Details

Admiral Superintendent Portsmouth's barge
Re
Bhrimpton,
See under Sun IV
R.V.V.R.(1)
lat June
Dath.
Toesd 198 by 6. drifter and spent the
night as the beaches.
On 5 Inter night, H/Lt. Shrimpton went
Into
[110 information 00 to shether this
vessel returned, or how 0/Lt.
Shrimpton got back)-
Authority - R.O.II, P= 393.
(1) Bbown in the August 1940 Havy List no B lieutenant,
centority 31/5/40. Not shown in the June 1940 Navy
List.
10

Details

EASTERN DISTRICT FISHING FLEET(1)
Ace* (L.N.27)
Amity* (L.N.47)
Malvina* (L.N.15)
Aunty Guss (L.N.29)
Narcissa* (L.T.58) (2)
Bessie* (L.N.16)
O.J. and J* (L.N.88)
Edna (Y.H. 119)
Rose (L.N.19)
Jane Hannah* (L.N.98)
Rose (L.N.76) *
Liberty II (Y.H. 104)
Seagull (L.N.203)
Little Admiral (L.N.85)
Tony (L.N.40)
Winston* (L.Y.142)
None of the above vessels took part in the
evacuation of the Allied armies from Dunkirk.
Eight of them carried out harbour duties on
4th follows:- June. The movements of the Fleet L/as
lare
1st June
1420
Left Lowestoft. Mr. T. Neilson (Tony)
was Chief Skipper.
2150
Moored in Harwich harbour.
2nd June
-
Several vessels had developed engine
defects and some were considered
unlikely to be suitable.
The nine vessels above, marked *, proceeded as
follows:
1255
Left Harwich harbour.
2010
Entered Ramsgate.
3rd June
-
On request, four of the vessels and
crews volunteered for service in
Cdr. Le Mesurier's operation
(see tug Sun IV) - but finally they
were not required.
4th June
0930
Eight of the vessels, and the fishing
vessel, Boy Fred, took part in landing
French soldiers from troopships at
anchor outside Ramsgate, in the fog;
they were apparently the Ace, Bessie,
(3)
Jane Hannah, Malvina, Narcissa,
Q.J. and J, Rose (L.N. 76) and Winston.
Except for this auxiliary service,
it cannot be said that any of the
vessels of the Eastern District
Fishing Fleet took part in Operation
Dynamo.
Authority - TO.9144.
(1) Including Wells, Blakeney, Brancaster, Sheringham and
(2) (3) See The Lowestoft. also separate vessel report Boy Fred under was Narcissa. at this stage attached
to fishing the Eastern District Fishing Fleet.
267

Details

Vessel,
Evacuation From
ELI ZABETH GREEN
M/B
S/Lt. E.T. Garside, R.N.V. R.
29th May
0600
Left Dover in company with 5 other
1500
yachts (see Viewfinder).
1900
Arrived La Panne. Ferried troops.
Embarked crew and C.O. (s/Lt. C.Minchin,
R.N.) of M/B Hanora (fouled screw),
Advance. and proceeded in company with the M/B
30th May
0530ca
Arrived Ramsgate.
[s/Lt. Garside then transferred to the
R.A.F. launch Andora and made a
trip to the beaches in her].
3rd June
S/Lt. Garside returned to the Elizabeth
1700
Green which left Ramsgate in tow of a
tug [the Sun IV]; 3 other M/B's were
in the tow.
2320ca
The tow was slipped in the vicinity of
the S.W. Ruytingen buoy.
4th June
-
Losing touch with the tug, the
Elizabeth Green returned under her
-
own power with a load of troops to
Ramsgate.
Total Troops Evacuated (Estimated) 10
Total (estimated) 10
Authority - R.O.II, p.393.
276

Details

EM
GERBERA
M/L's
WINDSORA
(Owner, Charles Hill & son, Windsor)
[+++
10% June
0715
Taken in tow by the are. Thettix.
Other ships in the top sere the N.L/Ba
These vessels were unsuitable and took no 1975,
part 0725 in Dynamo. d White Bear.
Moid
Left Dover.
1537
Net the Yvonne of Mombe (of Oravalines)
with 1 English soldier heading for
England - she turned and headed
towards Dunicise.
1615
Air attach Tow broken by blast.
Men thrown in water; all picked up.
About this time, the Yvonne 03 Nombe
was sunk by a direct hit.
1635
Air attack continues.
1652
Bombe heard dropping. Drifters heading
home without leaving orders. Some
small boats turn back.
1710
Abdy Beanclork, only, in company.
1718
The life boat "Hosa Bood" [1.00 the
ROBS good and Phyllis Lunn Joined
company. The None Wood and Phyllis
Lunn decided to return to Dover.
1740
Closed B. drifter.
1821
Air attack continues, The Abdy
Resueler's and the Rosa wood turn back.
1854
Lieut. Meed in the carried on
towards Dunkirk.
1926
The M/B Cairngory in reply to B query,
signalled "steer 0.55 E. for Dustirk".
2030ca
Joined company with the tog SUN IV .
2044
Arrived off Dunking vith son IV.
2100
Lt. Mond boarded the Sen IT-
2135
Dunkirk harbour. PASSION Eroope to the
M/S Nisst and other ships lying out-
side the harbour, shilst coming
alongside the towing a boat in
which was Bee Codet Jest, 31dmouth-
Willing), a sholl exploded nearby;
Lientenent Head WSS mortally wounded,
and died in 15 minutes.(1)
2nd June
0423
The left Dankirk in tow of the
1010
Arrived Bun IV.
1030
The Bun XY and the LEER together
disembarked 142 $20000. (See Qua IV)
3rd June
1026
Left Benagate.
1355
Arrived Dover-
Total S
Authority - R.O.II, D.230+
The following evards
Hentton in Degratches (Posthunous)
17, Linot. R.H. Head, B.S.V.R.
Brassen in Despatchee
A.D. Tol. Wells Gooley*
Mecksnus.
(1) Report by Burg. Lieut. 278 of EXHIR

Details

X
E.M.E.D.
Walton & Frinton
life boat
Lieut. R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
[see Tel. W.H. Cooley.
1st June
0715
Taken in tow by the dfr. Thrifty.
Other ships in the tow were the M.L/Bs
Greater London, Abdy Beauclerk,
and the M/B's P.E.42 Summer Maid
and White Bear.
0725
Left Dover.
1537
Met the Yvonne et Moabe (of Gravelines)
with 1 English soldier heading for
England - she turned and headed
towards Dunkirk.
1615
Air attack. Tow broken by blast.
Men thrown in water; all picked up.
About this time, the Yvonne et Moabe
was sunk by a direct hit.
1635
Air attack continues.
1652
Bombs heard dropping. Drifters heading
home without leaving orders. Some
small boats turn back.
1710
Abdy Beauclerk, only, in company.
1718
The life boat'Rosa Wood" [i.e. the
Rosa Wood and Phyllis Lunn] joined
company. The Rosa Wood and Phyllis
Lunn decided to return to Dover.
1740
Closed a drifter.
1821
Air attack continues. The Abdy
Beauclerk and the Rosa Wood turn back.
1854
Lieut. Mead in the E.M.E.D. carried on
towards Dunkirk.
1926
The M/B Cairngorm in reply to a query,
signalled "steer S.55 E. for Dunkirk".
2030ca
Joined company with the tug Sun IV.
2044
Arrived off Dunkirk with Sun IV.
2100
Lt. Mead boarded the Sun IV.
2135
Dunkirk harbour. Ferried troops to the
M/S Niger and other ships lying out-
side the harbour. Whilst coming
alongside the Niger [towing a boat in
which was Sea Cadet Lieut. Sidmouth-
Willing], a shell exploded nearby;
Lieutenant Mead was mortally wounded,
and died in 15 minutes. (1)
2nd June
0423
The E.M.E.D. left Dunkirk in tow of the
Sun IV.
1010
Arrived Ramsgate.
1030
The Sun IV and the E.M.E.D. together
disembarked 142 troops. (See Sun IV)
3rd June
1026
Left Ramsgate.
1355
Arrived Dover.
Total 39
Authority - R.O.II, p.230.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches (Posthumous)
Ty. Lieut. R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
Mention 1n Despatches
P.O. Tel. W.H. Cooley.
A.B.
J.L. MacManus.
(1) Report by Surg. Lieut. of Niger.
279

Details

FORMIDABLE
Aircraft carrier
(under construction)
Cdr. E.K. Le Mesurier,
M.V.O., R.N.
1st
Shown in D.R. as having taken part in
Operation Dynamo.
Cdr. Le Mesurier went to Dunkirk in
the tugs Sun and Sun IV. He sent in
2nd June
his report, giving as his address
"H.M.S. Formidable, c/o G.P.O. London".
It is thought that this accounts for a
vessel named the Formidable having
found its way into the list of ships.
No other Formidable can be traced.
1930
the
Cantain
from the R/C Paris,
Picked up wounded from wreated 11.00
Authority - R.O.II, p.418.
boats. Picked up 6
took in tow.
2005
Picked up another life boat, the
occupante of which Spanish.
2100
Engines overheating owing to
of tow.
2115
Transferred all survivors to
clsss $08.(1)
motor boat making water
rapidly; the tug took her in tow.
2130
The crew transferred to the tug which
continued to tow the bost,
3rd June
0415
Arrived pover in tow.
N11
Authority - R.O.II, p.612.
(1) Not
334

Details

FORMIDABLE
Aircraft carrier
(under construction)
Cdr. E.K. Le Mesurier,
M.V.O., R.N.
Shown in D.R. as having taken part in
Operation Dynamo.
Cdr. Le Mesurier went to Dunkirk in
the tugs Sun and Sun IV. He sent in
June
his report, giving as his address
"H.M.S. Formidable, c/o G.P.O. London".
It is thought that this accounts for a
vessel named the Formidable having
found its way into the list of ships.
No other Formidable can be traced.
1930
Authority - R.O.II, p.418.
2005
(1)
Not
334

Details

3
HILDA Continued
1st June
1130ca
picked up a few survivors. When
(contd.)
(contd.)
other ships arrived, she continued
her course to Ramsgate.
1730ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 530.(1)
1930
Sailed for Dover.
2200
Arrived Dover but was not allowed to
enter harbour. Anchored off the south
breakwater.
2nd June
0030ca
A magnetic mine dropped close astern.
Reported its position and shifted
berth.
0800
Sailed for Deal to disembark Capt.
Pim.
-
Sailed for Ramsgate.
1900
Embarked Sea Cadet Lieut. H. Sidmouth-
Willing as 1st Lieutenant, [ex. tug
Sun IV] and sailed for Dunkirk
with 2 boats in tow.
3rd June
0130ca
Arrived off Dunkirk and sent the boats
inshore under the command of the 1st
Lieut.
0330
Closed the Sk. Rika and there found
one of Hilda's boats. Cdre. Taylor
closed the ship in his launch [the
White wing], confirmed that there were
no troops on the beach and ordered
the Hilda to return to Ramsgate.
The Cdre. subsequently picked up
Hilda's other boat and 1st Lieut.
0900ca
The Hilda arrived Ramsgate.
Total 835.
Authority - R.O.II, p.63.
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Lieut. A. Gray, R.N.
D.S.C.
Sea Cadet Lieut. H. Sidmouth-Willing.
Bar to D.S.M.
Actg. P.O. L.C. Curd.
D.S.M.
A.B. G.L.E. Godfrey.
(1) D.R.
33

Details

MERMAIDEN
C.C.B., Weymouth
M/B (Owner,
Actg. S/Lt. C.E.S.Beale,
Lt.Com. P.M.Filleul,
R.N.
R.N.
P/O F.J. Norton, R.F.R.
29th May
1830
Left Weymouth, Lt. Martin R.N.R. in
command.
30th May
1500
Arrived Dover. Lt. Martin disembarked.
31st May
2300ca
Left Dover for Dunkirk, Pensioner P/O
F.J. Norton in command.
-
Air attack.
1st June
a.m.
Arrived La Panne. Ferried troops.
-
Air attack.
-
Picked up 24 British troops and 1
French officer from small boat.
-
Proceeded.
-
Air attacks. Making water. Engine
trouble.
1420
Ramegate, Disembarked 25 troops. (1)
Carried out repairs to engines.
3rd June
The crew not being willing to proceed,
with the exception of L/Sto. W.A.S.
Horne, they were relieved by
Actg. S/Lt. C.E.S. Beale, R.N. and 3
other volunteers. Commodore A.H.
Taylor was embarked.
1600
The Mermaiden left Ramsgate, in tow
of the tug Sun IV, one of a company
of 14 M/B's, in tow of the tugs
Sun IV, Sun XV, Tanga and Racia.
After passing "W" buoy, Cdre. Taylor
transferred to the W.D/M.L.
Marlborough.
In the neighbourhood of the S.W.
Ruytingen buoy, the tugs slipped the
tows.
2300
Arrived Dunkirk. Proceeded to Quai
Felix Faure. Ferried troops to
a "sloop" (2) outside the harbour and
assisted small boats.
4th June
0230
Proce ded to Ramsgate in company with
sun IV.
0340
Taken in tow by Sun IV.
0745
Arrived Ramsgate.
Total 25
Authority - R.O. II, pp. 364, 422, 588, 592, 595.
R.O.III. pp. 305, 488
(1) (2) Should Ramsgate report states 26 troops troops. to the G/B Locust, It anchored had
off been the arranged Mole but for she Locust to use a box lamp a group
have transferred could not be identified. with
of long flashes every 2 minutes.
267

Details

Hospital carrier
PARIS
S. Ry. Co.)
Capt. E.A. Biles, Master
1556
25th May
Left Dover for Dunkirk, the H/C
Isle of Thanet in company.
1815
Arrived Dunkirk. Berthed outside
the Isle of Thanet. Embarked wounded.
000lca
26th May
Left Dunkirk with wounded on board.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked wounded. (1)
28th May
1830
Left the Downs, the P/V's Manxman
and Prague in company.
2250
All 3 ships grounded on Smac Bank.
The Paris and Prague came off
immediately, but the Manxman remained
aground for some hours.
29th May
0355
The 3 ships proceeded to Dunkirk, after
which they acted independently.
The Paris embarked troops and sailed.
Disembarked 400 troops( 2) at a home
port.
30th/31st
-
The Paris again went to Dunkirk and
May
returned with 230 troops. (2)
2nd June
1648
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
-
Between the N. Goodwin L.V. and W buoy,
1855ca
ran into thick fog. Near W buoy
the fog cleared. (3)
1900ca
About 15 miles N.W. of Dunkirk,
attacked by 2 aircraft. Severe
damage from near misses. Ship out
of control, all lights extinguished.
2000ca
Attacked by 3 aircraft. Further
damage to ship and her lifeboats.
A motor boat I see 40 foot ship's
fast motor boat. took Paris's boats
in tow. The Paris was abandoned.
-
All personnel transferred to the tug
Foremost 87, and the boats abandoned.
2311
The tug Sun XV sighted Paris listing
heavily to starboard; she made fast
a wire, but it parted.
3rd June
0100
The tug Sun IV arrived on the scene.
Air attack. It was decided by the
tugs that an escort would be necessary
-
The tug Lady Brassey sighted Paris
listing heavily and settling fast.
0400
The Paris sank 4 mile east of W buoy in
17 fathoms.
Total 630
Authority - T.M. 6213/40.
R.O.II, p.177
(2) 1) This was of Operation Dynamo.
(3) D.R. D.R., para. before the commencement near W buoy, was shelled
when off the 89 states, coast Engines put out be of action
a the but
French appears bombed. to
379

Details

RACIA
Tug (W. Watkins Ltd.)
A.C. Addison, Master.
30th May
2130
Left Tilbury with 12 lifeboats in tow.
Anchored off Chapmans Light at 2400.
31st May
0430
Proceeded to Southend and thence to
1330
Ramsgate.
1415
A naval commander came off with L.G's
and guns crews.
1440
Proceeded to Dunkirk.
2130
Arr
Dunkirk. Anchored off No. beach.
The lifeboats ferried troops to the
Racia.
1st June
0130
The 12 lifeboats were made fast astern
and Racia proceeded.
0700 Arr Ramsgate. Disembarked 50 (?) troops
(number not stated.)
the mg
[According to Sun, at 1730 1st June, Racia was
unwilling to sail again to Dunkirk. S/Lt. W.R.
Williams R.N. says "Took command of a tug, whose
master refused to go to Dunkirk again, and left
for Dunkirk".
S/Lt. Williams went over to Dunkirk; "loaded up"
with French troops and landed them at Ramsgate
at 0730(1) on 2nd June].
2nd June
Captain Addison says "lying off
Ramsgate with 17 lifeboats astern".
Capt. Addison continues:
3rd June
1430
"Passed lifeboats over to tug Sun.
Embarked a "Commander" [Lt. Cdr. J.I.
Miller, D.S.O., R.N.R. and a naval
crew [see Sun IV] and proceeded to
Dunkirk."
2145
Arrived Dunkirk. Berthed alongside Mole
Embarked French troops.
0230
Shifted berth to allow dr. Malcolm to
get alongside.
4th June
0245
Proceeded.
In the Dyck channel embarked the crew
and a wounded soldier from a M/L.
0650
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 123(2)
troops by motor boats.
Estimated Total 400. 423
Authority - W.W.
R.O.II, p.567.
(1) Ramsgate report states that at 0743, 2nd June, 250 Allied
troops were landed by the "Maysayer". No ship of this
name is known; it is probably a miscript for Racia.
(2) Capt. Addison does not state the number of troops.
Ramsgate report states that at 0715, 4th June a launch
landed 123 Allied troops.
(3) S/AV.Willium then took command 3 of the WD/ML. Swallow

Details

RUMMY II
M/B (A.G.
Sea Cadet Lieut. H. Sidmouth-
Smith).
Willing.
From a report in "The Navy" (TO.9144/41), S/C Lieut.
Sidmouth-Willing went to Dunkirk in the tug Sun IV
on 1st June, and in the Sk. Hilda on 2nd June.
There is no evidence that the Rummy II went to Dunkirk
at all, after S/C Lt. Sidmouth-Willing had brought her
from Walton to Ramsgate.
According to TO.9144/40, Rummy II was in the A.P.S.
1600
S/Lt.
bosts.
2300ga
The Morst was and
Ryseste II wee re-allocated to A.P.S., and
$
does not appear to have any further
part in Operation Dynamo.
1
s/Lt. Satterford says he arrived back at
Ramsgate [?Margate] at 0900(4) on 31st
May. Actually ne seems to have arrived
with It. Sargent of the Corvette
Guillemot on 1st June (See Guillemot and
Horst). He then took command 02 the M/B
E/S Quicksilver.
(1) to
(2) 8/L1.
B/L. 0.577 on
so

Details

SANTOSY
Motor yacht
and
Owner L. Odell)
Actg. S/Lt. J.M.
H.M.S. Nelson's Picket boat
Chappell, R.N.
30th May
1730
S/Lt. Chappell arrived Ramsgate, from
Portsmouth on in Nelson's Picket boat,
2330
one engine.
The Picket boat left. for Dunkirk. Two
miles out, air attack.
31st May
0530ca
Arrived Dunkirk roads. Damaged by shell
fire. Loaded with troops and left.
1400
Making water slightly.
The picket boat arrived Ramsgate.
Disembarked 16 troops.
1st June
0830
Left for Dunkirk. Making water rapidly.
Bottom boat. damaged. Beached the picket
r
S/Lt. Chappell then took command of the
-
Santosy and left for Dunkirk.
Presumably reached Dunkirk].
-
On the return journey, the port engine
only was working. The Santosy was
towed by a trawler which ran on to a
wreck east of N. Goodwin L.V. and
turned over on top of the Santosy.
1 severe casualty.
-
The Santosy arrived Ramsgate on 1 engine.
2nd June
1900
Actg. S/Lt. B.D.O. MacIntyre R.N. (ex-
Encore) took out the Santosy. She
broke down; returned at 2000.
[s/Lt. MacIntyre then took over the
M/B Letitia
3rd June
1600
S/Lt. Chappell, in the Santosy left
Ramsgate for Dunkirk, towed by the
2130
tug Sun IV. The tow parted near W
buoy. The starboard engine failed. (1)
1)
The Santosy was abandoned. The crew
transferred to the Sun IV.
Total (Nelson's Picket boat) 16
Santosy)
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, pp. 421, 550.
R.O.III, pp. 278, 292.
(1) Some of the petrol cans used at Ramsgate were subsequently
found to contain water.
91

Details

SUN
Alexander Towage Co. Ltd.
(Tilbury)
Cdr.E.K. Le Mesurier,
M.V.O., R.N.
H.R. Cole, Master.
1st June
1500ca
The Sun arrived at Ramsgate from
(inc signal G.69)
/
1730
Tilbury, with 20 pulling boats in tow.
Sailed for Dunkirk, Cdr. Le Mesurier in
command, assisted by Lieut. J.V.
Wilkinson R.N., and Lieut. R.E.
Lloyd, R.N. A motor boat and 5
pulling boats were in tow. (1)
[The tug Tanga (Lt. Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, R.N.R.) with 2 pulling
boats [4 in tow(2) sailed about the same time. The
tug Racia, evidently unwilling to sail, was left behind. (3)
The tug Sun IV (Cdr. Tyler R.N.) (4) had sailed at 1515 with
two boats in tow.]
On passage, three of Sun's pulling
boats were swamped and were abandoned.
2330ca
Arrived Dunkirk. The Tanga had arrived
a little earlier.
Sun and Tanga anchored about 3/4 mile
east of Dunkirk Mole. Using her boats,
Sun embarked about 45 British troops.
She then went alongside and embarked
about 50 French troops, and picked up
28 French and 4 British ratings from
a broken down M/B; then returned to
anchorage.
2nd June
0245ca
[The Tanga proceeded. Her M/B was left
stranded on the beach].
0300ca
The Sun embarked 50 British troops from
her own boats.
0315ca
Sun proceeded with about 175 British
and French troops, and 28 naval
officers and ratings. One pulling
boat was swamped on passage.
0815ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 175
troops. (5)
3rd June
1230
Sun left for Tilbury, towing 6 boats.
[Cdr. Le Mesurier took command of tug
Sun IV]
Total 175
Authority R.O.II, p.418/9.
A.T.C.
& Capt. Cole "a launch and 2 life boats in tow."
Tanga states says, she had 4 boats in tow, and they were apparently
(3) It M/Bs. seems however, that S/Lt. W.R. Williams R.N., took her
(5) Not mentioned in Dover or Ramagate reports.
The Navy List night gives Cdr. T. St. V. Tyler, R.N. (Retd.)
over that (see under Racia)
182

Details

SUN IV
Tug (Alexander Towage
Co. Ltd.)
Mr. C.G. Alexander,
Lt. J.E.L. Master. Martin, R.N.
0200
31st May
Slipped from Tilbury Docks with 12
Sun IV was Mr. C.G. Alexander,
lifeboats in tow. The Master of the
Managing Director of the Alexander
Towage Co. Ltd.
A Trinity House pilot, Mr. Glasboro
was embarked and remained in the tug
throughout the operation.
1145ca
Arrived Ramsgate.
1330
Embarked Cdr. Tyler [?Cdr. T.St. V.
Tyler, R.N. (Retd. )], Lieut. J.V.
1430
Wilkinson, R.N., and a naval party.
Sailed for Dunkirk, towing 9 boats.
1915
Air attack. Two sailors overboard by
wash of a dèstroyer. Cast off tow.
1 man rescued, 1 lost. Picked up
tow and proceeded.
ml
2230
Anchored off beach above harbour.
The boats were sent in with Lieut.
Wilkinson and Lieut. Fletcher R.N.R.
in charge. 82 B.E.F. embarked
during night.
bn
1st June
0315ca
Left Dunkirk with 3 boats in tow.
0445
One boat swamped, by a destroyer
manoeuvring in an air attack, was
cut adrift and abandoned.
0800
Another boat swamped and abandoned.
0945
Ramsgate. At 1100, 82 troops landed
by tender. (1)
1515
To Dunkirk with 2 boats in tow. [Sea
Cadet Sidmouth-Willing appears to
have been on board for this trip].
1645
South of N. Goodwin L.V., a small
trawler was seen to strike a mine.
1730
Air attack. 3 bombers, 10 bombs, no
hits.
1800
Spoke the M.L.B. E.M.E.D. Piloted
her to Dunkirk.
2100
Cdr. Tyler, proceeded to Dunkirk
harbour in E.M.E.D.
2130
Sun IV arrived Dunkirk. Shifted billet
from time to time during the night.
[Lieut. R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
commanding E.M.E.D. was killed about
2200 whilst alongside M/S Niger].
2nd June
0340
Left Dunkirk (at low water) with 112
B.E.F. on board and E.M.E.D.
(with 39 troops) and a lifeboat in
tow. The tug grounded on the way out
of the harbour but refloated after
about 10/15 minutes.
0930
Arrived Ramsgate. 142 troops landed
by tender. (1) Cdr. Tyler disembarked.
2045
Proceeded to search for H/C Paris.
3rd June
0100
Located Paris; she was abandoned.
Air attack. Decided (with Sun XV)
that Paris being heavily down by the
stern, would require an escort.
Proceeded homeward.
(1) Not mentioned in Dover Report.
184

Details

SUN VI (continued).
0515
3rd June)
Arrived Ramsgate.
0700
1600
At Towed Sun XV off Quern Bank.
Mesurier, 4 M.L's. M.V.O., R.N. Took in Le tow
Ramsgate. Embarked Cdr. E.K.
1700
Sun R.E. IV, and the tugs Tanga (Lt.
R.N. R. Sherwood, R.N.R.), Sun XV Cdr. (two
J.I. officers) and Racia (Lt. Cdr.
between Miller, D.S.O., R.N.R. towing
for Dunkirk. Commodore A.H. Taylor
them 14 motor boats, sailed
O.B.E., took passage in the leading
motor boat, Mermaiden; half way
Marlborough. across he transferred to the W.D/M.L.
The following boats were abandoned on
passage or at Dunkirk:
M.B. Thark, was abandoned half way
(foul propeller and rudder).
ml
M/B Santosy was abandoned near W buoy
(water in petrol).
M/B Diana Mary( 2) was abandoned at
Dunkirk (engine trouble).
Admiral Superintendents barge
3
(Portsmouth) piled up on some sub-
merged masonry in Dunkirk harbour and
was abandoned.
2320ca
The convoy arrived at Dunkirk, most of
the towed boats having been slipped
in the vicinity of the S.W.
Ruytingen buoy.
2330
Sun IV picked up 12 French troops from
an open boat at the entrance of the
harbour, and anchored east of the
entrance.
4th June
0115
One of the M/B's [Mermaiden] returned
and reported "no more troops at
Quai Felix Faure", and that Commodore
Taylor had left the Quai.
0200
Followed dr. Malcolm into the harbour,
with the tug Racia.
0230ca
Sun IV proceeded, picked up the waiting
M/B, Mermaiden] which was slightly
damaged, and sailed for Ramsgate.
(Sun XV picked up another vessel
half way across and towed it home).
0340
Took Mermaiden in tow.
of the 14 M/B's which started for
Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be abandoned.
The remainder found their way back
to Ramsgate.
0746
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 12
troops, (1) by launch.
[In his report Cdr. Le Mesurier says: "The
spirit of the Masters and crews of the
.....
tugs (especially the Sun tugs) was excellent"
and refers to the fact that the "owner of the
Alexander tug Company" was himself the Captain
of the Sun IV].
Authority R.O.II, pp. 406, 420.
Total 236(1)
W.W.
(1) (2) Not mentioned in
Diana Mary returned D.R. to Dover with 28 troops.
185

Details

Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
SUN XI
& Co., Ltd.)
J.R. Lukes, Master.
2330
30th May
Left for Tilbury, Ramsgate. towing 3 sailing barges
1300
31st May
1530
Arrived Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Dover.
Dover with barges.
Sailed with a lighter, loaded with
1730
Arrived Dunkirk. A M/B took over the
stores and cans of water, in tow.
1800
Proceeded. lighter and beached her.
1900
Air attack. A drifter was sunk; the
1930
tug Contest picked up her crew.
Passed the tugs Sun XV, Sun VIII and
Sun IV going in.
2300
"Sorry for them, glad to get out".
Arrived North Goodwin. Anchored
inside S. Brake at 2400.
1st June
2130
Berthed a destroyer [the Worcester]
which had been in collision inside
Dover harbour.
2155ca
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and pick
up anything.
2400
Off North Goodwin, there were seven
tugs, in single line ahead, viz. the
Challenge, Ocean Cock, Crested Cock,
Fairplay I, Sun VII, Sun XI, Sun XII.
2nd June
0200
Sighted small lights. Found a large
Govt. lighter Y.C.63 broken down
and full of wounded and troops.
Among them was "Captain (D) of the
19th Flotilla whose destroyer
[ the Keith had blown up".
0230
Took Y.C.63 in tow.
0630
Arrived Dover. Berthed lighter.
1400
Captain Fraser R.N. came on board.
1500ca
Left Dover, towing 4 boats, (1)
followed by tugs Sun X, Fairplay I and
Foremost 87.
[2115ca]
Foremost 87 picked up 6 life boats full
of wounded and survivors [from H/C
Paris] and turned back.
2245
Anchored west of Dunkirk Mole. Sun x
alongside. Embarked troops from M/B's
2330
Ordered inside the harbour to refloat
a grounded transport. Too shallow.
Transferred her troops by M/B's.
3rd June
0245
Went inside harbour again to assist a
sloop. Low water, went aground. Had
to back out.
0330
Daybreak. Full of troops, proceeded,
with a large life boat full of troops
in tow and also one small one
[the M/B Skylark III]
0900
Arrived Dover. Unloaded 188 troops.
Total 188
Authority W.W.
(1) One of which was the M. L/B Michael Stephens [and probably
the Southern Queen, and Jane Holland].
190

Details

SUN XV
Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
& Co. Ltd.)
J.J. Belton, Master
31st May
0015
Left with Tilbury 12 for Southend and Ramsgate
1150
1430
Arrived Ramsgate.
life boats in tow.
Left tow. for Dunkirk with 6 life boatsin
1930
2215
Air attack by 28 bombers.
Off Dunkirk pier head. Proceeded to
La Panne.
2400
Anchored off La Panne.
1st June
0005
The life boats proceeded into the
beach 50 yards distant, and ferried
70/80 troops to the tug. Five of the
boats were lost in this operation.
-
0200
Proceeded with the 6th life boat in tow.
The life boat sank and was cut adrift.
0430
4 miles west of Ruytingen buoy took in
tow the disabled lighter Y.C.72
which had been towing the lighter
Y.C.71. Both were full of troops.
0900
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 75
troops by small craft.
2nd June
2100
Proceeded in search of the H/C Paris,
with Cdr. J. Elliott, R.D., R.N.R.
on board and tug Sun IV in company.
3rd June
0100ca
Sighted the Paris, which had a bad list
to starboard. Made fast a wire, but
it parted. Air attack. The tow
was abandoned, because it was
decided an escort would be necessary.
-
Ordered to proceed to the west, and
cruised around.
0340
Sighted the dfr. Yorkshire Lass
disabled and full of troops. Took
her in tow.
0437
The Yorkshire Lass asked to be cast
off as her engines were repaired.
0745
The Sun XV arrived at Ramsgate.
1700
Left for Dunkirk, Lieut. T. Galloway,
R.N.R. and another R.N.R. officer on
board and towing 4 M/B's one of which
was the M. L/B Guide of Dunkirk. (3)
2235
Arrived Dunkirk pier head.
2315
Commenced embarking troops.
4th June
0200
Went alongside the eastern arm.
Practically all troops had gone.
0230
Proceeded.
0320
Air attack.
0420
Took in tow the disabled H.M. drifter
0815(1)
Arrived L.H.W.D. Ramsgate. Disembarked 31
troops. (2)
Total 106
Authority - W.W.
R.O.III, p. 307.
R.O.IV, p.71.
(1) Ramsgate times L.H.W.D. 's arrival as 0900.
(2) A launch landed 31 troops at Ramsgate at 0820. These may
(3) Guide of Dunkirk broke away from the tow before reaching
be assumed to have come from Sun XV,
Dunkirk.
192

Details

TANGA
Tug (William Watkins Ltd.)
H.P. Gouge, Master.
29th May
Towed to the barges Snowdon and Saladin
Ramsgate, where they remained.
1000ca
31st May
Anchored off Ramsgate.
1400
Embarked 4 Lewis guns and 2 gunners
-
also a Lt. Cdr. (1) and a Lt. R.N.R.
Proceeded with 6 boats (one of them a
M.L/B) in tow, towards Dunkirk.
Skpr. A. Gardner, R.N.R. took
passage in the Tanga.
1930
Air misses. attack when nearing Dunkirk. Near
2040
Off Dunkirk harbour. Proceeded 6 miles
further east. Slipped boats and
hung off. [Skpr. Gardner, helped to
ferry troops in the M. L/B, which,
however, broke down and was abandoned.
Skpr. Gardner returned on 1st June
in with the M/S Leda].
1st June
0350ca
Some of the boats returned with about
160 troops. Abandoned all but 1
motor boat "and had to run for it".
When abreast of Dunkirk harbour,
picked up 6 men from a small boat -
survivors from the tug St. Fagan.
A mile further on, picked up the A/B
Pudge with 4 men on board. Took her
in tow.
0900
Anchored off Ramsgate. Motor boats
came off and landed 160 troops. (2)
1600
Proceeded, towing 4 boats, to Dunkirk.
2230ca
Arrived off Dunkirk. Slipped the tow,
and "paddled about outside".
2nd June
0330
"Ordered to clear out and run for it".
None of the 4 boats had returned.
Other boats had brought the Tanga
about 90 British and 80 French troops.
Proceeded, towing a disabled M/B.
0800
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 170
troops. (2)
3rd June
1630
Left Ramsgate towing 4 M/B's(3)
2300
Arrived off Dunkirk. Slipped the tow,
and waited as before.
4th June
0200ca
The tugs Sun IV, Sun XV, Racia and
Tanga were ordered to go alongside the
pier and get as many troops as
The possible. Tanga embarked 37 troops.
"Ordered to clear out". None of the
4 boats towed over had returned.
[See Madame Sans Gene].
0235ca
Cleared the pierhead. Air attack.
Claimed to have shot down a plane.
Off N. Goodwin L.V. took in tow a
-
French fishing lugger with crew of
three.
(1) On 3rd June, Lt. Cdr. Sherwood R.N.R. was in command of
(2) Not mentioned Ramsgate or Dover Reports.
Tanga.
(3) The Madame Sans in Gene, a life boat and 3 other boats.
210

Details

THANK
Thames Local Defence Flotilla
Ambler,
[s/ the (See Special Service vessels).
in
1st June
1500
Loft of Sheerness for Reservato in charge
a convoy or 12 W/B's.
On arrival at kamagate, S/Lt. Carew-
Marlborough. Hunt transferred to the W.D/M.L.
June
1700
With Its. Ambler on board [report by
B/Lt. Carew-Hunt), the Thark left
Remegate for Dunkirk in tow of a
tog [the Sun IV].
Half wey across, rype fouled and #
Thark's propeller and rudder, and
she was abondoned.
Apparently much damaged, the Thank was
subsequently returned to her owner
N11
importy - R.O.III, D.329.
70.9436/40.
216

Details

M/B (Owner, C.G.
THARK
Thompson)
Mr. Ambler, Coxswain.
S/Lt. A. Carew-Hunt, R.N.
[s/Lt. Carew-Hunt had previously been in
the Liebestraum]
1st June
1500
Left of Sheerness for Ramsgate in charge
a convoy of 12 M/B's.
-
On arrival at Ramsgate, S/Lt. Carew-
Marlborough. Hunt transferred to the W. D/M.L.
3rd June
1700
With Mr. Ambler on board [report by
S/Lt. Carew-Hunt], the Thark left
Ramsgate for Dunkirk in tow of a
tug [the Sun IV].
Half way across, rppe fouled and the
Thark's propeller and rudder, and
she was abandoned.
Apparently much damaged, the Thark was
subsequently returned to her owner.
Nil
Authority - R.O.III, p.329.
TO.9436/40.
217

Details

TUGS
THE FOLLOWING TUGS TOOK PART
IN OPERATION DYNAMO:
William Watkins Ltd.
Cervia
Kenia
Doria
Persia
Fabia
Racia
Fairplay I(1)
Tanga
Foremost 87(1)
Vincia
Java
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd.
Sun
Sun VIII
Sun III
Sun X
Sun IV
Sun XI
Sun V
Sun XII
Sun VII
Sun XV
The Gamecock Steam Towing Co.
Crested Cock
Ocean Cock.
Gaselee and Son Ltd.
Fossa
Saml. Williams and Sons Ltd.
Duke
[Marquis] (2)
Prince
Princess
Elliot Steam Tug Co. Ltd.
Challenge
Contest
United Towing Co. Ltd.
Empire Henchman
Southern Railway Co. Ltd.
Foremost 22
(1) Managed by W. Watkins Ltd.
(2) Left Ostend at 2200 on 26th May. There is no record of
her having taken part in Dynamo.
244

Details

NAVAL OFFICER IN GIVE
<60
ad
278
256
From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. J.M. Chappell, R.N.
Date:- 7th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
29th May.
30th May.
2200 Left Portsmouth in H.M.S. Nelson's picket boat.
a.m. Sighted submarine and warned a French convoy.
Port engine bearings ran out.
1730 Arrived Ramsgate on one engine.
2330 Left for Dunkirk, machine-gunned from the air
two miles out of Ramsgate.
31st May.
Dawn Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Funnel carried away by
shell-fire. Making water slightly; loaded
with troops and left.
1400 Arrived Ramsgate.
1st June.
0830 Left for Dunkirk. Making water rapidly. Beached
the boat; found bottom damaged by enemy fire.
Took command M.Y. Santosy and left for Dunkirk.
On return journey filled up with petrol; found
too late that one can contained water. Proceeded
on port engine only; towed by trawler. Trawler
ran on to wreck East of N. Goodwin L/V and turned
over on top of "Santosy". Cabin smashed; civilian
volunteer Barrington severely injured.
Arrived Ramsgate on one engine. Discharged
Barrington to Deal Hospital; sent crew ashore for
rest.
3rd June.
1600 Engines repaired. Left for Dunkirk with civilian
volunteer J.W.S. Gilbert as engineer. Towed by
tug Sun IV. Tow parted off Dunkirk; proceeded
under own power. Starboard engines failed again.
Sea rising. Hailed Sun IV and on her commander's
orders abandoned Santosy and boarded Sun VI with
my crew.
REPORT: New gas used by enemy. Shells and bombs
bursting near gave off white cloud which hung
suspended in air. From burns on bodies in water
gathered it to be of acid nature.

Details

Details

) 2 (
548
DYNAMO OPERATION - DISTRIBUTION OF LEWIS GUNS
JANE HANNAH
SUN VIII
NARCISSA
ROSE
ACE
BETTY
CLACTON LIFE-
WINSTON
RACIA
MATILDA
BOAT
MERMAID
ADMIRALS BARGE LURNILYNE
MISS MING
MADAME SANGENE
HALCYONE
ELIZABETH OREEN
LETITIA
M.B. 1711
PIGEON
M.B. 37270
HAIG.
M.B. 74
WORF
4. Other smaller craft were also fitted with guns when these
became available duo to the vessels proviously fitted being
no longer required or unable to continue the operation. In
addition magazines were refilled and spare ammunition was
supplied as it became necessary.
5. A number of Lewis guns were transferred from ship to
ship by the various officers when they changed their
commands, and of these we have no record.
6. Four Q.0's for overhauling, and twelve ratings were
sent from Chatham and they assisted in the above work.
LEWIS GUNNERS. /
7. All the 23 Lewis gunners sent from London were
embarked for the operation, together with those from
Ramagate, most of them making several crossings, and all
showed groat keenness in performing their duties.
8. All have returned to Ramsgate with the exception of
Cyril Head
)
J.S. Parker
)
Tug "SUN IV" (sent to Dover)
R. Jewitt
)
Tug "SUN XV" (sent to London)
Loslie Reed )
C.DRichards.
Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
For D.E.M.S. Staff officer,
Ramsgate.

Details

FROM
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
233
DATE
15th June 1940.
25
TO
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT.
Lieutenant R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
I regret who to report the death of Lieutenant
Mead, R.N.V.R. 1940, at 2108, was killed in action at Dunkirk on R.H. Saturday,
1st June or was wounded and died later.
2.
H.M. D/C to the M.B. had been reported out of action
31st May 1940, and Duty Staff Officer, Staff of Flag p.m. Officer
commanding Dover, the Commanding Officer and Lieutenant
Mead were ordered to find themselves boats if possible, and to
assume command.
3.
Lieutenant Mead had assumed command of R.N.L.B.
WALTON AND FRINTON, and having been towed across to near Dun-
I.B.
kirk with other small boats, had pressed on to Dunkirk, unaccom-
panied except by one other boat, the remainder of the small
boats having turned back. This can be clearly seen from the
extracts of the log kept in the boat, a copy of which has
already been forwarded to the Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover,
through the Officer Commanding Rescue Boats.
an
4.
While in the harbour itself, a shrapnel shell burst
on the water nearby, killing Lieutenant Mead. The remainder
ope
of the life-boat's crew, under a Lieutenant R.N.R. from the
Tug SUN IV continued ferrying soldiers to larger ships until
tian
0423, when Tug SUN IV towed the boat back to Ramsgate.
5.
The two members of my crew who accompanied Lieutenant
led
Mead, Petty Officer Telegraphist Cooley and Able Seaman MacManus,
have informed me that the "determination and guts" of Lieutenant
Mead in persisting in his efforts to rally the smaller boats
and to push on to Dunkirk, were outstanding. This was reported
by me to the Staff Officer of the Rescue boats at Dover, who
interviewed the crew, and has a copy of the log of the life-boat.
ced
6.
I understand that the boat underwent many air attacks
ops
from the time that the tow came within about 20 miles of the
it.
coast.
7.
This report is submitted in order to confirm that the
ant
gallantry of Lieutenant R.H. Mead, (as previously reported by me,
pa,
ade
P.T.O.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia being 18 was
working with Sport engine only - which, owing to were
overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 beach. troops
carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and
proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 1145) Entered batteries. Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

Details

Details

SECRET
Dyram 35,4
406
Jug Sun IV
H.M.S. Pelican,
384
C/o G.P.O.
18th June, 1940.
Sir,
and to submit I have the the following honour narrative to refer to of Nore events General :- Order 448/40
(Master Mr. Alexander, 12 Manager of the firm), slipped from Tilbury IV
At 0200 Friday, 31st May, 1940, the London tug Sun
Docks with lifeboats in tow. A London Pilot was embarked and
lifeboats were manned by half naval and half volunteer crews.
remained in the tug until the evacuation was completed. Ships"
anchored. Provisions were embarked for boats" crews and the
2. Southend pier was hailed at 0415/31 May, 1940, and the tug
opportunity was taken to allow boats" crews a hot cup of tea in the
tug.
3. At 0445 anchow was weighed and the tug proceeded to
Ramsgate arriving at 1115, where she was armed with two pairs of
Lewis guns mounted either side of the wheel house.
4.
The tugs were sailed for Dunkirk at 1330. Commander
Tyler came onboard as his tug had run out of coal and water.
Lieutenant Wilkinson and a further party of seamen were also
embarked.
5. At 1915 a high level bombing attack took place, but bombs
all fell a long way from the tug.
6. A boat was capsized when the tug met a destroyer's wake
and it is regretted that one Stoker was drowned. This casualty was
reported on arrival in harbour by Commander Tyler.
of Dunkirk 7. by verbal orders from a motor mile torpedo from boat. the shore By 2300 and
At 2230 the tug was ordered to a position one mile east
the
boats dropped the and R.N.R., French tug one 8. were and was bomb in about At sent British, charge. anchored 0315/1 from 100 in an yards with June, the From three aircraft, Lieutenant from tug 2300 1940, quarters weighed the which to having tug. but 0300 Wilkinson of anchor. was the embarked a there engaged remainder was and Only 88 by periodic Lieutenant soldiers three Lewis of the boats shelling guns, boats" both Fletcher, Ramsgate. had was
been able to get back onboard to our or were tug, towed back by drifters to with water;
crews were either adrift as it was filling rapidly and was
while At 0445 this one was boat being was done set a German fighter flew towards us
engaged with Lewis guns.
9. 0830/1 June, 1940, arrived at Ramsgate. Commander Tyler
went inshore for orders.
in tow. 10. A Anchor small was trawler weighed was at seen 1615 to and hit tug a mine proceeded south with of the two North boats
Goodwin Light vessel at 1645.
11. Three German bombers

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formideble
D 12/6/40.
Graft
H.M.S.J "Formidable",
030/48/40.
Comherston
C/o GIP.O.)
Noh Dunknik
Sir,
Le mesures
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants J.V. WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N.: sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
3. On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a hurry to get over to
Dunkirk - and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
2330, after an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
1/2 % mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
4.
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
were being embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
motor boat (possibly Commander MAVND) to proceed alongside the mole
and embark troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
to carry on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
return to the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
subsequently embarking another 28 Frenchmen and 4 English naval
ratings from a broken down motor boat. I then returned to the origin-
al anchorage, and waited for the boats for about an hour. During
this time there was a slight amount of remonstrance from the French
troops on board who were anxious to get away. The boats returned
about 0300 with another 50 British troops (having done one or two
trips in the meantime to other ships.)
5.
During the night Dunkirk was being shelled from the West by what
seemed to be a heavy battery, and from the East by lighter guns. The
lighter shells appeared to be directed at the mole, and towards
0300 the shelling was coming nearer and nearer down the mole, and a
fire was started either on the mole or just to the Westward. At
about 0300 there was an outburst of rifle fire apparently just on
the mole where the boats had been embarking troops, and Lieutenant

Details

3. 396
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by
the pulling the boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then which being
ferried by fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0335 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0345 there were no
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (2) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the unamizous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow motior boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It might have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats working between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.S could go alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W.I and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not required on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June - Tuesday 4th. June.
A further operation for these nights was organised from
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV - Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N.J Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA - Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN XV Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA : Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. RINdRd, Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
Each tug was to take 4 motor boats in tow, with orders to work
from the Nouveau Avant Port and from any point of the East mole
which they could reach, and to ferry troops down to the ships along-
side or to the transport LOCUST. The tugs had no specific orders,
and I instructed the Officers in the tugs that they should wait just
outside the entrance to Dunkirk, keeping clear of ships going in and
out (of which I understood there were to be a good many) and to be
ready to go alongside to pick up troops as opportunity offered or to
assist as required.
The convoy left a little after 1700 with 14 motor boats in all,
two having failed (one with engine trouble, one was aground in
RAMSGATE). The passage across was uneventful, save for a certain
amount of trouble with the tows, and the encountering of two mines
in the neighbourhood of W. buoy which were dealt with by mine-
sweepers. Commodore H.) TAYLOR, R.N.R. took passage with me, but about
halfway Dunkirk. across was picked up by a Motor Torpedo Boat and went on to

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4. 397
The for the following reasons boats given were below:- abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. point arose Petrol here. failure. Abandoned near W. buoy. An interesting
had been The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
officer told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
certain who cans which were subsequently found to contain water. The
instructed to fill up with petrol at RAMSGATE from
Commander (E) RINI When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, at any rate on the staff. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever was, traced and identified.
(c) DIANA MARY. Engine trouble and damage to propeller. Abandoned
at Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERINTENDENT&S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged masonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.N.,VeR.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do so as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, SO I went in to
S.O.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
to The convoy arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed by trouble with the tows. Most of the boats had been slipped
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN buoy and sent on. The
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the entrance, and
in this position picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
and an officer, who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
it was learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
5. The motor boats carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
to the Eastward of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
any work to be done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths at the East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to berth.
6. At about 0115 (4th. June) one of my motor boats returned, and told
me that there were no more French troops at the QUAI FELIX FUARE,
and that Commander TAYLOR had left the QUAL. This boat was slightly
damaged and so I left her in company.
7. At about 0200 the two end berths on the East mole were clear. H.M.S.
"MALCOLM" went alongside and I fallowed in SUN IV, as also did the
tug RACIA, to see if there were any more French troops. There were
only a few, who embarked in "MALCOIM", this ship asked me to push
her stern in to the jetty, which I did.
sailed RAMSGATE; the return passage was uneventful. I was passed
I left at 0230, approximately, picked up the waiting motor boat, and
by two or for three destroyers and a minesweeper. Tug SUN XV towed home
another vessel one picked up halfway.
8.
Out 14 boats which started for Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be
abandoned of the for one reason or another, but the crews were recovered
safely. The remainder found their own way back to RAMSGATE, with the

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398
5.
exception of the one I towed back (MERMAIDEN).
(a) As during regards these recommendations for officers and ratings who did
well: but I am operations, unable the following officers known to me well did
others who must of to say whether they did better than
time to collect necessity remain anomymous, since there many
ion, spirit, both of young officers and ratings was
the names. I can only say that, frompersonal observat- was no
ient. One had only to ask for volunteers for crews to receive magnific- more
applications than were necessary.
(b) Officers names.
Lieutenant J.V. WILKINSON R.N.J
Lieutenant R.E. LLOYD R.IN.
Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.O. R.N.R.J
Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD R.N.R.J
Lieutenant WALKER R.IN.V.R.
Lieutenant J.E.L. MARTIN R.N. (late "Pelican")
Lieutenant FLETCHER R.N.R. (late at Invergordon)
(a) I also respectfully submit for Their Lordships consideration that
letters of appreciation might be written as follows:-
To The London Fire Brigade
.) for the services of their
fire-float LADY MASSEY (?)
The Alexander Towage Company ) for the services of their
H.J. Alexander Ltd St John: Wharf- Wapping- E.I. tugs SUN, SUN IV, & SUN IV.
The Watkins Tug & Towage Company) for the services of their
Natkurs Ltd 112 Funchusch st- London E.C.S.
tug
TANGA.
(b) As regards the tug RACIA of the Watkins Company, the master of this
vessel was obviously unwilling to go over to Dunkirk, although he
did actually go on the nights of 31st. May and 3rd. June. On the 3rd
of June he was under the orders of Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.JO.
R.N.R.
(c) The spirit of the masters and crews of the other tugs (especially
the SUN tugs) was excellent. The owner of the Alexander Tug
Company was himself the captain of the tug SUN IV, and a young
Trinity House pilot volunteered to navigate this tug throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot remember his name.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
Managina to inectes
Edward. K.
Commander R.N.)

Details

Details

822/ 1110 13"2
253
255
No. 3102/212.
FROM:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
DATE:-
4th June 1940.
TO:-
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
73
LOSS OF H.M.S. "KING ORRY"
In forwarding the attached report by Commander
a
J. Elliott RD., R.N.R., Commanding Officer of H.M.S.
"KING ORRY", I desire to bring to your notice that
Commander Elliott landed here on 30th May, after his vessel
had been sunk at Dunkirk.
2.
He then expressed a desire to assist at this Base.
After 24 hours stand-off he turned to on Pier duty on the
East Pier, assisting in the handling of craft as they came
alongside with troops.
3.
When the hospital ship "PARIS" was damaged, he
proceeded out in charge of the two tugs "SUN IV" and "SUN XV
to render assistance. "PARIS" was found without crew and a
line was put on board. Both tugs were subjected to machine
gun fire. At about 0200 on 3rd June, the tow was abandoned
and both tugs returned to this Base at 0600.
4.
Commander Elliott has now been sent on leave p.m.
4th June - to his home address.
VICE ADMIRAL
5- JUN T 1940
#
CAPTAIN.
DOVER
R
NAVAL OFFICER IN CHARGE
RAMSGATE.
my kings my :- one V.U and + seamen wounded
history
:- 4 here killed / Officer and
nt men wounded.
tomage of was rus tained as follows
/. 55. coils severed
2. Two life loats badly holed
3- Boat back meried Parside
4. are questilator holed and Auady
minor depects to wining etc

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278
256
From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. Jallo Chappell, R.N.
Date:- 7th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
29th May.
2200 Left Portsmouth in H.M.S. Nelson's picket boat.
30th May.
a.m. Sighted submarine and warned & French convoy.
Port engine bearings ran out.
1730 Arrived Ramsgate on one engine.
2330 Left for Dunkirk, machine-gunned from the air
two miles out of Ramsgate.
31st May.
Dawn Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Funnel carried away by
shell-fire. Making water slightly; loaded
with troops and left.
1400 Arrived Ramsgate.
1st June.
0830 Left for Dunkirk. Making water rapidly. fire. Beached
the boat; found bottom damaged by for enemy Dunkirk.
On Took too return late command engine that journey N.Y. one only; filled can Santosy contained towed up and by with left trawler. water. petrol; Proceeded Trawler found turned
on port to wreck East of N. Goodwin L/V and
ran on on top of "Santosy". Cabin smashed; civilian
Arrived Ramagate on one engine. Discharged
over volunteer Barrington severely injured.
Barrington to Deal Hospital; sent crew ashore for
rest.
3rd
June. 1600 Engines repaired. Left for Dunkirk with civilian Towed by
J.W.S. Gilbert as engineer. proceeded
volunteer tug Sun IV. Tow parted Starboard off Dunkirk: engines failed commander's again.
under own power. Hailed Sun IV and on her VI with
orders Sea rising. abandoned Santosy and boarded Sun
my crew.
New gas used by enemy. Shells and bomba
REPORT: near gave off white cloud which hung
bursting suspended in air. From burns on bodies in water
gathered it to be of acid nature.

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501470
1 Sick Quarters at Ramsgate 4 SION HILL
June 7th
19 40
To NAVAL OF FICER IN CHARGE
RAMSGATE
Submitted
Report on the Medical Organisation at Ramsgate Naval
Base during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the
French coast.
In such an emergency a basis of procedure had to
be rapidly improvised and modified according to
circumstances. Collaboration between the Naval. medical
personnel and the RAMC was essential and after the first
day was found to be working smoothly and efficiently.
The suggestion that the floor of the Merrie England
base should be used as & Clearing Station was supported
by the NOIC, and traffic from the eastern pier head
ATO
was so organised. Very little delay was found in
rapidly clearing the wounded from ships as they berthed.
tels
Smaller boats were dealt with at the Dover steps further
down. A naval and military doctor was always available
at the pier head for some time before and after high
led
tide at which time many of the larger vessels entered
the harbour. A pier head rallying point was
established for medical personnel, and here stocks of
dressings, stretchers and medical essentials were kept.
Transport in the form of ambulances Military, ARP, and
St.John's was always available and ample. I would
RILEA
United
JUTLAND
FREDANJA
TYCAP
CRASTS
JAJA
FOAM QUEEN
PACIFIC
BORNRIO
PASCHOLL
REIGER
SUN IV
LINIRED STAR
PATRIA
QUEEN
BRANDARIS
TANIA
RUJA
RESTREL
DELFUSE
SUN XV
HOPPER-
HANDBRUG
BARGE 24
(INO GEORGE y
SWALLOW
DWARP
CAVA
GROUSE
BOURNRIFT
ROYAL DAFFODIL
FABIA
PRINCE OF WALES
CARISTA
BAN
CELLETT
BOX FRED
ROYAL SOVERSION
LENA
VIRINO
SALVINA
DUCHESS OF FIFE ORIOLE

Details

sa
548
) 2 (
DYNAMO OPERATION - DISTRIBUTION OF LEWIS GUIS
JANE HANNAH
SUN VIII
ROSE
BETTY
NARCISSA
ACE
WINSTON
MATILDA
CLACTON LIFE-
RACIA
ADMIRALS BARGE
LURNILYNE
BOAT
MERMAID
MADAME SANGENE
ELIZABETH GREEN EN
MISS MING
HALCYONE
N.B. 1711
M.B. 37270
LETITIA
PIGEON
M.B. 74
WOEP
HAIG.
4. available duo to the vessels previously fitted being In
Other smaller craft were also fitted with guns when these
no addition longer magazines were refilled and spare ammunition
became required or unable to continue the operation. was
supplied as It became necessary.
to
number of Lewis guns were transferred from their ship to
ship commands, and of these we have no
5. A by the various officers when record. they changed
II
for overhauling, and twelve above ratings work. were
8
6. sent Four from Chatham Q.0's and they assisted in the
OF
I
LEWIS GUNNERS.
8
All the 23 Lewis gunners together sent from with London those were from
7. embarked for the of operation them making several their crossings, duties. and all
Ramagate, showed great most keenness in performing
All have returned to Ramsgate with the exception of
S.C.
8.
Cyril Head
This "SUN IV" (sent to Dover)
J.S. Parker
)
Tug "SUN XV (sent to London)
R. Jowitt
Leslie Reed
)
C.Olichards.
Portanant,
Ramagate.

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16157
CONFIDENTIAL.
H.M.S. "Formidable",
12/6/40.
C/o G.P.O.
030/48/40.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUII" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1750 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
I took with ne Lieutenants J.V. WILKINSON and R.E. LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R. sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N. sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped -
Dunkirk and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a burry to get over to
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
2330, after - an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
1 - of mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
motor being beat (possibly Commander MAVID) to proceed alongaide the mole
were embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
to embark on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
and troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
return carry the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded to alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
this anchorage, was a slight amount of The French
ratings al from a and waited for the boats remonstrance for about an hour. from the During
subsequently broken down motor boat. I origin-
embarking another 28 Frenchmen then and returned 4 English to naval the
troops about on with another 50 British troops or two
time board there who were anxious to get away. (having done boats one returned
trips in 0300 the meantime to other ships.)
During the night heavy battery, and from at the the mole, and towards guns. The
Dunkirk was being shelled East from by the lighter West by what
0300 lighter shells was coming nearer and just nearer to the Westward, mole, At and a
seemed to be a appeared to be directed down the
about fire was started was an outburst of troops, apparently and just on
the shelling either on the mole or rifle fire
the mole 0300 where there the boats had been embarking Lieutenant

Details

/6159
3.
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by which
the pulling boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then being
ferried by the fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0535 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0545 there were no
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (?) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the un hinous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow notier boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It night have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats briding between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.S could 89 alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W. and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not re uired on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June - Tuesday 4th. June.
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
A further operation for these nights was organised from
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV - Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N. Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA - Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN XV - Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA - Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. R.N.R., Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
from the Nouveau reach, and to ferry troops Dad no specific orders, along-
Each tug Avant port and (rom any point down to the ships
WAS to take 4 motor boats in tow, with of the orders East to mole work
which they could transport LOCUST. The tugs that they should wait
outside the entrance understood there were to opportunity offered or
and I instructed to Dunkirk, keeping be a good many) and to be
side or to the the Officers in the tugs clear of ships going in just and
out ready (of to which go alongside I to pick up troops as to
assist as required.
left a little after 1700 trouble, with one 14 motor was aground boats in in all,
two The having convoy failed (one across with engine was uneventful, the encountering save for of a two certain
RAMSGATE). The passage the tows, and dealt mines
in the neighbourhood H. TAYLOR, R.N.R. Torpedo passage Boat and me, went but about to
mount of trouble with of 11. buoy which took were with with by mine-
balfway sweepers. aoross Commodore was picked up by a Motor on
Dunkirk.

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160
The following boats were abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
for the reasons given below:-
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. Petrol failure. Abandoned near 11. bucy. An interesting
point arose here. The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
had been instructed to fill up with petrol : RAMSGATE from
certain cans which were subsequently found tc contain water. The
officer who told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
Commander (E) R.N. When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, it any rate on the st If. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever W.S, traced and identified.
(c) DIAHA MARY. Engine trouble and to propeller. Abandoned
Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERIMENDENT'S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged nasonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.N.V.R.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do SO as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, 80 I went in to
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
S.0.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
The arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed convoy by trouble with the tows. liost of the boats had been slipped
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN bucy and sent on. The
in this picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the antrance, and
it was an learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
and officer, position who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
to motor Eastward boats of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
The carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
the done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths any work at to the be East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to borth.
me about 0115 no more French troops at QUAI
At (4th. June) one of my motor boats the returned, FELIX and FUARE, told
and that that there Commission were TAYLOR had left the QUAI. This boat was slightly
damaged and 80 I left her in convany.
At two end berths on the East mole were also clear. did H.M.S. the
tug "MALCOLM" went see if there were any more this ship troops. asked no to push were
about 0200 the alongside and I followed in French SUN IV, as There
only RACIA, few, to who embarked in "MALCOLM"; I did.
her stern a in to the jetty, which picked up the waiting Motor boat, and
I left at 0230, approximately, the return passage was uneventful, Tug SUN XV I towed was passed home
by sailed for RAMSGATS; destroyers and a minesweeper.
another two or vessel three ОДЭ picked up halfway.
Out boats which started for but Dunkirk, the crews 8 or wore 9 had recovered to be
safely. abandoned The for remainder one found their own way RAMSGATE, with the
of the 14 reason or another, back to

Details

1615
5.
exception of the one I towed back (MERMAIDEN).
a) As regards recommendations for officers and ratings who did well
during these operations, the following officers known to me did
well: but I am unable to say whether they did better than many
others who must of necessity renain anceynous, since there was no
time to collect names, I can only say that, frompersonal observat-
ion, the spirit, both of young officers and ratingsm was magnific-
ient. One had only to ask for volunteers for crews to receive more
applications than were necessary.
b) Officers names.
Lieutenant J.V. WILKINSON R.H.
Lieutenant R.E. LLOYD R.N.
Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.O. R.N.JR.
Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD R.N.R.
Lieutenant WALKER R.N.V.R.
Lieuten nt J.E.L. MARTIN R.N. (late *Pelican*) 152
Lieutenant FLETCHER R.H.R. (late at Invergordon)
a) I Iso respectfully submit for Their Lordships consideration that
letters of appreciation might be written S follows:-
To - The London Fire Brigade
) for the services of their
fire-float LADY MASSEY (?)
The Alexander Tow ge Company
) for the services of their
.I. Alexander Ltd- I Iohns Whart- Wapping E.I. tugs SUN, SUN IV, & SUN XV.
v. Walkins 42 - 112 Feuchwock st London EC3 tug TANGA.
The Watkins Tug & Towage Company) for the services of their
(b) As the tug RACIA of the Watkins Company, the master although of this he
vessel was on the nights of 31st. May and 3rd. June. MILLER D.S.O. 3rd.
regards obviously unwilling to 80 over to Dunkirk, On the
of did June actually be was go under the orders of Lieut. Commander
R.H.R.
(c) the masters and crews of the the other Alexander tugs (especially Tug
the SUN tugs) himself the captain of the tug this tug young
The spirit of was excellent, The owner of SUN IV, and a
Trinity Company House was pilot volunteered his to navis name. do throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot remember
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
Edward. K. Lehnesmit
Commander R.N.

Details

SECRET
Dywams 354
,2777
H.M.S. Pelican,
C/O G.P.O.
18th June, 1940.
I have the honour to refer to More General Order 448/40
d to submit the following narrative of events :-
At 0200 Friday, 31st May, 1940, the London tug Sun IV
Master Mr. Alexander, Manager of the fini), slipped from Tilbury
cks with 12 lifeboats in tow. A London Pilot was embarked and
mained in the tug until the evacuation was completed. Ships'
feboats were manned by half naval and half volunteer crews.
chored. 2. Provisions were embarked for boats" crews and the
Southend pier was hailed at 0415/31 May, 1940, and the tug
portunity was taken to allow boats" crews a not cup of tea in the
&
amsgate 5. arriving at 1115, where she was armed with two pairs of
At 0445 anchow was wedghed and the tug proceeded to
ewis guns mounted either side of the wheel house.
yler 4. onboard his tug had run out of coal and water. also
The tugs were sailed for Dunkirk at 1330. Commander
tenant came Wilkinson as and a further party of seamen wre
mbarked.
11 fell 5. a long way from the tug.
At 1915 a high level bonding attack took place, but boabs
eported and it 6. is on regretted A boat arrival was in that capsi harbour one zed Stoker when by Commander the was tug dromed. position net Tyler. a destroyer's This one mile casualty east wake ty the was
of the Dunkirk tug 7. At by anchored 2230 verbal the orders three tug was quarters from ordered a motor Wilkinson of to a mile a torpedo and from Lieutenant Doat. the shore By Fletcher, 2300 and
boats were was sent in with Lieutenant 2300 to 0500 there was periodic Lewis shelling gins, was
and R.N. one in charge. from an From aircraft, which was engaged by
dropped bomb about 100 yards from the tug.
At 0315/1 June, 1940, weighed having suchor. embarked Only 88 soldiers three boats both had
been French crews 8. able were and to either British, get back onboard the to 218 our or were tug, as but towed it was the back filling remainder by drifters rapidly of the us to with boats' and Ramsgate. was water;
while At 0445 this one was boat being was done set adrift a German fighter flew towards
engaged Lewis guns.
9. with 0830/1 June, 1940, arrived at Ramsgate. Commander Tyler
went inshore for orders.
with
two
boats
in tow.
10. Anchor small was trawler weighed was at seen 1615 to and hit tug a mine proceeded south of the North
Goodwin Light A vessel at 1645.
11. Three German bombers

Details

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
in the Bray and Malo sectors were being thinned out by movements westward
towards Dunkirk iteslf. This change of plan involved concentrating the special
tows and the minesweepers to which they were to transfer the troops, into the
stretch opposite the beach between Zuydcoote Sanatorium and one mile east
of La Panne¹, and also advancing the commencement of the operation by one
hour².
A risk was involved in this change of plan as the boat tows were not in com-
munication with the Vice-Admiral, and it would therefore be necessary for
minesweepers to see that the escorting M.A./S.B.'s shepherded the tows to the
new positions It had been explained to the Naval officers in each tow that
the minesweepers would be anchored so as to serve as guiding marks³.
" It was always impossible for me to do more than deal with the situation of
the moment", says Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker. "I did not know what ships
were coming or when-except for the pre-arranged plan of the sloops. Nor
was it possible for Dover to give me much information. Ships got back there,
unloaded, and were off again, the stream was constant but irregular and it was
not possible to see any way ahead. My policy was always to keep only sufficient
ships off the beaches and send all the others into Dunkirk, but the situation
changed continually."4
Small craft arrive in hundreds
It was in such circumstances that, at about 1900, Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker had proceeded to Dunkirk in the Keith to see how the boat situation
was getting on. There he saw for the first time that strange procession of
craft of all kinds the story of which was to become famous-tugs, towing
dinghies, life-boats and all manner of pulling boats5-small motor yachts,
motor launches, drifters, Dutch skoots, Thames barges, fishing boats, pleasure
steamers⁶. This was indeed the first time that the small craft had come over
in hundreds⁷. Since noon Lt. Cdr. C. J. Wynne-Edwards, R.N. (of R.-A.
Dunkirk's staff), embarked in M.T.B.68, had been directing the tows to the
various beaches.
I See Appendix Q.18, observing that D.R. p.20, para. 61 says the beach between Bray
and 1 mile east of La Panne."
2 Appendix Q.19.
3 D.R. p.20, para. 61.
4 M.017978/41, p.17.
5 The following 14 tugs (their tows are shown in brackets) reached Dunkirk that evening:
The Racia (12 life-boats), Sun VIII (12 life-boats), Sun XV (6 life-boats), Vincia (3 life-
boats), Sun IV (9 boats), Tanga (6 boats), Ocean Cock (6 M/B's), Sun VII (seaplane tenders
243, 254, 276, 291 and A.M.C.3), Foremost 87 (two sailing barges), Fairplay I (sailing barge
Barbara Jean), Empire Henchman (sailing barge Aidie), Crested Cock (a lighter), Sun XI (a
lighter), and the Sun XII (sailing barges Tollesbury and Ethel Everard).
In the early hours of 1st June 4 other tugs arrived. The St. Fagan (auxiliary barges
Pudge and Lady Rosebery, and the sailing barge Doris), St. Abbs (auxiliary barge Thyra
and sailing barges H.A.C. and Duchess), Cervia (sailing barge Royalty), and the Persia
(sailing barge Glenway and Lark).
6 M.017978/41, p.19.
7 New arrivals off Dunkirk and the beaches on 31st May included the following The
yachts Amulree, Aronia, Glagla, Caleta, Christobel II and Llanthony, the nine yachts of the
Portsmouth Inner Patrol, viz the Ahola, Ankh, Bounty, Caryandra, Eilla II, Lahloo,
Noneta, Seriola and Thele and from the R.N. Air Station, Ford, the yacht Andora.
The drifters Ben and Lucy (towing 4 boats), Dorienta (towing boats), Monarda, Renas-
cent and the 13 drifters of the Yarmouth Base, viz Alcmaria, Feasible, Genius, Gula,
Jeannie MacIntosh, John and Norah, Lord Barham, Lord Hood, Overfalls, Reed, Rewga,
Swift Wing and Taransay. The drifters Fair Breeze and Ocean Breeze were again over,
the former towing a motor life-boat and 3 life-boats.
The steam hopper barges Foremost 102 (towing the Excellent's 35 ft. fast motor boat and
71

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. X
clearly marked as hospital ships. Neither of the two ever reached Dunkirk.
were despatched from Dover, the Worthing at 1255 and the Paris at 1648, both
we should scrupulously observe the Two hospital carriers part
en clair asking for hospital ships to be Geneva sent across Convention. and stating that for our
At 1433 the A/S trawler Grimsby Town, on patrol on Route X, reported that
had bombed a hospital ship. This was Worthing. Visibility was good.
12 aircraft bearing 90° South Foreland 27 the miles (between V and W buoys)
Nine bombs were dropped and the the Calcutta ship was sent machine the gunned, she was slightly
damaged by near misses and corvette Mallard to stand by
her. The Worthing returned to harbour.
near W buoy, when two aircraft attacked her, near misses putting out of action
The Paris, after running into thick fog, was in clear visibility at about 1900,
her engines and extinguishing all lights. About an hour later the ship was
attacked again by 3 aircraft, and received further damage. She was abandoned
by all but the Captain and some of the officers, who were shortly afterwards
taken off by a fast motor boat which also rescued men from some of the Paris's
lifeboats that had been wrecked by bombing. Three tugs, the Sun XV, Sun IV
and Lady Brassey attempted to tow the ship; but at 0400 on 3rd June, after
a further air attack, the Paris sank 1 mile east of W. buoy.
Evacuation figures, 2nd June
A total of 26,256 men were landed in England on 2nd June, 19,561 from
Dunkirk harbour and 6,695 from the beaches. Of these totals, French ships
working only from the harbour carried 1634, and Belgian trawlers carried 313.
The accumulated total of men evacuated to this date was 285,305.
104

Details

Details

INDEX
Silver Moon, crosses to France without charts or compass, 53.
Silver Queen, 53, 60n.
Simpson, Ch. Skpr. D. W. L., R.N.R., lost, 34.
Simson, Capt. D. J. R., Capt. D. (19), killed, 9.
Siroco, 39, 43, 62n, 69 (sunk), 85.
Skipjack, 20, 28n, 31, 60, 86, 90 (sunk).
Skipwith, Cdr. L. P., handling of Royal Sovereign, 108.
Skoots: Commissioned, 7; return to Downs in error, 20; reach Dunkirk and beaches, 29;
continuous service, 30.
Skylark, sunk, 72.
Small craft: provision of 5, 15, 17, 21, 32, 51 manning difficulty, 17; sent to Dover,
in error, 21, 22; shortage of, 24-5, 32-3, 61, 76, 80-82, 127 losses of 32, 36; difficulties
due to weather, 36, 48, 69-70; overcrowding, 36; supply increases, 51, 61, 71
ordered to move towards Dunkirk, 86-7; return empty to England, 100.
broached to and stranded, 58, 69-70; cast adrift and lost, 60; all vanished, 86;
Snaefell, 100-1.
S.N.O. Afloat, see Bush, Capt, E. W. and Wake-Walker, Rear-Adm. W. F.
S.N.O. Dunkirk, see Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Solomon, S/Lt. M. B. H., R.N.V.R., 73n.
Spanish refugees, 100-1.
Speedwell, 86, 90, 107n, 109, 114n, 117.
Spurs, 32n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 110 (damaged).
Starlight Rays, 60n, 107n, 108.
Stella Dorado, 34n, 69, 85 (sunk).
Stella Reigel, 85.
Stephenson, Vice-Adm. G. O., 49 (act. Cdre.), 58 (takes charge off La Panne), 66-7, 79,
83; effect of his arrival, 126.
Strathelliot, 72, 101.
Stubbs, Lt., 81.
Submarine Chaser 6, 107n.
Submarines (German): believed minelaying, 38; sighted, 69.
Sunshine, 60n, 75n.
Sun IV, 71n, 104n, 117.
Sun V, 32, 36 (put out of action).
Sun VII, 71n.
Sun VIII, 71n.
Sun X, 107n, 111.
Sun XI, 71n, 107n, 111.
Sun XII, 71n.
Sun XV, 71a, 104, 114n, 117.
Sunny Isle, lost, 110.
Surcouf, 62n.
Sursum Corda, 29n.
Survivors, machine gunned, 44, 90, 92.
Sutton, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (attacked), 101.
Swallow, 69-70, 72n, 114n.
Swift Wing, 7In.
Tanga, 71n, 88, 114n, 117.
Tanks, British worn out, 6.
Taransay, 71n.
Taylor, Rear-Adm. (act. Cdre.), A. H., (Dynamo Maintenance Officer), 21, 97.
Tennant, Capt. W. G., 16, 50 (appointed S.N.O. Dunkirk); 21-22 (assumes duty)
22 (sends dramatic signal) 24, 48 (asks for all ships to be sent to Dunkirk) ; 50 (res-
ponsible England). under R.A. Dover) ; 50n (false report sent in his absence) ; 108 (embarks for
Thark, lost, 117.
Thele, 71n.
Thérèse Compas, 73.
Thérèse Louis, 62n.
Thirlwall, A/Ldg. Sea. R., 93.
Thomas Bartlett, sunk, 34.
Thornton, Lt. Cdr. M., 47n.
Thuringia, sunk, 34, 38.
Thurston, Lt. N., mortally wounded, 86.
Thyra, 71n.
Tibbits, Lieut., 79.
206

Details

Page 6.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
#
RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
PELLAG II
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL Renumed FRANCOLIN NOWJACKDAN
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN x
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
SUN XI
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
Renamed Wranglu.
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

indicates Card for read and visal on newser driving
It.
NELSON (MB)
VINCIA. (Tug)
NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT.
No 4
WALMER CASTLE
No 101
Hopper barges.
WESSEX (Lighter)
No 102
WEST. COVE
WEST GROVE
ORIENT LINE (M.B)
WOLFE (WD wap)
WOOTTON (J-g-w Fevry)
PERSIA (Tug)
W24 (Hopper Barge)
PIGEON (WD Crap.)
PRIMA (Tug)
X 95
PUDGE
X 134
(Lighters)
x 209
QUEEN'S CHANNEL (Hopper Baye)
QUEENSLAND
YC 63
YC 71
(highten)
RICAS
yc 72
ROBERT CLIFF
ROWAN (Smack)
ST.ABBS
ST. CLEARS
# ST. FAGAN
Dialy 'Lhila (T.M.1899/UND)
ST. OLAF
SAMBRA (M.B)
SAVIOUR
Claim all
SEINE
SHEFFIELD (M.Bmge)
SILICIA (Coaster)
SINGAPORE
SMALL VIKING
SPEEDWELL renamed FRANCOLIN
now JACKDAW.
SPRITE (Harborn Camch)
SULTAN
SUN IV
SUN X
(Tugs)
SUN XI
SWALLOW
S.O. ONE
TANGA (Tug)
TENIAS
THYFORSA
THYRA renamed WRANGLER
TUG XV
37270.
# Smith

Details

PELLAG II
ANTHE MARIA (Fishing boat)
PERSIA (Tug)
PIGEON (WD crap)
PRIMA (Tug)
INTA (Trawler)
PUDGE
67. (Hopper Bmse)
QUEEN'S CHANNEL (Hopper Baye)
HANNA (Eel Boat)
QUEENSLAND
RDAN
RICAS
IGSGATE
ROBERT CLIFF
ROWAN (Smack)
BRASSEY (Resene ing)
ST. ABBS
SHEILA
ST. CLEARS
SOUTHBOROUGH (Hopper Bange)
# ST. FAGAN
VDANIA
ST OLAF
ROC
SAMBRA (M.B)
us
SAVIOUR
UISIANA ? Orusisana
SEINE
SHEFFIELD (m Bange)
ERRANT Marad Errant
SILICIA ( Coastin )
LDEN
SILVER BREEZE Schney Breye
ANNIE IV
# SILVER QUEEN rosemb
BOROUGH (WD craft)
SINGAPORE Card for
ARQUIS (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
ASSEY SHAW Fire Hoat)
SPEEDWELL renamed FRANCOLIN now JACKDA
YSPEA
SPRITE (Hanhour Lannch)
NWOOD
SULTAN
BOAT 42
SUN IV
-
27 27B. B.
SUN X
(Tugs)
:
43 (RAF)
SUN XI
--
101
..
SWALLOW
..
102
--
SO.ONE
- 243
,
- 270
"
TANGA (Tug)
- 275
TENIAS
THYFORSA
NETTE (M.L) Cand fw Nanette II
THYRA Renamed WRAN
ELSON (MB)
TUG XV TUG XVI
WHAVEN LIFEBOAT
37270
4
101
Hopper Banges
VINCIA (Tug)
102
WALMER CASTLE
BREEZE
FERIA offerma
WESSEX (highter)
WEST.COVE
IVIA
WEST GROVE
RIENT LINE (M.B)
WHITE HEATHER (M.B)
WOLFE (WD crap)
WOOTTON ( log W Ferry)
W 24 (Hopper Bange)
over

Details

Page 6.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
# RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.)
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
#
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.)
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
in
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
)
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
#
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PELLAG II
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN X
SUN XI
~~~
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

n /
like 64
with Drunkisk
S
Glwards file please 11 Ptd
This Sir, is what condined abs St Margarets
letter of Thanks was 110 Bexley Road 70
each Master He hystotowing to me being on my Evith Kent
1940.
I Sir been unable to obtain my letter which
transferred from the % Sun XV to 06/8/40
is I James Francis Beltonlum XV which versel
hawas Master of the 5/y Sun IV and at a moments
hanotice I was asked to take charge of the 5/y Sun XV
Liwhich I did and the s/y Sun XV left Tilbury with
talifeboats in tow for Ramsgate on 30rd May.
The 5/y Sun XV then took a part in the evacuation
of the B.E.F from Dunkisk 3 Trips were made or
on each of the return journeys although loaded with
troops I stopped my tug and took in tow at the
risk of being bombed & machinegunned, 2 Trawlers
and 2 Government Lighters also crowded with
troops and each time brought them safely back
to Ramsgate. But Sir as for as I am concerned
that was just a job of work, and I am pleased
ild
to he able to think that I was able to be
of some service to my country.
a 6213 1401 results
Y
There
and
master of Ing Gcean Cock

Details

S
Ptd
This Sir is what I feel concerned about a fine
letter of b ongratulation d Thanks was issued to
70
each Master but owing to me being on my return
transferred from the 5/3 Sun XV to the % Sun IV
1940,
I have been unable to obtain my letter which
is now on board the s/s Sun XV which vessel
has gone away for duration and the crew
have decided to keep it on board. Theirfore
Sir as an officer of the Mercantile Marine I am
taking the Liberty of asking you if it is
possible that I might have another letter of
b ongratulation + Thanks for myself which
I can assure you will he greatly heasured by
me hoping that this meets with your kind
approval I am Sins
mine has been JYB-ellon
Yours Faithfully
he forms
Master
lld
Trusting you
& Obtige
6213 1401 result
There
States
master of Ing Gcean Cock

Details

ING
PART
VF ELS TAKING PART IN THE DUNKIR
QUA
Master
Owners.
Tug
SUN"
H. Cole
x
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd
1019128
"SUN III"
F. Russell
X
do
"SUN IV"
C. ALexander
X
do
"SUN V
W. Mastin
X
do
"SUN VII"
G. Cawsey
do
"SUN VIII"
S. Smith
do
"SUX X"
W. Fothergill
Latter is. Gamern
do
Stm Tommis Co.
SUN XI"
J. Lukes
x
do
X.
"SUN XII"
(Mee) B. Mastin X Litter to Was washin, na)
do
Actician
"SUN XV"
mate,
J. Belton
X
do
XX08SAXX
XXXXXXXX
Elliot Steam Tug Co., Ltd
"CONTEST"
H. Bates
x
/
"CHALLENGE"
C. Parker
x
do
or
"FOSSA"
G. Finch
x
Gaselee & Son, Ltd.
"BETTY"
G. Leeks
X
do
nsit
rk's
ials
"CRESTED COCK"
T. Hills
X
The Gamecock Steam Tow
"OCEAN COCK"
A.V. Mastin
x
do
my
WATERCOCK
W. Fothergill (This Tug went to do Dover only
FOREMOST 87"
J. Fryer
Managed by W. Watkins, Lt.
"FAIRPLAY ONE"
S. Wright & G. Finch
do
(1084
"CERVIA"
W. Simmonds
William Watkins, td.
992,000
Gpt
"DORIA"
(REG
A. Mastin
do
"FABIA"
F. Smith
do
"GONDIA"
C. Pratt
do
"HIBERNIA"
B. Youseman
X
do
"JAVA"
W. Jones
X
do
For
(Continued)

Details

COPY.
63
THE DUNKIRK EVACUATION.
s.t. "TANGA".
158
May 30th.
At 9-15 p.m. left Tilbury Landing Stage towing 12 ships
lifeboats anchored off Southend 11-0 p.m.
May 31st.
At 1-40 a.m. received orders to get underway at 4-0 a.m.
and tow boats to Ramsgate. Anchored off Ramsgat about 10 a.m.
At 2-0 p.m. four Lewis guns and two gunners came on board, also
Liut. Com. and Lieut. R.N.R. We then took six boats in tow and
proceeded towards Dunkirk.
About 7-30 p.m., when nearing Dunkirk, German 'planes
started bombing and machine-gunning. When the bombs exploded it
seemed to lift us up out of the sea. We arrived off Dunkirk Harbour
about 8-40 p.m. but had to go 6 miles further on tb the beaches.
We sipped our boats and hung off. Our boats had to fill up and
take the troops to the larger vessels.
1st June.
About 3-50 a.m. some of our boats returned to us with about
16° troops. We took them on board, abandoned all but one motor boat
and had to run for it. When abreast of Dunkirk Harbour we fell in
with a small boat with 6 men in it. We stopped and picked the up
and they were the sole survivors of 25 from the H.M. Tug "ST. FAGAN",
which had been bombed with her tow of three Thames barges, two of the
barges were also blown up. A mile further on we picked up Barge
"PUDGE" with four men on board, two badly wounded. So we towed her
back to Ramsgate where we anchored off at 9-0 a.m. Motor boats came
off and landed our troops. At 4-0 p.m. we hove up, towing four boats
and proceeded again to Dunkirk, arrived off about 10-30 p.m., slipped
our boats as before and we paddled about outside.
2nd June.
At 3-30 a.m. we were ordered to clear out and run for it.
Not one of our boats had returned to us. Othe r boats had brought
us about 90 British and 8° French troops to us, so we proceeded back
to Ramsgate, towing one disabled motor boat, arriving back at 8-0 a.m.
3rd June.
At 4-30 p.m. we left Ramsgate once again towing 4 motor boats.
Arrived off unkirk at 11- p.m. Slipped our boats and awaited as before.
4th June.
About 2-° a.m., Tugs "SUN IV,XV", "RACIA" and "TANGA" were
ordered to go alongside Pierhead inside and get as many troops as possible
We all went in, no sooner had we got alongside the ladders when we were
ordered to clear out as fast as possible. We only managed to get
37 French toops, not any of our boats returned to us. We cleased
the Pier head about 2-35 a.m., when a German plane started bombing.
Our Lieut. Com. gave orders to fire our guns. We were firing 5
Lewis and 3 Bren guns. There were about 50 men on our deck aft and
they all say that our Lewis gunner aft with twin Lewis guns brought
the 'plane down. We saw the 'plane crash from our bridge and we were
alll happy about it. About 3 miles from the North Goodwin Lightship
we fell in with a French fishing Lugger with a crew of three on board,
as they did not appear to know where they were ge took them in tow and
anchored them off Ramsgate about 7-30 a.m.
(Signed) H.P. Gouge.
Master of Tug "TANGA".

Details

FROM
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
233
DATE
15th June 1940.
25
TO
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT.
Lieutenant R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
I regret who to report the death of Lieutenant R.H.
Mead, R.N.V.R. 1940, at 2108, was killed in action at Dunkirk on Saturday,
1st June or was wounded and died later.
2.
H.M. D/C to the M.B. had been reported out of action
31st May 1940, and Duty Staff Officer, Staff of Flag p.m. Officer
commanding Dover, the Commanding Officer and Lieutenant
Mead were ordered to find themselves boats if possible, and to
assume command.
3. Lieutenant Mead had assumed command of R.N.L.B.
WALTON AND FRINTON, and having been towed across to near Dun-
I.B.
kirk with other small boats, had pressed on to Dunkirk, unaccom-
panied except by one other boat, the remainder of the small
boats having turned back. This can be clearly seen from the
extracts of the log kept in the boat, a copy of which has
already been forwarded to the Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover,
through the Officer Commanding Rescue Boats.
an
4. While in the harbour itself, a shrapnel shell burst
on the water nearby, killing Lieutenant Mead. The remainder
ope
of the life-boat's crew, under a Lieutenant R.N.R. from the
Tug SUN IV continued ferrying soldiers to larger ships until
clan
0423, when Tug SUN IV towed the boat back to Ramsgate.
5.
The two members of my crew who accompanied Lieutenant
led
Mead, Petty Officer Telegraphist Cooley and Able Seaman MacManus,
have informed me that the "determination and guts" of Lieutenant
Mead in persisting in his efforts to rally the smaller boats
and to push on to Dunkirk, were outstanding. This was reported
by me to the Staff Officer of the Rescue boats at Dover, who
interviewed the crew, and has a copy of the log of the life-boat.
ced
6.
I understand that the boat underwent many air attacks
ops
from the time that the tow came within about 20 miles of the
coast.
it.
7.
This report is submitted in order to confirm that the
ant
gallantry of Lieutenant R.H. Mead, (as previously reported by me,
ps,
ade
P.T.O.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia was
working with Sport engine only which, owing to being
overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were
carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and
proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

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Details

SECRET
Dyram 35,4
406
Jug Sun IV
H.M.S. Pelican,
384
C/o G.P.O.
18th June, 1940.
Sir,
and to submit following narrative of events :-
I have the the honour to refer to Nore General Order 448/40
(Master Mr. Alexander, 12 Manager of the firm), slipped from Tilbury
At 0200 Friday, 31st May, 1940, the London tug Sun IV
Docks with lifeboats in tow. A London Pilot was embarked and
remained in the tug until the evacuation was completed. Ships"
lifeboats were manned by half naval and half volunteer crews.
anchored. Provisions were embarked for boats" crews and the
2. Southend pier was hailed at 0415/31 May, 1940, and the tug
opportunity was taken to allow boats" crews a hot cup of tea in the
tug.
3. At 0445 anchow was weighed and the tug proceeded to
Ramsgate arriving at 1115, where she was armed with two pairs of
Lewis guns mounted either side of the wheel house.
4. The tugs were sailed for Dunkirk at 1330. Commander
Tyler came onboard as his tug had run out of coal and water.
Lieutenant Wilkinson and a further party of seamen were also
embarked.
5. At 1915 a high level bombing attack took place, but bombs
all fell a long way from the tug.
6. A boat was capsized when the tug met a destroyer's wake
and it is regretted that one Stoker was drowned. This casualty was
reported on arrival in harbour by Commander Tyler.
7. At 2230 the tug was ordered to a position one mile east
of Dunkirk by verbal orders from a motor torpedo boat. By 2300
the tug was anchored three quarters of a mile from the shore and the
boats were sent in with Lieutenant Wilkinson and Lieutenant Fletcher,
R.N.R., in charge. From 2300 to 0300 there was periodic shelling
and one bomb from an aircraft, which was engaged by Lewis guns, was
dropped about 100 yards from the tug.
been able to British, back to our tug, but the remainder of the boats"
French 8. and the tug weighed anchor. Only three boats had
At 0315/1 June, 1940, having embarked 88 soldiers both
crews were either get onboard or were towed back by drifters to Ramsgate.
while this one was boat being was done a German fighter flew towards us and was
At 0445 set adrift as it was filling rapidly with water;
engaged with Lewis guns.
9. 0830/1 June, 1940, arrived at Ramsgate. Commander Tyler
went inshore for orders.
10. weighed at 1615 and tug proceeded with the two North boats
in
tow.
A Anchor small was trawler was seen to hit a mine south of
Goodwin Light vessel at 1645.
11. Three German bombers

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CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formideble
D 12/6/40.
Graft
H.M.S. "Formidable",
030/48/40.
comherston
C/o GJP.O.)
Noh Dunknik
Sir,
Le mesures
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants J.VI WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N. sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
3. On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped -
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a hurry to get over to
Dunkirk - and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
2330, after an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
} % mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
4.
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
were being embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
motor boat (possibly Commander MAVND) to proceed alongside the mole
and embark troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
to carry on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
return to the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
subsequently embarking another 28 Frenchmen and 4 English naval
ratings from a broken down motor boat. I then returned to the origin-
al anchorage, and waited for the boats for about an hour. During
this time there was a slight amount of remonstrance from the French
troops on board who were anxious to get away. The boats returned
about 0300 with another 50 British troops (having done one or two
trips in the meantime to other ships.)
5.
During the night Dunkirk was being shelled from the West by what
seemed to be a heavy battery, and from the East by lighter guns. The
lighter shells appeared to be directed at the mole, and towards
0300 the shelling was coming nearer and nearer down the mole, and a
fire was started either on the mole or just to the Westward. At
about 0300 there was an outburst of rifle fire apparently just on
the mole where the boats had been embarking troops, and Lieutenant

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3. 396
the pulling the boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then being
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by which
ferried by fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0335 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0345 there were no
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (2) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the unamizous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow motior boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It might have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats working between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.s could go alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W.I and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not required on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June Tuesday 4th. June.
A further operation for these nights was organised from
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N.J Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN
XV
Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. R.N.R., Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
Each tug was to take 4 motor boats in tow, with orders to work
from the Nouveau Avant Port and from any point of the East mole
which they could reach, and to ferry troops down to the ships along-
side or to the transport LOCUST. The tugs dad no specific orders,
and I instructed the Officers in the tugs that they should wait just
outside the entrance to Dunkirk, keeping clear of ships going in and
out (of which I understood there were to be a good many) and to be
ready to go alongside to pick up troops as opportunity offered or to
assist as required.
The convoy left a little after 1700 with 14 motor boats in all,
two having failed (one with engine trouble, one was aground in
RAMSGATE). The passage across was uneventful, save for a certain
amount of trouble with the tows, and the encountering of two mines
in the neighbourhood of W. buoy which were dealt with by mine-
sweepers. Commodore H.) TAYLOR, RNRI took passage with me, but about
halfway Dunkirk. across was picked up by a Motor Torpedo Boat and went on to

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4. 397
The for the following reasons boats given were below:- abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. Petrol failure. Abandoned near W. buoy. An interesting
point arose here. The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
had been instructed to fill up with petrol at RAMSGATE from
officer who told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
certain cans which were subsequently found to contain water. The
Commander (E) RINI When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, at any rate on the staff. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever was, traced and identified.
(c) DIANA MARY. Engine trouble and damage to propeller. Abandoned
at Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERINTENDENT&S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged masonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.IN.V.R.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do so as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, SO I went in to
S.O.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
to The convoy arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed by trouble with the tows. Most of the boats had been slipped
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN bucy and sent on. The
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the entrance, and
in this position picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
and an officer, who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
it was learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
5. The motor boats carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
to the Eastward of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
any work to be done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths at the East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to berth.
6. At about 0115 (4th. June) one of my motor boats returned, and told
me that there were no more French troops at the QUAI FELIX FUARE,
and that Commander TAYLOR had left the QUAL. This boat was slightly
damaged and so I left her in company.
7. At about 0200 the two end berths on the East mole were clear. H.M.S.)
"MALCOLM" went alongside and I followed in SUN IV, as also did the
tug RACIA, to see if there were any more French troops. There were
only a few, who embarked in "MALCOLM", this ship asked me to push
her stern in to the jetty, which I did.
sailed at 0230, RAMSGATE; the return passage was uneventful. I was passed
I left approximately, picked up the waiting motor boat, and
by two or for three destroyers and a minesweeper. Tug SUN XV towed home
another vessel one picked up halfway.
8.
Out boats which started for Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be
abandoned of the 14 one reason or another, but the crews were recovered
safely. The for remainder found their own way back to RAMSGATE, with the

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398
5.
exception of the one I towed back (MERMAIDEN).
(a) As regards recommendations for officers and ratings who did well
during these operations, the following officers known to me did
well: but I am unable to say whether they did better than many
others who must of necessity remain anomymous, since there was no
time to collect names. I can only say that, frompersonal observat-
ion, the spirit, both of young officers and ratings was magnific-
ient. One had only to ask for volunteers for crews to receive more
applications than were necessary.
(b) Officers names.
Lieutenant J.V. WILKINSON R.N.J
Lieutenant R.E. LLOYD R.IN.
Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.O. R.N.R.J
Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD R.N.R.J
Lieutenant WALKER R.N.V.R.:
Lieutenant J.E.L. MARTIN R.N. (late "Pelican")
Lieutenant FLETCHER R.N.R. (late at Invergordon)
(a) I also respectfully submit for Their Lordships consideration that
letters of appreciation might be written as follows:-
To The London Fire Brigade
.) for the services of their
fire-float LADY MASSEY (?)
The Alexander Towage Company
) for the services of their
H.J. Alexander the St John: Wharf- Wapping E.I. tugs SUN, SUN IV, & SUN IV.
The Watkins Tug & Towage Company) for the services of their
Natkurs Ltd 112 Funchusch st- London E.C.S.
tug TANGA.
(b) As regards the tug RACIA of the Watkins Company, the master of this
vessel was obviously unwilling to go over to Dunkirk, although he
did actually go on the nights of 31st. May and 3rd. June. On the 3rd
of June he was under the orders of Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.JO.
R.N.R.
(c) The spirit of the masters and crews of the other tugs (especially
the SUN tugs) was excellent. The owner of the Alexander Tug
Company was himself the captain of the tug SUN IV, and a young
Trinity House pilot volunteered to navigate this tug throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot remember his name.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
Managina to inector
Edward. K.
Commander R.N.)