Leading Able Seaman William Alfred Simpson, C/J.95860, H.M.S. MALCOL
Officer Ernest William Cooper, C/J.105794, H.M.S. MALCOL
Seaman William Albert Clarke, Hart, C/J.78426, 130453,
Able Seaman Frederick William Jacobs, C/J.100758, R.F.R.,
Pen.25497,MAL.COLM
x
Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class B.23901, Leslie H.M.S. Allan MALCOLM Gardiner Dyer,
Petty Officer Steward
Midshipman Lieutenant Norman John Parker, Pen.4995, H.M.S.
MALCOLM
VXV Stoker Leading Steward Edward Norman Folmer L. Archdale, R.N., R.N., H.M.S. H.M.S. SABRE SABRE SABRE
Acting Leading Petty Officer Seaman the SAB
Lieutenant John Rees Denys Wilson, Franks, R.N.(In O.B.E., charge R.N., H.M.S. H.M.S. SCIMITA SHIKAR
Stoker Lieutenant 1st Robert Class Charles Irvine, C/KX.86537, H.M.S. SABRE
of Deach Work)

Details

Details

( Cont: )
Friday 31st May.
149
0400. R.A. ordered Shikari to Dunkirk. Proceeded
alongside East Jetty and very soon had the Ship full.
During this operation there was a bombingbattack, which
was most inaccurate due to heavy A.A.fire. 0520. Sailed
for Dover Disembarked. 0930. Sailed for La Panne. Near
No 6 W. Buoy of the Dunkirk Channel, came under fire
from shore battery to the West of Dunkirk. Fire was
returned. During the whole time embarkation was taking
place, the Nieuport batteries were firing at the Ships.
When straddled moved West towards Bray, the Motorboat
and tow filling up small craft in thier vicinity, before
rejoining Shikari at Bray. Beaches Shelled. 1800. Bombers
attacked. A.A. Fire was opened. This continued until
dark and rather disorganised embarkation. Our boats
were asked for to bring off Lord Gort's luggage. The
embarkation speeded up under cover of darkness.
Staurday 1st June.
At dawn shelling was resumed with greater inten-
sity. 0600. Though reported nearly full, Shikari was
ordered to complete to full capacity at Dunkirk, This
was done. 0620 Sailed with other Ships for Dover. Used
Smoke Screen and only & few shots were fired at us off
No.6.W. buoy. On the voyage, had several attacks from
the air. Enemy aircraft being engaged by our fighters.
1000. Arrived Dover, Disembarked troops. Each batch
had several stretcher cases which lengthened the
disembarkation. From today Saturday 1st June, no more
day evacuation was attempted, owing to shelling and
bombing. The troops today were part of General Piroux's
army. Oiled and ammunitioned Ship. 2130. Sailed for
Dunkirk, arriving at 0225.
Sunday 2nd June.
0200. Ship full. Returned to Dover. Most of the
voyage was under cover of darkness, and there was no
trouble. 0540. Arrived Dover. Disembarked troops. Scaling
ladders were supplied. 1845. Sailed under orders of
Sabre for Dunkirk. The shore batteries opened fire
as we rounded No Buoy. Under cover of a smoke screen
no hits were obtained. Fire was returned at the flashes
seen. 2200. Ship full. Sailed for Dover. Though unable
to see Aircraft, they were heard and flares were seen.
Probably Mine Laying.
Monday 3ed June.
0130. Secured and disembarked troops.1800. Captain
Dangerfield and his Staff arrived onboard. Sailed for
Blockships. A conference of C.O.'s was held in Shikari.
the Downs and anchored for two hours near the three
2030. Sailed for Dunkirk. Speed 7 knots. Acted as off guide
for the Route "2" was used. arrived
near Dunkirk Dask. No entrance. 0230. Ordered to weigh
Calais at Blockships. fire from the shore. 0130. Anchored
by Captain harbour who had transfered to an M.T.B.
Shikari led Dangerfield the Blockships to the entrance. On weighing,

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196
211
5.
cortly assist after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with him
tack on the way. I then embarked General Alexander and transferred
these on the pler and in the control and berthing of shipping had been parties over
dly damaged to be of use. She was sent back to England.
sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine out of action and was too
were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Commander Clouston sent
by by 2200. There was a fresh Northerly breese and this, coupled with the
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
Road tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in berthing until the
haft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
de turned and the breeze dropped. Large numbers of French fishing and other
230 the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Captain Tennant and the rest of the
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to berth by pushing them. By
lival party left in M.T.B. 102. The absence of the naval borthing parties,
abarked with the last of the B.E.F., was much felt, and the French did nothing
replace them.
There was then a very long pause before any French troops
Roaded. name down to the East pier. One ship was alongside * hours before she was
B°
There were large numbers of French troops at the West Quay and
wo Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the ROUSE, went
ground when clearing and I was reluctant to risk any more. Also this plar
as supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did go there.
OUEN refoated at High tide next day and returned safely.
9.
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the ships
vailable could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
several Fleet Sweepers empty and also at least two Personnel Ships.
50.
This was a disappointing night. For scose reason the French did not
some down and did not appear in any numbers until about half an hoghe before dam.
The reason given was that a dounter-attack had to be made. At 0300 there were
three Personnel Ships alongaide and I had to order then to leave at 0310. The
Slockships arrived at 0310 and I laft for Dover shortly aftermatis.
Light 3/4 June.
51.
For this night the time available for embarkation, 2230 to 0230, was
reduced by an hour, and it was planned to use both Bast and West piers in addition
from small boats. For upper the West pier schools, minesweepars, and two correttes
to small craft at the quays of the harbour. Vessels also lay off for loading
were detailed. East pier was to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, and 4 Paddlers.
WEITSHED was to land berthing parties at 2200.
52.
I want over in M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to find the harbour
swarming with French fishing boats on their way in and the piers full of troops.
very 53. was tide turned at 2330. WHITSHED and three Ships
There again a fresh Northerly wind and berthing conditions Personnel were
and later difficult until the for over an hour to get alongaide, and finally I took in
some of SABRE were trying off WEITSHED and landed them. No ship succeeding
berthing the berthing party until 2330 so that only three hours was available for
at the It East is pier remarkable that in spite of this only case paddler was unable
the East pier.
54. continual Owing to fresh ships, the harbour entrance got very which
the delay in borthing, the mmbers of small craft congested and and the
the ships there were handled no collisions in these constricted waters. Time and again feared
that arrival of is ude solely to the magnificent way in I
a ship would were go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

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203
218
5.
not on the way. I than embarked General Alexander and transferred him
assist on the pier and in the control and borthing of shipping had been sent over
rtly after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with parties
these were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Communder Clounton
ly damaged to be of use. She ms sent back to England.
sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine out of notion and was too
by 2200, There was a fresh Northerly breese and this, coupled with the
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
od tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in borthing until the
le turned and the brease dropped. Large mmbers of French flabing and other
ft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to borth by pushing them.in. By
so the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Capisin Termant and the rest of the
7al party left in N.T.B. 102. The absence of the naval borthing parties,
barked with the last of the B.E.F., was much folt, and the French did nothing
replace them. There was then a very long pause before any French troops
aded. no down to the East pier. One ship was alongside 28 hours before the -
There were large mmbers of French troops at the Yest Quay and
O Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the ROUN, went
round when clearing and I was reluctent to risk any more. Also this plar
S supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did go there.
USN relibated at High tide next day and returned safely.
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the ships
milable could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
veral Fleet Sweepers expty and also at least two Personnal Ships.
This was a disappointing night. For some reason the French did not
one down and did not appear in any mmbers until about half an hour before dam.
be reason given was that a counter-attack had to be made. At 0300 there were
free Personnel Ships alongside and I had to order then to leave at 0310. the
lockships arrived at 0310 and I left for Dover shortly aftermatis.
1ght 3/4 June.
1.
For this night the time available for enharitation, 2230 to 0230, WAS
educed by an hour, and it was planned to use both Bast and West yders in addition
rom small boats. upper the West pier schools, minosweepers, and two correttes
o mall druft at the quays of the harbour. Vessels also lay off for loading
are detailed. East For yder YEAR to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, and 4 Paddlers.
HTTSHED was to land borthing parties at 2200.
ai
swareding with want French over flating boats on their way in and the piers full of troops.
I in M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to fini the harbour
some of SABRE were trying WHITSHRD and landed them. No ship succesding
and later until the for over an hour to get alongside, and finally in
very 53. difficult There was again tide a turned at 2330. SHIPPING and three I Ships took
fresh Northerly wind and borthing conditions Pursonnel were
borthing party until off 2330 so that only three hours was available was for
the It East is pier remarkable that in spite of this only one paddler unable
the East pdor.
3
Owing to the ships, the harbour antrance got very congested in which
delay in borthing, the mmbers of small cruft and and the
continual that arrival of fresh is ulo solely to the magnificant way
the ships there were were handled no collisions in these constricted unters. Time and again I feared
a ship would go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

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Dynoma 198.
314
Bin/o/
1216
320
FROM....THE COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. SABRE.
DATE
8th June 1940.
TO
CAPTAIN (D) 16th Destroyer Flotilla.
(copy 10:- Vior-Amiral, Dover).
PROCEEDINGS BY H.H.S. SABRE FOR THE PERIOD 27th MAY TO 5th JUNE.
Submitted herewith is & report of processings by H.M.S.
SABRE for the period of 27th May to 5th June 1940.
On arrival off Dover at 8300 on 27th N.J. WAS ordered
by signal to procest to banches as of Dunkirs, embark troops, in
our own boats and Leave not later than 0330. Proceded at 27 knots,
stopped it 0180 two attes tast of Donkirs hurbour entrance and
brought off six boat-loails (two trips for three boats) about 100
troops. While waiting "SABRE" N/A mehine connect by an aircraft and
sustained one siight insualty. hrves opened on the aircraft. INO
drifters case alongable and transferred their troops.
It MIS townt that Chirt No. 1872 MLS not hold. The
return passige VIS therefore mile Lirget Via "I" route. Secured
Admiralty plan at 0580 and procestal sgain it 0618. At
0830 took station astern *NONTROSS* and followed her through the
"Zuidcoote Pass". it 1050 went alcagaide & wreek can mile Bust of
Dunkirk and took off bout X 10 proces. While value off the harbour
entrance observed & *Coroad Hurricane aircraft on the banch
West of Dunkirs. The notor boat NAS sent in to was off the crew.
In so doing are grounded on a CALLUR use and 80% sant in the
engine.
is 1100 *MONTROSS* berthed at the aust Dirr and *SABRE*
borthed on nor. Abouts 00 troops ware embarkel(the propeiler draught
being 20 (not) and at 1850 both ships shoved off and returned via
the pass*. is 1410 the ships ware thated by a squadron

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315
321
- &
Proceedings high by B.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June.
squadron of, level Bombers. By at high speed all Dombs
were avoided though some fall near enough to shake and splash the
ship. No damage vis sustained. A continuous are from 12 pdr and
0.5" M.G. 37.13 kept up as Long as the bonbers vero in range.
Arrived at Dover it 1820.
Having completed with all (ual, sailed at 2230/28
and proceeded by "U" route SG as to arrive before daylight. On
arrival off the E. beach the whater MIS sent in (the only remain-
the bont), but no troops.wara Count. then searching further to the
eastward & number ware observed in 3 vreck. Went alongaide and took
off 8 small number of British troops. Theremainder were all French
and were taken off by 3 French Guaboat. More British destroyers
were found off "La Panne* and Shbre's whalar was utilised for
bringing OFF troops from there. * 16 0515/29 "SABRE" was ordered
to proceed alongside Bast Pier LORVINE shater nt 1st Lieutanant
behini. Shoved off at 0550 having embarked about 500 troops and
returned V.L.N route "Y". A number of (Live borbing raids occurred
during the morning, but "SABRE" ms not hit. urrived at Dover at
1030.
ALL the immition (HeAr) baine expended, pro-
celled atongside Eastern Arn where assumition an: all fuel were
taken 111. 100 depth charges vers lanted. At 1600, having ambarked
the noval officers for Dunkirk, processed V.I. route "X". On arrival
it was found that the plan had Dear aloural ONLINE to air raids, but
the vahip WAS placed alongaids without vires and the naval party
disembarked. A Lew troops vere seen tom the plar and were
emb rked. The 2122 VSS bomb by (LLVD bonbers but "SABRE" was
apparantly not noticol. prodicious quantities of ammunition were
however expended and one bomber NSS soon to crash, another appeared
to be imaged. Both were Junkers67's. After/

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316
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Processings by H.H.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June.
After the first raid "SABRE" left the Dier and on arrival outside
found some men struggling in the water. Having no Doats left it
was necess ry to place the ship alongside each Ran and hoist his
In with a bowling. The survivors XIXX included the Second Enginee
of the "Crested Eagle" and a stoker from "Granade", both badly
burned; also some Frenchmen from a raft. During this time "SABRE"
Was repeatedly attacked by dive bombers but sustained no damage.
Then proceeded off BRAY to land portable wireless
set, loudspenkers, etc, with the talegraphists LA charge of then.
Some time was spent in searching for & boat (SABRE having none),
and 8 small otor launch vis eventually headed off and pressed
into service. The live Dombing attacks were continuous and a
number of ships were seen to be hit including "Bideford" and
"Shladin", three transports and & trawler. "SABRE" kept
ing at high speed and thus escaped, though she was severaly
shaken by near alsses, and every B a on look was blackened with
011 fuel splashes. to 2010 (by which time all assunition was ex-
penied) destroyers were ordered to withdraw. Returned in company
with "Verity" and "Saladin" who could only do 15 knots.
it 0515/30 securet alongside at Dover and landed
troops. Then procested to eastern , un, embarked ammunition and
borrowed a whaler from "Saudhurst". Processed it 0830 and return-
91 to Dunkirk. Secured to last Pier at 1145 and embarked troops.
On shoving off it MAS found that the ship MAS aground, but by
moving troops formard she vis got off without dalay. Some damage
W 8 sustained by the propellers and as LLC tome. At 1530 secured
at Dover. it 1615 proceeded sgain route "2" on account of
low visibility. A irictine nine MAS signted and/ras sunk by M.G.
fire. The 108 gradually disporsed; "SABRE" was shadowed by a re-
connaissance aircraft, and just before reaching No. 6 calais
/Ducy

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317
- 323
- 4
Proceedings by H.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June.
buoy, came under fire from shore batteries. Speed was increased
to "Full" and the wheel put over it each sungflash, keeping them
book between 20 and 70 degrees abaft the boar. The range was
quickly found, however, and several hits stistained on the bridge
and upperworks. Course was therefore altered to the northward,
smoke was made, and the ship continued to status AS such as
possible without showing herself clear of the smoke. Just before
turning away however, 3 shell passed through the Petty Officer's
messdeck. It did not exploite, but it passed through the Master Gyn
conpass, and a splinter from it penetrated the deck and SO
admitted water to No.2 O.LL Fuel tank.With this tank out of action
there was insufficient all fuel remaining for the round trip to be
completed. The D.C. cable had been pierced in four places and the
magnetic compass vis therefore practically useless. The ship's was
therefore teered by the sun(fortunpately visible) will traffic
on route "X" was Liscerned. Thereafter it was possible to 80 from
buoy to bucy. Sandhurst's lar vis severely riddled with shell
splinters but the damage to the ship (except for the cyΓo compass
and oil fuel tank) was only superficial and not a pan was touched.
Arrive: it Dover it 2030.
Defects vare taken in hand forthwith, and at noon
on the 31st "SABRE" proceeded alongaide eastern are to facilitate
the work. Nothing could be done about the gyro compass in the
time available, but the D.C. cable MLS repaired and a great deal
of other repair work WAS done by Sundhurst, of whose services I
should Like to express My apprediation. A 16 it motor skiff was
borrowed in lieu of the damaged whaler, and Sabre's own motor boat
was recovered having been repaired.
ALL hands had been utterly exhausted and the day
and night in harbour give them a may lasse of life.
At 2180/31, having completed with oil, "SABRE"

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318
- 324
-
Proceedings by H.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June.
"SABRE" again sailed for Dunkirk, and at 0115/1 both boats were &
again sent in to the - eastern beach. No troops were found there, 86
proceeded to search further east. Hearing "S.O.S" being sounded C
a syren, steamed towards 16 and Count a drifter stranded on a sub-
merged wrack. Went alongside and took off the crew and troops. Jus
before dawn some more instroyers were Count off Bray, and Sabre's
Doats were sent in to bring off troops which could now be seen in
large numbers. On "Shikari" CLILING up a cutter was taken over from
her. The towage of this, full of trocps, proved too much for the
motor boat and the troops had to pull off to the ship. INO trips
were made in this way. Hourwhile on orders from R.A.Dover (in Heith)
"SABRE" went alongside a tus, took off her troops and sent him to
tow "Speedwell" off. During this time a single aircraft (apparently
ch
a Messersmidt 100) approached and made some rather half hearted
machine gun attacks. Intense 1.4 thre provented these from boing X
pressed home. There vas also VI unsuccassful dive bonbing attack
by a Junkers 87. Numerous British fighters ware seen, and our
freedom from serious interference was prosumably due to them. At
0700 having about 500 troops aboard, *SABRE* returned to Dover,
arriving at 1000.
At 2030/1 procested to Dunkirk in company with
"Codrington" at 28 knots. It 8315 secured so the east pier and C111-
ad up with troops. Shoved off at midnicht and returned, fortunbately
coming no with "Icarus" who YAS followed as or as the DONILS (Sabre
compass still Daine unreliabe). Arrived at 0400/3 and landed troops.
18 1845/8 proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
7 "Shikari" who was sent about at the North Goodsin be T. until
arrival in Dunkirk Channel, then passing new Ruytingen bank bucy
H.M.H.S. "parts" was seen to be sinking and to have boats away.
A crossichannel steamer which had just been overtaken was sent to
has assistance

Details

- 325
- 6 -
Processings by H.H.S. SADRE for the period 37th May to 5th June.
her assistance, and a report sent by W/I. It is not known whether
"Páris" was bombed, or minetyl; but a drifting nine was
signted not DE away.
Shortly afterwards, the ship came under fire ( which
was returned ) in the Vicinity of No. 5W buoy: smoke was nade and no
damage was suffered.
At 2110 secured instite the wrecked trawler at East Pier
and embarked troops. These were all part of the rearguard of the B.E.F.
and included men or the Green Howards. Only 15 case on board in
stretchers, but a further 50 001 were carried by thair conrades and
the seamen: nost of these collapsed on arrival, an. over 50 had to be
hoisted out on stretchers at Dover. Their courage was mynificent and
I never heard a complaint and hardly ever a groan.
On leaving the harbour, Clashing signals ware observed
from the wreck of the "Nosquito:"the bow was placed alongaide har, and
three men taken off. They turned out to be Royal Artillery Officers
who had evaded capture by paddling off in a small boat. The boat had
evidently been made fast with a "Soldiers hitch and had drifted away
leaving them stranded: they were fortunate in finiting a signal lantern
and so being able to attract attention. Proceeded with *Shikari* at
2200 and arrived at Dover at 0120/3.
Left Dover at 8020/3 for the [un] trip. "Yenemous"
who was in company, had been delayed, but caught to with "SABRE"
near Ruytinguen bank buoy. Entered Dunkirk harbour at 2250 and lay
off while the transports berthed: /"SABRE" then berthed between two
transports where there would not have been room for & larger destroyer.
"Whitshed" had arrived ear lier but had not yet barthed: her starn
was Placed alongside "SABRE's" DOW and troops ware passed over to
her until there was room for her to barth at the pier. By this time
"SABRES" was full up, having embarked nearly 600 French troops and
T

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320
be 326
-7- -
Proceedings by H.M.S. "SABRE" for the period 27th May to 5th June.
Admiral Abrial's Plag Lieutenant. Shoved off at 0025/4, getting
out with some difficulty owing to the mass of ships trying to
borth or to get away. A number of inminent collisions were narrows
-ly averted and "SABRE" eventually got clear and headed approximate
-ly restrant. A minesweeper WAS soon enght to and followed until
a faster
ship came m (a transport ), when allegiance was trans-
ferred to her. She in turn was lost when 105 MS encountered
near U buoy. The N.Goodwin L.V. was, however, tount by sound,
after which it the possible to 8 from buoy to bucy until
excellent
Dover was reached at 0500. The French troops ware in spirits
and keenly appreciated being addressed in their own language,
however imperfectly. Jokes about the comparative confort of
"SABRE" and "Normandie" were well received.
Finally I would submit the following
recommendations:-
It is pointed out What "SABRE's" engines are
will
22 years on and have been suberged and full of water for 48
hours after a collision last Outober. TO avoid bonbs and shall
fire It was necessary to make most exacting demands on the engines
such as might well have taxed those of a naw ship. In every 0.139
the response was Limetime, all that coul! be desired, and far
greater than could be reasonably expected. It is submitted that
this reflects great credit on the engine-room department, to
when is unquestionably tue the fact that we are all still alive
and unhurt and our ship safely in dock, and the far sere impor-
tant fact that upwards of 5,000 troops were safely transported.
In cannot speak too highly of the conduct, resource, and
/ landership

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321
327
- 8
Procestings by H.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June.
leadership or my Engineer officer, Mr. Jones Commissioned Engineer,
and I would submit that he is deserving of special recognition.
Next to him I would recommend:-
C/M 18445
C.B.R.A. McOwan who, under the E.O., was mainly
responsible for the effloient working of the engines in nost
difficult conditions;
c/K 61056
- C/K 52210
S.P.O. Aitchison and Stc. Powling, who, when off
watch, ably assisted in rigging gang-planks and scaling-ladiers,
assisting the wounded on board, and controlling the traffic of
troops - all seamen ratings being closed to at guns;
Lieuten IIt Parker, who proved a thoroughly reliable
right-hand man in all emergencies. He also as wall in charge of
the boats, getting the naximum of troops on board in the minimum
time. He was always one of the first to sight aircraft, and the
quick to get the guns on to them and SO keep then at a respectful
illstance;
c/J 104364
C.P.O. Deway Torpedo Coxsenain ) who, whenever he
could be spared from the wheel, remiared first aid to the wounded,
provided the naked survivors with clothes, and us all he could
for them in the absence of a Medical Officer or S.B.A.;
c/x 141390
A.B. May, who did very wall both as cozsimin of the
motor-boat and in charge at at the 0:5 M.GIS, probably bringing
down at least one enemy aircraft;
C/LX 21538
Lds. Steward Gilchrist, who was indefatigable in his
care and attention to the wounded;
Midshipman Archdale, who MAS of great assistance in
identifying aircraft and in keeping a record of the ship's movaments.
This narrative is compiled almost entirely from his notes, often
taken when under Cire; and no was invariably cool and unrufitate
/ All the

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328
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Proceedings by H.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th My to 5th JuNe.
All the above came under By own personal observation.
My Engineer Officer also strongly recommends the following, and I
would suggest that theys be placed third and fourth respectively
in the order of merit:-
c/k 65982
S.P.O. Fletcher, who showed great resource in keeping
steam in the boilers under most difficult conditions. On one occasion
the main feed tank was left completely empty for & moment: he at
once switched over to the reserve feed tank thus averting a serious
breakdown;
/
c/kx 86537
Stoker Irvine, who showed great inintive initiative
and resource as an B.R. watchkeeper, continually nursing the
auxiliary machinery without having to be told that to do.
Where the whole ship's company worked so wall -
often till they dropped from sheer exhaustion - it is difficult to
differentiate. The above have, however, been selected as representative
of the whole; and, whatever awards may be made, it will be made clear
that ( as in the case of BY OWN decoration ) it is the ship which
is Deing decorated rather than the individual.
As regards other ships, it is again difficult to
differentiate; but I was struck by the rapidity and accuracy of
"Shikari's" shooting which appeared to silence the guns vast of
Dunkirk. "Verity" also and well in landing her medical unit under
continuous dive-bombine attacks.
D.Dean, londs.
Commanding officer.
THE WE ADMIRAL 1940 *
11 OVNR JUN

Details

Dynamo 214.
Commanding Officer H.M. Shikari
B14/0/
Gg
June 8th 1940.
1232
375
Sir,
I have the honour, with reference to Flag Officer
Commanding Dover's Memo: B 14/0/1101/40, to forward the
following Command. report on recommendation of personnel under my
While it is very difficult to single out Officers
or Ratings who were all performing the same duties to the
best of their abilities; the names are forwarded of the
boats crews who did excellent work during the final day
evacuation at Bray a.m. Saturday June 1st under continual
Shell fire and bombing until ordered to withdraw to
Dunkirk.
A). Recommended for decorations.
1. Lieutenant John Rees Wilson R.N. In charge of all
shore operations, throughout operation Dynamo. His
leadership and the manner he stuck to his job was
inspiring.
2. Leading Stoker Alfred Browne. D/KI 81441.
3. Ordinary Seaman Dominie Kenny D/SSX 30221.
4. Ordinary Seaman George Park. D/JI 170122.
5. Ordinary Seaman William Lyons D/SSI 30211.
6. Signalman William Hicks D/JX 144358.
(1-6 formed the motor boats crew )
The motor boat was sent in to help other small
craft during the final hour, after the cutter had been
turned over to "Sabre".
B). Recommended for mention in despatches.
1. Signalman Scott Mac Kibbin JX D/139851, boat relief
to signalman John in motor boat. Was in the motor
for last and most unpleasant trip.
2. Acting Leading Seaman George Edward Cross D/JI 125679.
3. Able Seaman Arthur Bower D/SSX 21463
(2-5 Batkeepers
4. Able Seaman Jeremiah Fords D/SSX 19539.
in Culter a Inne 1.")
5. Able Seaman William Murphy D/SSX 22784.
C). Recommended for mention in despatches.
For devotion
Lieutenant to (E) Leonard THE
craft duty, carrying setting
and initiative and for
I have the honour to be
ADMIRAL
Your Sir, obedient servant
1 JUN 1940 1940
Mag Officer Commanding Dover.
C.O. H.M.S. Shikari 10Cal

Details

Dysmiss ZINK
Commanding Officer H.M.S.Shikari
June 8th 1940.
- 375
Sir,
I have the honour, with reference to Flag Officer
Commanding Dover's Memo: B 14/0/1101/40, to forward the
following report on recommendation of personnel under my
Command.
While it is very difficult to single out Officers
or Ratings who were all performing the same duties to the
best of their abilities; the names are forwarded of the
boats crews who did excellent work during the final day
evacuation at Bray a.m. Saturday June 1st under continual
Shell fire and bombing until ordered to withdraw to
Dunkirk.
A). Recommended for decorations.
1. Lieutenant John Rees Wilson R.N. In charge of all
shore operations, throughout operation Dynamo. His
leadership and the manner he stuck to his job was
inspiring.
2. Leading Stoker Alfred Browne. D/KX 81441.
3. Ordinary Seaman Dominie Kenny D/SSX 30221.
4. Ordinary Seaman George Park. D/JX 170122.
5. Ordinary Seaman William Lyons D/SSX 30211.
6. Signalman William Hicks D/JX 144358.
(1-6 formed the motor boats crew )
The motor boat was sent in to help other small
craft during the final hour, after the cutter had been
turned over to "Sabre".
B). Recommended for mention in despatches.
1. Signalman John Scott Mac Kibbin JX D/139851, relief
to signalman in motor boat. Was in the motor boat
for last and most unpleasant trip.
2. Acting Leading Seaman George Edward Cross D/JX 125679.
3. Able Seaman Arthur Bower D/SSX 21463
(2-5 Batkeepers
4. Able Seaman Jeremiah Forde D/SSX 19539.
in Culter on
5. Able Seaman William Murphy D/SSX 22784.
C). Recommended for mention in despatches.
Lieutenant Leonard Douglas May.R.N. For devotion landing
craft and carrying for setting an example of resuorcefulness
to duty, (E) out rapid repairs to beach
and initiative throughout the operation.
I have the honour to be
OMIRAL
Your Sir, obedient servant
JN 1940
Plag Officer Commanding Dover.
V H R
0.0. H.M.S. Shikari 1 Cat

Details

Dynamo to - 411
oth June,1040.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following
report in accordance 10th your mono. IP. 514/0/1101/40,
dated 4th June,1940.
2. At 1400, Tuesday 23th My,
slipped and sailed for Dover in company with Chartain 0.00
"EXPRESS", subsequently proceeding to Duntributi under
the orders of Custain D.10. "SABRE" and
"SCIMITAR" also in company. Orders were received to closs
the benches and orders the D.B.F, by boot.
S. At 0015, Todnesday 20th, the force arrived,
having used the North Easterly approach, bonts 1020 Lowerod,
and the embartation consenced. This was a slow and
laborious procoss owing to broken inter inshore and the
distance cut that the dectroyers were forced to 11c.
4. During the forencom about 400 non were
extersed from a shoot, and orders were then received from
Captain D.10. to roturn to Dovor and
5. From this the currents I the out of touch
with Crytain D.16. and Cutain D.80. and noted Independently
under the orders of the Tice Admiral, Dover.
C. at about 1700, while lying alongable the
ciling jetty at the Bastern are, I the ordered to cobins
the Donch Subartation party, under the counted of Bone
Adniral C.D, and proceed to Dunkirh.
7. At 2100, with this party on board I allowed,
and the followed to Dunkish by who, in due
course, anatated in landing the party with his bonts.

Details

1594/07
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO: Flag Officer 1/c Portland.
Dupram 353
-397
371
narrative. 6th June, 1940, the honour to submit the following of
In I have accordance with your Memo No. 2912
proceeded she became to Dover in company with "Topaze". During the
On Wednesday, 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina"
night detached and reached Dover independently
at 1045/30 May. The Examination Vessel was hailed for
instructions, and at 1230 orders were received to proceed
to the Downs, where the Examination Vessel would have our
a steamer off the Goodwins, directed us to the Examination
sailing orders. This ship, which was engaged in towing
Tug at the North Goodwin Light Vessel, where we anchored
at 1545 to await instructions from the shore, since the
Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders were received
pick up troops.
to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of Dunkirk, to
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to
east of Dunkirk, when visibility was very low owing to
smoke clouds. Orders were then received from a destroyer
to investigate a reported enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward.
Anchor was weighed at 2221, and we steamed to Bray beaches
without encountering the M.T.B. Pilotage was somewhat
hazardous in the intense darkness, owing to wrecks obstruct-
ing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was dropped as
close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after
midnight, and brought off two loads of troops totalling
32, including one stretcher case, which was put aboard a
destroyer. Owing to deterioration of conditions, no more
troops were embarked until daylight, when the boat was
pulled ashore on two more occasions.
At about 0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of
troops and ready to proceed to England, so it was arranged
that "Olvina" should provide a crew for "Sabre"s" motorboat
and use it for embarking troops. Accordingly, after re-
filling with petrol from "Icarus", the motorboat was manned
and proceeded to tow off ships' boats and Royal Engineer's
pontoon floats from the pier to vessels anchored off. The
pier consisted of motor lorries driven into the sea at low
water, having planks lashed to the roofs. Owing to a
northwesterly breeze, which freshened to force 3/4 at 1100,
only the eastern side of the pier could be used, and some
difficulty was experienced in handling the boats. Probably
about 300 to 350 troops were removed in this manner, of
which 240 were put aboard "Olvina".
No interference by enemy action was experienced
during the embarkation, although enemy aircraft were sand being
dunes. fired at, and shrapnel was observed to burst on the

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- 2 -
39375
and troops owing owing to to the fact that the weather ship was conditions almost full, for small and boats, to 31/5
At the 1100, adverse I decided to discontinue embarking
proceed to Dover.
and at 1120, "Olvina" was under way.
"Sabre's" motorboat was handed over to "Vivacious"
Vessel, the "Viking", a diesel engined Thames barge, with 70
When between Dunkirk and North Goodwin Light
troops aboard, was taken in tow from "Dwarf" and brought into
Dover. Owing to delay outside the harbour, the troops were
not disembarked until 2200.
"Olvina" was revictualled and berthed alongside
Prince of Wales Pier by 0100/1 June.
On proceeding to the office of Captain Auxiliary
Patrol, I was informed that "Olvina" should not have gone to
Dunkirk, but should have been on A/S patrol. Accordingly, at
0820/1 June, "Olvina" proceeded to a patrol station 17 miles
NNW of Dunkirk, which was reached at 1125. At 1500, 70
survivors from "Basilisk" came alongside in a French fishing
boat, and at 1917 we went alongside "Whitehall" in Dover
harbour and disembarked them.
"Olvina" was in harbour during 2nd and 3rd June,
and on 4th June escorted "Bideford" to Portsmouth thout
incident.
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your obedient servant
Sub Lt. R.N.V.R.
-II-
No. 1594/07.
Vice Admiral, Dover.
Forwarded.
P.R.T.S.
VICE ADMIRAL.
Portland.
FLAG OFFICER-IN-CHARGE.
18th June, 1940
VICE ADMIRAL
20 JUN 1940
*
DOVER

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131
1?9
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9, 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
128
7/5
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the
extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in
which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It
appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the
withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion
anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number
of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at
the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing,
which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same
time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray.
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000,
not only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end of x Route. These attacks
were to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements
at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of
the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers
ahead of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them
with the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer
ahead of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of
the Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
GRENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
In addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour
but further inside. This presented a very good target and the
ships were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the
time being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in
leaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both
succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed
part of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
CANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops
but was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again
in these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying
alongside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
GRENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and
the trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire
had to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the
fairway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY,
who witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by
bombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having
ceased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and
trawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a
sunk drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived
to find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships, was
with no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in thantly
harbour
uld
little
36

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132
130
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. 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 which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class 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 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

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137
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 16.
135
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
30/5
Thursday, 30th May (continued).
50. Casualties to H.M. Ships - 30th May.
Destroyer SABRE damaged by enemy aircraft.
Destroyer ANTHONY. Badly damaged by enemy aircraft
Had to be sent under tow to dockyard for repair.
e
Hospital Carrier ST. JULIAN attacked by enemy
aircraft and damaged by near misses.
Personnel Vessel PRINCESS MAUD, damaged by enemy
gunfire from shore batteries off Gravelines whilst proceeding
to Dunkirk.
Armed Boarding Vessel KING ORRY severely damaged by
near miss bombs inside Dunkirk Harbour, and finally foundered
when taken out of harbour.

Details

150
1
148
CONFIDENTIAL.
9
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
2/6
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store
carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet
sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
ly
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful.'
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June,
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, waser
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunki
1
that/
inary/

Details

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

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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

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CONFIDENTIAL.
APPENDIX. VI.
179
to
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
177
5
Enemy aircraft destroyed by ships' fire.
Ship.
Locality.
Time.
Polish T.B.D. BLYSKAWICA
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
0315/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
1130/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND
1140/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.P.M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
1500/27
North Goodwin.
HcM.Sc MONTROSE
Dawn/28
Near Kwinte Buoy.
M.T.B. 16
1500/28
Bray.
1530/28
H.M.S. SABRE and other ships
Dunkirk Harbour.
1630/29
H.M.S. BIDEFORD
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. EXPRESS
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
Bray.
1900/29
S.S. LEVENWOOD (Store ship}
Bray.
S.S. LEVENWOOD ( - do
1210/31
Bray.
1220/31
H.M. Skoot AMAZONE
Dunkirk Roads.
1440/31
H.M.S. HEBE
La Panne.
1700/31
af
H.M.S. SCIMITAR and other
ships
Bray.
1700/31
S.S. LADY OF MAN (Trassport) Dunkirk Roads.
1700/31
nd
H.M.Y. ARONIA
La Panne.
1830/31
H.M.S. WHITSHED
Dunkirk Roads.
1930/31
H.M.S. SALTASH
Bray.
2000/31
S.S. NEPHRITE (Store ship)
On Route X.
2030/31
H.M.Y. GRIVE
Dunkirk Roads.
2030/31
H.M.Y. ARONIA
Dunkirk Harbour.
0500/1
H.M.S. IVANHOE
La Panne.
0530/1
is
H.M.S. LYDD
Bray.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER
Dunkirk Harbour.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER and
other ships
Dunkirk Roads.
0610/1
H.M.Ships CODRINGTON,
3
HARVESTER and others
Off Gravelines.
0750/1
S
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
La Panne.
0900/1
H.M.S. MALLARD
On Route X.
1015/1
H.M.S. CALCUTTA
Between W and Y Buoys.
1020/1
H.M.P. M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
West of Dunkirk.
1600/1
H.M.Y. ALOUETTE
Off Gravelines.
1700/1
H.M.Y. CRISTOBEL II and
other ships
La Panne.
1730/1.
H.M.S. WORCESTER
Dunkirk Roads.
2000/1
TOTAL: 35 enemy aircraft definitely destroyed by ships'
gun fire between 0300/27 and 2000/1.
ery
In addition over the same period 21 others were heavily
damaged by ships' fire (and seen in distress but
NOT seen to crash definitely) of H.M. Ships HARVESTI
IVANHOE, VIVACIOUS, WINCHELSEA, WOLFHOUND, SABRE,
LOCUST, FITZROY, LYDD, MALLARD, MOSQUITO, WOLSEY,
EXPRESS, JAGUAR, GLEN AVON, ORIOLE, H.N.Y. ARONIA,
as
Storeship NEPHRITE and French M.T.B.24.
)p]
Note: On 30th May flying conditions were bad and few
enemy aircraft operated. After the 1st June
operations proceeded only between dusk and day.
i

Details

9
may 301 208
by Stayed moving off La Panne during the night, as could do much
Shelling was continuous and by the sound anywhere. some were
about after dark. No lights not
falling among the ships at the anchorage. News shells
(21)
no boats; ship message = boats found no one on beach.
conflicting: shore message = thousands of men waiting, very but
Probable truth was - Germans had range of lorry breakwater
and beaches near it and they shelled them heavily. Boats
went in there and found no one, as troops had moved farther
west clear of shell fire. Don't know what really took
place. Off shore one felt helpless, etc.
Aircraft passed close overhead flying down the anchorages
and fairway; MALCOLM off Braye reported a number of para-
chute mines dropped to westward of there, and suggested
ships should leave by Zuidcoote Pass in the morning as
passage to west was so heavily mined. Noise of MTB engines
often heard to seaward and eastward: ? our own patrol.
2300
Received urgent signal from Admiralty asking where Gort was
and why I had detailed the MTBs sent for him to other work.
Gort had just left HEBE in a motor launch: after long
search for him in the dark, at last found him, transferred
1st (24) June. As a result of the bombing the day before, asked for
him to the MA/SB and sent him off to Dover with Lees.
fighter protection at dawn.
0215
Heard that troops were moving westward and decided that
embarkation at La Panne was no longer possible. MALCOLM
and HARVESTER ordered from La Panne to Dunkerque. Also
told ships to keep close to fairway buoys to avoid mines
in the channel.
0235 (22) To Admiralty and VA, Dover:- "Yesterday ships off Braye
under fire. Today's shorter front will bring dangerous
area westward. Consider beach work too costly and evac-
uation must be confined to Dunkerque. Small craft will be
moved westward at dawn.
VA, Dover, reply = "While leaving this to your discretion,
essential that beaches be used until found impossible.
0330
Growing light. BASILISK with me - kept empty for support- La
fire against tanks or lorries along beach. Up by and
ing beach was deserted except for lorry breakwater - boats
Panne scattered cars. Sea also seemed deserbed small to the
westward. some of the boats adrift. Off Braye Ships were
had One or two motor launches about: there them was to a
vanished, a few empty ones drifting on tide told
collect and a paddle minesweeper ashore. and men were
minesweeper still loading off Braye and to the westward,
moving down westward off Braye along and the hailed beaches. a tug which and was try on to its tow way
Moved some soldiers on board to go in was
back with minesweeper. Master paid no attention; him and sent an only
(86)
off the get away. Trained a gun on board
anxious to to take charge, put the soldiers on
RNVR Sub-Lt. which was nearby, and go off to help the minesweeper with
SABRE, was that tugs had been told to regarded go over them-
Real trouble boats in tow and load up, and never they informed of this
pulling transports only. I was tugs.
selves as them as tugs and for use as by
All the night, but the degaussing possible. and
and regarded this time I was moving in waters mined proved effieient aircraft
(27)
during to edge of fairway when of the
I kept low clouds. Most ships were though full.
0400 (23)
Misty with that were not I sent into Dunkerque, and some for of the
Those were still many men on beaches, of small craft
there small gone back boats to for were England. the still night there, Did and not were majority then going realise back June. as they intended. Troops had had been
Reported are evacuating gradually directing to Dunkerque all boats as and eastern small beaches craft
sent over "Situation report at 0600, 1st
to
0625
are untenable. and loading Am all ships at Dunkerque. and fighter More attacks ships
vicinity required. Heavy bombing on Dunkerque About
(28)
on ships."

Details

14
For 2230 this and night the time was cut down by
306 303
destroyers docks of the inner harbour; the go right up
quays and 0230. The small craft were to an hour to between to the
and the and paddle sweepers were to use the transports, East
to remainder the West Quay. Arrangements Pier, made
bring off the French Admiral in MA/SB 7, as his were own
MTBs were said to be out of action.
Naval pier and berthing parties for the East Pier, under
Cdr. Buchanan, were to go over early in WHITSHED. I went
over in MTB 102 which had a cruising engine - very useful
inside the crowded harbour. On the way over we passed
other ships which had started earlier, and in the distance
they seemed to be having a hot time from an air attack.
2220
I got over at 2220 to find the harbour swarming with French
fishing craft and vessels of all sorts. They were yelling
and crowding alongside the East Pier which was already
thick with French troops. Managed to get them out of the
way of transports and destroyers in time and go on up the
inner harbour.
WHITSHED also arrived at 2220, but owing to fresh easterly
wind and west-going tide she could not get alongside pier
where there was no one who would take a line. She was
soon followed by SABRE and KINGFISHER. KINGFISHER was
sent to the West Quay, but the others were backing and
filling in the narrow harbour trying to get alongside and
(38)
being continually set off. Situation was not made easier
by the stream of French craft coming in or leaving harbour;
seamanship displayed was really magnificent. A small hand:
handy tug to push them in would have been invaluable.
Could not use the MTB for this as a similar attempt on the
previous night had put the MA/SB's engine out of action.
2300
Took some of the berthing party from WHITSHED to land them
on the pier, but had great difficulty in getting alongside,
2330
even in the MTB. Finally got them ashore, and by 2330
WHITSHED, SABRE and 3 personnel ships were alongside.
Note.- There was a wreck alongside the pier itself, a
wrecked trawler off the end of the piling on the west side
of the up-harbour channel and blockships sunk in the
channel: task of these ships in getting alongside against
wind and tide could hardly have been more difficult.
Luckily tide was high. Meanwhile, schuyts, Fleet sweepers
and French TBs had been making their way into the West Quay
where embarkation was going well.
The hold up at the East Pier had thrown out the programme
tion in the entrance. At times had to stop ships coming
of ships entering the harbour and there was great conges-
in the move and the handling of them was
to let others out in safety, but ships seemed marvellous. always to
be Collisions on were inevitable: KINGFISHER was badly holed trawler by
a her D.G. cable had been cut and there were plenty to Dover.
French trawler. She transferred her troops to a of
magnetic of 6 E-boats proceeding S. W. from off the
as mines about. Then she was sent off back Ostende.
4th June.
0100
Report (Several ships of all sizes lying stopped harbour
KELLETT breakwater. A lifeboat towed her to risk keep- and
entrance.) aground on a falling tide, right up stern against clear the
0140
western refloated. Was then too near daylight have been
she her: West Quay was occupied and it would then so slow
ing time before she could be loaded. By her return, as a
some would be exposed to great danger on our fighter
(39)
ship might not be able to get back while empty.
she were operating. Sent her back
Flow bad pauses. The first group quickly personnel
patrols of men on the East Pier was better this night, of but
there were and destroyers some got away by 0100 there and were were crowds
replaced by West Quay where more ships could be know so the at
ships others. All the time used, of
men on the led a large personnel ship, which did clear, not another
0145
0145 I this berth. As soon as she was till 0330,
way, - ROYAL into SOVEREIGN - went in and stayed there At
i.e. half an hour after the time intended.

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330
227
- 22 -
1/6
" Yesterday ships off Braye were under firo. To-day's shorter front will
bring dangorous area Westward. For this reason and mining consider any boach
work too costly and evacuation must be confined to Dunkirk. Small craft will
be moved Westward at dawn." To this V.A. Dover replied "While loaving this
to your discretion it is essential that beaches should be used until found
impossible."
My signal above was made before it was light but I had alroady protty
clear indications that La Panne was untenable and as it grow light about 0330
I anxiously looked ashore. The "BASILISK" was with me as I had kept her empty
so as to be ready for any supporting firo against tonks or lorries along the
beach. Up by La Panne the beach WRB deserted but for the lorry brankwater and
scattored cars. The sea also seemed deserted unfortunatoly the small boats
had vanished, a few ompty ones were drifting on the tide to the Westward. One
or two motor lounches were about and I told them to collect some of the boats
adrift. Down off Braye there was a minesweeper ashore and clso a paddle mine-
sweeper. Ships were still loading off Braye and to the Westward and men were
moving Westward along the beaches.
I moved down off Braye and hailed 2. tug which WES on its way back with some
soldiers on board and told her to go in and try to ton off the minommoner.
The Captain paid no attention and obviously WO.B only concorned to get every.
I finally trained 2. gun on him and told an R.N.V.R. Sub-Identionent who was on
board to take charge, put the soldiers on board the "SABRE" who WEB nearby and
go off to the help of the minesveopor. It VALO not nice to have to threaten
these men who were really volunteors, but It had to be done. I could not wink
ships and mon for the sake of 110 volunteer's feelings
to have any effect. The real trouble on this and snother occasion Labor WAS
that the tugs were told to go over with pulling boats in tow and load my and
they regarded themselves as transports only. I was never informed of this or
their orders and regarded them as tugs and for use as tugs.
All this time I had to move in waters which atrongt had been minding
during the night, but I put my faith in the degaussing and also koot to the
edge of the fairway when possible, and my faith van justified.

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345
342
- 37 -
3/6
had been thought to be the last and thon each day the chigo had been enked
for one EOYO offort, By this time many of the Commanding Officers and in
were at the limit of their endurance and the Vice Admiral did not Sool to
could order ships to go over. Accordingly D. signal was made solding that
ships would be ready and able to go, and finally 10 transports, G destroyers,
8 mineswoopers, 4 paddle sweepers, 2 corvottes, 2 yachts, ]. gunboat, 10
drifters, 5 scoots and 1 this were collected. Bosides these there was a
large number of small craft and hoats 0.5 before.
For this night the time was cut down by an hour to between 2230 and
0230. The small craft were to go right up to the quays and docks of the
innor harbour, the transports, destroyers and 4. paddle sycopers MCIC to use
the East Pier and the remainder the West Quay. irvangoments were also made
to bring off the Fronch Admiral in MASB.No. 7 as his own M.T.B.S vote soid
to bo out of action.
Naval pier and borthing partion for the East Piar under Commender
Buchanan were to go over early in H.M.S. "WHITSHED." I went over in M.S.B.
102, the same that had brought ne away from the "KEITH." This boat had a
cruising ongine which was very usoful when we were noving about incide in
the confined waters of the harbour, which were crowded with smill creft. On
the way we passed other ships who had started carlier, and in the distance
they seemed to be having a hot time from an air attack,
I got over tvt 2200 to find the harhour with French fishing
craft and vessels of all sorts. They were yelling and crowding alongside
the East Pier which was alroady thick with French troops. At one time 11
100ked as if they would get in the way of the Transports and destroyers which
were on their way, but I managed to get them to [0 on w the innor herbour
and out of the way in time.
"WHITSHED" arrived at 2220, but owing to a fresh Easterly wind and the
Westgoing tide she could not get alongside the pier where there VOD no one
who could be persuaded to assist by taking a lina. She was soon followed
"SABRE" and "KINGFISHER." The "KINGPISHER" was sont into the Wont to may got
by the others were backing and filling in the narrow harbour buying easter
but alongaide and being continually net off. The situation was not made

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346
343
- 38
3/6,
by the stream of French craft coming in or loaving the harbour and the
scamanship displayed was really magnificent. A small handy tug to push them
in would have been invaluable. I could not use the M.T.B. for this as a
similar attempt on a previous night had put the M.S.A.B.'s ongine out of
action.
About 2300 I took some of the borthing party from the "WHITSHED" to
land them on the pier but had great difficulty in getting alongsido even in
the M.T.B. Finally, however, they got ashore, and by 2330 three personnel
ships, "WHITSHED" and "SABRE" were alongsido. When 10 is remombered that there
was a wrock alongside the pier itself, a wrecked trawler off the and of the
piling on the West side of the up harbour channel and block ships sunl: to this
channel, the task of these ships manocuvring to get alongside against the
wind and tide could hardly have been more difficult. Luckily the tido was
high. In the meantime, Scoots, French T.B.S and Floot sweepers had been
making their way into the West Quay and the embarkation from there was going
well.
The hold up at the East Pier had however thrown out the programme of
ships entering the harbour and there WOR great congestion in the entrance,
I had to stop ships coming in at times so that other chips could get out in
safety, but there seemed never a moment when ships were not on the movein the
dark, in waters that were alive with small craft, and the handling of the
ships in these congested waters Was marvellous, It was hardly to be expected
however that there would be 110 collisions, and "KTNOFTSHSR" was hit and badly
holed by a French trawler. She transferrod her troops to a traviler 88 her D.C.
cable was outland there wore plenty of magnetic mines about. Then she was
sent back to Dover.
At 0100 there came a report of 6 enemy H.T.B.S proceeding South Weet
4/6
from off Ostend. This was rather disconcerting news with soverel transports,
destroyers and other craft lying stopped off the entrance to the harbour.
There were other troubles as well, for the "KELLET" reported at 0240 that
she was aground. The tide was falling and she could be seen right up against
the Western breakwater. Luckily a lifeboat managed to tow her storn clear and
she got afloat again. It was then too near daylight to risk keeping her. The
West quay was occupied and it would be some time before she could be loaded.

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347
344
- 39 -
4/6
By then so slow a ship would be exposed to great danger on hor roturn 0.13 she
might not be able to get back while our fighter patroln were operating. I
therefore sent her. back empty. The flow of ron on the East Picr was better
than on the preceding night but there were boil pauses. The first group of
personnel ships and destroyers got away by 0100 and were quickly replaced with
others, All the time there were crowds of mon at the West Quay and 18 was
obvious that more ships could be used there, so at 0145 I led a large personnel
ship, which did not know the way, into this borth. As soon as she was clear,
another the "ROYAL SOVEREIGN" - want in and stayed there until 0300 - half an
hour after the time intonded. At the East Pier the "MALCOIN" left with 1,000
men on board at 0245 and the "EXPRESS" left at 0300, after I had taken off Cdr.
Buckanan and the borthing party who were in her. When she left there were still
about 200 men on the Bast Pier and these trero brought off by the "SHIKARE" who
came in later escorting the last two block ships. of all the ships sent over
only one paddler and the "KELLETT" were not used. I had some difficulty over
the French Admiral. The M.F.B. sent for him had failed to find him and he
finally came away in one of his own M.T.B.s.
The light was growing and the harbour was empty but for the two block
ships and an attendant M.T.B. as I left it for the last time and not off for
Dover. On the passage 10 was foggy but we found our way. At Dover the first
ship to come in out of the fog was the "SABRE" whose compans was wrong and
who had gono over to Dunkirk in company with another ship on that account.
I do not know the exact figure but I think that at loast 30,000 een
were embarked on this night in about 3½ hours, which is D. sufficiontly
remarkable figure. Even so a number of men were loft bohind and I oneo
heard that there were still 30,000 French there. The total ovroushed
amounted to 330,000 altogother.
During the forenoon I paid a visit to the office whore the Vico
Admiral was trying to get out some quick report on the operation and the
atmosphere WAS one of comparative relaxation after the tensenoss of the
past work. Ships were being sent back to their home ports to give 48
hours leave, and in the meantime they were having the Street root they had
had for many days.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the
extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in
which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It
appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the
withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion
anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number
of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at
the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing,
which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same
time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray,
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000,
nt only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end or X Route. These attacks
vere to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements
at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of
the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers
head of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them
vith the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer
head of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of
;he Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
RENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
in addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour
ut further inside. This presented a very good target and the
hips were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the
ime being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in
eaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both
succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed
art of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
ANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops
ut was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again
n these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying
longside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
RENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and
he trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire
ad to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the
airway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY,
no witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by
ombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having
eased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and
rawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a
ink drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived
o find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships,
th no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in the
harbour/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. 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 which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class 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 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. 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 which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class 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 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 16.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Thursday, 30th May (continued).
50. Casualties to H.M. Ships - 30th May.
Destroyer SABRE damaged by enemy aircraft.
Destroyer ANTHONY. Badly damaged by enemy aircraft
Had to be sent under tow to dockyard for repair.
Hospital Carrier ST. JULIAN attacked by enemy
aircraft and damaged by near misses.
Personnel Vessel PRINCESS MAUD, damaged by enemy
gunfire from shore batteries off Gravelines whilst proceeding
to Dunkirk.
Armed Boarding Vessel KING ORRY severely damaged by
near miss bombs inside Dunkirk Harbour, and finally foundered
when taken out of harbour.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store
carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet
sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk
that/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store
carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet
sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A.Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk
that/

Details

APPENDIX I.
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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Lieutenant Derek Peel Willan, Royal Navy,
Lieutenant H.M.S. Icarus. Frederick Worcester. Greville Woods, Royal
Captain John Henry Wh
Transport Tynwald.
Lieutenant Navy, H.M.S. Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R.,
Mr. Terence O' Hanlon, :
Dorrien Rose.
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
Lieutenant Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R.,
Joseph Cox, R.N.R.
Mr. Hubert Donald F1
H.M. Hospital Carrier
Mr. Arthur Patrick Jo
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.R.
H.M.S. Ross.
Officer, H.M. Transpo
Lieutenant Robert Hunter Irving, R.N.R.,
Mr. Frank Edward M
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.R.,
Motor Boat Triton.
H.M. Hospital Carrier
Mr. Allan Watterson,
H.M. Skoot Hondsrug.
Transport Tynwald.
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R.,
Mr. Joseph Wilfred Coul
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
H.M.S. Speedwell.
H.M. Transport Royal
Mr. William McGregor,
Princess Elizabeth.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens,
Transport King Georg
Mr. Bernard Murphy,
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Niger.
Lieutenant Alexander Harper Turner,
Transport Dorrien Ro
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Watchful.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxer
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing,
H.M. Transport Prag
H.M. Skoot Hilda.
Mr. David Douglas R
Surgeon Lieutenant Joseph Wishart Shield,
H.M. Hospital Carrie
M.B., B.Ch., R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Grafton.
Mr. Andrew Sinclair,
Sub-Lieutenant Edmund Charles Croswell,
Transport Royal Sove
Royal Navy, H.M.S. Harvester.
Mr. George Frederick To
Sub-Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-
H.M. Transport Maid
Mulhallen, Royal Navy.
Mr. James Lang Croc
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Williams,
Transport Biarritz.
Royal Navy, Motor Boat Swallow.
Mr. Charles Powell Maso
Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R.,
Transport Tvnwald.
H.M.S. Mosquito.
Sub-Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke,
R.N.V.R., Motor Boat Rapide.
+
Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman,
R.N.V.R., H.M.Y. Seriola.
Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R., H.M.S. William Sutton. Geoffrey Hewitt,
Sub-Lieatenant R.N.V.R., H.M. John Grive. Kenneth Barton Miles,
Herbert Bernhard
H
TOTAL
H.M.S.
John Ball, R.N.R.,
Bryce, R.N.R.,
Jones, Royal Engineer Navy, Engineer H.M.S. Reginald Sabre. Thomas
Gunner Reynolds, Royal Navy, H.M.S.Salamandr.
Gunner H.M.S. Frederick Wolsey. William Benoy, Royal
Skipper Navy, (T) H.M.S. Reginald Grenade. William Clare, Navy,
Skipper Drifter Andrew The Boys. Buchan, R.N.R., Royal
Skipper Reed. George Hattan, R.N.R., H.M. H.M.
Drifter Midas. Herbert Holden, R.N.R., Drifter
Skipper Captain H.M. Reynolds, R.N.R., H.M.
Captain Captain Card CANADA Captain Captain H.M. most Scotia. H.M. 87. Transport James Transport Robert Fryer, McCallum Prague. Rowland Master, Hughes, Baxter, H.M. Master, Tug Master, Master, Master, Fore- H.M. S.S.
Pitman, Master, H.M.
Master, Master, H.M.

Details

Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Halcyon.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Princess
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R., Elizabeth. H.M.S.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. Fitzroy. Mosquito.
Midshipman Malcolm John Ball, R.N.R., H.M.S. Scimitar.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones, Royal Navy, H.M.S.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, Royal Sabre. Navy, H.M.S.
Gunner Frederick William Benoy, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Salamander. Wolsey.
Gunner (T) Reginald William Clare, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Grenade.
Skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter The Boys.
Skipper George Hattan, R.N.R.,
Reed.
Skipper Herbert Holden, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Midas.
Skipper William Francis Reynolds, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Dorienta.
Captain Clifford Rowland Baxter, Master, S.S. Prague.
e.
Captain John Fréyer, Master, Tug Foremost 87.
Captain Charles Archibald Hancock, Master, S.S. Canterbury.
or
Captain Ernest Leonard Hill, Master, Sx8x Hospital Carrier Isle
of Guernsey.
Captain William Henry Hughes, Master, S.S. Scotia.
C Captain Robert McCallum McLean, Master, H M.hanspat King yearge V.
Captain Reginald Richard Pitman, Master, S.S. St. Helier.
Captain William Thompson, Master, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Captain William Oswald Young, Master, H.M. Transport Levenwood.
Captain a ohn Henry Whiteway, Master, S.S. Tynwald.
Mr. Terence O'Hanlon, Mate, S.S. Dorrien Rose. S.S.
S.S.
Mr. Hubert Donald Freeman, First Officer, St. Helier. S.S.
Mr Arthur Patrick Joseph Paterson, Chief S.S. Officer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. Frank Edward Martin, Second Officer, 1/1 St. Helier.
SS.
15.5 Mr. Allan Watterson, Second Officer of Tynwald.
Mr. Joseph William fred Coulthard, Chief Engineer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. William MagGregor, Chief Engineer, H.M. Transport King George V
Mr. Bernard Murphy, Chief Engineer, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxenham, Chief Engineer S.S. Prague.
Mr. David Douglas Robb, Chief Engineer M.V. Hospital Guernsey. Carrier Isle of
Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Chief Engineer, S. Royal Sovereign.
D
Mr. George Frederick Todley, Second Engineer, S.S. Maid of Orleans.
all
MR. James Lang Crockart, Engineer S.S. Biarritz.
Mr. Charles/Mason, Radio Officer Tynwald.
Queen.

Details

19.
The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
4
Acting Leading Seaman Ronald Thirlwall, C/JX.159421, H.M.S.
mer.
Seaman Cook Jesse Harry Herbert Elton, LT/JX.180250, H.M.Y. Mosquito.
Bystander.
Bar to the Distinguished Service Medal.
WE
Able Seaman Arthur Victor Johnson, P/J.24734.
The Distinguished Service Medal.
Chief Petty Officer Albert William Cobley, C/J.22075, H.M.S.
Chief Petty Officer Ernest George Dewey, C/J.104364, H.M.S. Speedwell. SAbre.
Chief Petty Officer Arthur Henry Herbert Gutsell,P/J.28475,
H.M.Y. Thele
Chief Petty Officer Rowland Evan Lines, C/JX.142401, Pensioner
S.
e.
11254, H.M.S. Malcolm.
Chief Petty Officer Percy Simeon Thomas Munn, C/J.10033, H.M.S.
Royal Eagle.
Chief Petty Officer Stanley Freeman Piggott, P/J.15784, H.M.S.
Hebe.
Chief Petty Officer Francis Withington, C/J.8739, H.M.S. Worcester
Chief Petty Officer Reginald Frank Tupper, P/J.94060, H.M.S. Icaru
Chief Yeoman of Signals Fred Laister, C/J.69665, H.M.S. Keith.
Chief Engine Room Artificer ХИЛКАЙ Redvers Woodhead Atkinson,
C/MX.47004, H.M.S. Malcolm.
Chief Engine Room Artificer George Bertram Head, P/M.34498,
H.M.S. Leda.
Chief Engine Room Artificer Andrew Millar McOwan, C/M.18445, H.M.S
Sabre.
Chief Engine Room Artificer Francis Henry Patrick, C/M.14987,
H.M.S. Vanquisher.
Chief Engine Room Artificer Sidney Arthur Wilkins, P/M.18465,
H.M.S. Worcester.
Chief Mechanician Second Class Frederick Arthur Ford, P/K.21534,
H.M.S. Whippingham.
Chief Stoker Martin Gallon, P/K.59221, H.M.S. Havant.
Chief Stoker Horace Frederick Goddard, P/KX.95692, H.M.S. Icarus.
Engine Room Artificer First Class Charles Henry Andrew, D/M.28768,
H.M.S. Salamander.
Engine Room Artificer Third Class George William Hymas, P/MX.49826
Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class Eric Matt Horne, C/MX.62572,
on,
H.M.Skoot Doggersbank.
Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class Joseph Edric Whitenstall,
P/MX.57728, H.M.S. Winchelsea.
Engine Room Artificer First Class James Barton, R.N.R., Portsmouth
32EE, H.M.S. Express.
Electrical Artificer First Class Kenneth Simpson, C/MX.45564,
H.M.S. Wolsey.
Petty Officer Hyacinth Alec George Adam, P/JX.131408, H.M.S. Express.
41.
Petty Officer Harold Beasley, C/J.93287, H.M.S. Sutton.
S.
Petty Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX.127274, Elizabeth. H.M.S. Princess
Petty Officer John Collins, P/J.90457, H.M.S. Leda.
Petty Officer George Albert Coussens, P/J.7788, H.M.S. Dward.
Petty Officer Maurice William Crisp, P/J.100655, H.M.S. Express.
Shaw
Petty Officer Alfred Ernest Crossley, C/J.103237, H.M.S. Queen. Medway.e

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19.
5.
petty Officer Edward William Higgs, C/JX.133416, H.M.S. Gossamer.
Petty Officer Walter Alfred Reginald Hooper, D/JX.142642,
Petty Officer Henry Joseph McAllister, C/J.16046, Pensioner 23168,
H.M.S. Malcolm.
Petty Officer Ernest Richard Meredith, P/J.95625, H.M.S.
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
OWE
Petty Officer$ James Owen Paget, .129854, H.M.S. Vivacious. Vimy.
Petty Officer Frederick William Parker, C/J.84930.
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92186, H.M.Skoot Hondsrug.
7.
Petty Officer Cecil Kenneth Souster, D/J.102935, H.M.S. Whitehall,
Petty Officer Joseph William Frederick Tibbles, P/J.108799,
H.M.S. Icarus.
Petty Officer Leonard Bertram Kearley-Pope, R.N.R., D.5762, H.M.S.
Mona's Isle.
re
ACting Petty Officer Leonard Charles/ Purd, C/JX.155644, H.M.Skoot S.
Hilda.
e.
Acting Petty Officer Herbert Henry Smith, P/JX.145044, H.M.Y.
Bounty.
Se.
Acting Petty Officer Ernest Wilfred Spickett, JX.128246.
Acting Petty Officer Ernest Francis Standley, C/JX.137068, H.M.S.
of Signals James Collins, C/J.69665, H.M.S.Lynx. keith.
Yeoman of Signals Alfred Charles Halls, C/JX.129457, H.M.S.
Malcolm.
Stoker Petty Officer George Albert Aitchison, C/K.61056, H.M.S.
Sabre.
Stoker Petty Officer Charles William Donnelly, D/K.59925, H.M.S.
Bideford.
Stoker Petty Officer Thomas Rochford, D/K.61034, H.M.S. Salamander
Stoker Petty Officer John Henry Salmon, D/K.66881, H.M.S. Hal cyon
la
Stoker Petty Officer William Edward White, C/K.64353, H.M.S.
Mosquito.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer James William Carr, D/K.63042, H.M.S.
Jaguar.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer Albert George Dollery, P/KX.80017,
#
H.M.S. Sutton.
r.
Petty Officer Steward John Lysaght, D/L.13388, H.M.S. Havant.
Leading Seaman David Anderson, 0/J.107567, H.M.S. Vanquisher.
Leading Seaman Oliver Frederick Mane Cooper, C/JX.137062, Niger. H.MS.
Leading Seaman John William Flattery, PYJX.131896, H.M.S.
Worcester.
Leading Seaman Arthur Charles Godden, P/JX.129206, H.M.S. Worceste. on. &4
e
Leading Seaman Willie Hagger, P/J.95873, H.M.Skoot Patria.
Leading Seaman Stanley Robert Holden, C/J.106164, H.M.S. Speedwell
.
Leading Seaman Eldric Ivan John Alfrd Gent Joplin, 138400,
H.M.S. Keith.
Leading Seaman Walter George Harold Last, P/JX.132139, Winchelsea. H.M.S.
41.
Leading Seaman Reginald William Legg, D/J.107221, H.M.Skoot Twente
.S.
C.
Leading Seaman Frederick Martindale, P/JX.136855, H.M.S. Vimy.
Leading Seaman Douglas Nicholas, D/JX.137869, H.M.S. Codrington..
11".
Leading Seaman James Sowerby, C/JX.109521, R.F.R. B.24793, Malcolm. H.M.S
4.
Leading Seaman Hugh James Spanton, C/J.114468.
Shaw
Leading Seaman Murdo Macleod, R.N.R., 5849D, H.M.S. Skipjack. are

Details

you
16.
Leading Stoker Albert Hussey, D/K.62678, H.M.S. Salamander.
Leading Stoker Albert Loomes, D/KX.81236, H.M.S. Codrington.
gowe
Leading Stoker Charles William Morris, P/KX.81034, H.M.S. WorcesT.
Leading Stoker Charles William Thomas Murrin, P/KX.82587, M.T.B.M7.
Leading Stoker Thomas William Pickersgill, P/KX.76937, H.M.S. Esk
Leading Sick Berth Attendant Norman Clyde Martin, C/MX.49373.
Leading Steward Norman Lorraine Gilchrist, C/LX.21538, H.M.S. Sabre
S.
Able Seaman Thomas Fortune Asprey, C/J.114945, H.M.S.Keith.
e.
Able Seaman Henry Bernard Robert Burns Butcher, D/JX.145695, H.M.Se,
Able Seaman Peter Frederick Byford, P/JX.135124, H.M.S. Codrington. Winche
Able Seaman William Albert Clarke, C/J.78426, Pensioner 25479,
Malcoln
Able Seaman Stanley Collie, C/SSX.21361, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Able Seaman Berty Richard Culley, D/JX.130278, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Able Seaman Henry Claude Curtis, D/J.90128, H.M.S. Codrington.
Able Seaman Sydney Walter Davey, D/JX.146839, M.T.B.68.
Able Seaman Francis Harold Finch, P/SSX.2376237, H.M.Y. Ahola.
Able Seaman Thomas Fox, C/SSX.12418, H.M.S. Wolsey.
Able Seaman Edward Gair, P/SSX.15905, H.M.S. Worcester.
Able Seaman Wilfred Edward Green, D/SSX.19925, H.M.S. Codrington.
Able Seaman Ambrose Bernard Harkin, D/JX.128450, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Able Seaman Edwin Cecil Holloway, P/J.98570, H.M.S. Express.
Able Seaman Frank Henry Hopwood, D/SSX.18782, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Able Seaman John Lawrence Joyce, D/SSX.20230, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Able Seaman James Laurence MacManus, P/SSX.14756, R.N.L.B. Walton &4
Frinton.
Able Seaman Kenneth Freer Marriott, P/SSX.23766, H.M.Y. Eila II.
Able Seaman Harry Murrell, D/J.109760, H.M.S. Codrington.
Able Seaman George William Neicho, C/SSX.24676, H.M.S. Wolsey.
Able Seaman Ian Alan Nethercott, C/SSX.28288, H.M.S. Keith.
941.
Able Seaman Thomas Oswald Pigg, C/JX.142167, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
.M.S.
Able Peaman Eric Richard Ponton, P/SSX.14194, H.M.S. Icarus. Esk.
Able Seaman John Edward Rateliffe, D/SSX.21633, H.M.S. Jaguar.3s. aguar.
Able Seeman Arthur Savage, , D/SS.10494, H.M.S. Codrington.
Ronald Henry Shipp, c/ox.12672 0 o, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
sdown.
Able Seaman Beorge Health
Able Seaman george Frederick Sims D/J.111989, n.M.D. H.M.S. Shikari. white are
Shaw
Brigane

Details

17.
'Dell
Leonard Travers,
Able Seaman a D/JX.133219, H.MS. Glengowe
Able Seaman James Wallis, C/SSX.27313, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Edwin George Webster, C/JX.142167, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Able Seaman George John Woodger, C/J.45802, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Frederick William Jacobs, C/J.100758, R.F.R., B.23901,
H.M.S. Malcolm.
Able Seaman James Kidd, R.F.R., D/SSX.13321, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J.93546, R.F.R., B.21781, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Seaman George Tilbury, c/ss.7850, R.F.R., B.17336, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Peaman Richard Philip Smith, R.N.V.R., БЕЗДХХЗЛАЙ MD/X.1950,
H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman Harold Oscar Carter, C/SSX.17317, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Charles Raymond Craig, D/JX.141848, H.M.S. Bideford.
Signalman Harry Guy, C/JX.150713, H.M.S. Calcutta.
Signalman Eric Ernest Roden, C/J.103654, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Stanley Thompson, C/JX.133505, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Signalman Leslie David Ball, R.M.V.R.? LD5/X.3548, H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman James Stanley Duffy, R.N.N.R.A,C/TDX.1412,
Signalman Ronald Henry Walters, R.N.V.R., C/LDX.4178.
queen of Thanet.
Signalman John Albert Williamson, R.NV.R., LD/X.4036, H.M.S. Glenaven
Stoker First Class Jack Chadwick, D/KX.81834, HLM.S. Jaguar.
Stoker First Class Samuel Comben, P/K.62179, H.M.S. Vimy.
Stoker First Class Charles Irvine, C/KX.86537, H.M.S. Sabre.
Stoker First Class William Reginald Gordon Jones, C/KX.92890, H.M.S.
Wolsey.
Stoker First Class Percy William Spray, P/KX.87052, Newhaven Rosa Life Boa
Sick Berth Attendant Eric James Littlewood Gibson, D/MX.56025, Ivanhoe. H.M.S.
Sick Berth Attendant (R) Alfred Bassford, c/x.8080, R.N.A.S.B.R.
Sick Berth Attendant Albert William Keller, R.N.A.S.B.R., D/X.6785,
H.M.S. Havant.
Sick Berth Attendant James Timothy Tomlinson, R.N.A.S.B.R.? P/X.6941.
H.M.S. Vivacious.
Sick Berth Attendant Edward Welch, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/SBR/X.7341, H.M.S. Esk.
Sick Berth Attendant John Yeoman, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/X.7093, H.M.S. Express.
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry, D/JX.158456, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Ordinary Seaman Arthur Thomas Burton, P/JX.182142, H.M.S. Portsdown.
Ordinary Seaman Dominic Kenny, D/SSX.30221, H.M.S. Shikari.
Shaw
Ordinary Seaman William Lyons, D/SSX.30211, H.M.S. Shikari. are
Brigana aire

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ICW19295
d'enner
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (First Lieutenant),
H.M.S. MALCOLN.
Commi sei oned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones, R.B., H.M.S.
Midshipman Balcolm John Ball, R.M.R., H.M.S. SABRE. SCIMITAR.
Lieutenant Commander Hugh Nicholas Aubyn Richardson, R.B.,
H.M.S. SHIKART.
Lioutenant Adrian Paul Wilbraham Northey, R.N., H.M.S. VIMY.
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker, R.N., H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Lieutenant Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins, R.M.,
H.M.S. WIRCHALSEA.
Mr. Frederick William Benoy, Gunner, R.N., H.M.S. WOLSEY.
Lieutenant Frederick Greville Woods, R.N., H.H.S. WORCESTER.
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet-Singleton, R.N.,
H.M.S. ALBURY.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. FITEROY.
Commander Michael Anthony Crame Biddulph, R.N., H.M.S.
GLENGOWER.
Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, B.N.V.R.,
H.M.S. HALCYON.
tooda Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY QUENN.
Sub-Li sutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY
QUEEN.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. NIGER.
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. PRINCESS
ELIZABETH.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
PRINCESS ELIZABETH.
Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R., H.M.S. ROSS.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, R.N., H.M.S.
SALAMANDER.
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R., H.M.S.
SPEEDWELL.
Sub-Lieutenant William Geoffrey Hewitt, R.N. Valing
H.H.S. SUTTON
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.H., H.M.S. BIDEFORD.
Lieutenant Ackroyd Norman Palliser Costobadie, R.N., M.M.S.
LOCUST.
Lieutenant JAYOR Denis Harold Palmer Gardiner,
bittle
MOSQUITO.
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, N.N.R.,
H.M.S. MOSQUITO.
Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman, R.M.V.R., SERIOLA. H.M.Y.
skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., W.S.3319, H.M.Drifter THE BOYS
Holden, R.N.R., W.S.3452, H.M.Drifter MIDAS.
Lieutenant Joseph Cox, R.N.R., Unit Officer to Drifters.
78.
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.N., Unit officer of

Details

(1952) Wt. 20906/9711 40M 8/89 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671
Case 6801
Voll
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF OFFICERS FOR SERVICES IN CONNECTION
WITH THE EVACUATION OF THE ALLIED FORCES FROM DUNKERQUE.
The Honours and Awards Committee met this morning
to consider on receipt the attached recommendations from th
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover, for immediate recognition
for services in the evacuation of the Allied Armies from
Dunkerque, and submit the following Awards as appropriate
for publication in the London Gazette as soon as approved.
The Committee suggest that the Gazette notice should make
it quite clear that this is only a short preliminary list
of Awards for this operation, and that further recognition
will be awarded and published as soon as possible.
Knight Commander of the Bath,
(Military)
Vice-Admiral Bertram Home Ramsay, M.V.O.,
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.
Companion of the Bath,
(Military)
Rear-Admiral William Frederick Wake-Walker, O.B.E.,
Captain William George Tennant, M.V.O., R.N.
Captain Michael Maynard Denny, R.N.
(Captain Denny's Honour would be Gazetted
as for distinguished service as Senior
Naval Officer at Andaalsnes, as well as
for his work on the evacuation).
Distinguished Service Order
Commander Guy Oakley Maund, R.N. (Retired)
Commander Renfrew Gotto, R.N.
X
Commander Villiers Nicholas Surtees, R.N.
X
Captain Thomas Edgar Halsey, R.N., H.M.S. MALCOLM.
Captain George Frederick Stevens-Guille, D.S.O., O.B.E.,
R.N., H.M.S. CODRINGTON. (Bar).
X
Commander Ralph Lindsay Fisher, R.N., H.M.S. WAKEFUL.
X
Commander John Hamilton Allison, R.N., H.M.S. WORCESTER.
X
Commander Richard Cyril Vesy Ross, R.N., H.M.S. GOSSAMER
X
Acting Commander Kenneth Morland Greig, R.N. (Retired),
H.M.S. SANDOWN.
Commander Brian Dean, R.N. (Retired), H.M.S. SABRE.

Details

a
ENCLOSURE No.1 TO DOVER LETTER No.B23/862/40 dated 4 June 1940.
Page 2.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF OFFICERS FOR SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH
THE EVACUATION OF THE ALLIED FORCES FROM DUNKIRK.
(contd.)
CAPTAIN THOMAS EDGAR HALSEY, ROYAL NAVY, H.M.S. "MALCOLM", D.So
50
D.S.O.Lay.
CAPTAIN GEORGE FREDERICK STEVENS-GUILLE, D.S.O., O.B.E., DSO
is the ROYAL NAVY, H.M.S. "CODRINGTON",
COMMANDER BRIAN DEAN, ROYAL NAVY, (RETIRED), H.M.S. "SABRE" ,D.S.O.
COMMANDER RALPH LINDSAY FISHER, ROYAL NAVY, H.M.S. "WAKEFUL" ,DSO
COMMANDER JOHN HAMILTON ALLISON, ROYAL NAVY, H.M.S. "WORCESTER"
D.S.O
COMMANDER RICHARD CYRIL VESY ROSS, ROYAL NAVY, H.M.S. "GOSSAMER"
ACTING COMMANDER KENNETH MORLAND GREIG, ROYAL NAVY, (RETIRED)
H.M.S. "SANDOWN",
DSC,
\
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COLIN HENRY CAMPBELL, ROYAL NAVY,
DSC
H.M.S. "WOLSEY",
sqs,DSOL
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JOHN BRUCE GOODENOUGH TEMPLE, ROYAL NAVY,
H.M.S. "HEBE",
DSC
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER HAROLD UNWIN, ROYAL NAVY, H.M.S. "LEDA",
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JOHN MARK SYMONDS COX, D.S.C., ROYAL NAVY,
? This should Ge Commander Hinton.
H.M.S. "HALCYON",
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CECIL JOHN WYNNE-EDWARDS, ROYAL NAVY,
H.M.S. "PRESIDENT",
D.S.C.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER REDVERS MICHAEL PRIOR, ROYAL NAVY, (RETIRED)
H.M.S. "LYNX",
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ARTHUR JELFS CUBISON, D.S.C.,
ROYAL NAVY (RETIRED),
D.S
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER NEVILLE LIONEL JOHN PISANI, D.S.C., D.S.O
ROYAL NAVY (RETIRED), H.M.S. "FERVENT",
D.SC
TEMPORARY LIEUTENANT CEDRIC VICTOR BRAMMELL, ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE
H.M.S. "GULZAR",
D.SC
D.S.C
TEMPORARY LIEUTENANT E. L. DAVIES, ROYAL NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE
H.M.S. "ORIOLE",
D.S.C
PROBATIONARY TEMPORARY SUB. LIEUTENANT JACK MASON, ROYAL
NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE, H.M.S. "CHICO",
D.S.C.V
TEMPORARY SKIPPER JAMES HENRY MUGRIDGE, ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE,
SKIPPER,
W.S.3018,
TEMPORARY PROBATIONARY GEORGE WILLIAM ALDAN, ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE
D.S.C.
W.S.3014, H.M.TRAWLER "JOHN CATTLING",
PROBATIONARY TEMPORARY SKIPPER EDWARD FREDERICK DETTMAN,
ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE, W.S.3306, H.M. DRIFTER "BOY ROY",
D.S.C.
PROBATIONARY TEMPORARY SKIPPER ALFRED MANNING LOVIS,
ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE, W.S. 3397, DRIFTER "PAXTON",
70
LIEUTENANT VAN HAMILEN, ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY.
For distinguished service while serving in His Majesty's
Ships carrying Troops from Dunkerque to Dover.
Ships were the target for continual attacks from enemy
aircraft, submarines, and M. T. B'S.
They were required to berth under exceptionally difficult
conditions in darkness, and in a confined harbour obstructed
by wrecks and crowded with small craft under way.
: Commander Cronin of Nigu. Sevin officer 4 ᵃ Maicsweepoing Aistilla.
(Continued

Details

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

Details

Page 24
peration "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
SABRE
-
Commander this operation Brian London Dean. R.N. (decorated D.S.O. for
Gazette 7th June, 1940).
During made the period 10 trips 27th to May - 4th June, this old
Destroyer for any class of the beaches, the record number
operation, sperging brought from back a total of 5,000 troops.
vessel taking part in the
Dunkirk harbour, 29th May, SABRE
found some left men with struggling the in the water. Having no boats -
they had the beach - First Lieutenant working with other
vessels off turn. the ship was manoeuvred alongside
each man in Throughout that operation she was
repeatedly attacked by dive bombers, but sustained no
damage.
Later in the day she was severely shaken by near
misses.
30th May, she came under fire from shore batteries,
receiving several hits on the bridge and superstructure.
Her Gyro compass was put out of action, and owing to the
D/G cable being damaged, her magnetic compass was rendered
practically useless. Although the D/G cable was repaired,
her compass was unreliable the rest of the operation.
By P.M. 30th, all hands were utterly exhausted, but a
night's rest and a day in harbour, while repairs were
effected, "gave them a new lease of life."
The Commanding Officer, in his narrative, points out
that SABRE'S engines are 22 years old, and were submerged
and full of salt water for 48 hours after a collision in
October 1939. To avoid bombs and shell fire, it was
necessary to make most exacting demands on the engines.
In every case the response was immediate, all that could
be desired, and far greater than could reasonably be
expected.
Recommendations.
FFICERS.
in
Lieutenant Norman John Parker, R.N.
or
Thoroughly reliable in all emergencies. Also did
well in charge of boats, embarking the maximum number
S
D.S.C
of troops in the minimum time. Was always one of the
or
first to sight aircraft and was quick to get the guns
M
on to them, and so to keep the aircraft at a respectful
distance.
Recommended for mention.
Midshipman Edward Folmer Archdale. R.N.
D.S.C.
MM
and in keeping a record of the ship's movements often
Was of great assistance in identifying aircraft,
when under fire, when he was invariably cool and
unruffled.
Recommended for mention.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones.
action For and resource, maintaining high efficiency of his engines.
leadership and devotion to duty in
DSC
nu
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS/

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 25
S. SABRE (Continued).
NGS.
C.E.R.A. Andrew Millar McCowan, C/M.18445.
D.S.M.
DSM
responsible in most difficult of mainly the engines
Who, under for the the was
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty 1st Class, Officer Reginald George Albert Aitchinson, C/K.61056 and
Stoker, Arthur Powling, C/K.52210.
planks, and scaling-ladders, assisting the gang
Who, and when off watch, ably assisted rigging
seamen ratings being closed up at guns.
controlling the traffic of troops under wounded fire, all
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Petty Officer (Torpedo Coxswain) Ernest G. Dewey,
C/J.104364.
rendered first aid to the wounded, provided naked
Who, whenever he could be spared from the wheel,
survivors with clothing and did all he could for them
Attendant. in the absence of a Medical Officer or Sick Berth
Recommended for decoration.
Leading Steward Norman L. Gilchrist, C/LX.21538.
d
Was indefatigable in his care and attention to
the wounded.
Recommended for decoration.
ing
ere
Stoker Petty Officer Benjamin Fletcher. C/K.65982.
ore
Acting Leading Seaman Frederick A. May, C/JX. 141390.
S
om
Showed great resource in keeping steam in the
boilers under most difficult conditions. On one
occasionthe main feed tank was left completely empty
for a moment, Fletcher at once switched over to the
reserve feed tank, thus averting a serious breakdown.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker, 1st Class, Charles Irvine. C/KX.86537.
Showed great initiative as an Engine Room
Watchkeeper, continually nursing the auxiliary
machinery without having to be told what to do,
showing exceptional initiative at all times.
Recommended for decoration.
OF nu

Details

Page 24
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
N.M.S. SABRE - Commander Brian Dean. R.N. (decorated D.S.O. for
this operation London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
During the period 27th May 4th June, this old
Destroyer made 10 trips to the beaches, the record number
of trips for any class of vessel taking part in the
operation, and brought back a total of 5,000 troops.
On emerging from Dunkirk harbour, 29th May, SABRE
found some men struggling in the water. Having no boats -
they had left with the First Lieutenant working with other
vessels off the beach . the ship was manoeuvred alongside
each man in turn. Throughout that operation she was
repeatedly attacked by dive bombers, but sustained no
damage.
Later in the day she was severely shaken by near
misses.
30th May, she came under fire from shore batteries,
receiving several hits on the bridge and superstructure.
Her Gyro compass was put out of action, and Owing to the
D/G cable being damaged, her magnetic compass was rendered
practically useless. Although the D/G cable was repaired,
her compass was unreliable the rest of the operation.
By P.M. 30th, all hands were utterly exhausted, but a
night's rest and a day in harbour, while repairs were
effected, "gave them a new lease of life."
The Commanding Officer, in his narrative, points out
that SABRE'S engines are 22 years old, and were submerged
and full of salt water for 48 hours after a collision in
October 1939. To avoid bombs and shell fire, it was
necessary to make most exacting demands on the engines.
In every case the response was immediate, all that could
be desired, and far greater than could reasonably be
expected.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Lieutenant Norman John Parker, R.N.
Thoroughly reliable in all emergencies. Also did
well in charge of boats, embarking the maximum number
of troops in the minimum time. Was always one of the
first to sight aircraft and was quick to get the guns
on to them, and so to keep the aircraft at a respectful
distance.
Recommended for mention.
Midshipman Edward Folmer Archdale. R.N.
Was of great assistance in identifying aircraft,
and in keeping a record of the ship's movements often
when under fire, when he was invariably cool and
unruffled.
Recommended for mention.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones.
For resource, leadership and devotion to duty in
action and maintaining high efficiency of his engines.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS/

Details

Page 25
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. SABRE (Continusd).
RATINGS.
C.E.R.A. Andrew Millar McCowan, C/M.18445.
Who, under the Engineer Officer, was mainly
responsible for the efficient working of the engines
in most difficult conditions.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer George Albert Aitchinson, C/K.61056 and
Stoker, 1st Class, Reginald Arthur Powling, C/K. 52210.
Who, when off watch, ably assisted rigging gang
planks, and scaling-ladders, assisting the wounded
and controlling the traffic of troops under fire, all
seamen ratings being closed up at guns.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Petty Officer (Torpedo Coxswain) Ernest G. Dewey,
C/J.104364.
Who, whenever he could be spared from the wheel,
rendered first aid to the wounded, provided naked
survivors with clothing and did all he could for them
in the absence of a Medical Officer or Sick Berth
Attendant.
Recommended for decoration.
Leading Steward Norman L. Gilchrist, C/LX.21538.
Was indefatigable in his care and attention to
the wounded.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer Benjamin Fletcher. C/K.65982.
Acting Leading Seaman Frederick A. May, C/JX. 141390.
Showed great resource in keeping steam in the
boilers under most difficult conditions. On one
occasionthe main feed tank was left completely empty
for a moment, Fletcher at once switched over to the
reserve feed tank, thus averting a serious breakdown.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker, 1st Class, Charles Irvine, C/KX.86537.
Showed great initiative as an Engine Room
Watchkeeper, continually nursing the auxiliary
machinery without having to be told what to do,
showing exceptional initiative at all times.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

377
351
5.
2/3/6
attack on the way. I then embarked General Alexander and transferred him
shortly after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with parties
to assist on the pier and in the control and berthing of shipping had been sent over
but these were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Commander Clouston
was sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine cut of action and was too
badly damaged to be of use. She was sent back to England.
46.
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
away by 2200. There was a fresh Northerly breeze and this, coupled with the
flood tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in berthing until the
tide turned and the breeze dropped. Large mmbers of French fishing and other
craft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
2230 7. the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Captain Tennant and the rest of the
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to berth by pushing them.in. by
Naval party left in M.T.B. 102, The absence of the naval berthing parties,
embarked with the last of the B.E.F., was much folt, and the French did nothing
to replace them. There was then & very long pause before any French troops
came down to the East pier. One ship was alongside 20 hours before she vas
loaded.
TWO 8. Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the 300321, went
There were large mmbers of French troops at the Test Quar and
ground when clearing and I was reluctant to risk any more. Also this ydar
ras supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did & there.
OUEN refloated High tide next day and returned safely.
vailable 9. could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the alige
several Fleet Sweepers empty and also at least two Personnel Ships.
cme 0. down and did was not & appear in any mumbers until about half an hour before there were dam.
This disappointing night. For some reason the French did not
he was that a counter-attack had to be made. At 0300 The
hree reason Personnel given Ships alongside and I had to order then to leave at 0310.
lockships arrived at 0310 and I left for Dover shortly afterwants.
1ght 3/4 June.
educed by an hour, quays of the harbour. Teasels and lay two correttes
1. For this and night it was planned to use both East and West also piers off for addition loading
the time available for embartation, 2230 to 0230, in YES
rom ere detailed. small boats. East For pier was to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, Padilers.
0 small creft at the upper the West pier schoots, minesweepers, and s
HITSHED was to land berthing parties at 2200.
M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to find full the harbour of
warming 2. with I went French over fishing in boats on their way in and the piers troops.
There was again a fresh Northerly wind WHITSHED and berthing and three conditions Personnel were Ships
ary 3. difficult until the tide for turned over an at hour 2330. to get them. alongaide, No ship and succeeding finally I took in
nd later SABRE were trying WHITSHED and landed available for
abarkation. erthing at the It is remarkable pier that in spite of
one of the berthing East party until off 2330 so that only this three only hours one was paddler was unable
load from the East pier.
Owing to ships, the harbour entrance got in which
the delay in berthing, the numbers of mall very craft congested and and the
hat he there were handled no in these constricted waters. feared
ontinual arrival of collisions fresh is usle solely to the magnificent Time and way again I
ship ships would were go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

Details

Report Captain I. Hugge RN
of Bray the Paime beaches
I reported to Vice Admiral Dover, about 0530
on Wednesday, 29th May. As a result of a report of an
Army officer recently evacuated, it was decided that
a party of Naval Officers was required on the beaches
between La Panne and Dunkirk. Accordingly, I together
with Commanders Gorton and Otway-Ruthven, Lt.Commander
brop
Nottle and Jones)embarked in SABRE about 1400, eventually
Cockburn, R.N., Lt.Commander Woodward and Lts. Whalley,
sailing for Dunkirk about 1600.
Dunkish
Captain Bush, who had also arrived from Dover in
the morning, took passage with my party. On arrival in at
Dunkirk about 1820, the Western side of the town was
southward. GRENADE was seen to be heavily on fire and
flames and vast volumes of smoke were drifting to the
alongside the Eastern pier and a transport sinking
sinking in the inner harbour. A trawler was sinking at
the outer side of the Eastern pier.
29
We disembarked at once, and proceeded to the
inner Dunkirk) staff. Captain Tennant had proceeded at
end of the pier where we met Captain Tennant's
to G.H.Q. Our arrival coincided with until dusk. heavy
in the morning and was expected back of any
bombardment had to clear the harbour as soon as possible to
time. which went on almost continuously owing
SABRE bombing, and it was therefore impracticable her
to the W/T sets she had brought prior to 2100(?) leaving
transfer beaches. the Captain Tennant returned time about to seek
his my function had been)to act to as
and proceeded instructions as to my party's disposal. either as
for the to a conference before I had Before
double-back leaving Dover, for Captain Tennant or alternatively decision. work
on the beaches according to S.N.O's
the above shelling and bombing, manoeuvring 3 or 4
transports were to the harbour was a near miss
During sunk or disabled. ordered KING ORRY to proceed
and subsequently remaining there until towed making the
clear, rammed the Eastern pier alongside by large at
in the entrance but before doing go was damaged by making a
drifter. hole, and The pier was holed by at bomb outer
part useless.
hospital ship about to enter was dark. ordered As to
proceed clear A and a considerable return alongside number after of stretcher the only cases three
darkness fell, accumulated were despatched other in side of the
which ambulances had available readiness' for to the the quay hospital the ship's across return. the Large
harbour in of walking cases were transferred
harbour numbers by drifter to the same quay.
Captain Bush in the S.N.O. meanwhile afloat proceeded of the beaches, in an
M.T.B. M.T.B. to embark being directed in HEBE as to return to transport me to the
beaches the later if necessary.
At about to proceed along the beaches. divided officers passage
2330 (7) S.N.O. returned and said On he
wished across my the party Channel, I had tentatively my into/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Part
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. WHITSHED.
The Rear Admiral (D) gave me orders to II
loud hailer and stop other ships entering and this
Some 80 troops and 10 civilians and others were en
from small craft. Orders were received to return
as no more troops were available and ship proceede
0245, When at No. 5 W. buoy H.M.S. HOLLAND was obs
apparently splitting in half and sinking. I stood
but survivors were taken off by M.T.B. 102 so I pr
arriving Dover at 0530.
A Dutch scoot flying the white ensign he
me in Dover harbour the previous afternoon piercin
oil tank. While off Dunkirk with H.M.S. MALCOLM 1:
across my bows an unknown paddle minesweeper rammed
stern and carried away part of the depth charge ra
Ship accordingly proceeded alongside Sandhurst when
damaged stern was made watertight.
although lying at one time alongside H. HEBE we
My ship's company were in very good heart
unaffected by their hysteria.
pier party ship sailed at 1900 for Dunkirk with the
Embarking Commander Buchanan, R.A.N. and
harmonica band playing.
jammed me in the entrance and and tide we
Ship arrived Dunkirk at 2215, 3rd June.
berth and a wire out but this got my I put part 0
ships off the Eastern arm. I the wind bows alongside
party into the M. T.B. that had parted. (D) abc
my and wires. The harbour was now French full of troops ships of all
again went alongside, but the Rear Asmiral would I
brow SABRE who had slipped and my me. I gave 8
alongside M. a transport's stern stern alon
sizes backing and filling. Eventually I got II
as to the transport to assist in inside them in embarking to
one the very tide was small narrow brow. or She, four however, decided th
they only had some three hundred on boar
more board. and about I or that ens fell can troops the Perforce same use M.T.B'S in falling sight time. I were of I she By sailed this again must now down at number I at and leave high had the 0245 embarked nn harbour about speed and board having H.M.S. 200 and with a and been furthe troops salvo SABRE so my the WI V
manoeuvring uncomfortably of to the ship One while
passage made in dense from fog. within a mile arrived of the Dover breakwa at
of After making of arrangements which about the was admin th
sailed at 1315 for a
I have the honour to be, Sir
Your obedient Servanys
The (Copies Vice (Sga.) E.R. CONDER
CANADA

Details

Copy.
Dynams 353
2116.
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO:
Flag Officer i/c Portland.
In accordance with your Memo. No.2912 of 6th June, 1940,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative.
On Wednesday 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina" proceeded to
Dover in company with "Topaze". During the night she became
detached and reached Dover independently at 1045/30 May. The
Examination Vessel was hailed for instructions, and at 1230
orders were received to proceed to the Downs, where the
Examination Vessel would have our sailing orders. This ship,
which was engaged in towing a steamer off the Goodwins,
directed us to the Examination Tug at the North Goodwin Light
Vessel, where we anchored at 1545 to await instructions from
the shore, since the Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders
were received to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of
Dunkirk, to pick up troops.
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to east of Dunkirk
when visibility was very low owing to smoke clouds. Orders
were then received from a destroyer to investigate a reported
enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward. Anchor was weighed at 2221,
and we steamed to Bray beaches without encountering the M.T.B.
Pilotage was somewhat hazardous in the intense darkness, owing
to wrecks obstructing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was
dropped as close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after midnight, and
brought off two loads of troops totalling 32, including one
stretcher which was put aboard a destroyer. Owing to
deterioration case, of conditions, no more troops were embarked until
daylight, when the boat was pulled ashore on two more occasions.
provide proceed to "Sabre's" motorboat and use it for embarking
to At about England, so it was arranged that "Olvina" should
0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of troops and ready
troops. a crew for after refilling with petrol from "Icarus", boats
the Accordingly, manned and proceeded to tow off ships' to vessels
and motorboat Engineer's was pontoon floats from the lorries pier driven
anchored the off. The having planks lashed to 3/4 at Owing
Royal pier consisted of motor the roofs. into
to sea at low water, breeze, which freshened be used, to force and some 1100,
a northwesterly pier could boats.
in handling the Probably of
300 to 350 removed in this manner, which
240 were put aboard "Olvina".
by enemy action was experienced fired at, during and the
shrapnel embarkation, was observed to burst on the
No interference although enemy aircraft were sand being dunes.
At 1100, I conditions for proceed to Dover. to
decided to discontinue small embarking boats, troops and owing owing
the to the fact adverse that the weather ship was almost full, and to
"Sabre's" motorboat was handed over to "Vivacious" and at
1120, "Olvina" was under way.

Details

Details

MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
meantime at 2025, the Vice-Admiral, Dover, received another signal sent only
a few minutes later :
" Port continuously bombed all day and on fire. Embarkation possible only
from beaches east of harbour A.B.C.D.¹ Send all ships and passenger ships
there to anchor. Am ordering Wolfhound to load there and sail. T.O.O.2005."
To the Vice-Admiral, Dover, the situation must have appeared critical
when, later that evening, he received a report from two military officers from
G.H.Q., that the plight of the B.E.F. was precarious and that the enemy might,
indeed, succeed in cutting it off from Dunkirk.²
All ships diverted to the beaches
Such was the grim picture presenting itself to the Vice-Admiral, Dover, that
night - the B.E.F. in grave and very real danger of being cut off altogether from
Dunkirk, and possibly only a bare 24 hours available for its evacuation. Admiral
Ramsay reacted to these dire tidings with characteristic drive and energy,
and a period of intense activity ensued. Every effort was concentrated on
sending as many craft as possible to the beaches without delay². Order
followed order in rapid succession. Personnel ships were diverted to the
beach, code letters A, B, C and D (i.e. Malo beach). Four paddle minesweepers³
were sailed from the Downs to La Panne beach. Destroyers were rushed to the
beaches and urged to embark as many British troops as possible, as this was
the last chance of saving them "; the Gallant, and Vivacious, then on patrol,
the Windsor, Vimy, Anthony, Impulsive, Sabre and the cruiser Calcutta, were
all ordered to proceed with the utmost despatch to the beach at Malo-les-Bains
and the beach at Zuydcoote, just east of it; the Grafton and Greyhound, on
patrol between Fairy Bank and Kwint Bank buoys, and the Wakeful, just
arrived at Dover from Plymouth, were hurried to the beach at La Panne.
The wording of some of the signals4 conveying these orders reflects the
desperation felt that night, a desperation which, in spite of the course of sub-
sequent events, was at the time only too well-founded. " Had the situation
appeared less critical," observes Admiral Ramsay, an organised flow of large
and small craft, working in reliefs, would have been arranged."⁵
Yet a further batch of vessels arrived off the beaches that evening; the
17 available flare-burning drifters of the Dover Auxiliary Patrol⁶ had sailed
for Dunkirk during the afternoon, and on arriving were diverted to the beaches
by the Wolfhound, in accordance with a signal from the Vice-Admiral, Dover⁷,
and anchored close inshore. The boats from the Wolfhound and Wolsey, and
I These letters refer to an arrangement, whereby at the commencement of Dynamo'
the Dunkirk beaches were described by a letter code referring to Map G.S.G.S. 4040,
Sheet 29, 1/50,000. The lengths of beach lying in each 1000 metre map square were
lettered, west to east, commencing with "A" at square 2686 in sequence to "0" at
square 3990. (Appx. N. 10). Under this arrangement, A.B.C.D. actually refers to the
beach at Malo-les-Bains.
This arrangement appears to have fallen into disuse on and after 29th May, when the
stretch of beach, one mile east of Dunkirk to one mile east of La Panne, was divided into
3 equal parts, referred to as La Panne, Bray and Malo, from east to west, with a mile gap
between each part. (Appendix O. 11).
2 D.R. page 3, para. 8.
3
The Sandown, Medway Queen, Brighton Belle and Gracie Fields.
4 See Appendices D. 3, D. 4, D. 5, D. 7, and D. 8.
5 D.R., p.3, para. 38.
6 They were the Netsukis, Lord Howard, Lord Howe, Golden Sunbeam, Midas, Golden
Gift, Girl Pamela, Paxton, Boy Roy, Eileen Emma, Girl Gladys, Forecast, Ut Prosim, York-
shire Lass, Young Mun, Shipmates and Torbay II.
7 Appendix D.6.
23

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP V
While a situation that could only mean surrender was now visualised in
England as possibly a stark necessity, General Weygand sent an urgent tele-
gram to Lord Gort appealing to him personally to ensure that the British
Army took a vigorous part in any counter-attack thought necessary; the
situation, said General Weygand, made it essential to hit hard.
Lord Gort, who saw the situation more clearly, observes, when he [General
Weygand] sent this message, he could have had no accurate information of
the real position or of the powers of counter-attack remaining to either the
British or French."
Germans take Ostend
That evening, at 2030, the Admiralty informed the Vice-Admiral, Dover,
that Ostend was reliably reported to be captured. Dunkirk was the only port
left in Allied hands.
Situation at Dunkirk becomes easier
Nor were the prospects at Dunkirk very hopeful. When the Wolfhound and
the Wolsey left Malo beach for Dover just after midnight on the 27th May the
whole of the port appeared to be ablaze¹.
At 0125 the cruiser Calcutta, en route for La Panne, was missed by a torpedo
100 yards astern fired from an E-boat. No further attack took place, and the
Calcutta arrived off La Panne beach an hour later to find that the destroyers
Grafton, Greyhound and Impulsive, and the paddle-minesweepers Sandown and
Gracie Fields, were already there.
Ever since 0030 destroyers making their first trip to the evacuation area
had been arriving off the beaches, and only two - the Gallant and the Wakeful -
went to Dunkirk. The Vivacious and the skoot Hebe II reached Malo beach
at about 0030, and the Sabre at 0120. The Hebe II, unable to find any troops,
entered Dunkirk harbour and embarked 150 from the east pier; the Sabre
embarked troops from two drifters. At 0320 the Vimy arrived off the beach
at Zuydcoote, 3 miles east of Dunkirk, and sent her boats to assist in filling up
the minesweeper Brighton Belle, which was embarking troops with the assist-
ance of the ex-Belgian canal boat Yser and a small pulling boat. The skoot
Lena had been off Zuydcoote since the previous evening and in the early hours
of the 28th May transferred the 120 troops she had embarked to a destroyer ;
the minesweeper Medway Queen, off La Panne since 2300/27, sailed with 600
troops on board.
By 0400 the situation in Dunkirk harbour appears to have eased, and at
0436 S.N.O. Dunkirk was asking for all vessels to go alongside the east pier.
At 0445 the Vimy, leaving her boats with the Brighton Belle, went into Dunkirk
harbour and embarked 613 troops. At 0955 the destroyer Mackay reached
Dunkirk from the Irish Sea, and picked up 600 troops in an hour from the sea-
ward end of Dunkirk east pier, giving up her berth to the destroyer Montrose.
The Sabre, which had in the meantime returned to Dover with a load of 158
troops from Malo beach, berthed outside the Montrose. An hour later, the
destroyers Worcester and Anthony arrived, and berthed ahead of the Montrose.
The pier was crammed with troops and several aircraft, attempting to bomb
it, were driven off by the destroyers' gunfire. Vast columns of smoke were
drifting westwards from the burning oil tanks ashore, and houses on the sea
front were bursting into flames from time to time².
I Report by the Wolfhound.
2 Report by the Montrose.
27

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
Calcutta contacts Lord Gort
On receipt of this signal at 0345 the Calcutta, which had already been embark-
ing troops from La Panne beach, sent her boats in again, in charge of Mr. F.J.
March, Gunner. Mr. March made personal contact with Lord Gort about
8 miles inland, and placed the Calcutta at his disposal for his or his staff's evacua-
tion. Lord Gort, however, courteously refused to be evacuated at this
stage¹.
La Panne beach cleared of troops
Meanwhile the Calcutta was proceeding with the embarkation, having en-
listed the assistance of the minesweepers Sutton and Salamander, the tug Java,
five drifters2, and three motor launches³. By 1357 the Calcutta had embarked
1200 troops, with whom she proceeded to Sheerness.
In addition to the ships assisting the Calcutta, 7 minesweepers4, 4 skoots5,
and 5 destroyers⁶ also embarked troops from La Panne beach. Of the
destroyers, the Greyhound was bombed and severely damaged (see p.42).
The minesweepers embarked, in all, 3415 troops, the skoots 1137 and the des-
troyers 2100. The tramp Yewdale and the motor vessels Beal and Bullfinch
between them brought off 1,854. The assault landing craft A.L.C.15 ferried
about 750 troops from the beaches to off-lying ships, and finally transported
25 to Dover ; the A.L.C.5 also ferried troops throughout the day.
The paddle-minesweeper Oriole had beached herself at La Panne at about
0600, thus permitting about 2,500 troops to pass over her decks to be embarked
by other ships before she refloated at about 1800. In this connection, Sub-
Lieut. Croswell, who had been landed at La Panne at about 0600 with a small
beach party in the Harvester's motor skiff, says : " On the beach we found
14 boats which we launched. A line ferry was established from a paddle-
steamer [the Oriole] which was aground close inshore, and this steamer served
as a pier alongside which other boats were able to come.
Throughout
the
day embarkation continued."
Later in his report, Sub-Lieut. Croswell says " About 1400
bombing
commenced - there were no casualties though 8 heavy bombs fell within 100
yards of the place of embarkation. A supply ship [the danlayer Nautilus]
to the right of the beach was fired and destroyed by a near miss, and a destroyer
[the Greyhound] was hit by an incendiary bomb [in fact she was severely
damaged by a near miss] but continued in action. I joined up with the Army
Staff controlling evacuation - there were no other naval officers at La Panne.⁷
About 2300
I requested that piers should be built but was told nothing
could be done that night.
Lord Gort arrived on the beach on Thursday
morning [30th May] and asked what could be done to assist. I again sug-
gested erection of piers, and under Colonel Porter's direction this was begun,
the pier at La Panne being ready and in use by 1400".
I Calcutta's report.
2 The Golden Sunbeam, Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord St. Vincent, and Lord Collingwood.
3 The Angler II, Nayland and New Britannic.
4 The Emperor of India, Gracie Fields, Halcyon, Hebe, Oriole, Princess Elizabeth and
Waverley.
5 The Reiger, Doggersbank, Jutland and Oranje.
6 The Shikari, Harvester, Anthony, Sabre and Greyhound.
7 Sub. Lt. Croswell was not given orders by his commanding officer to remain ashore.
He says as at La Panne there was no liaison between Army and Navy, I realised I could
do a much more useful job by remaining there," and he stayed there until 1st June. Com-
menting on this, Lt. Cdr. M. Thornton, R.N., Captain of the Harvester says: " This young
officer wisely accepted responsibility of missing his ship and then took charge of the beaches
and embarkation.
(C.W.23187/40.)
47

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
route was shielded by the French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck
channels. The E-boat Command apparently failed to appreciate this with-
drawal of traffic to the south-west, and did not follow up.¹
Barge piers impracticable
The considerable alarm as to the immediate safety of the B.E.F. felt during
the night of 27th/28th and the forenoon of 28th May, which caused all available
resources to be immediately concentrated on the French coast, eased during
the 29th. But emergency measures taken late on the 28th had an adverse
effect on the orderly organisation for evacuation so necessary if effective
measures were to be devised and put in force². On the 29th, for instance, the
practicability was considered of building piers on the beaches to facilitate
embarkation, using lines of barges³; but reports from ships that worked off
the beaches showed that the very gradual shoaling of the water at all states of
the tide would necessitate such piers being inordinately long, and beyond the
resources available. A much needed Medical Party was shipped in the Verity
for use on the beaches, and a Naval Medical Party was sent to Dunkirk.
Captain Howson sails for Dunkirk
As the result of a report of an Army Officer recently evacuated it was decided
that a party of Naval officers was required on the beaches between La Panne
and Dunkirk. Accordingly, Captain J. M. Howson R.N., with Commanders
H. G. Gorton and R. J. O. Otway-Ruthven, R.N., Lt. Cdrs. Cockburn, R.N.
and R. G. Wardrop, R.D., R.N.R., and Lieuts. Whalley, Nettle and Jones
sailed at 1600 in the Sabre for Dunkirk.⁴ Captain Howson arrived at Dunkirk
at 1815 to find that S.N.O., Dunkirk, had been away at La Panne since noon
on a visit to Lord Gort. Captain Tennant returned to Dunkirk at about 2140,
and at 2300 Captain Howson was able to have a consultation with him.
Captain Howson then divided the beach party into two; 3 officers under Cdr.
Gorton proceeded to the beach east of Bray, and two officers under Cdr. Otway-
Ruthven to the beach at Bray. Captain Howson went with the latter party.
These appointments appear to have had good results, for embarkations at
the beaches reached peak next day.
Rear-Admiral, Dover sails for Dunkirk,
Captain E. W. Bush, D.S.C., R.N., had also taken passage in the Sabre at
1600, to act as S.N.O. afloat off, the beaches' in the Hebe5 but an hour
and a half later, the Admiralty appointed Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker,
O.B.E. as Rear-Admiral, Dover, for command of sea-going ships and vessels
off the Belgian coast", and left it to the Vice-Admiral, Dover, to decide in
which ship the R.A., Dover, should fly his flag⁶. Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker,
who was to take over from Captain Bush⁷, sailed in the destroyer Esk at 2000
for Dunkirk. With him on board were Vice-Admiral (acting Commodore)
G. O. Stephenson, C.B., C.M.G., and Vice-Admiral (acting Commodore) T. J.
Hallett, C.B., C.B.E. Also on board were 12 officers and 60 ratings to act as
beach parties. On the way over he arranged that Commodore Stephenson
I D.R. p.9, para. 29.
2 D.R. p.7, para. 27.
3 Appendix G.
4
Captain Howson's report. (R.O.III, p.394).
5 D.R. p.9, para. 30, and R.O.III, p.394.
6 Appendix O.4.
7 D.R. p.11, para. 36.
C
49

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
route was shielded by the French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck
channels. The E-boat Command apparently failed to appreciate this with-
drawal of traffic to the south-west, and did not follow up.¹
Barge piers impracticable
The considerable alarm as to the immediate safety of the B.E.F. felt during
the night of 27th/28th and the forenoon of 28th May, which caused all available
resources to be immediately concentrated on the French coast, eased during
the 29th. But emergency measures taken late on the 28th had an adverse
effect on the orderly organisation for evacuation so necessary if effective
measures were to be devised and put in force². On the 29th, for instance, the
practicability was considered of building piers on the beaches to facilitate
embarkation, using lines of barges³; but reports from ships that worked off.
the beaches showed that the very gradual shoaling of the water at all states of
the tide would necessitate such piers being inordinately long, and beyond the
resources available. A much needed Medical Party was shipped in the Verity
for use on the beaches, and a Naval Medical Party was sent to Dunkirk.
Captain Howson sails for Dunkirk
As the result of a report of an Army Officer recently evacuated it was decided
that a party of Naval officers was required on the beaches between La Panne
and Dunkirk. Accordingly, Captain J. M. Howson R.N., with Commanders
H. G. Gorton and R. J. O. Otway-Ruthven, R.N., Lt. Cdrs. Cockburn, R.N.
and R. G. Wardrop, R.D., R.N.R., and Lieuts. Whalley, Nettle and Jones
sailed at 1600 in the Sabre for Dunkirk.⁴ Captain Howson arrived at Dunkirk
at 1815 to find that S.N.O., Dunkirk, had been away at La Panne since noon
on a visit to Lord Gort. Captain Tennant returned to Dunkirk at about 2140,
and at 2300 Captain Howson was able to have a consultation with him.
Captain Howson then divided the beach party into two; 3 officers under Cdr.
Gorton proceeded to the beach east of Bray, and two officers under Cdr. Otway-
Ruthven to the beach at Bray. Captain Howson went with the latter party.
These appointments appear to have had good results, for embarkations at
the beaches reached peak next day.
Rear-Admiral, Dover sails for Dunkirk,
Captain E. W. Bush, D.S.C., R.N., had also taken passage in the Sabre at
1600, to act as S.N.O. afloat off, the beaches" in the Hebe⁵; but an hour
and a half later, the Admiralty appointed Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker,
O.B.E. as Rear-Admiral, Dover, for command of sea-going ships and vessels
off the Belgian coast", and left it to the Vice-Admiral, Dover, to decide in
which ship the R.A., Dover, should fly his flag⁶. Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker,
who was to take over from Captain Bush⁷, sailed in the destroyer Esk at 2000
for Dunkirk. With him on board were Vice-Admiral (acting Commodore)
G. O. Stephenson, C.B., C.M.G., and Vice-Admiral (acting Commodore) T. J.
Hallett, C.B., C.B.E. Also on board were 12 officers and 60 ratings to act as
beach parties. On the way over he arranged that Commodore Stephenson
I D.R. p.9, para. 29.
2 D.R. p.7, para. 27.
3 Appendix G.
4 Captain Howson's report. (R.O.III, p.394).
5 D.R. p.9, para. 30, and R.O.III, p.394.
6 Appendix O.4.
7 D.R. p.11, para. 36.
C
49

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
M/B Sceneshifter swamped and lost
The M/B Silver Moon, from Ramsgate, arrived off the beaches at 0800 and
ferried troops to ships at anchor. Without charts or compass she returned to
Ramsgate that night. The M/B Sceneshifter, on arrival, was rushed by French
troops, swamped, and became a total loss.
M/B Viewfinder dragged aground and lost
The six motor yachts, Advance, Bobeli, Elizabeth Green, Hanora, Reda and
Viewfinder sailed from Dover for La Panne beach and were machine-gunned
from the air off Gravelines. They arrived off La Panne beach at about
1500/29, and at once began towing whalers full of troops to off-lying ships.
At 1830, the Viewfinder was dragged aground by Belgian soldiers and became
a total loss.
M/B's Hanora and Bobeli abandoned
At 1900, the Hanora fouled her propeller and was abandoned; her crew
transferred to the Elizabeth Green and thence to the minesweeper Lydd. At
1900 also, the dr. Sabre requisitioned the Advance and embarked in her a W/T
transmitter and 2 operators for transportation to G.H.Q. at La Panne. The
Reda, having ferried troops, sailed for Ramsgate at 2200 with 21 troops on
board. The Bobeli having received some damage while alongside a destroyer
which suddenly went full ahead on account of an air attack, subsequently
fouled her screw and rudder; she made fast. to the minesweeper Albury, but
was abandoned when the Albury departed and became stranded on the beach.
The Elizabeth Green and Advance sailed in company that night for Ramsgate.
M/B Glitter II brings drinking water
The Glitter II arrived off Bray beach at 1600 on the 29th May, loaded with
tins of fresh water. She then ferried troops. Next day she lost her rudder and
was towed to Dover by a drifter.
M/B Queen of England sunk
A number of other small motor craft left Southend, Sheerness or Dover for
the beaches on the 29th May, but did not arrive until 30th May. Among them
was the Shamrock, and in company with her were the Princess Maud, Canvey
Queen and Queen of England. On the way over on the night of the 29th/30th
May the Queen of England was rammed amidships by the skoot Tilly and sank
immediately ; her crew were picked up by the Shamrock and transferred to
the Tilly1. The remaining three motor boats were all abandoned and lost next
day after ferrying troops to various destroyers, among them the Anthony;
the Canvey Queen and Shamrock fouled their propellers, and the Princess Maud
went aground.
The Mirasol², alongside Dunkirk mole, was damaged by a near miss. She
was taken in tow by a trawler, but later sank.
Other M/B's that sailed for the beaches on 29th May
The Triton and Silver Queen, with 6 motor launches in company, sailed for
La Panne at 2200. Three of the motor launches broke down on the way over
I Shamrock's report, unconfirmed. The name of the vessel is in doubt; the matter is
not referred to in Tilly's report.
2 Commonly, but erroneously referred to in reports as the " Marasole."
53

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and returned to harbour; the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
Dutch eel-boats Johanna and Chantecler M.B. Golden Lily also The
and Ramsgate " compass at which 2200/29. was reached situated The the over beaches, the was engine. however, only capable revolved at 0900 of slowly 4 knots, round and and left her
she had no charts, lost way 30th Later darkness, and returned to
and brought back 30 troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
round"¹. She The Johanna did not on the 30th
Ramsgate on the morning of the May. on that day she was towed
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve
The 29th May closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
were in fact transported.²
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
21 times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers⁶
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
40,724. This figure probably puts does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
3 2 D.R., D.R. p.11, which para. incidentally 38. the total of troops and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Javelin, Malcolm, Express, Verity, Wolsey and Marmion
Royal 5 The Daffodil, Anthony, Royal Codrington, Sovereign, Esk, Scotia, and Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Worcester. Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess Sabre, of Scimitar, Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

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

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Ramsgate at 2200/29. situated over the engine. capable of 4 knots, also and left
Dutch eel-boats Johanna The Chantecler was only M.B. Golden Lily The
and returned to harbour; and the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
and brought back lost troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
and round"¹. She 30 The Johanna did not on the 30th and
compass which was reached the beaches, however, revolved at 0900 slowly round her
Ramsgate on the morning on that day she was towed
she had no charts, of way the 30th May. Later darkness, and returned to
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers and with failure to
The 29th May closed with a formidable available list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences achieve
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
were in fact transported.²
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11/2 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
2½ times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers⁵
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers6
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
3 D.R., which incidentally puts the total of and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
2 D.R. p.11, para. 38.
40,724. This figure probably does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
4 The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George troops V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Royal Daffodil, Royal Sovereign, Scotia, and
Javelin, Malcolm, Sabre, Scimitar, Verity, Wolsey and Worcester. Marmion
5 The Anthony, Codrington, Esk, Express, Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess of Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

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

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
In pursuance of this decision, during although the forenoon later in and the early afternoon
seven them, the Vanquisher, Malcolm, Vimy a second trip to the of
destroyers went to Dunkirk¹, and Wolsey made afternoon four only
east pier.
There was delay in the sailing of personnel vessels, in while enquiries about
harbour were being made, and this resulted the forenoon. only one The of them-the Royal the
Daffodil-reaching Dunkirk during of the store ship Dorrien
Rose arrived there at 0650, and unloaded part provisions she was carrying;
with 590 and sailed. The Dorrien brought any of the much up
then, in view of the number of troops Rose awaiting had not transport, she was filled
needed fresh water, but some was obtained from the destroyers.
the drifters Girl Gladys, Golden Sunbeam and Yorkshire Lass².
The only other ships arriving at Dunkirk harbour during the forenoon were
It was this restricted service of ships during a day of quiet (because of mist
and low visibility) and a night of little enemy activity during which only
4 drifters and a yacht had entered Dunkirk3, that called forth the reproachful
comment from the harassed Naval Staff, in their dug-out at the shore end of
the east pier⁴, a great opportunity
again lost".
At 1257 the P/V Princess Maud, en route for Dunkirk, was fired on when
3 miles west of Gravelines, by a shore battery and received 3 hits, one being
six inches above the water line. Three of the crew were killed and three
wounded, and the ship had to return to Dover for repairs.
French ships arrive in larger numbers. Bourrasque sunk
The contribution of French ships had SO far been negligible. On Friday
(May 30th), however, some 15 ships went to Dunkirk harbour, including 2
destroyers and 3 torpedo boats⁶, the minesweepers Arras and L'Impétueuse,
4 trawlers⁷ the tug Lutteur, and 3 motor fishing vessels⁸.
The participation in "Dynamo" of one of these French reinforcements was
unfortunately very short-lived, for an enemy battery at Nieuport was instru-
mental in sinking the torpedo boat Bourrasque. She had sailed from Dunkirk
at 1530 loaded with over 600 French troops of all descriptions-officers without
troops, a mixture of artillerymen, Moroccan troops, air force personnel, sailors
from ships, barracks, fleet air arm personnel, naval recruiting officers, crews of sunken
Capitaine be de Frégate R. Fouque, or she would have been of the first to
etc. even one woman ("I did not notice her presence until at sea," says
saved"). The troops had few arms on the other hand one the decks were
encumbered make with baggage and there were even some bicycles. An to
the an approximate count of the passengers had to be given up, attempt because of
congestion in the gangways and spaces.
the intervals. a battery at Nieuport, the salvoes falling Bourrasque came minute
At fire about of 1600, after passing Nieuport buoy, the under
course was To open the range more rapidly and regularly at about bombardment, 31/2
was increased. set closely to the edge of an adjacent so avoid this
I The crowded decks made it dangerous French to return minefield the and fire of speed the
2 3 4 The Reports See Section Vanquisher, by Captain 139, footnote Vimy, A/P, Malcolm, Dover, Wolsey, and S.N.O., Sabre, Dunkirk. Express and Scimitar.
M.017978/40, p.7.
5 6 S.N.O. Dunkirk's report.
7 8 Louise The
Louis. Bouclier, Marie and Siroco. Jeune France.
62

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
thousands of troops, tired, depressed, for the and whole without food or water for
broke into a double and kept it up I length of the Eastern Arm days,
more than two hours. During that period estimate that more than 15,000 for
troops were embarked. The Army certainly responded splendidly".
about 2100, eight destroyers² embarked embarked east pier an aggregate and
Cdr. Maund's estimate was triumphantly from confirmed: the between 1802
and other vessels, including the skoots Reiger well and Doggersbank, also embarked
8,528 troops; four personnel vessels³ an aggregate of 5,694 troops of
number of wounded.
troops, while the hospital carrier Dinard, down the pier, embarked a
Anthony and Sabre damaged
to Dover was attacked by a single aircraft which dropped 5 when returnich
Of the eight destroyers referred to above, one, the Anthony,
extinguished her lights, stopped her engines, and put her compasses and W/T
and the Keith escorted her into Dover.
out of action. She was subsequently able to proceed, steering by her engines,
on her way to Dunkirk by Route Z, came under fire from shore batteries and
Earlier in the day another destroyer, the Sabre, when near No. 6 Calais buoy,
received several hits on the bridge and upper works. A shell went through the
gyro-compass, an oil fuel tank was pierced, the magnetic compass put out of
action, and she had to return to Dover for repairs.
The destroyer crews, who had hardly slept since the operation began, were
beginning to show signs of exhaustion, and at 2341 (May 30th) the Admiralty
ordered reliefs. a spare destroyer's crew to be sent to Dover to provide temporary
Air patrols
In the air low visibility checked the enemy's activity, but as on the previous
day patrols were again carried out by Fighter Command at three-or four-
squadron strength, the largest number of aircraft on the line at any one time
being 44, and the smallest 26. Sixteen squadrons again operated, the total
number of sorties amounting to 265. Small Coastal Command patrols operated
as before throughout the day along the line North Goodwins-Gravelines
Ostend, and at night the patrol over Dunkirk by single Blenheims continued
but the governing factor of the air operations over Dunkirk on the 30th May
was the low visibility, which restricted the enemy's activities.⁴
Summary of troops landed in England
Thus the day was one of reviving hope. It ended with the numbers going
up, and a record number were embarked from the beaches. (See table P. 65).
Arrangements for evacuation of B.E.F. rearguard
of the B.E.F. had attended a conference representatives with the Vice-Admiral, the Dover.
Meanwhile, during the forenoon, of Commander-in-Chief
to Ist hold the as the latest reasonable date to which the gave B.E.F. daylight on be expected
The June, Commander-in-Chief's plan was explained it Saturday,
eastern perimeter with an up available force of about might 4,000.
Keith 3 The (1200), Anthony Winchelsea (1137), (925) Codrington and (1100), Esk (1041), Vimy (948), Impulsive (1112),
2 I The Cdr. Maund's report (R.O.III, p.443).
4 R.A.F. Prague Narrative, (1039), P. Royal 331. Sovereign Wolsey (1502), (1065). St. Helier (2000) and Tynwald (1153).
64

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
east of Dunkirk. deserted. The too, empty, small seen that the beach to the
enemy tanks or As the light grew, at 0330, it was position against
The Rear-Admiral, lorries in along the Keith, the beach, with the was Basilisk for supporting fire
and going instructions Panne back was westward, to to England move though westward as intended. sea to were was Dunkirk However, moving whilst ships westward those were boats which a still had loading off Bray vanished were by under La
to the men anchored the
had been hit by shell fire. she grounded aft and continued at daylight, and at about
her motor boat and two She closed the shore ship as the Panne, using
The minesweeper Speedwell whalers was to ferry troops a little to the west of La
shortly after low water, fire by aircraft of the thus to embark 0500,
and the ship, until minesweeper took off 100 her off. She sailed at boats,
under machine-gun the enemy Albury towed troops on shore, the troops
for Dunkirk. On the way she troops from the Ivanhoe 0730
made repeatedly damaged up her by but a number bomb unsuccessfully as of the troops Speedwell bombed. to 972 was and steaming The left minesweeper for past Dover her. at 0950 Salamander At Dunkirk after which being was she
anchored a mile east of Bray Dunes, similarly engaged in embarking troops was
with her boats, and she sailed for Dunkirk astern of the Keith and Skipjack
soon after 0600. At Dunkirk she came in for two air attacks in one of which,
at about 0820, she was damaged by a near miss, but she reached Dover on one
boiler at 1530 and disembarked 479 troops. It was her last trip. A mile east
of Bray, too, the minesweeper Sutton embarked 453 troops from the beaches
before sailing at 0600 for Dover. She was bombed and machine-gunned, but
the only man hit was one wounded soldier. The minesweeper Dundalk was
anchored nearer to La Panne, also embarking troops. Having no motor boat,
the Speedwell and Salamander both lent a hand to tow her whalers. From
0500 onwards she was subjected to air attacks at regular intervals, and about
0800 she decided to proceed to Margate," where she arrived at 1215 with
280 troops. Still further east, the minesweeper Halcyon was anchored off La
Panne embarking troops swimming off to the ship, paddling in rubber boats,
and in her whalers, during which she had one officer (Lieut. N. Thurston, R.N.)
mortally wounded and suffered some casualties amongst the crew from machine
gunning by enemy aircraft.
Off Bray, the destroyer Sabre was embarking 451 troops and the minesweeper
Niger 310, pressing into service carley floats and lifebelts with which men swam
from the beach. Daylight showed a minesweeper and a paddle minesweeper
ashore, and the Rear-Admiral hailed a tug which was on its way homeward
with soldiers on board, and told him to go in and try to tow off the minesweepers.
However, the tugs had been sent over from England with pulling boats in tow
and told to load up, and they regarded themselves as transports only, whereas
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who knew nothing of these instructions, naturally
regarded them as tugs. It was not until a gun was trained on the tug and an
R.N.V.R. Sub.-Lieutenant put on board to take charge, that the master's
anxiety to get away was overcome.
A welcome addition to the evacuation craft consisted of the first of a dozen
Belgian fishing boats which now appeared on the scene from seaward down
the Zyuidcoote Pass.¹
Early liftings from Dunkirk
At 0241 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker had given orders for all small craft to
I Probably the 10 Belgian trawlers from Brixham, referred to in Section 176.
86

Details

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

Details

DUSK TO DUSK, 1ST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. x
valuable service in the operation. The Glen Avon, which sailed a quarter
of ing an hour after the Medway Queen, also picked up 24 Spaniards, from the
Dutch S.S. Alphacca; it is not known how they came to be afloat, for the
Alphacca was not sunk until 4 April 1942. The Lydd left at the same time as
the Medway Queen, with 200 troops, but defective degaussing then necessitated
and Royal Eagle all sailed within half an hour of one another. The last ship
putting an end to her service in Operation' Dynamo". The Niger, Snaefell,
to leave Malo beach was, by her own account, the Glen Gower at 0320, as day
wa breaking, by which time it was low water. Her Captain, Acting Commander
M. A. O. Biddulph, R.N., S.O. 8th M.S.F., reported that the embarkation
had been very trying, for the enemy's gunfire during the night had been
mainly directed at the beaches, which had been very heavily shelled¹,
and the Glen Gower was continually under fire from guns and howitzers on shore
from the time she anchored at 2355. "Sight and hearing were almost over-
whelmed by the ruddy glow of flames, the flashes of gunfire, the shrieking of
shells all around, and the noise of their explosion as they burst". When the
Glen Gower sailed, with 435 troops, she had lost two of the boats (one from shrap-
nel hits) which she had brought from England to ferry troops from the beach
to the ships, whilst a third was left aground.
Of all the minesweepers that left the beach this night only the Snaefell was
filled to capacity.
Embarkations at Dunkirk
Although there were more ships than were required off the beaches there
was plenty of room at the East Pier, and during the night Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker, who had come over from Dover and was afloat in M.A /S.B.10, diverted
some of the redundant ships from Malo. He met the minesweeper Sutton at
2121 and sent her to load at the East Pier, where she embarked in about 11/2
hours 725 troops, about a third of whom were French. The Duchess of Fife
arrived off Malo at 2310, found no troops and was sent on to Dunkirk Pier
where she embarked 550 men. The destroyer Venomous had come over to
Malo with a beach party of 10 officers and 90 men; no boats came off from the
shore, and at 0200 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker sent her to Dunkirk, where
she took on board 632 troops and sailed for Dover about 0230. The paddle
minesweeper Marmion was ordered into Dunkirk Harbour at 0200 on 2nd,
after waiting in the roads for four hours, and embarked 225 French troops.
Ships were led into harbour and allocated to their berths by Commander Maund
in a motor boat.
French troops, to the number of 285, were also embarked by the trawler
(danlayer) Strathelliot alongside the inner jetty amongst them was General
Nicolle and his staff. The Strathelliot grounded outside the harbour on sailing
at 0130 but got off undamaged, by her own efforts. Another small ship to get
away early with French troops only on board was the skoot Reiger which left
the jetty in the Nouvel Avant Port at 2215 on 1st after lifting 330 men in 45
minutes.
The first pair of destroyers to berth alongside the East Pier were the Codring-
ton at 2300 and the Sabre a quarter of an hour later. The former embarked
878 troops, the latter 756 both ships taking only 45 minutes. The Icarus
which left Dover with the Windsor, also berthed at 2300 and took on board
677 troops. On the way home, she was in collision with a trawler in Dunkirk
Channel, and her further service in Operation "Dynamo" was cancelled.
I Report of R. A. Wake-Walker, M.017978/41, p.31.
101

Details

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

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XI
The Admiralty had already continued (2312/2) for the undertaken evacuation that ships would be
night the evacuation 3rd to 4th on June, this and night. they To this the French agreed. complete on the
vided and air protection now urged the French of Admiralty trops pro-
Plan for the night
embarkation, the hours of 2230/3 and with such ships for
For this last and night the maximum it was decided effort to was cut to down be made, by one hour the time
mained available, between to be made by personnel 0230/4. From the as re-
Pier, liftings were to be sent to the entire vessels, destroyers, and East
minesweepers; be ships received, were and it was estimated that length of the pier as paddle
as they could Drifters and fast
thus be provided and for docks 14,000 of men. the inner harbour. small craft were to go would
up to the quays be French ships, for which right
latter pier the remaining would also lift ships (minesweepers the other than paddle, the
beach, the Quai Félix Faure, British Avant Port (West Pier) ; from
numbers could be estimated, were and the to New responsible for evacuation from Malo no
boats. Locust was to remain loads ferried out to her by small
vettes and skoots) outside and troops, receive to number of 5,000. The gunboat cor-
It was intended to employ on the work a force of 9 personnel vessels, 9
destroyers (all that were available), 4 paddle minesweepers, 7 fleet minesweepers,
9 drifters, the Locust, 2 corvettes, 4 French torpedo boats, and a number of
organised motor boats flotillas including lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover,
together with a large number of French and Belgian fishing vessels. Eleven
small French ships and 3 small tugs left Cherbourg for Dover on the night
2nd-3rd June ; Le Havre was scheduled to send 8 trawlers, 2 minesweepers,
1 tug, and 20 small dinghies ; and Fécamp sent 14 trawlers.
During the afternoon of the 3rd the French authorities transmitted the figure
of French troops still remaining in Dunkirk. This was about 30,000, a pro-
portion of whom belonged to other than combatant units. The total capacity
of the lifting force, if used to the full, was 30,000, but this was about 5,000 more
than the facilities within the port would permit of being embarked in 4 hours,
even if the French troops moved with the greatest rapidity at all points of
embarkation. On previous occasions there had been some instances of difficulty
in persuading French troops to embark otherwise than as complete units.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay consequently impressed on the French liaison officers
the necessity of speed, and he added a number of French officers and ratings
to the augmented pier parties which were despatched to Dunkirk at 2200, in
I The following ships landed troops in England on 4th June (numbers landed in brackets)
British - destroyers Express (611), Malcolm (736), Sabre (592), Shikari (383), Vanquisher
Minesweepers Albury (400), Halcyon (501), Kellett (30), Leda (500), Medway Queen (266),
ferred to trawler off Dunkirk on account of collision damage) Gunboat Locust (196)
(414), Venomous (1200), Whitshed (444); Corvettes Guillemot (460), Kingfisher (200, trans-
Princess Elizabeth (329), Queen of Thanet (150), Speedwell (396) Trawler Saturn (418)
Drifters Forecast (123), "L.H.W.D." (90) Skoots Bornrif (96), Hondsrug (308), Pascholl
(255), Ruja (300) ; Yacht Gulzar (140) ; Personnel vessels Autocarrier (712), Canterbury
Princess (659), Côte d'Argent (1349), King George V (817), Lady of Mann (1244), Newhaven (729),
(1350), Tynwald (3000) ; Tugs Racia (123), Sun XV (37) War Dept. M.Ls.
Maud (1270), Royal Sovereign (took the place of Manxman which refused to sail)
Pigeon (23), Swallow (23) ; Sailing Barge Beatrice Maud (31), Tanga not reach England until 5th
and June) launches (260) ; R.N.L.I. lifeboats Edward Z. Dresden (50), Greater (did London (48) ; Motor boats
Nayland Bonny Heather (210), Diana Mary (28), Elizabeth Green (10), Meuse (50),
Coliath trawlers (355), 3 patrol vessels (836), 13 trawlers and M.F.Vs. (1416), 1104. Belgian Tug
3 M/S (55), Walker II (76). French 5 Torpedo boats 2 S/M chasers (127),
(183), 5 trawlers (554).
114

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
were the trawler Saturn which An brought unknown 418 drifter troops to England, and the
Gulzar which brought 140. Maud, while brought 90, and
abandoned Dover by a destroyer by her crew, on the and 5th were June. up mid-Channel and towed to
boarded the sailing barge Beatrice picked in she was lying at
the staff of Rear-Admiral Pier at 2230, Maintenance on
Pier for the embarkation on A. H. Taylor, "Dynamo" R.N., West
The Leda paid tribute in her this report night. to the Commander excellent arrangements at
him assumed number of charge men they at the could Centre take quickly. and then Commander getting making the Troup ships French fast, officers finding to out Officer, assist the
embarked at least 10,000 troops.
to embark the troops estimated that he
Embarkations at the East Pier
despite a hold up which threw out the programme of ships entering the harbour
Meanwhile, there had been some heavy liftings of troops from the East Pier
and caused great congestion in the entrance. The flow of French troops to
the East Pier was better than on the preceding night, though there were some
bad pauses.
The first ship to arrive off the pier was the destroyer Whitshed at 2215, with
Commander H. J. Buchanan, R.A.N. and pier party on board. In consequence
of the fresh easterly wind and the westgoing tide the ship could not get alongside
the East Pier, where there was nobody who could be persuaded to take a line.
However, after disembarking part of her pier party into Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker's M.T.B. for transfer to the pier, she got her bows alongside the per-
sonnel ship Autocarrier and her stern alongside the Sabre and commenced
embarking troops. The Sabre had been working since 30th May with a com-
pass damaged and rendered unreliable by a shell splinter, and had been led
across by the Venomous. She got away from the East Pier at 0025 with 592
troops and followed other ships towards England until they were lost to sight
near U buoy at the south end of the South Falls. This was within hearing of
the North Goodwin Light Vessel, which the Sabre located by sound, subse-
quently proceeding from buoy to buoy until she reached Dover at 0500.
When the Autocarrier left in her turn at 0035 she carried 712 French troops.
The Canterbury left ten minutes later with 659, while the Côte Argent had
shoved off from the pier five minutes earlier with 1,349 troops. After these
three practically simultaneous sailings of personnel ships some time elapsed
before another bunch got away. The Princess Maud had berthed at the
extreme end of the pier, and sailed at 0150 with 1,270 troops and dogs of all
kinds" that managed to get aboard. The Lady of Mann which berthed about
the time when the first three personnel vessels left, took 1,244 troops at 0200.
The Tynwald seems to have been the last to leave the East Pier. She sailed
at 0305 with the record lift, only equalled by the Scotia on 29th May, of 3,000
French troops : in 4 trips she had evacuated 8,953 men. With a single ex-
ception all destroyers had now gone; the Malcolm went at 0245 with 736
troops, Vanquisher at 0240 with 414, and the Venomous, which had arrived at
0245 to find the harbour very congested and ordered to wait outside until
0130, 5 took out no less than 1,200 troops. In four was days the Venomous had made
trips, evacuating 4,410 men in all,
to fog, did not arrive at Dunkirk until 0230 on the 4th. She left half an hour
The British pier party was taken off by the destroyer Express which, owing
later, having embarked 611 troops.
118

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SIGNALS
APPENDIX E
8. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Sabre
Last chance of saving B.E.F. is tonight. Proceed with all despatch to beach one
to three miles east of Dunkirk and embark troops using own boats. Route from
Dover is by No. 6 Calais buoy, south of Dunkerque B.W. buoy and French coastal
route. Return by Zuydcoote Pass Q.Z.F.3. and Q.Z.S.60. Other British ships
will be off the beach. You should leave at your discretion and anyhow not later
than 0330.
2305/27
SIGNALS RE BUILD UP OF DESTROYERS
Thursday, 30th May
9. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY, C.IN-C. NORE
Dover 30th May, departures: Javelin, Impulsive, Havant, Harvester, Icarus,
Intrepid, Ivanhoe, at 0515, for Sheerness.
0538/30
Note: This followed a decision to withdraw the 7 modern destroyers from Operation
Dynamo.
10. C.-IN-C. NORE to Harvester, Havant, Ivanhoe, Impulsive, Icarus, Intrepid (R) C.S.
S/H, V.A. Dover.
Raise steam forthwith and proceed to Dunkirk by Route x for X-ray.
1531/30
Note: The decision to withdraw. the modern destroyers was revoked.
11. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. NORE (R) Ajax, Hotspur, V.A. Dover, Lynx
A spare destroyers crew is to be sent to Dover as soon as possible to provide
temporary reliefs in crews of destroyers operating off Belgian coast.
2341/30
APPENDIX E
SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF MINESWEEPERS
Note . 36 minesweepers took part in Operation Dynamo and were drawn from
the following flotillas: 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, and 12th.
Sunday, 26th May
1. ADMIRALTY to C.IN-C. HOME FLEET, (R) A.C.O.S., V.A. Dover, M/S 1, M/S 6
Owing to casualties, 6 M.S.F. at Dover has been reduced to two effective ships.
Oil-burning fleet sweepers are urgently required there to maintain channel for
communication with B.E.F.
Request two ships of 1st M.S.F. may be spared from your command and sailed
to join 6 M.S.F. at Dover forthwith¹.
1833/26
I Hebe and Sharpshooter arrived Dover 1723/28.
Monday, 27th May
2. C.-IN-C. NORE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
5th M.S.F. can sail from Harwich at daylight.
Would they be of use to you at Dunkirk.
2345/27
Reply
3.
No thank you very much.
0044/28
Tuesday, 28th May
Note: Admiralty message 1063/28 [not available] ordered the 7th and 8th M/S
Flotillas (which were at Rosyth) to Harwich, under the orders of the Vice-
Admiral, Dover.
4. C.-IN-C. NORE to F.O.I.C. HARWICH, (R) V.A. Dover, Admiralty
12th M.S.F. is to proceed to arrive off La Panne at 2200 today, Tuesday
5th M.S.F. is to proceed to arrive off beach between Zuydcoote and Malo-les-Bains
at 2200 today Tuesday
0939/28
T.O.R. 1036
163

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SIGNALS
APPENDIX R
All naval personnel are to be withdrawn this Saturday night.
Reference (B), time of termination of this evacuation may be extended and will
be signalled.
1609/1
9. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS
Following destroyers are required for duty tonight.
Remainder revert to 21 hours notice for steam
Esk, Codrington, Icarus, Windsor, Venomous, Winchelsea, Whitshed, Sabre, Shikari.
1711/1
and later
10. Destroyers named in my 1711 will be addressed Force K.
1745/1
SIGNALS RE EVACUATION ON 1ST JUNE AND NIGHT OF 1ST/2ND JUNE
11. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Things are getting very hot for ships. Over 100 bombers on ships near here
since 0530. Many casualties.
Have directed that no ships sail during daylight. Evacuation by transports
therefore ceases at 0300. If perimeter holds, will complete evacuation tomorrow
Sunday night, including most French. General concurs.
1754/1
12. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to FORCE K (R) R.A. Dover
Destroyers are to proceed in pairs at hourly intervals to berth on east pier Dunkirk
harbour, returning to Dover when loaded.
If no vacant berth, V.A. Dover and next pair to be informed, and the destroyers
to assist at beach instead.
The personnel vessels will also be berthing at east pier and have priority.
Destroyers to leave Dunkirk vicinity not later than 0300/2, Route X. Route Z
may be used during dark.
First pair to arrive Dunkirk 2200.
Pairs : Windsor, Icarus.
Codrington, Sabre.
Shikari, Esk.
Winchelsea, Whitshed.
Caution is necessary owing to wrecks in Dunkirk harbour.
1810/1
13. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) S.N.O. Dunkirk
Enemy action bombing and shell fire make it impossible for personnel ships enter
harbour in daylight.
1859/1
14. AIR MINISTRY to FIGHTER COMMAND, BOMBER COMMAND, COASTAL COMMAND, BACK C.
B.E.F., WAR OFFICE, ADMIRALTY, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Confirming conversation between C.-in-C. and D.H.O.X. 153 1/6.
Situation at Dunkirk.
Two divisions French territorials reduced strength still to be evacuated. Evac-
uation will continue in any event until tomorrow morning. Strong continuous
patrols should therefore be carried out over Dunkirk and beaches from 0430 to 0830
hours 2/6.
183

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SIGNALS
APPENDIX T
3. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS AND MINESWEEPERS
The final evacuation is staged for tonight, and the Nation looks to the Navy to
see this through.
I want every ship to report as soon as possible whether she is fit to meet the call
which has been made on our courage and endurance.
1052/2
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS, PADDLE SWEEPERS, PERSONNEL VESSELS (R)
S.N.O. Dunkirk
Evacuation tonight 2nd June will be from Dunkirk harbour, ships berthing on
east pier.
Following berths established if required (?) from north to south:
Berth A : from lighthouse to trawler wreck.
B: from wreck to gap in pier.
"
C : from gap in wall to hut at end of pier.
"
Berths
D&E: smaller berths extending to the inner end of pier.
In addition, berth on east side of east pier. This berth will not normally be used
unless all inside berths are occupied.
Pier master will direct berthing from cast pier, and ships entering will be guided
by a motor boat.
Ships are to work special brows and ladders which will be supplied at Dover, and
have boxes ready to form steps
Intention is to keep berths A to E constantly
filled.
1430/2
5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS
My 1430/2. Destroyers are to sail to arrive at Dunkirk as follows:
2100-Shikari and Sabre.
2130-Venomous.
2200-Windsor.
2230-Icarus.
2300-Winchelsea.
2330-Esk.
2400-Vanquisher.
0030-Codrington.
0100-Express.
0130-Vivacious¹.
0200-Whitshed.
0230-Malcolm.
Acknowledge.
1715/2
SIGNALS RE THE EVACUATION OF THE BRITISH REAR GUARD ON NIGHT
2ND/3RD JUNE
Sunday, 2nd June-contd.
6. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to MINESWEEPERS (R) C.-in-C. Nore, F.O.I.C. Harwich, Cdre.
i/c Sheerness
Ships evacuating tonight Sunday are to sail to arrive off Dunkirk as follows:
From Margate: 2100 to 2230.
From Sheerness 2230 to 2359.
From Dover : 0001 to 0130.
From Harwich 0130 to 0200.
I Vivacious had, however, been detailed to take part in a blocking operation.
187

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INDEX
Royal Air Command, 64, 83-4, 4, 88 (evacuated (fired from France), 17, 20, 30,
(attacks 38 all that was asked of them, concentrated 123. at dawn and dusk): 100,
(patrols Stren batteries) ; 99 (patrols on by own ships), 89, 93, 99
Royal Daffodil, 20, 25, 100-1. 29, 54n, 62, 102, 110 (damaged).
110-111, 115; did
Royal Royal Sovereign, 29n, 54n, 64n, 107n, 108-9, 114n, 115, 117.
Eagle, 42, 81,
95 (sunk).
Royally,114n,
Sabre, 23, 27, 44, 47n, 49 (takes across with beach parties), 53, 54n, 55, 62n, 64 (damaged), 86,
97, 101, 107, 114n, 118 (crosses compass damaged).
St. Abbs, 71n, 90 (sunk).
Achilleus, sunk, 93.
St. St. Andrew, Shelled, 18: bombed, 20 ; last trip, 87.
Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes, 107n.
St. Clears, 32, 46.
St. David, damaged, 38, 95.
Ste. Denise Louise, 107n.
St. Fagan, 71n, 88 (sunk).
St. Helier, 20, 25, 64n, 94, 98-9, 108-9.
Ste. Isabelle, 74.
St. Julien, shelled, 17 bombed, 20, 43; crew supplemented, 48n; last trip, 87.
St. Olaves, 107n.
St. Patrick, 75n.
St. Seiriol, 22, 24, 29, 43, 48 (damaged).
Saladin, 44-5 (damaged).
Salamander, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (damaged), 89-90.
Saltash, 91-2.
Sambre, 60.
Sandown, 23n, 27, 31, 42, 105 (forbidden to sail).
Santosy, lost, 117.
Saon, 34n, 110.
Sargasso, 60n, 107n, 108.
Sark, 60.
Saturn, 114n, 118.
S.C.6 (French), 107n.
Sceneshifter, rushed and sunk by French troops, 53.
Schuyts. see skoots.
Scimitar, 20n, 28n, 54n, 55, 62n, 91.
Scotia, 29n, 54n, 83 (in collision), 92 (sunk), 118 (record lift).
Scottish Co-operator, 60.
Sea Falcon, 75n.
Seaplane Tender 243, 71n, 75n, 110 (sunk).
Seaplane Tender 254, 71n.
Seaplane Tender 276, 71n, 110.
Seaplane Tender 291, 71n, 75 (damaged).
Seasalter, 60.
Sea Transport Officials, serve in personnel ships, 48; in Dynamo Room, 74.
Secrecy, effect on supply of small craft, 15.
Seine, 31n, 60, 102.
Sequacity, 19, 28.
Seriola, 71n.
Shamrock, lost, 53.
Sharpshooter, 28n, 54n, 97.
Shearwater, 34, 88, 99.
Sheldvake, 34, 37n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 93.
Shell fire (German) : causes serious interruption to shipping, 19; Route Y under fire, 48;
La Panne beach shelled, 60, 76; interrupts sailings of personal ships, 70; danger of,
magnified at Dover, 98.
Sherfield, 72n, 90.
Shelland, 60.
Shikari, 20n, 28n, 47n, 54n, 55, 97, 102, 107, 114n, 119-20 (in Operation CK), 127.
Shipmates, 23n.
Signalling, see Communications.
Silver Dawn, 32n, 51n.
205

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Details

Details

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

Details

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

Details

Dysmiss ZINK
Commanding Officer H.M.S.Shikari
June 8th 1940.
- 375
Sir,
I have the honour, with reference to Flag Officer
Commanding Dover's Memo: B 14/0/1101/40, to forward the
following report on recommendation of personnel under my
Command.
While it is very difficult to single out Officers
or Ratings who were all performing the same duties to the
best of their abilities; the names are forwarded of the
boats crews who did excellent work during the final day
evacuation at Bray a.m. Saturday June 1st under continual
Shell fire and bombing until ordered to withdraw to
Dunkirk.
A). Recommended for decorations.
1. Lieutenant John Rees Wilson R.N. In charge of all
shore operations, throughout operation Dynamo. His
leadership and the manner he stuck to his job was
inspiring.
2. Leading Stoker Alfred Browne. D/KX 81441.
3. Ordinary Seaman Dominie Kenny D/SSX 30221.
4. Ordinary Seaman George Park. D/JX 170122.
5. Ordinary Seaman William Lyons D/SSX 30211.
6. Signalman William Hicks D/JX 144358.
(1-6 formed the motor boats crew )
The motor boat was sent in to help other small
craft during the final hour, after the cutter had been
turned over to "Sabre".
B). Recommended for mention in despatches.
1. Signalman John Scott Mac Kibbin JX D/139851, relief
to signalman in motor boat. Was in the motor boat
for last and most unpleasant trip.
2. Acting Leading Seaman George Edward Cross D/JX 125679.
3. Able Seaman Arthur Bower D/SSX 21463
(2-5 Batkeepers
4. Able Seaman Jeremiah Forde D/SSX 19539.
in Culter on
5. Able Seaman William Murphy D/SSX 22784.
C). Recommended for mention in despatches.
Lieutenant Leonard Douglas May.R.N. For devotion landing
craft and carrying for setting an example of resuorcefulness
to duty, (E) out rapid repairs to beach
and initiative throughout the operation.
I have the honour to be
OMIRAL
Your Sir, obedient servant
JN 1940
Plag Officer Commanding Dover.
V H R
0.0. H.M.S. Shikari 1 Cat

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Dyrama tto. - 411
oth June,1040.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following
report in accordance 10th your mono. [P. 514/0/1101/40,
dated 4th June,1940.
2. At 1400, Tiesday 23th My,
slipped and sailed for Dover in company with Chartain 0.00
subsequently proceeding to Dustrict under
the orders of Cutain D.10. B.H.S. "SABRE" and
"SCIMITAR" also in company. Orders were received to closs
the benches and orders the D.B.F, by boot.
S. At 0015, Todnesday 20th, the force arrived,
having used the North Easterly approach, bonts vara lowerod,
and the embartation connonced. This was a slow and
laborious procoss owing to brotten inter inshore and the
distance cut that the dectroyers were forced to 11c.
4. During the forencom about 400 non were
embarked from a shoot, and orders were then received from
Captain D.10. to return to Dovor and discribute.
5. From this the currents I the cut of touch
with Crytain D.16. and Cutain D.80. and noted Independently
under the orders of the Vice Admiral, Dover.
C. at about 1700, shile lying alongable the
ciling jetty at the Bastern are, I the ordered to cobins
the Donch Subartation party, under the counted of Bone
Adniral C.D, and proceed to Dunkish.
7. At 2100, with this party on board I allowed,
and the followed to Dunkiri by who, in due
course, assisted in landing the party with his bonts.

Details

1594/07
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO:
Flag Officer 1/c Portland.
Dynam 353
-397
371
In accordance with your Memo No. 2912 of
narrative. 6th June, 1940, I have the honour to submit the following
On Wednesday, 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina"
proceeded to Dover in company with "Topaze". During the
night she became detached and reached Dover independently
at 1045/30 May. The Examination Vessel was hailed for
instructions, and at 1230 orders were received to proceed
to the Downs, where the Examination Vessel would have our
sailing orders. This ship, which was engaged in towing
a steamer off the Goodwins, directed us to the Examination
Tug at the North Goodwin Light Vessel, where we anchored
at 1545 to await instructions from the shore, since the
Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders were received
to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of Dunkirk, to
pick up troops.
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to
east of Dunkirk, when visibility was very low owing to
smoke clouds. Orders were then received from a destroyer
to investigate a reported enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward.
Anchor was weighed at 2221, and we steamed to Bray beaches
without encountering the M.T.B. Pilotage was somewhat
hazardous in the intense darkness, owing to wrecks obstruct-
ing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was dropped as
close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after
midnight, and brought off two loads of troops totalling
32, including one stretcher case, which was put aboard a
destroyer. Owing to deterioration of conditions, no more
troops were embarked until daylight, when the boat was
pulled ashore on two more occasions.
At about 0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of
troops and ready to proceed to England, so it was arranged
that "Olvina" should provide a crew for "Sabre"s" motorboat
and use it for embarking troops. Accordingly, after I'm
filling with petrol from "Icarus", the motorboat was manned
and proceeded to tow off ships' boats and Royal Engineer's
pontoon floats from the pier to vessels anchored off. The
pier consisted of motor lorries driven into the sea at low
water, having planks lashed to the roofs. Owing to a
northwesterly breeze, which freshened to force 3/4 at 1100,
only the eastern side of the pier could be used, and some
difficulty was experienced in handling the boats. Probably
about 300 to 350 troops were removed in this manner, of
which 240 were put aboard "Olvina".
No interference by enemy action was experienced
during the embarkation, although enemy aircraft were being
dunes. fired at, and shrapnel was observed to burst on the sand

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- 2 -
39375
and troops owing owing to to the fact that the weather ship was conditions almost full, for small and boats, to 31/5
At the 1100, adverse I decided to discontinue embarking
proceed to Dover.
and at 1120, "Olvina" was under way.
"Sabre's" motorboat was handed over to "Vivacious"
Vessel, the "Viking", a diesel engined Thames barge, with 70
When between Dunkirk and North Goodwin Light
troops aboard, was taken in tow from "Dwarf" and brought into
Dover. Owing to delay outside the harbour, the troops were
not disembarked until 2200.
"Olvina" was revictualled and berthed alongside
Prince of Wales Pier by 0100/1 June.
On proceeding to the office of Captain Auxiliary
Patrol, I was informed that "Olvina" should not have gone to
Dunkirk, but should have been on A/S patrol. Accordingly, at
0820/1 June, "Olvina" proceeded to a patrol station 17 miles
NNW of Dunkirk, which was reached at 1125. At 1500, 70
survivors from "Basilisk" came alongside in a French fishing
boat, and at 1917 we went alongside "Whitehall" in Dover
harbour and disembarked them.
"Olvina" was in harbour during 2nd and 3rd June,
and on 4th June escorted "Bideford" to Portsmouth without
incident.
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your obedient servant
Sub Lt. R.N.V.R.
-II-
No. 1594/07.
Vice Admiral, Dover.
Forwarded.
P.R.T.S.
VICE ADMIRAL.
Portland.
FLAG OFFICER-IN-CHARGE.
18th June, 1940
VICE ADMIRAL
20 JUN 1940
*
DOVER