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CAPE ARGONA
Trawler Harwich). (12th A/S Group
Lt. K.J. Lee, R.N.V.R.
29th May
1530
Cast off from Parkeston Quay and pro-
ceeded to sea in company with the
2350
trs. St. Achillens and Sphene.
Arrived on patrol ground and commenced
patrolling between T buoy, West
Hinder and Kwinte buoy.
30th May
0025
Whilst steaming line ahead, the track
of a torpedo was observed going
between the St. Achilleus and the
Sphene.
All ships separated. No sign of
M.T.B. or submarine.
0045
A torpedo track passed ahead of the
Cape Argona. Still no sign of enemy
craft.
0125
Heard powerful motor engines behind a
smoke screen. Enemy M.T.B. believed
to be approaching through the screen;
fired depth charges.
On course for T buoy, fired at the
black shape of a M.T.B. The fire was
returned. No damage.
0430
joined company with St. Achilleus and
Sphene. The whole patrol ground was
littered with wreckage and with
either wholely or partly destroyed
boats.
-
Carried on with the patrol. German and
British planes passing continuously
overhead; no attacks made.
31st May
-
Ordered by "F.O.I.C. Dover" to patrol
near South Falls buoy. The Sphene
dropped out of the group and joined
with the tr. Arctic Pioneer.
0615
Ordered to resume original patrol.
1st June
0040
Lost contact with the St. Achilleus.
Explosions seemed to be going on all
around the Cape Argona; M.T.B.
tracks were observed all over the
place. Several flares dropped by
enemy aircraft working in conjunction
with M.T.B's.
0400
Received no answer to frequent calls to
the St. Achilleus. [she had been
sunk by a mine (see Sheldrake)]
1000
Concluded the St. Achilleus had gone.
Reported to the Arctic Pioneer and
joined her group.
1315
'Whilst heading from T buoy towards
Dunkirk, in answer to an 8 0 8 from
the 8.8. "pragg" [i.e. the P/V Prague],
the Arotic Pioneer signalled that a
M.T.B. was approaching. The Cape
Argona challenged the M.T.B. five
times but received no answer; the
MB275
M.T. B. continued to approach zig-
All three trawlers then opened
zagging, and showing no colours.
fire on the M.T.B.; a 4 inch shell
from the Arctic Pioneer struck her
A white ensign
wast then observed being waved.
160

Details

MALLARD
Corvette (1st A/S
Striking Force)
Cdr. The Hon. V.M.
Wyndham-Quin, R.N.
28th May
Ordered by the dr. Vega to patrol in
vicinity of channel Q.Z. S. 60, in
company with the corvettesWidgeon,
Shearwater and Sheldrake.
31st May
Anchored off Margate in company with the
cΓ. Calcutta and Shearwater.
1st June
0500
Patrolled X route between W and Y buoys,
in company with Calcutta and Shearwater
2140
Anchored off Margate.
2nd June
0430
Patrolled in vicinity of W buoy in
company with Calcutta and Sheawater.
1459
Mallard was detached, to stand by the
bombed H/C Worthing.
N11
227

Details

ST. ACHILLEUS 2)
Trawler (Harwich)
Ty. Lt. H.A. Gellett,
R.N.V.R. (1)
S.0.11th A/S Group.
29th May
1530
Sailed from Harwich, the trs. Sphene
and Cape Argona in company.
2350
Commenced patrol between T buoy,
West Hinder and Kwinte buoy.
30th May
0025
A torpedo track from port, passed
astern of the St. Achilleus.
Became separated from the other
trawlers.
0430
Rejoined company with the Sphene and
Cape Argona. Continued patrol.
31st May
On patrol.
(See signal
)
1st June
0400
The Cape Argona reports that she lost
contact with the St. Achilleus about
this time, and was unable to get
120
any reply to her W/T calls. Many
explosions were heard.
-
The C.O. of the corvette Sheldrake
reports that after a night spent
dodging M.T.B. torpedoes, he was
directed by 3 aircraft to the wreck
of the trawler St. Achilleus which
had been mined.
On arrival a number of men were
found clinging to the wreckage;
others were in the water. Eleven
survivors were rescued, but four of
them died before arrival in port.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, pp.263, 401.
(1) According to June 1940, Navy List.
(2) Not shown as sunk in D.R.
57

Details

Corvette (2nd
SHEARWATER
A/S Striking Force)
Lt. Cdr. P.F. Powlett,
R.N.
2026
28th May
Ordered by dr. Vega to patrol, in
.)
company with the corvette Sheldrake,
the channel Q.Z.S. 60 and to work
in conjunction with the corvettes
ep--
Mallard and Widgeon. (see also signal
)
2130
31st May
Anchored off Margate in company with the
cr. Calcutta and the Mallard.
1st June
0500
Patrolled X route between W and Y buoys
in company with Calcutta and Mallard.
1024
Shearwater detached to stand by the
G/B Mosquito.
2140
Anchored off Margate, Mallard and
Calcutta in company.
ler
2nd June
0430
Patrolled in vicinity of W buoy,
Mallard and Calcutta in company.
Nil
il
1)
126

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SHELDRAKE
Corvette (1st A/S
Striking Force,
Lt. Cdr. A.E.T.
Harwich).
Christie, R.N.
.)
-
28th May
Left Sheerness. (see signal
)
30th May[?]
-
Ordered to by C. in C. Nore to proceed
ep-
the Kwinte Buoy and destroy the
[sunk on 29th May].
asdic apparatus of the dr. Wakeful
-
On arrival Wakeful was found completely
capsized with her stern resting on
the bottom, and onlythe
-
When preparations to carry out the
destruction with depth and demolition
charge were nearly completed, a
signal from C. in C. Nore was
received "Cancel my 1044 area now
mined".
ler
The wreck was then sunk by gunfire
and a pattern of depth charges
31st May
a.m.
Joined the dr. Vimy in a submarine
hunt between the N. Goodwin buoy and
the N.W. Goodwin buoy.
1st June
"After a night spent dodging M. T.B.
torpedoes with [ the corvette] H.M.S.
Widgeon", a flight of 3 aircraft
very skilfully directed the Sheldrake
to a position in which it was found
il
that the tr. St. Achilleus had been
mined.
On arrival, a number of men were seen
clinging to wreckage. Eleven
survivors were rescued; of these
only 2 were subsequently able to
walk ashore, 4 were cot cases, and
4 died on the way to harbour.
1)
Nil
I
Authority - R.O.II, p.263.
129

Details

3
VANQUISHER (continued)
Car. C.I. Horton, R.N.
usy
The following awards were made: or the correttes Shearwater sup- and
from Sheerness with and In
D.S.M.
while they conducted 8
C.E.R.A.
F.H. Patrick.
for the destroyers, ships and small
search, and in support
L/Sea.
D. Anderson.
Proceeded along asarched channel Q.Z.S.
evacuating troops from Dunkirk".
Mention in Despatches.
60 until Xwinte Bank buoy WRS abeam.
Cdr.
C.B. Alers-Hankey, R.N. serwater and Sheldrake to
ships working or roote X*
Lieut.
Lieut.
C.W.C. Checucci, R.N. channel Q.Z.S.60 to the
C.P.O.
R.N. Hankey, R.N. setward, and to work in conjunction
F.A. Calver.
P.O.
C. Morrice.
Widgoon. with the corvettes Mallard and
Sto. P.O.
W. King.
When Yesa 188 cast of Ewinte Bank buoy
she was joined by the Polish
destroyer Blyskawics.
2330
Year and Blyskawica patrolled between
1. & G. booys.
say
0335
Both ships returned to eastward or
west Hinder buoy.
0648
Two torpadoes passed ahead of Vega
a
in position 51° 23' N., 2" 32' E.
Vega and Alyskawics counter attacked
and hunted until 1043.
1130ca
Directed by a plane, closed a sailing
boat and plaked up 34 British and
Allied troops from Hieuport.
1715
Vega joined Sheldrake off T buoy and in
1750
company carried out a B/M search.
2010
Patrolling independently.
30th May
0330
Between U and W buoys, Sheldrake 78⑉
joined.
2000ca
Vega and Sheldrake rendezvoused at R
buoy with Blyskawica and widgeon.
2030
Picked up the crew of an Allied plane
near Y buoy.
2100
In company with Blyskawice, Eldgeon and
Sheldrake, Vega patrolled between
R buoy and West Hinder.
2346/
Four French destroyers on opposite
2359
course passed at high speed.
Stat tay
0121
Heavy explosion heard to the north
eastward.
0145
Tracer bullets seen 4 miles to the
north eastward followed by a column
of flames 200 feet high. The French
destroyer Sirocco had been torpedoed
by an enemy WASH 150 survivors
were picked up by Widgeon and 15 by
0700
Vega Blyskawica.( relieved by the dr, Jackal.
Vega about 40 soldiers,
sailors and airmen.
Total 34
abthority - R.O.III, D.476,
Tot mentioned in D.R.
tr. Wolves picked up 50 and the tr. Stella Doredo. 33.
262

Details

VEGA(
Destroyer (Nore Command)
Cdr. C.I. Horton, R.N.
28th May
1230
Sailed from Sheerness with and in sup-
Sheldrake while they conducted a
port of the corvettes Shearwater and
submarine search, and in support
"of the destroyers, ships and small
craft evacuating troops from Dunkirk".
-
Proceeded along searched channel Q. Z.S.
60 until Kwinte Bank buoy was abeam.
2026
Covered ships working on route Y.
Ordered Shearwater and Sheldrake to
patrol channel Q.Z.S.60 to the
westward, and to work in conjunction
with the corvettes Mallard and
Widgeon.
2138
When Vega was east of Kwinte Bank buoy
she was joined by the Polish
destroyer Blyskawica.
2330
Vega and Blyskawica patrolled between
T. & S. buoys.
29th May
0335
Both ships returned to eastward of
west Hinder buoy.
0648
Two torpedoes passed ahead of Vega
1
in position 51° 23' N., 2° 32' E.
Vega and Blyskawica counter attacked
and hunted until 1043.
1130ca
Directed by a plane, closed a sailing
boat and picked up 34 British and
Allied troops from Nieuport.
1715
Vega joined Sheldrake off T buoy and in
1750
company carried out a S/M search.
2010
Patrolling independently.
30th May
0330
Between U and W buoys, Sheldrake re-
joined.
2000ca
Vega and Sheldrake rendezvoused at R
buoy with Blyskawica and Widgeon.
2030
Picked up the crew of an Allied plane
near Y buoy.
2100
In company with Blyskawica, Widgeon and
Sheldrake, Vega patrolled between
R buoy and West Hinder.
2346/
Four French destroyers on opposite
2359
course passed at high speed.
31st May
0121
Heavy explosion heard to the north
eastward.
0145
Tracer bullets seen 4 miles to the
north eastward followed by a column
of flames 200 feet high. The French
destroyer Sirocco had been torpedoed
by an enemy M.T.B. 150 survivors
were picked up by Widgeon and 15 by
Blyskawica. (2)
0700
Vega relieved by the dr. Jackal.
Vega disembarked about 40 soldiers,
-
sailors and airmen.
Total 34
Authority - R.O. III, p.476.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
(2) The tr. Wolves picked up 50 and the tr. Stella Dorado, 33.
263

Details

VIMY - Continued
29th May
0705
Sailed the for Dunkirk via route
company. drs. Worcester and Anthony Y, in
1018
Received V.A. Dover's signal, timed
1040
0941, while off Bray.
Proceeded into Dunkirk and delivered
letter for S.N.O. Dunkirk to the
Sheerness. dr. Ivanhoe. Sailed immediately for
1545
Arrived Sheerness.
Lieut. Cdr. M.W.E. Wentworth R.N.,
1905
embarked and took over command.
Sailed from Sheerness.
2102
On receipt of signal (Admiralty 1938)
proceeded to Dover.
2230
Arrived off Dover.
30th May
0425
Sailed, by route X, for Dunkirk.
0645
The dr. Vanquisher reported Dunkirk habour
practicable.
0712
Proceeded alongside east side of east
pier. Embarked troops.
0731
Proceeded for Dover.
1100
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 524 troops.
1
1248
Sailed by X route to Dunkirk.
1615
Arrived Dunkirk and lay off outside.
1717
Attempted to secure "bows out", but
unable to on account of shelling by
shore batteries.
1802
Secured alongside and embarked troops.
1825
Sailed for Dover.
2132
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 948 troops.
31st May
0445
Proceeded.
-
Between N. Goodwin buoy and N.W.
Goodwin buoy, sighted the periscope
and conning tower of a submarine.
Dropped a depth charge and started
A/S hunt between latitudes of Goodwin
Knoll buoy and S.W. Goodwin buoy.
-
The corvette Sheldrake joined the hunt
in accordance with C. in C. Nore's
signal timed 0708.
1030
Proceeded for Dunkirk, leaving the hunt
to the Sheldrake and trawlers.
1230
Arrived off Dunkirk.
1300
Secured alongside east pier, bows out.
1400
Shifted billet, and secured alongside
the end of the pier, bows in.
1538
Proceeded for Dover.
1856
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 300 troops.
1st June
0100
Proceeded for Dunkirk.
0156
In collision with the yacht Amulree
in position 270° N.W. Goodwin buoy,
1 cable. She sank immediately. The
only remaining boat, a skiff, was
lowered, and all members of the
yacht's crew picked up
0233
Vimy proceeded to Dover.
0349
Arrived Dover.
2nd June
To Portsmouth for repairs.
Total 2976.
280

Details

Corvette (2nd A/S
WIDGEON
Striking Force).
Lt. Cdr. R. Frederick,
R.N.
On patrol in vicinity of channel Q.Z.S.60.
28th May
in conjunction with corvette Mallard.
2000ca
The dr. Vega and the corvette Sheldrake
30th May
rendezvoused at R buoy with the
Polish dr. Blyskawica and the Widgeon.
They carried out a patrol between R
buoy and West Hinder.
0145
The French dr. Siroco was torpedoed by a
31st May
M.T.B. in position 51° 18' N., 02° 06'
E., 18 miles N.N.W. of Dunkirk. The
Widgeon picked up 150 survivors, the
Blyskawica 15. Other survivors were
picked up by trawlers. (Seesignal
)
a.m.
On patrol with the corvette Sheldrake.
1st June
p.m.
Nil
in the
for the
to be to
Authority - C. in C. Nore, 0511/31.
Orleans
[actually she left
ö300], the Wild
to Dover. Dover.
Authority - R.O.I.,

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44
Page
45
Page
5
Slogan
Page
36
Sata
15
Sluga
Page
Rose
8
Saturn
Smeaton
13
22
Sublime
23
Page
Rosebud
Saucy
35
Tonny
28
8
Snaefell
7
Suilven
22
Topaze
18
Wardour
Roseden
12
Sawfly
30
Scalby Wyke
Snap
23
Sukha
35A
Torbay II
9
War Duke
Rose Emma
24
19
Solitaire
10
21
Sulara
5
Rose Haugh
Scawfell
Torch
Warland
15
7
Solomon
Sulla
35A
Rose Hilda
Touchstone
6
30
Sceptre
14
Warrior II
9
Solon
Schievan
16
Suma
15
Rose Valley
Tourmaline
5
War Star
24
37
Solstice
Sumba
35A
Trade Wind
25
Rosel
3
Scomber
15
Warwick Deeping
Rose Marie
22
Song
Summer Rose
23
Tranio
27
War Wing
10
Scotch Thistle
8
18
Sonnet
Sunbeam II
36A
Tranquil
13
Wastwater
Ross
27
Scotia II
12
Southcoates
Sunflower IV
14
12
T.R. Ferrens
36
Watchful
Ross Ard
31
15
Scott
Southern Breeze
Sunlight
15
Scottish
25
Tritonia
9
Waterfly
Rotha
17A
24
Sunnyside Girl
28
29
Rowan
Scourge
29
Southern Chief
36c
Triumph
Watermeyer
12
Superman
4
Waveflower
29
Rowan Tree
Scythe
13
Southern Field
35A
Trophy
36B
36B
Supporter
23
Troubadour
Wee Cumbrae
Roxano
Seabreeze
28
Southern Flower
35A
36
12A
Surly
7
Welcome Home
Royal Eagle
Seafarer
28
36c
Troup Ahead
Southern Foam
19
Wellard
14
Surprise
36
True Accord
Royallieu
Royalo
14
Seaflower
Southern Gem
35A
29
29
Susannah Jane
Wellsbach
2
Tumby
36c
23
Wengan
5
Seagull
29
Southern Pride
Susarion
36A
Tunisian
Ruby
17
Sea Holly
Southern Shore
36c
14
Westella
35
Sutton
16
Turcoman
Rugby
32
5
Sea King
16
36c
West Haven
Southern Spray
Svega
35A
Runswick Bay
Turquoise
13
Ryde
10
Sea Lord
11
36c
West Neuk
Southern Star
Swan II
36
Tuscarora
19
36c
Westlyn
16
Southern Wave
Sweet Promise
35A
Ryde (Special Service)
8
Sea Mist
Tweenways
14
Westward Ho
29
Southsea
36c
Sea Monarch
Swift Wing
15
Twinkling Star
20
Whirlpool
Seaman
17
Souvenir
23
Sycamore
24
Whitethorn
Secuta
Spaniard
13
5
Sylph
12A
Widgeon
S.
32
Sedulous
36B
Sylvana
21
Sparsholt
12
Selkirk
16
Spartiate
Syrian
17A
U.
Widgeon of Fearn
Sabra
35
Wigan
18
Syringa
24
Uberty
14
Wildfire
Sabreur
35
Semita
8
Speedwell
10
Uberus
19
Willa
Sailor King
22
Semnos
19
Speedy
29
Ugie Bray
24
William Brady
St. Abbs
9
Seriola
8
Sphene
13
Ullswater
25
William Caldwell
St. Achilleus
13
Servitor
14
Spina
T.
36
Unicity
14
William Cale
St. Adrian
5
Settsu
37
Spindrift
9
Taeping
22
Unicorn II
22
William Hannen
St. Apollo
36c
Sevra
35
Spinet
29
Taipo
16
Unitia
7
William Purdy
St. Cathan
25
Shako
14
Spitfire III
17
Tamarisk
12A
Utilise
19
Wm. Stephens
St. Celestin
29
Shandwick
5
Spranza
23
Tamora
15
Ut. Prosim
10
William Wesney
St. Cyrus
17
Sharpshooter
29
Sprig o' Heather
27
Taransay
15
Willing Boys
St. Dominica
5
Shearwater
31
Springdale
13
Tarret
10
Wilna
St. Donats
16
Sheen
28
Springtide
Tartan
13
Willow
St. Elstan
20
V.
25
Sheldon
4
Spurs
Tea Rose
28
Windermere
St. Fagan
10
9
Sheldrake
21
Tekoura
30
Vadne
8
Windward Ho
St. Katherine
31
Stafnes
12
Shemara
Terje I-V
36c
Valena
9
Wistaria
St. Kenan
9
Stalberg
37
25
Shera
Teroma
24
Valesca
35A
Witham
St. Loman
35
Stalwart
9
25
Shika
Tervani
17A
Vandyck
30
Withernsea
St. Magnus
35
Star of Deveron
12A
26
Shila
Tessie
36A
Varanga
29
Wolborough
St. Melante
36
12A
Star of Hope
28
Tewara
26
Varanis
35A
Wolves
Shiona
St. Mellons
6
Star of the Realm
37
30
36
Vascama
21
Shipmates
Thalia
Wyoming
St. Modwen
10
Star of Orkney
15
23
Velia
6
9
St. Nectan
Shower
Thames (Dutch Tug)
28
Star of the Wave
5
Thames Queen
23
Velmont
35A
36A
St. Olaves
Shusa
35
Starlight Ray
11
26
Ventsyssel
18
9
Thaw
X.
St. Olive
Sicyon
5
29
Staunch
35A
The Boys
10
Venture
22
St. Sunniva
Signa
36
Stefa
35A
15
Vernal
12A
Xmas Rose
St. Tudno
30
The Brit
Signet
21
Vernon II
8
15
12A
Silanion
29
Stella Canopus
Their Merit
St. Wistan
36A
Silja
37
Stella Capella
25
Thele
8
Victoria
9
17A
Thermopylae
Victorian
32
St. Zeno
Silva
35
Stella Carina
22
Y.
Salamander
36c
13
Victory
8
36
Stella Leonis
The Provost
28
Salpa
16
Silver Cloud
Victrix
7
Yarta
Saltash
2
Silver Crest
2
Stella Orion
24
The Roman
35A
37
Yehonala
15
Stella Pegassi
25
The Tower
36B
Vilda
10
Vine
36B
Yehonala II
Salvini
Silver Dawn
11
Stella Polaris
19
The Way
29
Salvo (Tug)
36B
22
Yesso
Silver Fox
13
Thirlmere
25
Viola
Salvo
14
Silver Grey
19
Stella Rigel
29
Yezo
33
26
Violet Flowers
Salvonia
35
Silver Line
4
Stella Sirius
Thomas Altoft
5
York City
35A
Thomas Conolly
12
Virginia
21
Yorkshire Belle
Sandown
3
Silver Queen
27
Stina
Thomas Leeds
13
Visenda
26
2
Yorkshire Lass
Sandringham
10
Silver Seas
11
Stoke City
26
11
Viva II
Thomsons
13
Young Alfred
Sangarius
8,16
Silver Sky
14
Stonefly
Thora
17
Viviana
Sanson
3
13
36c
Young Cliff
Sindonis
26
Stour
21
Vizalma
Saon
Sir John Baker
32
8
Thornwick Bay
Young Ernie
35
Strathcoe
14
Young Jacob
Sapphire
10
23
Three Kings
Sir John Lister
8
Sappho
Strathderry
Thrifty
9
W.
Young Mon
13
7
3
Sarah Hyde
Sir Richard Grenville
Strath Devon
Thunderstone
36B
5
3
Sir Sydney
2
Strathelliot
12A
Tiger
17
Wagtail
15
Sarah Sarba A. Purdy
14
29
Sir Siren Walter Raleigh
14
19
Tiger (tender)
18
Waldemar
Strathgarry
12A
z.
19
12A
Wallena
Sargasso
2
Strathmaree
24
12
Sirra
Sargon
2
5
Tilburyness
10
Sisapon
Strath Rannock
22
Tilly Duff
12A
Walnut
15
Zaza
35
Titan
14
Waltona
27
Zwartze Zee (Dutch)
Sarna
21
Skidaw
Strathspey
3
26
Walwyns Castle
4
333
Sarpedon
35
16
Strathugie
Token
Skipjack
21
14
Skirmisher
17
Tokyo II
35A
Wanderer II
17
Strive
10
Student Prince
4
22
Sturton
(C38230) 380 6/40

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44
45
Page
Page
Page
St. Apollo
36c
Semita
Page
6
Sutton
Page
9
9
St. Cathan
Semnos
8
Souvenir
32
Svana
16
Reighton Reigate Wyke
21
St. Celestin
29
Seriola
Trojan
Page
9
14B
Spaniard
12
Svega
35A
Relonzo
35
St. Claire
36
Servitor
Sparsholt
35A
Trophy
2
8
18
Swan II
17
Sethon
Remexo
12A
Spartiate
Troubadour
36B
17
St. Cyrus
13
Sweet Promise
36
Remillo
14
St. Dominica
5
Settsu
14
Speedwell
Troup Ahead
36
29
16
Sevra
Swift Wing
35A
True Accord
19
Renascent
20
St. Donats
37
Speedy
13
Swona
15
St. Elstan
9
Tumby
14A
Rennet
Shako
21
35A
Sphene
36
Sycamore
35A
Tunisian
17
St. George
5
Renzo
Shandwick
9
12A
Spina
9
Sylph
24
Turcoman
14
Resolve
St. Katherine
12
12A
Sharpshooter
5
Spindrift
29
Sylvana
12A
Turquoise
32
Resolvo
St. Kenan
25
8
Shearwater
29
36B
Spinet Spitfire III
17
Syrian
21
Tuscarora
13
Resparko
St. Loman
25
Sheen
31
36c
Syringa
17A
Tweenways
19
Restore
St. Magnus
26
9
Sheldon
28
Spoza
23
8
Trelawney
14
Restrivo
8
Sheldrake
27
21
St. Melante
4
Spranza Springdale Sprig o' Heather
27
Twinkling Star
Retako
35
St. Mellons
30
Shemara
31
20
12A
Revello
10
St. Modwen
9
Shera
9
20
Reverberation
18
St. Nectan
14
Sheraton
35A
Springtide
10
T.
Rezala
3
St. Olaves
9
Shika
14B
Spurs
21
Taeping
Rhodora
5
St. Olive
5
Shila
35A
Stafnes
22
U.
18
Richard Croft
Taipo
14
St. Sunniva
30
Shiona
36
Stalberg
16
9
Tamarisk
Uberty
14
Rig
15
St. Tudno
12A
Shipmates
6
Stalwart
12A
Uberus
36B
St. Wistan
17
Shova
Star of Deveron
8
Tamora
19
Righto
10
15
Rigoletto
36
Star of Hope
28
Taransay
Ugie Bray
24
15
Uiver
19
St. Zeno
36c
Shower
Star of Pentland
36
Tarret
36A
Rime
16
28
10
Ullswater
15
Shusa
25
Salamander
Star of the Realm
37
Tartan
Rinovia
35A
17
Umbriel
14A
8
Salpa
2
Sicyon
Star of Orkney
15
Tea Rose
Rion
29
28
Unicity
14
12
Saltash
16
Signa
Star of the Wave
5
Tehana
Ristango
13
Unicorn II
36B
36
22
River Annam
22
Salvini
Signet
12A
Starlight Ray
11
Tekoura
30
Unitia
29
7
River Esk
27
Salvo (Tug)
Silanion
Staunch
35A
Terje I-V
36c
Utilise
37
19
River Clyde
13
Salvo
35
Silja
14A
Teroma
24
Ut. Prosim
35A
Staunton
10
River Spey
14B
Salvonia
3
Silva
35A
Tervani
22
Utrecht
36A
36
Stefa
River Ytham
36A
Sandown
10
Silver Cloud
Stella Canopus
21
Tessie
36A
2
Riviere
36B
Sandringham
8,16
Silver Crest
15
Stella Capella
13
Tewara
35
Robert Hastie
14B
Sangarius
17
Silver Dawn
Stella Carina
17
Thalia
36
11
Robert Stroud
26
Sanson
35A
Silver Fox
Stella Leonis
13
Thames (Dutch Tug)
23
19
V.
Robin Hood
28
Saon
10
Silver Grey
4
Stella Orion
24
Thames Queen
23
Robina
7
Sapphire
13
Silver Line
27
Stella Pegassi
25
Thaw
26
Vadne
8
Rochebonne
19
11
Stella Polaris
19
The Boys
10
Valena
9
Sappho
3
Silver Queen
Sarah Hyde
Silver Seas
The Brit
15
Valesca
35A
Rodino
16
14
14
Stella Rigel
13
Rogate
Silver Sky
33
The Provost
Vandyck
30
28
9
Sarah A. Purdy
29
26
Stella Sirius
29
3
Sarba
14A
Stina
The Roman
35A
Varanga
Roger Beck
12
Simpson
35A
36B
Varanis
35A
Romany Rose
23
Sargasso
11
Sindonis
32
Stoke City
26
The Tower
29
Vascama
21
Rona
18
Sargon
21
Sir John Baker
8
Stonefly
26
The Way
15
Velia
14
Ronso
16
Sarna
35A
Sir John Lister
19
Stora
36c
Their Merit
35A
8
Velmont
Rooke
20
Saronta
14A
Sir Richard Grenville
2
Stour
13
Thele
18
22
Ventsyssel
Rosa
21
Sarpedon
11
Sir Sydney
14A
Strathcoe
8
Thermopylae
22
25
Venture
Thirlmere
14A
Rosebud
8
Sata
Sir Walter Raleigh
2
Strathderry
23
5
26
Vernal
14
2
Strath Devon
Thomas Altoft
8
Roseden
28
Saturn
Siren
3
12
Vernon II
Rose Emma
12
Saucy
22
Sirra
35A
Strathelliot
14A
Thomas Conolly
9
13
Victoria
32
Rose Haugh
Sawfly
8
Skidaw
21
Strathgarry
14B
Thomas Leeds
11
Victorian
24
8
Rose Hilda
15
Scalby Wyke
30
Skirmisher
4
Strathmaree
14B
Thomsons
17
Victory
7
Rose Valley
30
Scarron
Rosel
Skudd 3, 4, 5 & 6
35A
Strath Rannock
14B
Thora
21
Victrix
14
4
24
Scawfell
6
Strathspey
22
Thornwick Bay
14
Vidonia
36A
Rose Marie
10
Slogan
Viking Bank
3
Sceptre
35A
7
Sluga
Strathugie
3
Three Kings
35A
37
Ross
16
7
Strive
14
Thrifty
36B
Vilda
14A
Ross Ard
Schelde
6
Smeaton
Schievan
23
Student Prince
17
Thunderstone
17
Vindelicia
36B
27
Rotha
9
Snaefell
14B
21
Sturton
22
Tiger
18
Vine
22
Rotherslade
Scomber
37
Snap
Sublime
23
Tiger (tender)
12A
Viola
29
Rowan
23
Scotch Thistle
35A
22
Soika
12A
Tilburyness
14A
Violet Flowers
5
24
Scotia II
Suilven
22
Rowan Tree
18
Solitaire
35A
Tilly Duff
14
Virginia
21
14A
Scott
16
Sukha
Roxano
31
Solomon
Scottish
15
Sulara
5
26
Visenda
2,5
Titan
Royal Charter
36B
25
Solon
35A
35A
Viva II
13
8
Sulla
Token
Royal Eagle
17
Scourge
Viviana
36c
29
Solstice
Tokyo II
Royallieu
12A
12
Scythe
Suma
15
18
6
Tonny
9
Vizalma
14
Song
Seabreeze
35A
Sumba
Royalo
35A
28
8
Sotra
23
23
Topaze
10
Ruby
Seafarer
Summer Rose
28
Southcoates
Rugby
5
Seaflower
36c
Sunbeam II
36A
Torbay II
6
14A
29
Southern Breeze
Runswick Ryde Bay
Seagull
Sunflower IV
Torch
5
35A
14A
25
W.
Southern Chief
Touchstone
5
5
29
Sea Holly
35A
Sunlight
12A
10
35A
Southern Field
Sea King
36c
Tourmaline
27
Sunrise
13
Wagtail
15
37
16
Southern Flower
Sea Lord
35A
Sunnyside Girl
28
Trade Wind
Waldemar
21
11
Southern Foam
Sea Mist
36C
Superman
4
Tranio
19
Wallena
24
16
36C
Supporter
23
Tranquil
27
Southern Gem
Trelawney
9
Walnut
15
S.
Sea Monarch
27
Sabra
Seaman
29
Southern Pride
36C
Surly
7
Sabreur
35
17
Southern Shore
T. R. Ferrens
36A
Waltona Walwyns Castle
4
Secuta
36C
Surprise
36
Sailor King
Seddon
5
36C
Trevo Terceiro
29
Southern Spray
Wanderer II
35
4
Susannah Susarion Jane
2
12
I
St. Adrian
22
Sedulous
Southern Star
36C
17
Tritonia
5
Selkirk
36B
Southern Wave
23
Sutherness
4
Triumph
16
Southsea
(C38230)

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44
45
Page
Page
Page
St. Apollo
36c
Semita
Page
6
Sutton
Page
9
9
St. Cathan
Semnos
Souvenir
32
Svana
16
Reighton Reigate Wyke
21
8
Trojan
Page
St. Celestin
29
Seriola
9
36
Servitor
14B
Spaniard
12
Svega
35A
Trophy
2
St. Claire
8
Sparsholt
18
Swan II
35A
Relonzo
Troubadour
36B
35
17
Sethon
Spartiate
Sweet Promise
36
Troup Ahead
36
Remexo
17
St. Cyrus
Remillo
St. Dominica
5
12A
13
Settsu
Speedwell
29
Swift Wing
35A
True Accord
19
14
14
Renascent
20
St. Donats
16
Sevra
Speedy
13
Swona
15
Tumby
14A
37
Rennet
21
St. Elstan
9
Shako
35A
Sphene
36
Sycamore
35A
Tunisian
17
Renzo
St. George
5
9
Shandwick
12A
9
Sylph
24
Turcoman
14
Spina
12A
32
Resolve
St. Katherine
12
12A
Sharpshooter
5
Spindrift
29
Sylvana
Turquoise
St. Kenan
25
Shearwater
21
Resolvo
8
29
Spinet Spitfire III
17
Syrian
Tuscarora
13
Resparko
St. Loman
25
Sheen
17A
19
36B
31
36c
Syringa
Tweenways
9
26
8
14
Restore
St. Magnus
Sheldon
28
Spoza
23
Trelawney
27
Restrivo
21
St. Melante
8
Sheldrake
4
27
Twinkling Star
Spranza Springdale Sprig o' Heather
20
Retako
35
St. Mellons
30
Shemara
31
12A
Revello
10
St. Modwen
9
Shera
9
20
Reverberation
18
St. Nectan
14
Sheraton
35A
Springtide
10
T.
Rezala
3
St. Olaves
9
Shika
14B
Spurs
21
Taeping
Rhodora
22
U.
5
St. Olive
5
Shila
35A
Stafnes
18
Richard Croft
Taipo
16
St. Sunniva
30
Shiona
36
Stalberg
Uberty
14
14
9
Tamarisk
12A
Uberus
Rig
15
St. Tudno
12A
Shipmates
Stalwart
19
6
8
Tamora
Righto
St. Wistan
17
Shova
10
Star of Deveron
15
Ugie Bray
24
Rigoletto
36B
28
Taransay
15
Uiver
19
St. Zeno
36c
Shower
Star of Hope
36A
36
Salamander
Star of Pentland
36
Tarret
10
Ullswater
Rime
25
16
Rinovia
Shusa
28
15
35A
Star of the Realm
37
Tartan
17
Umbriel
14A
8
Salpa
2
Rion
Sicyon
Unicity
29
Star of Orkney
15
Tea Rose
28
14
12
Saltash
16
Signa
Star of the Wave
5
Tehana
13
Unicorn II
22
Ristango
River Annam
22
Salvini
36B
Signet
36
11
Tekoura
30
Unitia
7
River Esk
Silanion
29
27
Salvo (Tug)
12A
Starlight Ray
35A
Terje I-V
36c
Utilise
19
37
Staunch
Salvo
35
Silja
14A
Teroma
24
Ut. Prosim
10
River Clyde
13
35A
Staunton
River Spey
14B
Salvonia
3
Silva
35A
Tervani
22
Utrecht
36A
36
Stefa
River Ytham
36A
Sandown
10
Silver Cloud
Stella Canopus
21
Tessie
36A
2
Riviere
36B
Sandringham
8,16
Silver Crest
13
Tewara
35
15
Stella Capella
Robert Hastie
14B
Sangarius
17
Silver Dawn
17
Thalia
36
11
Stella Carina
Robert Stroud
26
Sanson
35A
Silver Fox
13
Thames (Dutch Tug)
23
V.
19
Stella Leonis
Robin Hood
28
Saon
10
Silver Grey
24
Thames Queen
23
4
Stella Orion
Vadne
8
Robina
7
13
Silver Line
Thaw
26
Sapphire
Stella Pegassi
25
10
Valena
9
27
Rochebonne
19
Sappho
3
Silver Queen
Stella Polaris
19
The Boys
11
15
Valesca
35A
Rodino
16
14
Silver Seas
13
The Brit
30
Sarah Hyde
14
Stella Rigel
The Provost
28
Vandyck
33
29
Rogate
9
Sarah A. Purdy
29
Silver Sky
26
Stella Sirius
35A
Varanga
Roger Beck
3
Sarba
12
Simpson
35A
The Roman
35A
14A
Stina
36B
Varanis
Romany Rose
23
Sargasso
11
26
The Tower
21
Sindonis
32
Stoke City
29
Vascama
Rona
18
Sargon
21
Sir John Baker
8
Stonefly
26
The Way
14
15
Velia
Ronso
Sarna
36c
Their Merit
35A
16
35A
Sir John Lister
19
Stora
8
Velmont
18
Rooke
20
Saronta
14A
Sir Richard Grenville
2
Stour
13
Thele
22
Ventsyssel
22
Rosa
21
Sarpedon
11
Sir Sydney
14A
Strathcoe
8
Thermopylae
25
Venture
14A
Rosebud
8
5
2
Strathderry
23
Thirlmere
Sir Walter Raleigh
26
Vernal
Sata
8
Roseden
28
Saturn
Siren
2
Strath Devon
3
Thomas Altoft
12
Vernon II
9
Rose Emma
14
Thomas Conolly
13
Victoria
12
Saucy
22
Sirra
35A
Strathelliot
14A
32
Rose Haugh
24
8
Strathgarry
14B
Thomas Leeds
11
Victorian
8
Rose Hilda
Sawfly
Skidaw
21
15
Scalby Wyke
4
14B
Thomsons
Strathmaree
17
Victory
7
Rose Valley
30
Skirmisher
30
14B
Thora
21
Victrix
14
Scarron
4
Skudd 3, 4, 5 & 6
35A
Strath Rannock
Rosel
24
Scawfell
6
Strathspey
22
Thornwick Bay
14
Vidonia
36A
Rose Marie
10
Slogan
Viking Bank
3
Ross
Sceptre
7
Sluga
35A
Strathugie
3
Three Kings
35A
37
7
Strive
14
Thrifty
36B
Vilda
14A
Ross Ard
16
Schelde
6
Smeaton
27
Schievan
17
Thunderstone
17
Vindelicia
36B
Rotha
23
9
Snaefell
Student Prince
18
Vine
22
14B
Scomber
21
Sturton
22
Rotherslade
Tiger Tiger (tender)
Viola
29
37
Snap
23
12A
Rowan
23
Scotch Thistle
35A
Sublime
Violet Flowers
5
22
Soika
24
22
Tilburyness
14A
Rowan Tree
Scotia II
12A
Suilven
18
Tilly Duff
14
Virginia
21
Solitaire
Roxano
14A
Scott
16
Sukha
35A
Visenda
2,5
36B
31
Solomon
15
Sulara
5
Titan
26
Scottish
17
Solon
35A
Viva II
13
Royal Charter
25
Scourge
8
Sulla
35A
Token
Viviana
36c
Royal Eagle
Tokyo II
18
12A
29
Solstice
Royallieu
Scythe
12
Suma
15
14
6
Song
35A
Sumba
35A
Tonny
9
Vizalma
Royalo
Seabreeze
8
28
Sotra
Ruby
Seafarer
Summer Rose
Topaze
10
23
23
Rugby
28
Southcoates
36C
36A
Torbay II
6
5
Seaflower
Sunbeam II
14A
Sunflower IV
14A
Torch
5
29
Southern Breeze
W.
Ryde Runswick Bay
Seagull
35A
29
Southern Chief
Touchstone
25
5
5
Sea Holly
35A
Sunlight
12A
10
35A
36C
Sunrise
37
Tourmaline Trade Wind
27
Southern Field
Wagtail
15
Sea King
13
Southern Flower
28
Waldemar
21
Sea Lord
16
35A
Sunnyside Girl
11
36C
Superman
4
Tranio
19
Wallena
24
Sea Mist
Southern Foam
S.
Southern Gem
23
Tranquil
27
Walnut
15
Sea Monarch
16
36C
Supporter
9
27
Sabra
Seaman
29
Southern Pride
36C
Surly
7
Trelawney
36A
Waltona Walwyns Castle
Sabreur
35
Secuta
17
Southern Shore
36C
Surprise
36
T. R. Ferrens
4
2
Trevo Terceiro
29
Wanderer II
Sailor King
35
Seddon
5
Southern Spray
36C
12
St. Adrian
22
Sedulous
4
Southern Star
36C
Susannah Susarion Jane
17
Tritonia
5
Selkirk
36B
Southern Wave
23
Sutherness
4
Triumph
16
Southsea
(C38230)

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Page 5.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
CORVETTES.
H.M.S. KINGFISHER.
Ratings,
Leading Stoker A. E. Byrne, c/Kx.83744.
E.R.A. A. S. Tawney, 5th Class, C/MX.52277.
Acting Leading Seaman C. N. Harding, C/JX.125483.
H.M.S. SHELDRAKE.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Arthur Edward Tolfrey Christie, R.N.
Officer.
Lieutenant Hugh William MacKenzie Rose, R.N.
Ratings.
Acting Petty Officer Albert Edward Jackson, C/JX. 125587.
Officers' Steward Morris Charles Donno, c/Lx.22343.
Able Seaman William Bond, R.N.P.S.

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262
217
CORVETTES
SHELDRAKE.
KINGFISHER.
GUILLEMOT. 1
rs

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CONFIDENTIAL.
Dyram 95.
263
From.
The Commanding Officer. Sheldrake.
248
Date
2nd June. 1940.
Reference.
RDA/0/37.
To
The Flag Officer in Charge. Harwich.
Subject
Meritorious Service Awards.
1.
Operations in which Sheldrake has been involved during the
evacuation from Dunkirk has enabled certain officers and men to distinguish
themselves in H.M. Ship under my command. The circumstances are outlined
below so that the necessary action may be taken by you should you concur.
2.
Sheldrake was ordered by C-in-C. Nore. to proceed to the KWINTE BUOY
and destroy the Asdic Apparatus of one of our destroyers wrecked in the vicinity
3.
On arrival 'Wakeful' was found to be lying completely capsized
with her stern resting on the bottom and only the forefoot visible, which
appeared from oil marks on the waterline to be semi buoyant. A Boat under
the command of my First Lieutènant, Lieutenant HUGH WILLIAM MACKENZIE ROSE, R.N.
was sent over and placed a berthing wire running from the bull ring round
the keel, to the bull ring the other side. It was intended to hang depth
charges on this 'necklace' and countèrmine them with other depth charges,
using Bickfords fuze.
4.
For the second trip with two depth charges, it was necessary
to tow the whaler to the wreck on the end of a grass and to pump out oil
fuel from Sheldrake to counteract the effects of ground swell and strong
tide, which made operations difficult, particularly on the weather side.
Good seamanship and stout hearts succeeded in placing one charge on either
bow in the required spot without damage to the boat. Throughout the
operation all were acutely aware that we were only 10 miles from Dunkirk
with aircraft of both sides passing the ship at intervals, and that at bomb
in the vicinity of a boat would have countermined the depth charges that
they were placing.
5.
On the whalers return to the ship for the demolition charges,
C-in-C. Nore's signal "Cancel my 1044 area now mined" was received. It
confirmed our own fears that we had been working in a mined area. It
seemed a pity to leave the job half done and it was decided to sink the
wreck by gunfire using D.A. fuze asnear the required area as possible, and
if the ship sunk before the charges placed had been exploded, to fire them with
a countermining pattern of depth charges. She sank inside ten mintes, and
using the escaping bubbles from the punctured stem as an aiming mark, a
pattern was dropped, of which the centre charge produced a plune that told
us that the desired effect had been achieved. The only damage to Sheldrake
was a few light fittings on the Stokers Messdeck caused by the capstan engine
'whipping' on the light deck above.
6. Acting Petty Officer Albert Edward Jackson, Official No. 0/JX/125587
In addition to Lieutenant Rose I wish particularly to mention
my Chief Boatswains Mate, whose energy din the whaler was largely responsible
that the depth charges were placed.
7. for those concerned was the resoue of the survivors of H.M.Trawler
The second incident which I submit should receive. recognition
ST. ACHTLLEUS, which had been mined. After a night spent dodging M.T.B.
torpedoes with H.M.S. Widgeon, aircraft closed and informed me stress that survivors the
in the waters bearing 340 degrees I wish particularly to the
were efficiency of this flight of three aircraft in leadin me to continued scene. to
After passing the signal most expeditiously, two aircraft the ship
circle over the area while one of their number flew past
indicating

Details

264
2
indicating the course aircraft to steer. This maneouvre.
continuously. As the broke showing to repeat the way arrived repeated
another of the flight away the maneouvre. position,
8, and rescued by On arrival the whaler water. a number while A net Sheldrake of men made were in was found maneouvred clinging to to wireckage
proved invaluable on one Fleetwood William Bond (no
on single men in the occasion Able Seaman accordance with A.F.O's.'m
number) Patrol Service, a bravery. fisherman, A enlisted for official
net on which Bond was and hold him completely for exhaused. I 'sung
only, displayed conspicuous standing, he was survivor was a few hostilitiesthe
for someone to jump drifted in, down him. up Able the few minutes it would out!
before the ship since that he upon unable Seaman Bond complied and take
move the man the few rescued necessary the foot of the netting. I to
have discovered feet was to to swim. He was however able I
respiration, subsequently on
to add that the man died although board. he revived for à time with artificial regret
9.
In connection with the rescue work, I also wish to mention
Officers Steward Morris Charles Donno. Official No. C/LX/122343. who
repeatedly dived to assist in the recovery of other survivorsand
subsequently worked continuously for some hours without a break rendering
artificial respiration to one of other of the five men being so treated
while Sheldrake was returning to harbour.
10.
I wish also to draw attention to the outstanding work of
Petty Officer Albert Vincent Sears. Official No. C/J/104779. my Coxswain,
whose first aid work was particularly commented upon by the Medical Staff
on arrival. Of the eleven survivors rescued only' two were able to walk
ashore, four were cot cases and four men were found to be dead by the
Medical Officer on arrival in harbour. All those who died had shown signs
of recovery, but it has been ascertained that they died, not from drowing,
but from the effects of a depth charge placed to blow up the Anti-Submarine
apparatus, which exploded after the crew were in the water. This produced
internal infuries and shock.
Official No. C/JX/125676 and Able Seaman Drummond Jackson Ryder. Official to
In addition to Petty Officer Sears, Able Seaman John Anderson,
No. C/SSX/18252. Were outstanding in the unflagging energy in trying that no
the apparently drowned to life. It was once more demonstrated has
however men be up until rigor mortis and not
man, set in. All apparently those who died dead, should given died as the result of shock water.
from drowning, though they were subsequently apparently lifeless when in the
11. inflatable lifebelts was also reported by to float when unconscious half or their
It the whaler's crew that men wearing dead,
with the only, appeared life belts were lifebelf
back with face the submerged. Those wearing feel cork that, while the rubber thisive
when ideal, time permits in that it in wearing can be worn a cork whenever lifebelt sea, in addition, and
is mouth free to breathe. I at there is a that
should be promulgated.
(Signed)
IT. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER IN COMMAND.
Order

Details

Details

Details

corvettes.
2.
An In interesting view account of attack by E. Boats, on
of
the
as considered 3. an Anti Further E that Boat they escort as the should best proposed for be East fitted Coast employment with of
placed to turn in bows such on a to position the enemy that the the ahead. is
for D.O.D. (H)
8.6.40.
Noted with interest.
2. With reference to para. 11 of the report, ships
have been informed that E. Boats operate in conjunction
with aircraft. (C.-in-C., Nore's signal 1754/31/5
and R.A.D. Home Fleet's 1815/31/5). It should be
obvious that the tactics of the E. Boat are largely
governed by those of her quarry.
3. With reference to para. 12, an alternative
explanation of the flares sighted by SHELDRAKE on
2nd June is that they were flares towed by aircraft
on a course giving little change of bearing.
4. The provision of a 20 inch searchlight in the
KITTIWAKE class was recommended by D.T.S.D. in M.F.
7511/39. D.T.S.D. is trying to obtain this paper
and will raise this question separately.
The use of
a S/L may, however, assist the attack of other E boats
and it is difficult to site it so that it will bear
ahead without dazzling bridge personnel.
While
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & STAFF DUTIES
DIVISION.
13.6.40. 13.
a paper all , outi bont Exprimu
Nolind with interest DAISW is to orring
to dati.
2. Concern win Don (Hj: pma 3.5 some form
of Saminique in is only Dur with
Mai shall may be name on our coin.
Chan anough.
13.6.40

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
252
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. Sheldrake.
Date
3rd. June. 1940. Reference RDA/C/38.
TO
The Commander in Chief. The Nore.
Through The Commodore in Charge. Sheerness.
boby to Senior Officer. Conettes.
1.
The following renort of operations carried out in accordance
with C-in-C. Nore's 1121/2 is submitted.
2.
Sheldrake sailed from Sheerness at 1615 with an additional
demolition party of 12, with orders to destroy the asdic gear in
Basilisk ashore off La Panne. On passage zig zagging was employed
where submarine attack could (be) reasonable expected.
3.
Routed via T Buoy (2005), Oostdyck (2053), Middlekerke (2128),
Nieuport Bk. (2024) Buoys I closed the shore in stages as the light
failed, and was able to identify Basilisk by 2131 andthen waited
till 2230 for darkness before closing in. She was awash up to her
FX deck in position Latitude 51degs. 08mins. 20secs. North. Long-
itude 2degs. 34mins. 50secs. East., 2 miles off shore.
4.
The demolition party was immediately placed abcard, while
Sheldrake lay off about a cable from the wreck. A Lew minutes after
midnight the fuzes were lit, and the whaler hoisted at 0017. The
officer in charge of demolitions has submitted a separate report as
to the location of charges, which were lowered as far below water
level as possible. The ship apperas to have already been pretty well
gutted by fire forward, and her bridge wrecked. He was unable to
make his way aft, but reports that her back had apparently been broke
en by an explosion in the vicinity of the engine room. one empty
C.B. chest was found.
5. a few enemy aircraft were seen. Sever fighting was taking place
Throughout the operation I was apparently not located though
up till midnight, the right 01 the enery be on the
beach abreast the ship, with their gun batteries on the left and
Dunkirk illuminated by firexas usual) to my right. This fighting died
down as the repeated bombing of gun positions by the R.A.F. took
effect. I regret it was not possible to close the reported position have
of Crested Eagle on the beach as Sheldrake would undoubtedly
been illuminated by our own parachute flares. I had also hoped by
placing been done depth to Wakeful, in addition to the internal demolitions, the
charges to complete the destruction of the ship, as but had
this possible: nor would a Mk. VII. charge fired from
throwers was have not operated in the shallow water in which she was lying.
6.
Apart from tide, there were no navigational difficulties, as the
buoys were lit.
continued overleaf

Details

2.
continued
7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained
Having re-embarked Bk. the GP.OCC. demolition and party at 0017 I
until 0230 with the or with a faint hope until that R
either left patrol, by appearing from
on their return be journey able to engage. None were the
half light to been established before met, and the dawn suffly
of aircraft had not I was clear of the path
8. experience nith M.T.B. during few days, in the hope own
In submitting the above report the last I would like to add my
methods of operating may be up.
from such scraps of unexplained built evidence a complete picture of that the
9.
During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on
bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patroll
between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel
a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made
at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by BS. with
mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 and
rocket at 0147.
10.
During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under
the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB
At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the
quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be
opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising
too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I
away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under
stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma
was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight cannot be which point
to attacks night and with of aircraft Widgeon the range, turned the glasses guns on turned 10" returned, at these to in before 2000ft. ram from the to small an investigate. the beam course doing innocent burning targets bridge. of her N.E. the navigation any small difficult, light, At I At followed. harm. 2340 0040 boat and I flares torpedoes At lights, орепей which as are At 0030 they only 0041 were I an course fire managed were visible aircraft seen a with heard torpedo west. astern to small throug illum passe to At not tra an
passed down my port side, and two more alarm by siren, but I saw 03
At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon sounded an course S, at na
ation following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight.
one aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent
At 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti
11.
Points that emerge from the above are :-
(a) made by lying in wait ahead 01
attacks of the target are not and always stopped. be used at the moment g
(b) (c) attack. small flares may sometimes been wate
aircraft co-operate and phosephorosconce of llary
assisted which gives by the ships marked away
speeds.
continued

Details

3.
SECRET
MO - 253
continued.
115)
12.
La Panne, 0115 to 0200/3. almost continuous flares
On and the from night of Sunday June 2nd. Sheldrake was 2 miles off
out. The peculiarity of these flares was that they did not appear to
about 3 (timed). Another was lit to replace it when it burnt
estimated minutes range 5 to 7 miles, height 1000ft. Each flare burnt an for
observed on a bearing of which varied from 350degs. to 005degs. were at
certain. One only did fall, and it was immediately replaced by another
be carried by aircraft, and they did not lose height: of this I am
burning at the steady height.
MMANDER-I
CO 4- JUN 1940
*
THE NORE
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER IN COMMAND.
II.
No. R.E. 2/010.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
H. M. SHIPS & VESSELS,
THE NORE.
Submitted in accordance with your 1121/2.
2.
With reference to Paragraph 12. These flares
may possibly have been flown from local patrol vessels
with some form of kite suspension.
(Sgd.) H.R. Marrack.
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
4th June, 1940.
SHEERNESS
III.
No. 3033/477. C/40.
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
7 JUN 1940
ITERY
(Copies to:- Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.
Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness.)
HOW
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordshi
with reference to Nore Message 1554/5th June.
The Nore.
6th June, 1940.
for A D M I R A L.

Details

Din/o/
450
1162424
CONFIDENTAL.
423 44a illa,
FROM:
The Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich.
TO:
Vice Admiral, Dover.
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief, The Nore)
DATE:
7th June, 1940.
No. 207/40
Operation "DYNAMO"
In accordance with Nore General Order
No. 448, herewith are submitted such reports as I
have received so far from ships taking part in
Operation "Dynamo":-
th
Pack 95
(i)
M.T.B. No. 16's letter of 30th May.
ing
(ii)
H.M. Corvette "Sheldrake's" letter of 2nd June,
1160%
(iii)
Senior Officer, 8th M/S Flotilla (H.M.S.
ere
ofgaulower
"GLENGOWER") letter of 3rd June.
Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "CAPE ARGONA"
edoe
c/No
2.
Other reports are being collected and
en
1/0/1124
will be forwarded as soon as possible. The writers
of the enclosed reports have been directed to report
twira
was
full Christian names of personnel recommended to
lers
assistry
you at once.
1640.
8/6
3.
I refrain at this stage from offering
further comment on these reports except that I would
e
draw especial attention to the excellent report rendered
reen
by Acting Commander Michael Anthony Ormus Biddulph
1
of H.M.S."GLEN GOWER".
liled
The operation carried out by this Officer
and his ships company appears to have been conducted
throughout with exceptional skill, determination and
bolt
gallantry.
ficer
A
The
It
yelanco
e por
REAR ADMIRAL.
send
I
e to
the Schuyt type. Having given them orders from the Senior Naval
Maund, I réturneu to DUNKITK, where 1 found two small vessels of
Officer, I returned M to Bray Dunes.
BRAY DUNES 1600/28
Several destroyers were now anchored off the beach
The two Schuyts were aground close inshore. The troops appeared the
and whalers were embarking troops and taking them to the ships.
whalers, a and some were attempting to swim off to the Schuyts.
in demoralized state. They were hampering the work of
I proceeded close inshore, anchored in one under fathom,
and succeeded in embarking many troops. This was lone
considerable

Details

Page 5.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
CORVETTES.
M.S. KINGFISHER.
Ratings,
Leading Stoker A. E. Byrne, C/KX.83744.
E.R.A. A. S. Tawney, 5th Class, C/MX.52277.
Acting Leading Seaman C. N. Harding, C/JX.125483.
.M.S. SHELDRAKE.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Arthur Edward Tolfrey Christie, R.N.
Officer.
Lieutenant Hugh William MacKenzie Rose, R.N.
Ratings.
Acting Petty Officer Albert Edward Jackson, C/JX.125587.
Officers' Steward Morris Charles Donno, c/Lx.22343.
Able Seaman William Bond, R.N.P.S.

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 5.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
CORVETTES.
M.S. KINGFISHER.
Ratings,
Leading Stoker A. E. Byrne, C/KX.83744.
E.R.A. A. S. Tawney, 5th Class, C/MX.52277.
Acting Leading Seaman C. N. Harding, C/JX. 125483.
M.S. SHELDRAKE.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Arthur Edward Tolfrey Christie, R.N.
Officer.
Lieutenant Hugh William MacKenzie Rose, R.N.
Ratings.
Acting Petty Officer Albert Edward Jackson, C/JX.125587.
Officers' Steward Morris Charles Donno, 0/LX.22343.
Able Seaman William Bond, R.N.P.S.

Details

NOT
KOSHLUGH
So.
thom
ЯНИГО
REMARKS
VESSEL
OWNERS
БУМДОКУ
of
Released 1.6.40.
ОТНАЯ
ROSELYNE
Capt. C. Dines
ROSE MARIE
F. Upton
Returned to Owner.
ROYAL THAMES
J. Mears
Returned to Owner.
RUMMY II
A.G. Smith
A.P.S
A.E. Rylend
Re-allocated to A.P.B.
RYEGATE II
P.G. Broom
Returned to Owner.
RAPID
RUBY
J.F. Caine
Prepared for Dynamo but did not go.
of
ton
ROSABELLE
J.C. Wood
No trace of return from Dynamo.
ROSE LN.19
A. Large
Returned to Owner 7.6.40.
G. Alexander 82.2
Returned to Owner.
SANDOWN
SCARBOROUGH
FISHING VESSELS vessels,
Prepared but did not go.
SEAGULL LN 203 C. Loose
Returned to Owner 7.6.40. 10
ST. DENIS
P.C. Allen
Vessel did not go.
ST. PATRICK
W.B. Thompson
T.98. No report received from List
of Missing Vessels.
SALLY FORTH
Dr. Purvis
Returned to Owner.
CUAM
SALVAGE LAUNCH RIZDON BEASLEY
Released
1.6.40.
SANTOSY 74B
L. Odell
T.98. No report received from List
of Missing Vessels.
SATYR
C.H. Masters
T.98. Returned to Owner.
SCENE SHIFTER
B.E. Longman
T.98. No report received from List
of Missing Vessels.
Jon
SCHEDAR
Wood
Re-allocated to
SEA FALCON
W.H. Elce
Abandoned Dover and Littlehampton
Lists.
SEA FOAM
W.T. Cayton
Returned to Owner.
SEAGULL
E.G. King
Returned to Owner 18.6.
SEA HAWK
Mr. May
Returned to Owner.
SEA ROAMER
Mr. Wheatley
Re-allocated to .P.S.
SEASALTER
(Seasalter & Ham
Returned to Owner.
(Cyster Fishing Co.
SEASCHOOL
Shipping Federation
Did not go.
SEASWALLOW
Capt. R. Drake
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SEYMOUR CASTLE
R. Dart Steam Boat Co.
Returned to Owners 19/6-
A. Barrel
Abandoned off Dunkirk.
SHAMROCK
Mr. Peters
Returned to Owner - damaged.
SHANNON
H.J. Davis
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SHELDRAKE
SHUNESTA
Per Crouch Eng. Co.
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SILVER FOAM
W.T. Ceyton
Returned to owner 18.6.
SILVER SPRAY
J. Collet
T.98. Returned to Owner 19.6.
SILVERY BREEZE
A. Verley
A.P.S.
SINBAD II
H.W. Hare
Returned to Owner.
SILVER SPRAY
LI.230 W.A. Begless
Returned to Owner.
SKYLARK II
SM.281 F.T. Collins
Presumed lost.
SARAH & EMILY J. Todd
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
SUCCESS (WY.12) M. Leadley
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk.
SINGAPORE I
D.F. Bostock
T.98, A.P.S.
SINGAPORE II+
-do-
T.98. A.P.B.
SKYLARK
Myalls Ltd.
to owners.
SKYLARK (BM. 5)IV F.T. Collins
Special Service (6A).
SKYLARK I
(N.E. Knight and
Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
(We Stephenson
Service (6A).
SKYLARK III BM. F.T. Collins
Reported lost per Fishery Office
391
No confirmation.
SKYLARK II
Myalls Ltd.
Returned to owners.
SKYLARK III
W.F. Coisan
T.98. No information of release
from Dynamo.

Details

690
SECRET.
Report of Proceedings - H.M.S.Viry - No.154/7/35 dated 11/6/40.
6. (cont). between 1 titudes of Goodwin Knoll buoy nd S.W.
Goodwin Buoy.
17.
H.M.S."Sheldrike" joined the hunt in coord nce with
C in C Nore's sign 1 timed 0708.
18. "Sheldrake" nd Tr wlers in coord nce with c in C Nore's signal
Proceeded fr Dunkirk to 1030 le ving hunt to H.M.S.
timed 100
19.
rrived off Dunkirk t 1230 nd secured longside
B st Pier Bows Out t 1300.
20. further to se 7 rd on two OCC sions between 1300 nd 1335 nd
The 1 lling tide . de it necess ry to shift berth
it 400 I left to secure longside the end of the Pier Bows in.
21. by shore b tteries 7 S bserved at the 1 DUV rd end of the Pier.
While troops were being emb rked intermittent shelling
22.
Prodeeded for Dover t 538.
23.
rrived Dover to disemb rice troops securing to
dmir Ity Pier t 1856
24.
st June 1940
24
Completed with oil fuel nd pr ceeded for Dunkierk
t 0100.
25.
In collisi n with H.M.Y. mulree in position 270° I.W.
dwin bucy 1 ble to 0156.
were 26. put to A Full Speed stern nd the wheel I rd- -st rb rd.
single white light 18 sighted he d. The engines
Amulree rently Itered to Port 8 "Viny's" stem entered her
went cle F-s nd S nk immedi tely. Own speed bef ree c llisi n
st rbo rd pp bow. 8 seen S the ship g thered stern-way Imuree
If S 151 Imets.
27. t: pick up survivors, nd 0233 I ceeded for Dover h ving
The skiff being the only ren ining Do t If S 1 wered
recovered 11 members of Imuree's crew.
28.
rrived Dover nd secured to No.2 bucy 0340.
2nd June 1040.
20
Proceededin coord nce with W. Dover's sign 1 timed
1942/ for C rdiff it 0605.
30. 1514 for Portsmouth t 1540.
Proceeded in coord nce with dmir Ity's sign 1 timed
31. longside "Verity" t 1680 tobe ken in h nd for rep irs.
rrived Portsmouth nd secured t North Corner Jetty
VICE ADMIRAL
15 JUN 1940
.
EdePentworth
OVER

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
the Vega and the Polish Blyskawica two were destroyers diverted from them to the
On patrol this day with these and eleven A/S trawlers². were the
A/S Thomas Chief 4 Widgeon, survivors. Owing trawler Skipper Bartlett, to Sheldrake, Thuringia a D. misunderstanding which W. Shearwater L. were was Simpson, sunk in company, by the D.S.C., a LL mine carried trawlers D.S.M., early out in R.N.R., Our the a sweep Bairns, a was in not Dunkirk Inverforth among Captain, and the
instead of sweeping the war channel. These to vessels were shelled off Calais; roads
ran on to a British minefield, and, striking 1017, sank with the guns, loss
and the Thomas Bartlett, while endeavouring a mine get at out of range of the
of 8 of her crew³.
During the night of 28th/29th May, to strengthen this patrol, all available
M.T.B.'s of the Nore and Dover Commands were ordered to patrol north-east
of the line Wandelaar L/V and Whistle Buoy.
Summary of troops landed in England
The figures for May 28th gave grounds for hope. 17,804 troops were trans-
ported to England⁴ (of which 11,835 were transported by destroyers). Of
these, 11,874 were lifted from Dunkirk east pier, and 5,930 from the beaches.
(See Table 2).
Ships lost or damaged on 28th May
LOST
DAMAGED
The A/S trawler Thuringia
The destroyer Windsor.
The drifter Ocean Reward
The M/S Brighton Belle
LL trawler Thomas Bartlett
P/V Queen of the Channel
The skoot Alice
The H/C Isle of Thanet
Stella 2 Dorado, Wyke, Kingston Alalite, being damaged Galena, Saon, Spurs,
I 2 The The Windsor Cayton had returned to Dover after in an air attack at 1145.
4 D.R. Report gives by Westella, C.M.S., 14,409, Dover Blackburn (R.O. Rovers, II, p.498). Kingston Lady Philomena Andalusite, and Kingston Thuringia.
disembarked by the various but this ships, figure as shown is not in confirmed Tables See also 2 and by Appx. the 3. recorded J.12 numbers of troops
34

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
out because of the men in the water. By the time the Lydd had picked up
10 survivors, the destroyer Grafton, loaded with about 800 troops from Bray
beach, also arrived and ordered the Lydd to circle round her. The Gossamer
went on to Dover.
In the meantime, the Comfort had reached the stern portion of the wreck of
the Wakeful, and finding that it had fallen over¹, went alongside the Grafton
to warn her of the danger of torpedoes. It was then about 0240, and the
Grafton having first sighted a small darkened vessel about 3 cables on the port
quarter, signalled it to pick up survivors. Almost at once a torpedo hit the
Grafton's port side and exploded; a second explosion followed, thought to be
a shell or grenade hit, which wrecked the Grafton's bridge killing her Captain,
Cdr. C. E. C. Robinson, R.N., and 3 others. The torpedo blew off. the Grafton's
stern, abaft the after magazine bulkhead, and broke her back, but she still
floated on an even keel. A German submarine, U.69 had fired the torpedo.
The torpedo explosion almost swamped the Comfort; she rose, and Cdr.
Fisher was washed overboard. He seized a rope's end, but with the Comfort
going full speed ahead soon had to let go. The Comfort came round in a wide
circle until within about 50 yards of the stricken Grafton, whereupon the
Grafton and Lydd, mistaking her in the darkness for an E-boat, opened a heavy
raking fire with 4-inch and Lewis guns.²
Comfort cut in half
When the firing ceased Cdr. Fisher, who had reached the bow of the Comfort,
endeavoured to get abord; but the Lydd, having circled round to finish off
the supposed E-boat, bore down at full speed and, ramming the Comfort amid-
ships (it was then about 0307), cut her in half. Some of the Comfort's crew
attempted to spring aboard the Lydd, but the Lydd, mistaking them for boarders,
opened up with rifle fire. Two men were, however, taken off the rammed vessel
and it was then discovered that she was the Comfort. Altogether, the number
saved from this most tragic occurrence, shrouded in the darkness of the night,
were only 5, of which 4 were survivors from the Wakeful. As the Grafton then
appeared able to look after herself, the Lydd set course for Ramsgate.
When the Comfort went down Cdr. Fisher again sank, but he came to the
surface and, after swimming about until 0515, was picked up by a boat lowered
from the Norwegian S.S. Hird, which was en route from Dunkirk to England
with about 3,500 troops and refugees on board.
Grafton sunk
In the meantime, at 0400, the personnel ship Malines, which was returning
empty from Dunkirk, heard S OS signals; she placed herself alongside the
torpedoed Grafton and transferred the destroyer's 800 troops. "The Master
handled his ship with extreme skill," reported the acting Captain of the Grafton,
Lieut. H. C. J. McRea, R.N.
It was now 0430, just before sunrise, and the destroyers Javelin, Icarus,
Vanquisher, Intrepid and Ivanhoe, en route from Dover to Dunkirk, sighted the
sinking Grafton. The Ivanhoe went to her assistance and embarked the
I On the 30th May the corvette Sheldrake was ordered to destroy the Wakeful's asdic
apparatus. She found the Wakeful completely capsized with her stern resting on the
bottom. As, by then, information was received that the area had been mined, the Shel-
drake, to minimise the risk, sank the wreck by gunfire and a pattern of depth charges.
2 Later the Grafton's fire was shifted to another vessel further away on the port quarter,
which was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the E-boat.
37

Details

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
Cyclone, was on her way to Dunkirk when, apparently between T buoy and the
West Hinder, the track of a torpedo was seen at 0121 crossing from port to
starboard 10 yards ahead; a minute later another track was seen to port,
and although avoiding action was taken the torpedo struck forward and con-
siderably damaged her, but the Cyclone was still able to steam and she pro-
ceeded back to Dover at 4 knots escorted by an English vessel; later, the
French torpedo boat Bouclier and then the French minesweeper Arras took
over the duty of escort. The Cyclone reached Dover at 1600, having trans-
ferred two serious casualties to an English M/B while on passage. She took
no further part in "Dynamo".
Siroco sunk
At 0145, some 20 minutes after this attack, the French destroyer Siroco, on
her way to Dover with 770 troops from Dunkirk, was hit near T buoy by 2
torpedoes fired by an E-boat which had stopped and was unseen in the dark-
ness; the destroyer Vega, on patrol 4 miles to the south-east, saw a column of
flame 200 feet high. The Siroco capsized shortly after. Survivors to the
number of 252 were picked up, 50 by the trawler Wolves, 21 by the trawler
Stella Dorado, 166 by the corvette Widgeon and 15 by the Polish destroyer
Blyskawica.
At 0700, the Vega, which had been on patrol since noon 28th May, was
relieved by the destroyer Jackal.
It was on this morning that clear evidence of the presence of enemy sub-
marines was obtained, for the Vimy, en route to Dunkirk, sighted the periscope
and conning tower of one between the North Goodwin buoy and the North-
West Goodwin buoy. A depth charge was dropped, and a hunt began in which
the trawlers Westella and Spurs, the corvette Sheldrake, and the Jackal joined,
but without success.
Conditions on the beaches
Meanwhile, conditions on the beaches were by no means favourable. Already
at 0400 a lop had started. At about 0600 the R.N.L.I. life boat Lord South-
borough was ferrying troops to the destroyer Icarus off Bray. 'There was a
nasty surf," said the coxswain of the life boat. "Troops were rushing out to
us from all directions and were being drowned close to us and we could not get
to them
it seemed to me we were doing more harm [than good] by drawing
the men off the shore, as with their heavy clothing, the surf was knocking them
over and they were unable to get up.
The whaler from the destroyer.
was
swamped, so was the motor pinnace that was working with the whaler, and so
it was all along the sands as far as I could see, both sides of us, and there was
not a boat left afloat".
At 0600 also, Lt. Col. R. L. Hutchins, M.C., Grenadier Guards, in command
of the War Department motor launch Swallow, arrived off Dunkirk, and des-
cribed the situation as follows: Dunkirk was under a pall of smoke from fires
which appeared to be mainly to the south and west of the port. There were
numerous wrecks outside the harbour, and along the beaches. There were
large numbers of troops on the shore as far as it was possible to see to the east-
ward, and the beach was strewn with all forms of motor transport. Along the
foreshore were a very large number of pulling boats, aground, capsized or
damaged, and abandoned. There were also a considerable number of motor
I Appendix J.2.
69

Details

SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
boiler and engine rooms badly holed, the steering gear jammed with the rudder
hard over, the ship took a heavy list to port. The crew of the pom-pom were
all killed or knocked out except Acting Leading Seaman Ronald Thirlwall, who,
although shockingly badly wounded in at least four places, kept the one un-
damaged barrel firing until ammunition was exhausted. The 0.5" gun aft was
also kept in action by Able Seaman C. A. L. Hirschfield, who went aft and
brought the gun into action single handed after all the crew were wounded.
With water pouring into the ship, the Mosquito was abandoned, the survivors
being picked up by the Rapid and two drifters. Among the killed was the
executive officer Lieutenant A. H. Mainwaring, R.N.
Fifth and sixth air attacks, 1500 and 1610
Between 1230 and about 1500 there was a lull in the air attacks on shipping,
and when attacks were renewed at the latter hour R.A.F. and Coastal Command
patrols were operating and no damage occurred.
About 1600 the French minesweeping trawlers Président Briand, Denis
Papin, Moussaillon and Vénus, were approaching Dunk'rk after landing troops
in England, when gunfire from a shore battery opposite 6 W buoy caused the
two former, who were ahead, to turn back. Ten minutes later, a formation of
9 enemy aircraft dived cn them, directing their bombs on the Vénus and the
Denis Papin. The latter apparently sank immediately with total loss of her
crew, and the Vénus in four minutes, after a direct hit. Whilst the other two
trawlers were engaged in rescuing the survivors of the Vénus, the Moussaillon
was hit and sank within a minute.
Losses from mines
On this black day mines were also taking their toll of shipping. Enemy
aircraft had been mining the inshore channels during the night 31st May-1st
June, and at 0313 Vice-Admiral Dover informed the Admiralty that he was
allowing ships evacuating troops to use Route Y as well as Route X. In the
early hours the corvette Sheldrake after a night spent in dodging M.T.B.
torpedoes", was skilfully directed by aircraft to a position between the West
Hinder and Kwint buoys, where she found wreckage with men clinging to it.
This was the remains of the trawler St. Achilleus which had been mined on
patrol. The Sheldrake rescued 11 men, but 4 of them died before they could
be got to harbour. About the same time, i.e. at 0330, the little Thames Estuary
cockle bawley boat Renown was blown to pieces with her crew of 3, on the way
back from Dunkirk.
The third ship to be sunk on this day was the F.A.A. training yacht Grive a
vessel which, on account of her untiring activity, could ill be spared. Having
disembarked 374 troops at Dover at 0100 on the 1st June the Grive sailed again
two hours later for Dunkirk without waiting to replenish ammunition, of which
she had only 5 rounds per gun remaining. On the way in to the harbour she
lent assistance to the Ivanhoe after the latter was bombed and damaged, went
alongside the jetty and embarked troops under heavy bombing. At 0800 she
left again. On the way out, she passed the sinking destroyer Havant with the
Ivanhoe's troops and survivors of the crew on board; these she transferred,
and arrived at Dover with 785 persons about 1300. Three hours later, her
indefatigable Captain (Capt. the Hon. L. J. O. Lambart, D.S.O., R.N. (Retired)
sailed once more for Dunkirk. But he never arrived, for at about 2230, when
a mile or so outside the harbour, the Grive was blown to pieces by a mine.
Nineteen survivors were picked up, but her Captain was not among them.
93

Details

Details

OF SHIPPING,
VESSEL
OWNERS
ROSELYNE
ROSE MARIE
RUMMY II
ROYAL THAMES
Capt. C. Dines
F. Upton
REMARKS
J. Mears
RAPID RYEGATE II
A.G. Smith
Returned Released 1.6.40
REMARKS
A.E. Ryland
OWNERS
RUBY
P.G. Broom
Prepared Re-allocated A.P.S. Returned for to to Owner. Owner. Owner. 'to
SSEL
J.F. Caine
Returned to Owners.
RK VI
Bolsons Co.
T.98. T.98. Returned to Owners 17.6.
ROSE LNN.19 ROSABELLE
-do-
ARK IX
Returned to owner.
J.C. Wood
ARK X
Mr. Jackson
A. Large
Returned Returned to Owners 5.6.40.
to Owners.
T.B. Brookman
SCARBOROUGH
ARK
G. Alexander
Vessel Returned Prepared No trace did to but Owner Owner. did Dynamo not 7.6.40. TA but
ING THROUGH
H. Cartridge
T.98. T.98. Re-allocated to A.P.S.
A.W. Williams
Returned Returned to to of Owner return from GLER I
Returned to owner.
G.D. Leyte
Re-allocated A.P.S.
ST.
BUNTING
Mr. Wray
No report received from List of
Loft, West Ltd.
Missing Vessels.
W.B. Thompson
Allen
No information of return from
was
SALVAGE FORTH SALLY
THERN QUEEN
C.H. Harvey.
Dunkirk T.98.
SANTOSY ?4B
LAUNCH
Dr.,Purvis
PL.17
Returned to owner.
Released Returned to T.98. of No 1.6.40.r. report Vessels."eceived not 7.6.40.
P. Shore
T.98. Returned to owner 19.6.
TH RAY
SATYR
L.
S. Figg
Returned Returned to owner 5.6.40.
to owner.
in
NAWAY
A. Hewitt
INDRIFT
T.98. T.98. No report received from List
DS
SCENE SHIFTER
T. Brown
tis
SCHEDAR
B.E. Longman
C.H. Masters
RFISH
W.H. Stonehouse
of Missing Vessels.
ONEHAVEN
SEA FALCON
E.C. Wood
MAID
F.M. Brown
T.98. of to Ondowner MMER JRREY
Cdr.C.H. Lightoller
A.P.S. Re-allocated No information to of A.P.S. return from Dunkirk.
SEAGUAM
W.H. Elce
NSHINE R.13)
A.J. Berrion
Returned to owner.
E.T. Thomas
A.P.S.
SEASALTER
E.G. King
W.T. Cayton
c/o Toughs
Mr.
Returned Listened Dover to and A.P.S.
OUTHEND BRITANNIA Southend
Britannia Co.
Returned Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
to owners.
SEASCHOOL
ROSE
Jubilee Fishing Co.
Returned to
Service Prepared for Dynamo but owner. did not go.
(6A).
SHAMROCK SEASWALLOW CASTLE
Returned Reted Returned to to owner.P.S. Owner. Owner Owner.
C.H. Anderson
Damaged. Returned to
18.6.
EA AIR
W.H. Ringer
SOUTHERN KIPJACK QUEEN
C. Mockridge & Exrs.
Returned to owner.
R.
A. Bart Steam
of E. Saunders
SHELDRAKE
Did
Mr. Peters
Boat
Co.
Returned to owner.
Per H.J. Davis
S.
Howden
SILVER SPRAY
FOAM
TANKERTON TOWERS
T.98. Returned to owners.
Mrs. Spragge
W.T. J. Crouch Eng. Co.
c/o Toughs
Taken Lost while being towed from Dunkirk.
by owners.
SINBAD SILVERY BREEZE
TARPON
A.W. werley
Colleton
TOTAL THE
THARK
H.F. Eaton
SILVER SPRAY
THETIS
Mr. Colding
Returned Returned - to unsuitable. owner prepared did not go.
THE ANGLER
J.T. Phelps
SKYLARK II.230 W.A.
Hare
THELMA
THURN
Schofield Ramsgate Diesel
A.P.S. Released 1.6.40 Allocated to Special
Admiralty Service. 6A
SUCCESS SARAH & EMILY SM.281 J. F.T. Toddlins Begless
A.P.S. Returned to Owner. Owner 19.6.
THYME
Trawlers
Returned 3.6.40.
THREE BROTHERS
C.F. Grant
H. Hastings
Damaged. Re-allocated Returned Special to Admiralty owner. Service
M. Leadley
Returned to Owner.
TIGRIS. ONE
T. Hill
TOM HILL
(6A). Returned to owner 19.6.
Presumed
Dr. E. Williams
T.98. T.98. No report received to List of
SKYLARK SKYLARK SKYLARK I (SM. 5) F.T. Myellostock Ltd.
TRILLENE
W.D. Wills
Missing Vessels.
BE OF DE
TRITON
from
R. Hayes
T.98. No report Returned received to owner. from List of Missing
III
SM.
SKYLARK SKYLARK III II
F.T. (w. (N.E. Collinsond Collins Knight
not go to List Dunkirk. of
TWO SISTERS
F.E. Fothergill
TWO RIVERS
Vessels. Held at Tough Bros. Owner unknown.
391
Not required.
TORTOISE
S. Rowden
Returned to owner.
Myalls Ltd.
Coisan
Reported (6A). Service to Special to owners.
TREASURE TONY LN.40
T. Neilson
lost
of release Office

Details

VESSEL
OWNERS
REMARKS
RIVER TOY
G.U.ELKINGTON
OWNER CLAIMS USED AT DUNKIRK
ROSELYNE
Capt.C.Dines
Released 1.6.40
ROSE MARIE
F.Upton
Returned to Owner
ROYAL THAMES
J.Mears
Returned to Owners
RUMMY II
A.G.Smith
A.P.S.
RYEGATE II
A.E.Ryland
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RAPID
P.G.Broom
Returned to Owners
RUBY
J.F.Caine
Prepared for Dynamo but did
not go.
ROSABELLE
J.C.Wood
No trace of return from Dynamo
ROSE LN.19
A.Large
Returned to Owner 7.6.40
SANDOWN
G.Alexander
Returned to Owner.
SCARBOROUGH FISHING
(9 Vessels)
Prepared but did not go.
VESSELS
SEAGULL LN 203
C.Loose
Returned to Owner 7.6.40.
ST.DENIS
P.C.Allen
Vessel did not go.
ST.PATRICK
W.B.Thompson
T.98 No report received from
List of Missing essels.
SALLY FORTH
Dr.Purvis
Returned to Owners.
SALVAGE LAUNCH
RISDON BEAZLEY
Released 1.6.40
SAMBING
Liogo Janal Boat
Returned to Owners 19/6
SANTOSY 74B
L.Odell
T.98 No report received from
list of Mis sing Vessels.
SATYR
C.H.Masters
T.98 "eturned to Owners
SCENE SHIFTER
S.E.Longman
T.98 No report received from
List of Mising Vessels.
SCHEDAR
E.C.Wood
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
FALCON
W.H.Elce
Abandoned Dover & Littlehampton
Lists.
SEA FOAM
W.T.Cayton
Returned to Owners
SEAGULL
E.G.King
Returned to Owners 18.6.
SEA HAWK
Mr.May
Returned to Owner.
SEA ROAMER
Mr.Wheatley
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SEASALTER
(Seasalter & Ham
Returned to Owners
(Oyster Fishing Co.
SEASCHOOL
Shipping Federation
No information from list of
Missing Yessels. DIDNOTGO To DUNKI
SEASWALLOW
Capt.R.Drake
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SEYMOUR CASTLE
R. Dart Steam Boat Co.
Returned to Owners 19/6
SHAMROCK
A.Barral
Abendoned of f Dunkirk
*
SHANNON
Mr.Peters
Returned to Owner - Damaged.
SHELDRAKE
H.J.Davis
Re-allocatad to A.P.S.
SHUNESTA
Per Crouch Eng.Co.
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SILVER FOAM
W.T. Cayton
Returned to owner 18/6
SILVER SPRAY
J.Collet
T.98 returned to Owners 19/6.
SILVERY BREEZE
A.Verley
A.P.S.
SINBAD II
E.W.Hare
Returned to Owners.
SILVER SPRAY LI.230
W.A.Ragless
Returned to Owner.
SKYLARKVIV SM 281
F.T.Collins
Presumed lost.
SARAH & EMILY
J.Todd
No report received from list
of issing Vessels.
SUCCESS (WY 12)
M.Leadley
Prepared but did not go to
Dunkirk.
SINGAPORE I
F.Bostock
T.98 A.P.S.
S INGAPORE II
do
T.98 A.P.S.
SKYLARK
Myalls Ltd.
Returned to Owners.
SKYLARK (S.M.5) IT
F.T.Collins
Special Service (6A)
SKYLARK I
Knight &
Re-allocated to Special Admy.
(W.Stephenson
Service (6A)
SKYLARK III S.M.391
F.T.Collins
Reported lost per Fishery
Office. No confirmation.
SKYLARK II
Myalls Ltd.
Returned to Owners.
SKYLARK III
W.F.Coisan
T.98 No information of return
SHEILA (Dingay) (TM16-199)
from Dynamo.
Retirned to owner
claim received for low 7gan)

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

Details

262
217
CORVETTES
SHELDRAKE.
KINGFISHER.
GUILLEMOT.
DS

Details

Dyram 95.
CONFIDENTIAL.
263
From.
The Commanding Officer. Sheldrake.
248
Date
2nd June. 1940.
Reference.
RDA/0/37.
To
The Flag Officer in Charge. Harwich.
Subject
Meritorious Service Awards.
1.
Operations in which Sheldrake has been involved during the
evacuation from Dunkirk has enabled certain officers and men to distinguish
themselves in H.M.Ship under my command. The circumstances are outlined
below so that the necessary action may be taken by you should you concur.
2.
Sheldrake was ordered by C-in-C. Nore. to proceed to the KWINTE BUOY
and destroy the Asdic Apparatus of one of our destroyers wrecked in the vicinity
3.
On arrival 'Wakeful' was found to be lying completely capsized
with her stern resting on the bottom and only the forefoot visible, which
appeared from oil marks on the waterline to be seni buoyant. A Boat under
the command of my First Lieutènant, Lieutenant HUGH WILLIAM MACKENZIE ROSE, R.N.
was sent over and placed a berthing wire running from the bull ring round
the keel, to the bull ring the other side. It was intended to hang depth
charges on this 'necklace' and countèrmine them with other depth charges,
using Bickfords fuze.
4.
For the second trip with two depth charges, it was necessary
to tow the whaler to the wreck oh the end of a grass and to pump out oil
fuel from Sheldrake to counteract the effects of ground swell and strong
tide, which made operations difficult, particularly on the weather aide.
Good seamanship and stout hearts succeeded in placing one charge on either
bow in the required spot without damage to the boat. Throughout the
operation all were acutely aware that we were only 10 miles from Dunkirk
with aircraft of both sides passing the ship at intervals, and that at bomb
in the vicinity of a boat would have countermined the depth charges that
they were placing.
5.
On the whalers return to the ship for the demolition charges,
C-in-C. Nore's signal "Cancel my 1044 area now mined" was received. It
confirmed our own fears that we had been working in a mined area. It
seemed a pity to leave the job half done and it was decided to sink the
wreck by gunfire using D.A. fuze asnear the required area as possible, and
if the ship sunk before the charges placed had been exploded, to fire them with
a countermining pattern of depth charges. She sank inside ten mintes, and
using the escaping bubbles from the punctured stem as an aiming mark, a
pattern was dropped, of which the centre charge produced a plume that told
us that the desired effect had been achieved. The only damage to Sheldrake
was a few light fittings on the Stokers Messdeck caused by the capatan engine
'whipping' on the light deck above.
addition to Lieutenant Rose I wish particularly to mention
6. In Officer Albert Edward Jackson, Official No. 0/JX/125587
my Acting Chief Petty Boatswains Mate, whose energy din the whaler was largely responsible
that the depth charges were placed.
second incident which I submit should receive. Trawler recognition
7. concerned The was the rescue of the survivors of H.M. dodging
ST. ACHILLEUS, with which H.M.S. Widgeon, aircraft closed and informed to me stress survivors the
for those had been mined. After a night spent that M.T.B.
torpedoes bearing 340 degrees I wish particularly to the scene.
were in the waters this flight of three aircraft in leadin me continued to
efficiency of the signal most expeditiously, two aircraft the ship
After circle passing over the area while one of their number flew past
indicating

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indicating the course to steer. This maneouvre.
continuously. As the aircraft showing to the way arrived repeated
another of the flight broke away repeat the maneouvre. position,
8, and rescued by the the water. A net made in was maneouvred to to wreckage
On arrival whaler a number while Sheldrake of men were found clinging
proved invaluable on one Fleetwood William Bond (no
on single men in occasion Able Seaman accordance with A.F.O's.down
number) Patrol Service, conspicuous a bravery. fisherman, A enlisted for official
net on which was in, and hold him completely for exhaused. I 'sung
only, displayed Bond standing, he was survivor was a few hostilities the
for someone to jump drifted down him. up Able the few minutes it would out
before the ship since that he upon was unable Seaman Bond complied and take
have discovered few feet to to swim. He was however able I
move the man the rescued necessary the foot of the netting. I to
respiration, subsequently on
to add that the man died although board. he revived for à time with artificial regret
9.
In connection with the rescue work, I also wish to mention
Officers Steward Morris Charles Donno. Official No. C/LXW22343. who
repeatedly dived to assist in the recovery of other survivorsand
subsequently worked continuously for some hours without a break rendering
artificial respiration to one of other of the five men being so treated
while Sheldrake was returning to harbour.
10.
I wish also to draw attention to the outstanding work of
Petty Officer Albert Vincent Sears. Official No. C/J/104779. my Coxswain,
hose first aid work was particularly commented upon by the Medical Staff
on arrival. Of the eleven survivors rescued only two were able to walk
ashore, four were cot cases and four men were found to be dead by the
Medical Officer on arrival in harbour. All those who died had shown signs
of recovery, but it has been ascertained that they died, not from drowing,
but from the effects of a depth charge placed to blow up the -Submarine
apparatus, which exploded after the crew were in the water. This produced
internal infuries and shock.
In addition to Petty Officer Sears, Able Seaman John Anderson, Official
Official No. C/JX/125676 and Able Seaman Drummond Jackson Ryder. to
No. C/SSX/18852. Were outstanding in the unflagging energy in trying that no
the apparently drowned to life. It was once more demonstrated has
man, set in. All apparently those who died dead, subsequently died as the result of shock water.
however men should be given up until rigor mortis and
from drowning, though they were apparently lifeless when in the
whaler's crew that men wearing dead,
11. inflatable lifebelts It was also reported by to the float when unconscious half or their
with the only, appeared cork life belts were lifebelf
back with face the submerged. Those wearing that, while the rubber distinct advan
is mouth free to breathe. I feel there is a that
when ideal, time permits in that it in wearing can be worn a cork whenever lifebelt at in sea, addition, and
should be promulgated.
(Signed) Christie.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER IN COMMAND.
IT.
Order

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