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Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| SAN ANTONIO ANTOINI | (D.B.16) | Skoot Lt. Cdr. G.V. Legassick, |
Skoot ZEUS 1700 Lt. Poole Cdr. C.B. Hoggan, R.D., 25th May 2100 Left compass and thence to 1800 26th May Arrived Portsmouth. 27th May 0400ca 1700 Arrived Newhaven. Sailed for Dover. 28th May 0930 1300 Proceeded Berthed alongside the Sk. Ruja at Dover. "in company" for Dunkirk. 29th May 0100 Berthed alongside the quay at Dunkirk. Embarked troops. 0130 The sk. San Antonio berthed alongside the Zeus, and embarked troops across the latter's decks. 0300 The San Antonio cast off. 0400 The Zeus proceeded with about 230 troops including 2 ladies in soldiers overcoast and steel helmets. 1520 Arrived Margate. Disembarked 200 troops and 2 ladies. (1) 2000 Sailed for Bray, the sk. Caribia in company. 30th May 0500 Anchored off Bray. Embarked troops. 0900 Proceeded with about 420 troops. 1700 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 401 troops. (2) 31st May 1600 Ordered to Portsmouth. Total 601 Authority - R.O.II, pp.23 and 152. The following awards were made: P.O. F.H. Franklin. Mention in despatches Margate report. Ramsgate report. Biley Dunn is Wilson 361
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 788 A. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| 0620 | [X] San Antonio | 214 |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 790. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| And | page AMAZONE 29 | 13 SAN ANTONIO | tage 129 +22 |
From:- Resident Naval Officer, Poole, Dynam 241. To:- F.O.I.C. Portland. 22 Copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portmouth. REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISTITIONED DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" "SAN ANTONIO" B people. On first trip 270 people were taken off Dunkirk Breakwater and on Second trip 330 On second trip a dive bombing attack was made on the vossel from ahead by & Junkers 89 plane and two bombs just missed astern. The first of these was a delay action bomb. The ship experienced heavy bombardment by 5.9 inch shells whilst embarking the second time. A "HEBE" ( Report as written by commanding Officer) The Dútch Coastal vessel "Hebe" was takon over by a Naval Crew on Friday 24th. May 1940 H.M.S. Hebe was commissioned on Saturday 25th. May 1940, Commanding Officer, Lieut. A. H. Rowlandson R.N., First Licut. Lieut P.A.B.Powell R.N., and a crew of LP.O. 1 E.R.A. 2 Stokers 1 A.B. and 4. Ordinary Seaman. The first O eration carried out was on Monday 27th. May when TO sailed in Company with the rest of the group with orders to evacuate troops from the Beach be- tween Dunkirk and La Panne or from Dunicirk. Hebe arrived off Dunicirk at about 0030 and I approached the beach twice but found no troops and no opposition. I turned West along the beach towards Dunkirk, entered and went alongside the east fetty in shore, I loaded with troops all that remained there, and returned to Dover on completion with about 150 on board. No opposition was encountered. The only casuality was a slight wound in the foot of the commanding officer H.M.S. Hebe from a bullet accidentally fired by a British Soldier on board. The second operation began on Tednesday 29th. leaving Dover at 20.00. I went to Dunkirk by the Calais route and although constantly searched by searchlights no batteries opened fire on the Calais coast. Off Dunkirk I came up to H.N.S. Sursun Corda lowering a boat near the wreckage of a vessel apparently mined. One voice was heard and a mineaveeper arrived and sent over a boat I continued my course. I passed close to the entrance to Dunkirk, the jetties and piers were deserted so I continued eastward and went ashore near & large body of British troops I lowered the only boat and carly left and began embarking these troops. This proved to be very slow so I approached the beach and bows to the shore enabled men to wade out and climb on board. About 300 were taken on board and forried out to a destroyer. I repeated this operation and took operation and took over another 300 to 350 men to the minesweeper Fitaroy. The Captain let me have two large type life saving nets to put over the bows which assisted embarking troops after I returned to shore. No other large ships were lying off Dunkirk. H.M.S. Friso was embarizing troops and H.M.S. Sursum Corda was aground close in shore. I attempted to tow her Yoff but failed and was driven onto a small Bank close to her and remained aground until 18.30 At 18.00 Geramn Artillery began shelling the sand dunes and beach, although shapnel fell over us and wounded men aboard Sursum Corda we got afloat without difficulty and oaded about 250 troops and went down towards La Panne to ass them to a destroyer there. I remaine a there resouing men from the water embarking men from boats and pontoons the majority of these were passed to & destroyer and were suffering from exposure. At 23. I found no more men to embark and returned to Dover without further incident with about 250 people on board. The ship was without ater and fuel and I arrived at Dover at about 11.00 on Friday 31st. May. Wa or and provisions were embarked and I was sent to Remsgate In company with H.M.S. Fiso whose compass WILB useless owing to banbing attack. On Sunday June 2nd. 1940 while under way to the fuellingJetty In Ransgate Harbour I was ordered alongside the Pior to enbark 249 Cerman prisoners to take them to The Dover. hold filled and about a dosen wounded were left lying on deck. the The "uard consiste of 36 was frenc security Police and 6 cadets of the O.T.C. under Command of a 2nd. Licut,
B. 24 29th. May. 00.00 off Dunkirk have great difficulty in finding out where to P 00.15.- touched bottom 1.0 a.m. approx. entered Dunkirk and secured alongside Pier. Shore arrangements very bad only one shore ladder available. Troops commence to board. 24 1.30 "San Antonio" came alongside. Troops cross our deck to feed San Antonio. 3.0 approx. San Antonio cast off. I endeavour to speed up loading. Note as much as 15 minutes go by at times without any troops boarding at other times the single ladder is quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. No effort was made by the Military to use the outside of the Pier 4.0 0 a.m. Wind freshening we have received approx 220 troops cast off and proceeded in Company for Downs. Near by ships open fire at enemy aircraft During passage three hunting destroyers drop at least five depth charges Our troops have rifles ready to engage aircraft. Run ha been issued to those troops who are very fatigued and wet also to ships crew. 2.0 Arrive off Downs ordered to proceed Ramsgate.2. Pilot boarded took us to Margate discharged troops, received stores fresh water and two ladders. I rece ve 50 feet rope from another ships 8.0 p.m. Proceed in company with Carabia for Braye. Hands employed in rigging TS and cleaning ship 30th. May 5. a.m. anchored off Braye (falling tide) and enced receiving troops shifted ship 5 times as tide fell. Under continuous enemy gunfire from the shore. 9.0 a.m. we have received approx 430 troops and all available space is full (the shore arrangements fo loading is under naval charge and most efficient. Also ;adders were most useful. Weighed anchor and proceeded for Downs altering course as required to aviod enemy gunfire until out of range. Issued run to fatigued troops and all crew. Troops stand by to engage enemy aircraft 5.0 P.m. entered Ramsgate discharged troops received stores and fresh water. I wrote a note to.C in C Dover drawing his attention to the mutinous conduct of Borrowed two naval ratings from shore as night watchmen. Proceeded outside Harbour to anchor. Hands clean ship All hands to sleep Watchmen keep look out. 31st. May 5.0 p.m. ordered to proceed Portsmouth 1st. June, Secured Kings stairs 2nd. June 12.00 ordered to proceed Poole 5.0 P.m. stopped off Yarmouth. 4th. June 6.30 p.m. Secured alongside at Poole. This ships engines are fairly good but all other appointments are very bad Signed S.Hoggan, Lt. Comdr. R.N.R. "ATLANTIC" I beg to submit the following report on this ships activities during the evacuation from Dunkirk Friday 29th. left Dover 9.30 a.m. 12. to waiting off N. Goodwin L. Vessel for orders 3.30 proceeded 3.0 a.m. 30th. arrived La. Panne commence embarking troops in ships lifeboat. Anchored as near shore as possible. Ship aground at Low water embarkation slow at first in ships boats very hard work for the small crew later expedited by Naval Commander S.N.O. who detailed motor launch and whaler to ship embarked approx. 300 men. Sailed about 11. a.m. Beach and Channel being shelled by Shore Batteries. Arrived Ramsgate 23.00 30th. May arrived Dunkirk 05.00 31st. June about 1 mile east of Dunkirk close in shore passed ashore to haul out boats, sea choppy and boats getting swamped lost ships boats 10.00 was to out to deeper water, engines fail to start. Embarked approx. 100 troops. Waited off beach for 24 hours but unable to embark troops owing to being unable to obtain a motor launch to attend on ship and no boats being available. Beaches and Channel being jected to shelling and air bombardment all day and night. Two or three bombs fell close alongside. 05.00 1st rescued crew and passengers of Drifter which had struck sunken wreck [o?] during operation, boat full close alongside striking at ketch which completely dissappeared. 13.00 Ist. Arrived Ramsgate. Note. The small amount of troops embarked on 2nd. trip was due to scarcity of motor launche ato attend various ships, when I did eventually get one and sent it in shore the soldiers would not wade out to the boat during dark hours. L.E. Fordham It. Condr. R.N.R. "KAAP FALGA" B. Kaap Falga (Lieut. G.E.B. ST.G Beale) in Command) loaded 300 tons Army Provisions left Southampton 21.00 26/5/40 and beached off La Panne according to orders 0800 26/5/40 in Company with "Alice" and Able Tasman. At 12.00 Kaap Falga and Alice were ordered to refloat as soon as possible and proceed to Bray beaches, 4 miles away. 8 hours later Kaap Falga floated of with the tide. In the meantime Lieut. Beale had been wounded ashore (during air attacks on Ships) whilst contacting the Military, Lieut. Slater (Captain of Alice) who was with him was killed. Lieut. Beale was reported to have been taken to the Military Hospital with a. paralised leg. Alice was put out of action and ballast tanks flooded to make her rest on bottom (Max, Depth H.W. about 14. feet).
First Lieut. then abandoned Alice and took his crew and Major De Haviland (wounded) 25 and 4. soldiers to Kaap Falga where 1st. Lieut. Alice took command. Major De. Havilland of G.H.Q came on board with instructions for Kaap Falga to go to sea 25 and try and intercept a destroyer so that he could report by m/t to the War Office the seriousness of the situation. No. Destroyer would stop so Kaap Falga returned to the Downs and reported arrival. Then to Dover where stores were cleared by 09.00 1st. Kaap Falga's engines were badly coked up and in attempting to return to Dunkirk at 22.00 1st. they overheated to such an extent that the Ship could not make suffient speed to reach Dunkirk by 03.00 2nd. the latest hour that ships had been ordered to stay off Dunkirk. Due to the possibility of this defect Kaap Falga was not used on the night of June 2nd. the last night of the evacuation. Sailed for Poole 14.30/3 arrived 12.00/5 PACIFIC A Lieut. Comdr. .Skrine R.N. Lieut. Triscott R.N.R. Sat.25th. May Crews for Dutch Skoots proceeded from ortsmouth to Poole where they arrived about noon and were detached for these vessels. Pacific proceeded at 14.00 leaving discharged dutch crew at Brownses Island. Was ordered to anchor at Yarmouth for the night. Sun. 26th. May. Weighed at 0.430 and proceeded for Portsmouth Harbour at 09.3.0 Being Senior officer of the Party I went ashore and arranged for stores and swinging etc. No sailing orders were obtainable until about 19.00 when we were ordered to complete swinging as soon as possible and sail at once for Newhaven. Accordingly sailed at dark with Amazone Atlantic Zeus & Pascholl in company (wega and San Antonio) has broken down) Monday 27th. May. Arrived off Newhaven at 04.00 and was ordered to anchor outside Lay at anchor all day awaiting orders. At dark received orders to sail for downs in company with a party of skoots that had previously arruved Newhaven. Weighed and Proceeded Tues. 28th. May Arrived Dover about 08.00 and berthed alongside 09.00. Went ashore and having ascertained the possible nature of the operation made arrangements for sandbags first aid outfits etc., to be supplied to my party of Skoots by noon However an air raid warning intervened and none of these stores had been received 13.00 received orders to sail forthwith. Sailed about 13.00 and took over a large lifeboat at sea from one of the slower skoots who was dropping behind. Pacific gradually overhauled the other four skoots and I think was the first of this party to reach La Panne. From No. 6 E Buoy we proceeded at slow speed 180 straight for the beach where in answer to our hail a shout was raised by the soldiers on the beach. The intention waswas to turn to Port and anchor off. However partly due to the fact that the larger ships were closer in than I anticipated but mainly due to my leadsman failing to obtain any sounding at all we grounded on a bank of sand before we had turned 90° This occured at 23.00 We sent the large Lifeboat ashore with 3 of our 5 hands and instructed them to take off men to other ships as with the wind blowing inshore it was not certain that we should get off, With the remaining two hands we laid out a kedge on our Port quarter. By going full astern and heaving on the kedge we got afloat when the tide rose at 02.00 29th. May. The ships lifeboat and skiff was then sent inshore and 1 officer and 7 men were brought off to Pacific before the boats lost touch with her in the dark They did howver bring several par ies off to other ships. Verbal orders had been received before leaving Dover to leave shore before03.3 being anxious to recover boats and men Pacific remained inshore till daylight finally sailing at 04.30 when it seemed liekly that the boats and crews had been embarked by other ships. Rerurned to Dover by route Y arriviving about 16.30 and disembarked troops. No orders were immediately available but verbal orders were subsequently received to embark water and provisions and sail about 22.00 Application was made for the balance of complument and I was informed that I should be sent 3 hnds from Montvera. These did not arrive until 02.40 at which time Pacific sailed for Dunitirk. 30th. May. The morning of 30th May was misty at about 08.20 when crossing Le Dyck bank there was a violent underwater explosion about two cables on the Starboard bow No aircraft was about and it is supposed that it was a torpedo which had exploded on the Bank. No vessel was in sight Arrived off the beach 09.00 about 1 mile E of Dunkirk and anchored close in. We had no boat of our own but collected two from a skoot that was just leaving, conditions as regards surf were pretty good but boats very waterlogged and no boat was obtainable all day. By 16.00 my crew were exhausted by pulling those boats in and out from the hore all as I had 30 Officers and 620 men aboard I decided to sail. We might have had many more in half the time if a motor boat had been available. Accordingly sailed at 16.00 When crossing the Inner Ratel Bank attacked by by two of a flight of three fighters with machine guns. They scored was & few hits on the ship and injured noñody. Had nothing but a pistol with which to reply.
Dyuram 123 To N.O.I.C. From Commanding Officer "San antonio" D.B.16. 2nd June 19A0. Report on damage to "San antonio " in operation Dynamo. By ramming by D.B. "BART" whilet alongside at Doner 28.5.40. 1000 hrs. Fore port regging screws carried away, Bulmarks bent, cable pipe fractured and displaced, Post light house disturbed. Temporary repairs were effected. , 0230 29/5/40. By ramming by D.B. "Tilly" whilet embarking troops at Dunkerque. Poop rails bent and broken. Wheel house tilled forwards with windows broken and woodwork generaly displaced. Steering gear housing moved forward, causing slight jamming of wheel and rendering steering year hard to operate. Sleering compass unshipped and displaced Stern light and flag staff carried away, Wiheless and D.F. coil displaced, what house floor boards displaced. ) By sticking Paddle sweeper alongside pier at Dunkarque. Bulwarks bent in way of No3 Hatch. 0315 29/5/40 By ramming from D.B. "amazone" whilst alongside admirally Pin, Doner. 1530 29/5/40 Bulwarks in way of fore part rigging further bent and Part lighthouse further disturbed ) 20 .45 30/5/40 By delay action bomb from enemy plane exploding under sterm. Standard Compass card washipped. Saloon lamp broken. Main Dynamo drive betting carried away and dynamo base ven hot and melt white metal, necessitating constant lubrication fractured. Main shoft displaced causing bearings so
Dynams 376 8/4/0/13 1262 J .6633, c/o Messrs. J.S.White & Co. Cowes, Isle of White, 20th June, 1940. Sir, I have the honour to submit the following report of proceedings during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. 0. 1700/6/6/40. In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Majesty's Ship "SURSUM- CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.M. Friday 24th May, 1940, sailing for Portsmouth at 1600, arriving at 2130. HMS GODETIA rew e/o. NOIC. S.-546. (Revised-January, 1925). Dynamo 350 huddles box. 125 D.-398. COMMUNICATION SHEET. FROM Cornanding officer D.B.16 SAN ANTONIO DATE 10th June 1940. To The Cornodore. Ref. No. R.N. Banachs. Partsmonth FORMER LEADING SEAMAN (S.T.) ARMITACE. D.B.16. & Submitted that the above rating camed out his duties in Q most efficient manner during operation DYNAMO and under the lining and ling circuinstances conducted himself will a eheerful and Jealous spirit. and was an excellent. examp be to the re-ander of the DE ships company. MODORE R.N. BARRACE CO 12 JUN 1940 Reeil. Connacia R.N.R. PORTSMOU Sta. 186/24. 5.546. 212188. Wt. 43306/D.6536. 900M. 2-39, W.&S. Ltd. Gp. 701-68.
Dynam. 209 BIWO/ 233 c/o The Standard Bank of South Africa, 1462 9 Northumberland Avenue, S.W.1. 7th June 1940. Sir, ACTIVITY OF EX DUTCH COASTER "ZEUS" UNDER OPERATION "DYNAMO" I have been instructed by the Commodore's Secretary at Portsmouth to submit a report to yourself with reference to the above, together with my suggestions. 27th May 1940. Dawn - Arrived in company with others off Dover. This vessel has been equipped with 360 life belts in addition to those for the crew. 9 A.M. - Entered Dover. Berthed alongside West Quay, topped up with fresh water, stores etc., BIG 13:00 - Proceeded in company for Dunkirk. Considerable gun fire heard during crossing. 29th May 1940. 00:00 - Approaching Dunkirk experienced considerable difficulty in finding out where to go to be of most value. 01:00 - Entered Dunkirk harbour and berthed alongside the quay. Commenced receiving troops. (NOTE: Only one vertical shore ladder was available). 01:30 - SAN ANTONIO berthed alongside this vessel. Troops crossed our deck to board SAN ANTONIO. 03:00 - SAN ANTONIO cast off. This vessel continued embarking troops. 04:00 - Breeze freshening and we have received approximately 230 troops, as the supply of troops appears to have stopped for the time being we decide to cast off. At times troops were so numerous on the quay that the one shore ladder was quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. At others, as much as quarter of an hour went by without at single man boarding our vessels. It had been discovered that two ladies in soldiers overcoats and steel helmets boarded with troops. Best possible arrangements were made for their comfort. Vice-Admiral, Dover. As/...
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 3.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
-
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
# KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
V. 4 ("Vernon' s" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
Ambleve.
Escaut.
transferred
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Meuse.
from
Craft)
Sambre.
Semoise.
page 9.
yser.
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
PASCHOLL
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PATRIA
ALICE
FRISCO
PRINCESS JULIANA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
REIGER
ANTJE
HEBE
RIKA
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RUJA
BART
HONDSRUG
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
SURSUM CORDA
BRANDARIS
JAVA
TILLY
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TINY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TUNG
DEMOK I
LENA
TWENTE
DENEB
ORANJE
VREDE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
ZEUS
(Continued)
# Sunk
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
7 SECRET MLSOAGE 1603/24 May IN From C. in C.Portemouth Date 24.6.40 Reed. 1625 P/L BY I/P Addressed Admiralty repeated V.A.Dover. 760. Your 1708/99 My following not inmediately available BRAM BONKELO HASSWOBEL VIRGO AID NOTTINGHAM DUURSWOLD. Following consters at Poole have been Salten instead PACIFIC SAN ANTONIO ZEUS PASCHO AMAZANE WIGA ATLANTIC SAVERS. First ships should be ready to seil from Portamouth, Acite 26th My. 1693/24 Advance Copy sent Ope. + Order that four Dutch shipe be sailed for Southemp ton to take in military supplies. lst S.L V.C.N.S A.C.N.S A.C.N.S. (A) 0.8.0. to 1st 8.1 Ops.(4) O.D.(3) S.V.P D.T.D. (3) D.P.S. (2) N.A.2nd 0.1 I.S.P.S. Cdre M(3) Stephenson Room 77 3 8. M36 (3) we 68
23 SECRET. MESSAGE OUT 2239/8/June. Addressed C. in C. Portsmouth, 447. Date 8.6. J. Repeated F.O.I.C. Portland, 616. N.O.I.C. Poole. 052 Naval Cypher C. From Admiralty. The following Dutch Coasters now lying at Poole are to be commissioned forthwith as tenders to VICTORY and will be under the orders of C. in C. Portsmouth. KAAT FALGA WEGA ? HEBE II RUGA JABA ABEL TASMAN ATLANTIC DESPATCH II ZEUS PRISO ? FRISO SAN ANTONIO PACIFIC 2. Officers and crews are assembling at R.N. Barracks Portsmouth. 3. The operation for which these ships are being prepared is called CYCLE. 2239/8. for D.O.D. (H) 1st Lord. PERSONAL 1st S.L. PERSONAL V.C.N.S. PERSONAL A.C.N.S. PERSONAL A.C.N.S. (T) PERSONAL A.C.N.S. (H) PERSONAL C.S.O. to 1st S.L. PERSONAL Duty Cap to PERSONAL D.D.I.C. PERSONAL D. of P. PERSONAL D.P.S. PERSONAL D.N.I. (3) PERSONAL I.S.P.S. PERSONAL D.O.D. (H) PERSONAL
25 Wilitory Branch. The Secretary to Commender-in-Chief, 12th June, to Partenouth. with reference to A.M. 1703/22.5.40 and your 1623/24.5.40 please confirm that the underwentioned vessels commissioned on 25th May, 1940, and state dates of paying off ae for as DESPATCH II PACIFIC HORST SAN ANTONIO SURGIN CORDA PASCHOL ABEL TASMAN AMAZONN KAAPTALOA ISUS ALION WIGA ? maga FREDANJA ATLANTIC II FABA RUJA JAVA FRIGCO FRISO for Beed of M. Brench. which for from has he,
| SAN ANTONIO | " | 3rd July, 1940. |
| SAN ANTONIO | " | 3rd July, 1940. |
ИI - 2 - 1555 40M 2/40 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671. ADMIRALT") 7. A/P Trawler STAUNTON, the loss of which was REFERENCE SHEET. announced on 29th July, 1940, is to be regarded as formall public paid off as from 27th July, 1940. (M.014856/40) Head of Military Branch. To The Secretary to 8. H.D.P.C. MIRAGE (S.S.B.A 487(16)) commissioned The Commodore, 4th July, 1940. R.N. Barracks, (M.012037/40). 12th August 1940. Portsmouth. A fast motor launch, purchased with the steam M.010027/40 Information required, or notified. 9. danlaying yacht HELIOPOLIS (S.S.B.A. 533(8)) has been the service number M. B. 4026 and also named BANKBLOCK, CONFIDENTIAL. 12836/40) It is requested that it may be stated whether 10. Reference S.S.B.A. 517(17) the following informatic there off dates of the undermentioned "Dynamo"? coasters, is any further information available Dutch concerning is promulgated concerning the commissioning and paying commissioned the paying with Portsmouth crews for operation of Dutch Coasters employed in evacuation operations. NAME. COMMISSIONED PAID OFF RUJA (Understood paid off at Poole but Naval known). Officer DESPATCH II in Charge, Poole states date is not 25th May, 1940. 2nd July,1940, HORST 25th May, 1940. Not yet report SURSUM CORDA 25th May, 1940. Not yet report AMAZONE ABEL TASMAN 25th May, 1940 Sunk by enemy action. Paid HORST 14th June,1941. KAAPFALGA (S.S.B.A.522) SURSUM CORDA ALICE 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940, PACIFIC (Arrived Poole 29th June). 25th May, 1940. Beached and abandoned at R.N. Barracks, Portsmouth's manned No.5241/200 by D FREDANJA Panne, 29th HEBE II 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940. Portsmouth of 19th July Commodore, crew 1940 ex-JAVA. states that May TINY it be had stated been when this crew 25th May, 1940. Lost through TINY? action. Paid OFFICE JABA from 11th June DEIVED RUJA 25th May, 1940. Paid off 5th JAVA 25th May, 1940. Not yet W.Aushin 25th May, 1940. FRISCO FRISO 6th June 541(6) <S. of Military Branch. PACIFIC 25th May, 1940. 5th July, 1940. SAN ANTONIO 25th May, 1940. Not yet report PASCHOLL 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940. Do AMAZONE 25th May, 1940. 19th June, 1940. ZEUS 25th May, 1940. WIGA ? wesa 25th May, 1940. Not yet report II 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940. ATLANTIC 2nd July, 1940. Joses RION RIAN 25th May, 1940. 27th May, 1940. 2nd July, 1940. un NORSTAD Sune,1940 nderstood were taken up for trials with PINGUIN 15th June, 1940. VESTLARM, GORECHT 15th June, 1940. .M.S. VERNON. 9th June, 1940. 29th July' 1940, when up DOGGERS BANK 9th June, B. 19407(17)) 4th July, 1940. TWENTE B. 9th ($.8.8.517(17))) 29th July, 1940. for Head of Military Branch. Outch Lost through enemy action. 2018M were paid HONDSRUG, off 2nd July, JUTLAND, 1940. and CARIBIA (s.s.B.A. off 12th 517(17)) June, NOTE. The above losses have not announced. (M.010027/40) 1940. Circulation as for Specist Broret Branch Acquaint No. 539.
Portsmouth Form 21 (Late 21a) (Revised July, 1988) M. 2685 Commissioning Order R.O. By Sir William Milbourne James, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Admiral in His Majesty's Fleat and Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's ships and vessels employed and to be employed within the Portsmouth Naval Command. No. 8820/53. MEMORANDUM. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having decided that His Majesty's Ship SAN ANTONIO is to be commissioned or as soon afterwards as on Saturday the 25th May, 1940 circumstances permit, withex as a tender to H.M.S. VICTORY, you are to proceed to commission that vessel, and to cause the utmost despatch to be used, so far as the same may depend upon you, in preparing for sea accordingly. Given under my hand at Portsmouth, this 25th day of May, 1940 = Admiral, Commander-in-Chief. ant Commander L.H. Phillips, Royal Navy, M.S. SAN ANTONIO. to:- The Secretary of the Admiralty. (2519/8820) The Commodore, R.N. Barracks, Portsmouth.) 500-10-39.
| 20 | San Antonio 1450 |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 xxx. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
RAS of -2- MAY 26TH. A careful sweep of the Harbour and approaches carried out during the forenoon and the area was declared and the Harbour open at 1436. Sweeping operations were later to ensure that delayed action mines should be destrope The order to withdraw the B.E.F. from Dunkirk was given and embarkation of the troops started this evening. JOFF A staff organisation known as "DYNAMO" was set up to carry plan for evacuating the beaches at Dunkirk. Dutch Skoots, Launches, Life-boats and numerous other small craft began assemble at Dover and were berthed at Prince of Wales Piers in Submarine Basin. These vessels were at once supplied fuel, food and water to enable them to sail for Dunkirk at earliest possible moment. MAY 27TH. The tugs "Sun V11" and "Sun X" and "Persia" arriv and reported for duty with K.H.M. They were detailed for lighters and boats to Dunkirk. MAY 28TH. At 0300 the Examination Vessel "Ocean Reward" ⑉ and sunk off Dover by the Hospital Ship "Isle of Thanet" with loss of all hands. Boats were lowered by "Isle of Thenet serched the position of the accident to gether with the tug Brassey" but no survivors were found. The night was fine calm and clear and both vessels were showing lights. Facts contributory to the accident may have been the high speed "Isle of Thanet" and possibly a misunderstanding on the pari "Ocean Reward" that "Isle of Thanet" would stop off Dover The tug "Foremost 87" arrived and joined the flotilla of lighters and boats to Dunkirk. At 0830 the requisitioned Skoots "Ruja", "Sursum Corda", "Jaba Amazone", "San Antonio" arrived for duty on the Flanders coast. They required water "Pacific", "Frendja", "Hebe", "Frisco Wega", "Pascholl" and fuel and provisions and steps were to provide During these operations the air raid taken warning at once sounded and precautions in the Dockyard were taken. No attack develop immediately after the "All Clear" was sounded these vessels for Dunkirk. MAY tow. 29th. The tug "Fairplay 1" with the water lighter "Cla "SM was Lt. with Sub. the Comdr. detached Commodore Lieuts. Military and the R.G. K.A. for tug stores Wardrop Harwood, duty "Persia" sailed at R.N.R. Dunkirk. with E.S. for of Hill the Dunkirk. Commodore lighters and G. Jones "Sark" R.N.V.R. and MAY connection numerous by motor of enemy the 30TH. boats Examination holes action. with H.M.S. arrived Superintendent's caused operation The Service "Jaguar" by former bombs "DYNAMO". was and had detached and staff, "Greyhound" thirteen aircraft for dead arrived duty on at board both duty Many Dunkirk order by tugs and drifters. during the day All and whose were Several Thames sailing barges orene sailed during afternoon. available at the Prince arrived and as will visions same day. and ammunition. of Two Wales tugs Pier sailed they with them to whom Many more vessels were now available evacuating the many thousands were landed at Admiralty for Pier. MAY 31ST. The Fleet in tow "Locust". She had been Sweeper struck "Bideford" arrived which had her depth charges and blown by & bomb aft was taken in hand for temporary repairs H.M.S. Sanahu 800 troops on board at the time thirty and feetmoff suffered her At the Prince of Wales Pier in the by the "Ocean Cook" and "Challenge" towed morning the lighters and "F.23" loaded with Military stores over to Dunkir&,
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| San Antonio (Poole) (Lt. Cdr. G. V. Legassick, R.N.R.) | 484 |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 3.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
v. 4 ("Vernon's pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
Sunk
(Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 3.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft)
V. 4 ("Vernon's" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S' A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
#
Sunk
(Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, Unclassified 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| And | page AMAZONE 29 | 13 SAN ANTONIO | page 129 +22 |
From:- Resident Naval Officer, Poole, Dynam 241. To:- F.O.I.C. Portland. 22 Copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portsmouth. REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISTIONED DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" "SAN ANTONIO" B people. On first trip 270 people were taken off Dunkirk Breakwater and on Second trip 330 On second trip a dive bombing attack was made on the vossel from ahead by a Junkers 89 plane and two bombs just missed astern. The first of these was a delay action bomb. The ship experienced heavy bombardment by 5.9 inch shells whilst embarking the second time. A "HEBE" ( Report as written by commanding Officer) The Dútch Coastal vessel "Hebe" was takon over by a Naval Crew on Friday 24th. May 1940 H.M.S. Hebe was commissioned on Saturday 25th. May 1940, Commanding Officer, Lieut. A. H. Rowlandson R.N., First Licut. Lieut R.N., and a crew of 1 P.O. 1 E.R.A. 2 Stokers 1 A.B. and 4. Ordinary Seaman. The first O eration carried out was on Monday 27th. May when TO sailed in Company with the rest of the group with orders to evacuate troops from the Beach be- tween Dunkirk and Ia Panne or from Dunkirk. Hebe arrived off Dunicirk at about 0030 and I approached the beach twice but found no troops and no opposition. I turned West along the beach towards Dunkirk, entered and went alongside the east fetty in shore, I loaded with troops all that remained there, and returned to Dover on completion with about 150 on board. No opposition was encountered. The only casuality was & slight wound in the foot of the commanding officer H.M.S. Hebe from a bullet accidentally fired by a British Soldier on board. The second operation began on Tednesday 29th. leaving Dover at 20.00. I went to Dunkirk by the Calais route and although constantly searched by searchlights no batteries opened fire on the Calais coast. Off Dunkirk I came up to H.N.S. Sursun Corda lowering a boat near the wreckage of a vessel apparently mined. One voice was heard and a mineaveeper arrived and sent over a boat I continued my course. I passed close to the entrance to Dunkirk, the jetties and piers were deserted so I inued eastward and went ashore near & large body of British troops I lowered the only boat and carly left and began embariting these troops. This proved to be very slow so I approached the beach and bown to the shore enabled nen to wade out and climb on board. About 300 were taken on board and ferried out to a destroyer. I repeated this operation and took operation and took over another 300 to 350 men to the minesweeper Fitaroy. The Captain let me have two large type life G.1 saving nets to put over the bows which assisted embaticing troops after I returned to shore. No other large ships were lying off Dunkirk. H.M.S. Friso was embarizing troops and H.M.S. Sursum Corda was aground close in shore. I attempted to tow her Yoff but failed and was driven onto a small Bank close to her and remained aground until 18.30 At 18.00 Geramn Artillery began sholling the sand dunes and beach, although shapnel fell over us and wounded men aboard Sursum Corda We got afloat without difficulty and oaded about 250 troops and went down towards La Panne to ass them to a destroyer there. I remaine a there resouing men from the water embarking men from boats and pontoons the majority of these were passed to & destroyer and were suffering from exposure. At 23. I found no more men to embark and returned to Dover without further incident with about 250 people on board. The ship was without ater and fuel and I arrived at Dover at about 11.00 on Friday 31st. May. Wa er and provisions were embarked and I was sent to Remagate In company with H.M.S. Fiso whose compass WILB useless owing to banbing attack. On Sunday June 2nd. 1940 while under WAY to the fuellingJetty In Ransgate Herbour I was ordered alongside the Pier to enbark 249 Corman prisoners to take them to Dover. The hold was filled and about a dosen wounded were left lying on dock. The uard consiste of 36 frenc security Police and 6 cades of the O.T.C. under the Command of a 2nd. Licut,
B. 24 29th. May. 00.00 off Dunkirk have great difficulty in finding out where to 00.15. touched bottom 1.0 a.m. approx. entered Dunkirk and secured alongside Pier. Short arrangements very bad only one shore ladder available. Troops commence to board. 24 1.30 "San Antonio" came alongside. Troops cross our deck to feed San Antonio. 3.0 approx. San Antonio cast off. I endeavour to speed up loading. Note as much as 15 minutes go by at times without any troops boarding at other times the single ladder is quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. No effort was made by the Military to use the outside of the Pier 4. 0 a.m. Wind freshening we have received approx 220 troops cast off and proceeded in Company for Downs. Near by ships open fire at enemy aircraft During passage three hunting destroyers drop at least five depth charges Our troops have rifles ready to engage aircraft. Run ha been issued to those troops who are very fatigued and wet also to ships crew. 2.0 Arrive off Downs ordered to proceed Ramsgate.2.3 Pilot boarded took us to Margate discharged troops, received stores fresh water and two ladders. I rece 50 feet rope from another ships 8.0 p.m. Proceed in company with Carabia for Braye. Hands employed in rigging ladd rs and cleaning ship 30th. May 5. a.m. anchored off Braye (falling tide) and CORE enced receiving troops shifted ship 5 times as tide fell. Under continuous enemy gunfire from the shore. 9.0 a.m. we have received approx 430 troops and all available space is full (the shore arrangements fc loading is under naval charge and most efficient. Also ;adders were most useful. Weighed anchor and proceeded for Downs altering course as required to aviod enemy gunfire until out of range. Issued run to fatigued troops and all crew. Troops stand by to engage enemy aircraft 5.0 P.M. entered Ramsgate discharged troops received stores and fresh water. I wrote a note to.C in C Dover drawing his attention from to the mutinous conduct of Borrowed two naval ratings shore as night watchmen. Proceeded outside Harbour to anchor. Hands clean ship All hands to sleep Watchmen keep look out. 31st. May 5.0 p.m. ordered to proceed Portsmouth Lst. June, Secured Kings stairs 2nd. June 12.00 ordered to proceed Poole 5.0 P.m. stopped off Yarmouth. 4th. June 6.30 p.m. Secured alongside at Poole. This ships engines are fairly good but all other appointments are very bad Signed Hoggan, Lt. Comdr. R.N.R. "ATLANTIC" I beg to submit the following report on this ships activities during the evacuation from Dunkirk Friday 29th. left Dover 9.30 a.m. 12. to waiting off N. Goodwin L. Vessel for orders 3.30 proceeded 3.0 a.m. 30th. arrived La. Panne commence embarking troops in ships lifeboat. Anchored as near shore as possible. Ship aground at Low water embarkation slow at first in ships boats very hard work for the small crew later expedited by Naval Commander S.N.O. who detailed motor launch and whaler to ship embarked approx. 300 men. Sailed about 11. a.m. Beach and Channel being shelled by Shore Batteries. Arrived Ramsgate 23.00 30th. May arrived Dunkirk 05.00 31st. June about 1 mile east of Dunkirk close in shore bassed ashore to haul out boats, sea choppy and boats getting swamped lost ships boats 10.00 was to ed out to deeper water, engines fail to start. Embarked approx. 100 troops. Waited off beach for 24 hours but unable to embark troops owing to being unable to obtain a motor launch to attend on ship and no boats being available. Beaches and Channel being subjected to shelling and air bombardment all day and night. Two or three bombs fell close alongside. 05.00 1st rescued crew and passengers of Drifter which had struck sunken wreck [o?] during operation, boat full close alongside striking a ketch which completely dissappeared. 13.00 Ist. Arrived Ramsgate. Note. The small amount of troops embarked on 2nd. trip was due to scarcity of motor launche ato attend various ships, when I did eventually get one and sent it in shore the soldiers would not wade out to the boat during dark hours. L.E. Fordham It. Condr. R.N.R. "KAAP FALGA" B. Kaap Falga (Lieut. G.E.B. ST.G Beale) in Command) loaded 300 tons Army Provisions left Southamp 21.00 26/5/40 and beached off La Panne according to orders 0800 26/5/40 in Company with "Alice" and Able Tasman. At 12.00 Kaap Falga and Alice were ordered to refloat as soon as possible and proceed to Bray beaches, 4 miles away. 8 hours later Kaap Falga floated off with the tide. In the meantime , Lieut. Beale had been wounded ashore (during air attacks on Ships) whilst contacting the Military, Lieut. Slater (Captain of Alice) who was with him was killed. Lieut. Beale was reported to have been taken to the Military Hospital with a. paralised leg. Alice was put out of action and ballast tanks flooded to make her rest on bottom (Max, Depth H.W. about 14. feet).
25 First Lieut. then abandoned Alice and took his crew and Major De Haviland (wounded) and 4. soldiers to Kaap Falga where 1st. Lieut. Alice took command. Major De. Havilland of G.H.Q came on board with instructions for Kaap Falga to go to sea 25 and try and intercept a destroyer so that he could report by m/t to the War Office the seriousness of the situation. No. Destroyer would stop so Kaap Falga returned to the Downs and reported arrival. Then to Dover where stores were cleared by 09.00 1st. Kaap Falga's engines were badly coked up and in attempting to return to Dunkirk at 22.00 1st. they overheated to such an extent that the Ship could not make suffient speed to reach Dunkirk by 03.00 2nd. the latest hour that ships had been ordered to stay off Dunkirk. Due to the possibility of this defect Kaap Falga was not used on the night of June 2nd. the last night of the evacuation. Sailed for Poole 14.30/3 arrived 12.00/5 PACIFIC A Lieut.Comdr. C.J.Skrine R.N. Lieut. Triscott R.N.R. Sat.25th. May Crews for Dutch Skoots proceeded from ortsmouth to Poole where they arrived about noon and were detached for these vessels. Pacific proceeded at 14.00 leaving discharged dutch crew at Brownses Island. Was ordered to anchor at Yarmouth for the night. Sun. 26th. May. Weighed at 0.430 and proceeded for Portsmouth Harbour at 09.3.0 Being Senior officer of the Party I went ashore and arranged for stores and swinging etc. No sailing orders were obtainable until about 19.00 when we were ordered to complete swinging as soon as possible and sail at once for Newhaven. Accordingly sailed at dark with Amazone Atlantic Zeus & Pascholl in company (wega and San Antonio) has broken down) Monday 27th. May. Arrived off Newhaven at 04.00 and was ordered to anchor outside Lay at anchor all day awaiting orders. At dark received orders to sail for downs in company with a party of skoots that had previously arruved Newhaven. Weighed and Proceeded Tues. 28th. May Arrived Dover about 08.00 and berthed alongside 09.00. Went ashore and having ascertained the possible nature of the operation made arrangements for sandbags first aid outfits etc., to be supplied to my party of Skoots by noon However an air raid warning intervened and none of these stores had been received 13.00 received orders to sail forthwith. Sailed about 13.00 and took over a large lifeboat at sea from one of the slower skoots who was dropping behind. Pacific gradually overhauled the other four skoots and I think was the first of this party to reach La Panne. From No. 6 E Buoy we proceeded at slow speed 180° straight for the beach where in answer to our hail a shout was raised by the soldiers on the beach. The intention waswas to turn to Port and anchor off. However partly due to the fact that the larger ships were closer in than I anticipated but mainly due to my leadsman failing to obtain any sounding at all we grounded on a bank of sand before we had turned 90° This occured at 23.00 We sent the large Lifeboat ashore with 3 of our 5 hands and instructed them to take off men to other ships as with the wind blowing inshore it was not certain that we should get off, With the remaining two hands we laid out a kedge on our Port quarter. By going full astern and heaving on the kedge we got afloat when the tide rose at 02.00 29th. May. The ships lifeboat and skiff was then sent inshore and 1 officer and 7 men were brought off to Pacific before the boats lost touch with her in the dark They did howver bring several par ies off to other ships. Verbal orders had been received before leaving Dover to leave shore before03.30 being anxious to recover boats and men Pacific remained inshore till daylight finally sailing at 04.30 when it seemed liekly that the boats and crews had been embarked by other ships. Rerurned to Dover by route Y arriviving about 16.30 and disembarked troops. No orders were immediately available but verbal orders were subsequently received to embark water and provisions and sail about 22.00 Application was made for the balance of complument and I was informed that I should be sent 3 hnds from Montvera. These did not arrive until 02.40 at which time Pacific sailed for Dunitirk. 30th. May. The morning of 30th May was misty at about 08.20 when crossing Le Dyck bank there was a violent underwater explosion about two cables on the Starboard bow No aircraft was about and it is supposed that it was a torpedo which had exploded on the Bank. No vessel was in sight Arrived off the beach 09.00 about 1 mile E of Dunkirk and anchored close in. We had no boat of our own but collected two from a skoot that was just leaving, conditions as regards surf were pretty good but boats very waterlogged and no boat was obtainable all day. By 16.00 my crew were exhausted by pulling those boats in and out from the hore all as I had 30 Officers and 620 men aboard I decided to sail. We might have had many more in half the time if a motor boat had been available. Accordingly sailed at 16.00 When crossing the Inner Ratel Bank was attacked by by two of a flight of three fighters with machine guns. They scored a few hits on the ship and injured nobody. Had nothing but a pistol with which to reply.
123 To N.O.I.C. From Commanding Officer "San antonio" D.B.16 2nd June 1940. Report on damage to "San antonio " in operation Dynamo. By ramming by D.B. "BART" whilet alongside at Doner 28.5.40 1000 hrs. Fore port regging screws carried away, Bulmarks bent, cable pipe fractured and displaced, Port light house disturbed Temporary repairs were effected. , 0230 29/5/40. By ramming by D.B. "Tilly" whilet embarking troops at Dunkerque. Poop rails bent and broken. Wheel house tilled forwards with windows broken and woodwork generaly displaced. Steering gear housing moved forward, causing slight jamming of wheel and rendering steering year hard to operate. Sleering compass unshipped and displaced Stern light and flag staff carried away, Wiheless and D.F. coil displaced, what house floor boards displaced. ) By sticking Paddle sweeper alongside pier at Dunkerque. Bulwarks bent in way of No3 Hatch. 0315 29/5/40 By ramming from D.B. "amazone" whilst alongside admirally Pin, Doner. 1530 29/5/40 Buhwarks in way of fore part rigging further bent and Part lighthouse further disturbed , 20 .45 30/5/40 By delay action bomb from enemy plane exploding under sterm. Standard Compass card washipped. Saloon lamp broken. Main Dynamo drive betting carried away and dynamo base ven hot and melt white metal, necessitating constant lubrication fractured. Main shaft displaced causing bearings so
Dynams 376 8/4/0/13 1262 J .6633, c/o Messrs. White & Co. Cowes, Isle of White, 20th June, 1940. Sir, I have the honour to submit the following report of proceedings during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. 0. 1700/6/6/40. In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Majesty's Ship "SURSUM- CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.M. Friday 24th May, 1940, sailing for Portsmouth at 1600, arriving at 2130. HMS GODETIA rew e/o. NOIC. S.-546. (Revised-January, 1925). Dynamo 350 huddles 125 D.-398. COMMUNICATION SHEET. FROM Commanding officer D.B.16 SAN ANTONIO DATE 10th June 1940. To The Commodore. Ref. No. R.N. Banachs. Portsmonth FORMER LEADING SEAMAN (S.T.) ARMITACE. 5/5 D.B.16. Submitted that the above rating camed out his duties in Q most efficient manner durag operation DYNAMO and under Ac lining and ling circui-stances conducted himself will a reso) eheerful and Jealous spirit. and was an excellent. examp be to the re-ander of the DE ships company. MUDORE L.BARRACE CO 12 JUN 1940 Reeil. Connacia R.N.R. PORTSMOU Sta. 186/24. 212188. Wt. 43306/D.6536. 900M. 2-39, W.&S.Ltd. Gp. 701-68. 5.146.
Dynam. 209 BIWO/ 233 c/o The Standard Bank of South Africa, 1462 9 Northumberland Avenue, S.W.1. 7th June 1940. Sir, ACTIVITY OF EX DUTCH COASTER "ZEUS" UNDER OPERATION "DYNAMO" I have been instructed by the Commodore's Secretary at Portsmouth to submit a report to yourself with reference to the above, together with my suggestions. 27th May 1940. Dawn - Arrived in company with others off Dover. This vessel has been equipped with 360 life belts in addition to those for the crew. 9 A.M. - Entered Dover. Berthed alongside West Quay, topped up with fresh water, stores etc., BIG 13:00 - Proceeded in company for Dunkirk. Considerable gun fire heard during crossing. 29th May 1940. 00:00 - Approaching Dunkirk experienced considerable difficulty in finding out where to go to be of most value. 01:00 - Entered Dunkirk harbour and berthed alongside the quay. Commenced receiving troops. (NOTE: Only one vertical shore ladder was available). 01:30 - SAN ANTONIO berthed alongside this vessel. Troops crossed our deck to board SAN ANTONIO. 03:00 - SAN ANTONIO cast off. This vessel continued embarking troops. 04:00 - Breeze freshening and we have received approximately 230 troops, as the supply of troops appears to have stopped for the time being we decide to cast off. At times troops were so numerous on the quay that the one shore ladder was quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. At others, as much as quarter of an hour went by without at single man boarding our vessels. It had been discovered that two ladies in soldiers overcoats and steel helmets boarded with troops. Best possible arrangements were made for their comfort. Vice-Admiral, Dover. As/...
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