Details

CHALLENGE
Tug (Elliott Steam tug
Co. Ltd.)
Went to Dunkirk on the night of 1st/2nd June with
orders to pick up anything. In company were the
tug Sun XI, and 5 other tugs.
Nil
172

Details

CONTEST
Tug (Elliott Steam
Tug Co. Ltd.)
H.J. Bates, Master
31st May
1900
Picked up crew of a drifter sunk in
an air raid off Dunkirk (see Sun XI)
S/Lt. M.H.B. Solomon, R.N.V.R. states:
At Ramsgate, 1st June 1940.
1400
Commandeered tug "Contess" [?Contest]
but crew deliberately put tug aground
and made every possible obstruction
to impede the sailing of same.
1700
Although tug "Contess" [?Contest]
was afloat, engineer refused to put
the ship to sea, as he claimed his
I
filters would be blocked by sand.
Authority - - R.O.III, p.314.
206

Details

CRESTED COCK
Tug (Gamecock Steam
Towing Co. Ltd).
T. Hills, Master
29th May
1715
Left Gravesend for Tilbury, towing the
and Lark.
3 sailing barges Glenway, Spurgeon
2215
Anchored with barges at Southend.
30th May
0445
1500
Proceeded to Ramsgate and thence to
Dover, with the barges.
31st May
0400
Left Dover, towing a lighter loaded with
1230
fresh water etc., and troops.
Arrived Dunkirk roads.
Anchored, with the lighter, about 60
feet off the beach. The lighter
made her way to the beach.
1315ca
Went to the assistance of dr. Impulsive
which had grounded on an uncharted
rock, and took her in tow.
1410
Cast off the tow. Escorted Impulsive
to Dunkirk Pier heads, whence she
proceeded to Dover on one engine.
Crested Cock proceeded in company.
2000
Arrived Dover.
1st June
2000
Went to assistance of dr. 96 [i.e.
Worcester which had been in collision
with P/V Maid of Orleans] in Dover
harbour. After assisting to rescue
troops in the sea, took Worcester
in tow, and assisted by the tugs
Ocean Cock, Challenge, and Sun XII, and
Sun VII(1), berthed her.
2130ca
Then proceeded towards Dunkirk with
orders to pick up or rescue anything
(see Sun XI).
2nd June
0345
Unable to contact anything. Proceeded.
0800
Dover.
Authority - W.W.
(1) Sun mention this. The tug Foremost in collision 22 states
at that about she this time. Sun XI also
VII does assisted not two vessels which assisted. were
215

Details

0001
FAIRPLAY(1)
Tug (Managed by
W. Watkins Ltd.)
S. Wright and G. Finch
25th May
Towed the water boat Claude to Dunkirk.
31st May
1600
Left Dover, with barges in tow; tug
Sun XII in company.
2350
Arrived Dunkirk. Put barges on the
beach at Braye-Dunes.
Proceeded, in company with Sun XII,
to the eastward.
1st June
0400
Returned to Braye-Dunes. Proceeded.
1030
Arrived Dover.
2155ca
Left Dover for W buoy in company with
6 other tugs (See Sun XI).
2nd June
0920ca
Arrived back at Dover.
1530ca
Left Dover, in company with tugs Sun X,
Sun XI, and Foremost 87, for Dunkirk.
2215ca
Arrived Dunkirk.
-
Returned to Dover.
Nil
(1) This account of Fairplay tugs. I's activities is compiled from
Dive at
the reports of 309 other

Details

FOREMOST 22
Tug (s. Ry. Co.)
C. Fieldgate, Master.
F.M. Holden, Actg.Master
29th May
1850
Left Newhaven for Dover.
Capt. Holden as Master.
30th May
0415
Arrived Dover.
1335
Left Dover for Dunkirk as leader of
5 small vessels.
2030
Arrived off Dunkirk. Separated from the
5 vessels after arrival: proceeded
eastward along the coast and then back
to the harbour entrance.
2300ca
The sound of a heavy collision in
Dunkirk roads was heard. The P/V
St. Helier had been in collision with
the M/S Sharpshooter.
2320ca
Foremost 22 took Sharpshooter in tow
and St. Helier backed away and carried
on.
Proceeded with Sharpshooter in tow
stern first.
31st May
1035
Arrived off Dover. Cast off the tow.
The tug Empire Henchman now assisted,
1320
and Sharpshooter was moored to a buoy.
1st June
1630
Captain Fieldgate rejoined the ship from
the sick list.
2030
Assisted 2 vessels in collision in the
outer basin. (2)
2nd June
1700
Left for Dunkirk.
2300
Dunkirk harbour entrance. Ordered into
harbour to assist the P/V Newhaven ?]
aground. The tug ran aground herself
but managed to refloat. A tug Sun X
and Sun XI both failed to re-float
her] /01 less draft was then sent in.
2400ca
off the harbour entrance, M/B's came
alongside and unloaded French troops.
0100
Proceeded.
0630
Dover. Disembarked
troops. (1)
(number not stated).
1430
Ordered to stand-by to leave for
1830
"Stand Dunkirk. by" order cancelled "owing to some
members of the crew being sick."
3rd June
Standing by.
4th June
1525
Left Dover for Newhaven.
Total 8
(1) (2) Not dr. mentioned Worcester was in D.R. in collision with P/V Maid of Orleans at
this time.
329

Details

JANE HOLLAND
R.N.L.I.
Sto. J. Strangeways.
(Eastbourne)
Sto. A.H. Shaw.
lifeboat.
S/Lt. E.R. Ponsonby,
R.N.V.R.
2nd June
1600
Left for Dunkirk in tow of the tug
Sun II. [1.e. the Sun XI ](1)
-
Cast off outside Dunkirk.
Rescued two French sailors in the
harbour and took them to a destroyer.
Went right up harbour. French troops
refused to embark.
3rd June
0330ca
Rejoined the tug outside harbour.
Ordered to collect beach masters from
B and C beaches. They had however,
left. Returned to Dunkirk. Found
all ships had gone.
0430ca
Proceeded. Engine broke down.
0500ca
Taken in tow by a M/B. Engines
re-started, cast off.
After about 4 miles the engine caught
fire. A "C.M.B." [evidently the
M.A/S.B. 7] came to the rescue.
Crew transferred. Life boat in flames
and abandoned.
[M.A/S.B.7 appears to have taken
the crew to Dover].
6th June
The Jane Holland was found drifting on
the English Channel. Her fore-end
box was stove in; she had over
500 bullet holes in her, and was
full of water.
She was brought in to Dover.
Authority - R.O.II, p.245.
R.O.III, p.529.
(1) It is probable that the Jane Holland was towed over Michael on 2nd
June by the Sun XI together with the life boat
Stephens.
79

Details

LADY CABLE
M/B (C.W. Mott)
Lieut. B.S. Fidler, R.N.V.R.
Actg. S/Lt. G.A. Cadell, R.N.
(Retd.)
1st June
1705
With Lieut. Fidler in command,
(assisted by Mr. F. Gooding and 2
naval ratings), left Dover in top of
the dfr. Golden Sunbeam.
2nd June
0030
Arrived Dunkirk beach. Ferried about
0305
560 troops, in 7 trips, to transports.
Sailed.
0815
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 40
troops. (1)
1130
Sailed for Dover.
On arrival, Lt. Fidler and Mr. Gooding
disembarked and S/Lt. Cadell took
command.
1530
Sailed from Dover, with 2 life-boats
and one other craft, in tow of the
tug"Sun VI" [there was no such tug -
it was probably the Sun XI].
2230
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Ferried about
200 French troops to tugs and
"H.M.S. Wishart" (2) in 4 trips.
3rd June
-
On the 5th trip, embarked 24 French
troops. When nearly outside the
harbour, the Lady Cable's engine
broke down.
Seing the W.D/M.L. Haig nearby with
her engines, running, S/Lt. Cadell and
0330ca
Cadet rating Price boarded her and
found her deserted. She had some
water forward, and extensive damage
on the port bow. The Lady Cable was
placed in tow of the Haig, which
proceeded. For several hours only
slow progress was made.
0730ca
One of the Haig's engines broke down;
but Lady Cable's engine having by
now been re-started, she proceeded
with the Haig in tow.
-
Contacted a four funnelled French
destroyer, believed to be the "X.440",
and the French soldiers were trans-
ferred to her.
Lady Cable proceeded with the Haig
in tow, which now proved so difficult
an operation that after several mis-
haps, it was decided to abandon the
Haig. [She was eventually brought
back by R.A.F. personnel].
Lady Cable's engine again broke down,
and the vessel drifted for several
Contacted hours. the P/V Rouen, loaded with
-
troops, and asked that the Lady
Cable's crew should be taken on board
but the Rouen refused, and steamed
The away. S.S. City of Christchurch which
was in sight, took the Lady Cable in
tow to the Downs.
(1) (2) There Not mentioned was vessel in Ramsgate of this report. name in Operation Dynamo.
no
134

Details

MICHAEL STEPHENS
R.N.L.I. (Lowestoft)
life boat
s/Lt. M.J.R. Yeatman,
R.N.V.R.
[Sub-Lieut. Skylark] Yeatman transferred from the M/B
2nd June
1500
Proceeded in tow of the tug Sun XI.
2230ca
Arrived Dunkirk. The Michael Stephens
entered harbour. Rammed by a M.T.B.
-
Went alongside east pier. Embarked
12 French troops.
-
Proceeded out of harbour to find the
tug; she had disappeared.
Transferred the troops to a trawler.
Returned to harbour. Rammed by
another M.T.B. Embarked 52 French
troops. After searching for the tug
for some time, and being hit by a
3rd June
0100
fishing boat, proceeded under own
power to Dover.
0710
Arrived Dover. Landed French troops.
Total 52
Authority - - R.O.II, p.223.
27122

Details

OCEAN COCK
Tug (Gamecock S.T. Co.
Ltd.)
A.V. Mastin, Master.
29th May
Towed 4 sailing(1) barges from Tilbury
ordered to Dover.
to Ramagate. on arrival at Ramagate,
30th May
1430ca
Arrived Dover with barges.
31st May
0500
Left tow. Dover for Dunkirk with 6 M/B's in
1300ca
Arrived Dunkirk beach. Cast off the
M/B's. Proceeded.
1700
Arrived Dover.
1st June(
2000
Saw the dr. Worcester and the P/V
Maid of Orleans in collision in Dover
harbour. Proceeded to assistance of
Worcester and assisted to tow her to
Prince of Wales pier, in company with
the tuge Crested Cock, Challenge,
Sun VII(3) and Sun XII (4)
2130
Proceeded to Dunkirk, with orders to
pick up anything that was damaged.
(see Sun XI). Zero hour 0300/2.
Later, ordered to return.
2nd June
0800
Dover. Awaited completion of minesweep-
ing operations.
0940
Entered harbour.
Nil
Authority - W.W.
(1) Actually there 3 sailing barges, and the A/B Pudge.
(2) According to Capt. were A.V. Mastin's report this should be
31st May - but all other reports indicate that it was
(3) Sun VII not mention this, but the tug Foremost in 22
lst June.
states does that she assisted 2 vessels in collision the
(4) Sun XI also assisted.
outer basin at this time.
356

Details

Details

SKYLARK III(1)
Open M/B
Sto. G. Bramhall
[This vessel had apparently already made
trip to Dunkirk, but no details are available]. one
2nd June
1430ca
Left Dover with 2 other boats in tow of
2215ca
the tug Sun x.
Slipped tow outside Dunkirk harbour "and
went into pier". Embarked French
20 soldiers and ferried them to the tug;
to 25 soldiers each trip.
3rd June
0400ca
Left Dunkirk in tow of tug Sun XI.
-
Started shipping water, so transferred
0900
the occupants to the tug.
Arrived Dover in tow.
(1) Sto. Bramhall calls it the "Skylark".
15152

Details

SOUTHERN QUEEN
M/B(1)
S/Lt. B.G.P. de Mattos,
1100
R.N.V.R.
31st Ma.
Left of Dover, the with 3 other boats, tow
sk. Vrede. 2 miles in
Dover, the Vrede broke down. outside The
M/B's returned to Dover.
1st June
0700
Left Dover with 3 other boats, in tow
of the sk. Rika.
1300
Arrived Dunkirk roads.
1400
The Rika proceeded to Ramsgate with
survivors from a French destroyer.
The Southern Queen was sent back
under own power to Dover.
2200ca
Arrived Dover.
2nd June
1500
2245
Towed to Dunkirk by the tug Sun XI.
Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried about 200
troops; 2 loads from east pier, 2
from west pier.
3rd June
-
Sailed for Dover under own power.
0600ca
Halfway across, was taken in tow by
the tug Sun X.
0900
Arrived in tow at Dover.
Nil.
Authority - R.O.II, p.224.
(1) If this was "Southern Queen (F.E.154)", the owner was
Mr. G. Mockridge.
163

Details

SUN VII
Tug (W.H.J. Alexander &
Co. Ltd).
G. Cawsey, Master.
0500
31st May
Left Dover, towing 5 R. A.F. motor
boats, (1) for Dunkirk. On the
over the boats broke adrift on way six
occasions, but were picked up and
eventually arrived at their destina-
tion. Sun VII then returned.
-
1st June
Arrived Dover.
2200
Left Dover for Dunkirk with six other
tugs( 2) (see Sun XI) with orders to
give assistance to any craft in need
of it. Waited off Dunkirk for some
considerable time.
-
Ordered to return.
2nd June
1000
Arrived Dover.
ml
Nil
3
Authority - W.W.
A.T.C.
(1) These were the Seaplane Tenders 243, 254, 276, 291 and
(2) Capt. A.M.C.3. Cawsey says "with seven other tugs".
187

Details

Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
SUN X
and Co. Ltd.
W.A. Fothergill, Master.
S/Lt. A.J. Weaver, R.N.V.R.
1515ca
2nd June
Left them Dover with 4 boats. in tow [one of
was the Skylark III (1)], in
Arrived off Dunkirk. "The town
Fairplay I and Foremost 87.
company with 3 other tugs [Sun XI,
2215
burning furiously, shells and was bombs
exploding all over the place and a
pall of black smoke blowing gently
to the westward, blotting out the
2300ca
coast line". Cast off the tow.
Sun X entered the harbour to assist a
grounded transport [
]
which was full of troops. Found
there was insufficient depth of water.
Picked up several boats loaded with
men from the transport and proceeded
outside the harbour to pick up Sun X's
boats. Embarked troops from small
boats.
3rd June
-
After embarking about 300 troops, re-
entered the harbour to assist berthing
of transports.
0400ca
In the meantime Sun X's boats had
disappeared. Ordered to proceed to
Dover.
-
Half way across took 2 boats in tow.
0900
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 211
troops. (2)
Total 211
Authority - R.O.II, pp.219, 393.
W.W.
(1) S/Lt. "3.30 A.J. Weaver sent states: to tug Sun X (Lieut. Philpotts) which
towed p.m. 3 boats was to Dunkirk. (At destination Lt. Philpotts
left tug to act as beach master and did not return).
Boats loaded tug to capcity with French troops, and tug
(2) D.R. entered Dover at 8.30 a.m."
189

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

Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
Sun XII
and Co. Ltd.)
A.V. Mee, Master.
B.R. Mastin, Navigating
Master
2300ca
29th May
Left Tilbury Docks for Ramsgate, towing
H.A.C. and Beatrice Maud.
the A/B Thyra and the S/B's Royalty,
1210
30th May
Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Dover.
1500
Arrived Dover with the 4 barges.
1600
31st May
Left Dover for Dunkirk towing the S/B's
Ethel Everard and Tollesbury loaded
with water and provisions for
Dunkirk; tug Fairplay I, also towing
barges, in company. Air attack en
route.
2350
Arrived Dunkirk. Both tugs put their
barges ashore at Braye-Dunes.
Both tugs proceeded 3 to 4 miles to
the east to collect troops, but none
were available.
1st June
0400
Returned to Braye-Dunes. Proceeded to
Dover.
0410ca
Off Dunkirk. Air attack.
1030
Arrived Dover.
2030
Sun XII assisted dr. Worcester which
had been in collision with P/V Maid
of Orleans.
2155
Left Dover for W buoy.
Off the North Goodwin, Sun XII was
one of 7 tugs steaming in single
line ahead (see Sun XI)
2nd June
0300
Arrived W buoy. Ordered to return.
0920
Arrived Dover.
Nil
Authority. A.T.C.
W.W.
191

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

YORKSHIRE LASS
F/B drifter
S/Lt. M.A.A. Chodzko,
27th May -
1st June
See under "Flare burning drifters". R.N.V.R.
2nd June( 1)
-
1515ca
S/Lt. Left as skipper. Chodzko (ex M/B Aura)
-
Off Dover for embarked
Prior, the S. R.N. Foreland Dunkirk.
the dfr. (Retd.)
Lass. Ut Prosim Yorkshire from
3rd June
0000
0025ca
Arrived off Dunkirk.
Alongside Another embarking French
Yorkshire drifter arrived troops.
troops Lass which transferred alongside
loading. to the newcomer and carried her on
0130
0300
Proceeded, "practically full".
0340
Developed the a hot bearing. Signalled
This was done.
tug Sun XV(2) to be taken in tow.
0425ca
0830
Repairs effected, slipped the tow.
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 103
troops. (3)
Total (28th May - 3rd June) 469
Authority - R.O.II, p.217.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lt. Cdr. R.M. Prior R.N. (Booralse H.M.S. Lynx)
D.S.H.
Sto. J.J. Collins.
Sea. S.W.G. Bauldry.
Mention in
S/Lt. M.A.A. Despatches. Chodzko, R.N.V.R. (See also M/B Aura)
(1) S/Lt. Chodzko says this was "Sunday 4th June". Actually
3) S/Lt. Sunday Chodzko was 2nd says June. Sun XI
D.R. says "25".
Duran & Wilson Ltd
352

Details

217
205
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 3
B
SHIP:-
M.D.
AURA
OFFICER:- SUB. LIEUT. M.A. CHODZKO, R.N.V.R.
REPORT I.
Sr
On Saturday, June 3rd, I received instructions to take charge
of the Motor Launch AURA and proceed to a beach East of Dunkirk Harbour.
Left Dover Harbour towed by drifter GIRL GLADYS at 15.30.
Before leaving it had been reported to me that the AURA'S engine was not
operating successfully, in as much that she would not come astern. As
the weather appeared to be favourable there seemed no reason why the
operation could not be carried out.
X
We shipped from GIRL GLADYS in the proximity of 5W Buoy and
proceeded Eastwards. I was able to tow cutters from one of the Paddle
Steamers to the beach on this first trip inwards. The time was 0100 -
About 100 British troops were transferred from the shore to various
vessels. The engine was giving considerable trouble so that shortly
after 0215, June 4th, it failed completely.
The launch was then manoeuvred towards some Thames Sailing
Barges, and we endeavoured to repair the engine. On examination we
found that a defective dynamo was causing the trouble, and as operations
were ordered to cease at 0300, I decided to abandon AURA at 0245. I
transferred the crew to a dinghy which we found, and then managed to
get aboard a "paddle steamer" which was getting under way. All members
of my crew behaved excellently throughout the twelve hours.
REPORT II.
2nd
On Sunday, June 4th, I repaired aboard the drifter YORKSHIRE
LASS in the capacity of Skipper. I received orders to proceed to Dunkirk
Harbour. Leaving Dover at about 1515, we arrived off Dunkirk at 0000.
Off the S. Foreland Ljeutenant Commander Prior, Royal Navy, was transferred
from the drifter .UTPROSIM aboard the YORKSHIRE LASS.
There was little delay in arriving alongside and we started
embarking French troops before 0030. Another drifter arrived alongside
our vessel so we transferred our troops and carried on loading. By 00115
we seemed to be practically full. There appeared to be no more troops
on our portion of the jetty and I dispatched a soldier to see if we could
collect another 50 men. Other ships were arriving alongside, so by 0130
we were steaming out of the Harbour.
During the whole operation, and during the passage, the troops
behaved in an orderly manner. During the homeward passage the vessel
developed a hot bearing, and as it was just daybreak, I signalled SUN XI of
to take us in tow until repairs were effected. Within three quarters
an hour we proceeded under our own power and arrived in Harbour at 0830
Monday, June 5th.
The whole ships company were highly efficient in their duty,
and on investigation 100 French troops and 3 British Tommies had been
transported.
The British Tommies reported as having lost their division,
and had only arrived in Dunkirk on Saturday.
Report ends.

Details

223
OPERATION DYNAMO
*
ENCLOSURE NO.8
211
SHIP:- M.B. SKYLARK
MICHAEL STEVENS 4B.
OFFICER:- SUB.LIEUTENANT M.J.R. YEATMAN, R.N.V.R.
Friday, 31st May. Took charge of M/B. SKYLARK, overhauled engine,
proceeded under tow of VRDEDA. Tow broke down - returned to port.
Overhauled engines of one or two other M/B's.
Saturday, 1st June.M/B. SKYLARK. Towed by RIGA to near Dunkirk.
Transferred survivors to RIGA from French Destroyer, who had picked
them up from torpedoed ship.
RIGA returned to Dover, and I returned under own
power by Kellet cut to Dover by about 10.0 p.m. Reported at CAMBER
and returned to Granville Steps.
Sunday, 2nd June. Transferred in charge of MICHAEL STEPHINS
Lowestoft Lifeboat - 2 Stokers and 1 A.B. from Transit Camp for crew.
Overhauled engines, fuelled and provisioned - proceeded under tow of
Tug SUN XI. Arrived Dunkirk, after dark about 2230 hours. Entered
harbour and went toward Eastern Mole. Rammed by M.T.B. without much
damage. Went alongside Eastern Mole. With difficulty got 12 French
soldiers aboard. Proceeded out to find tug which had disappeared,
landed troops on trawler. Returned to harbour, being rammed by
another M.T.B. on the way. Found Sloop (identification letters S.G.
or s.c.). Owing to swish of tide she could not come alongside, so
with the big engines of the lifeboat I pushed her alongside and went
aboard to help make fast. Climbed on to Mole, which was being shelled,
and by means of some forceful language and a rifle butt, Induced the
French troops who were lying on the Mole to start down on to the
Sloop. Once a few had started they all began to go down. Got 52
into the lifeboat and cast off to try and find tug. After searching
for some time, and being hit again by a fishing boat, I decided at
0100 to return under my own power to Dover.
Reported a floating mine by morse to a destroyer about
6 miles E.S.E. of N. Goodwin Light Vessel.
Reached Dover and landed French troops at 0710.
Returned lifeboat and reported at Submarine Camber
at 0730.
Shrapnel on Eastern Mole was mostly at first confined
to outer end of Mole until the Sloop drew alongside. Then the
range shortened, I got the definite impression that someone had been
spotting for the guns, as the direction of fire shortened very
rapidly and accurately. Suffered no casualties though among my
contingent. In fact, I found considerably greater risk from the
movements of allied craft then from Nazi shelling. There seemed to
be no attempt to keep any rule of the road. Outside the Harbour
had one attack from a Nazi plane. No hits, but she may just have
been having a blind shot at four of us who were altogether.
(Sgd)
MARWOOD J. B. YEATMAN.
Sub.Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
H.M.S. KING ALFRED.

Details

224
OPERATION DYNAMO
212
ENCLOSURE No.9.
SHIP: Motor Boat SOUTHERN QUEEN.
Officer Reporting: SUB.-LIEUT. DEMATTOS.
Went with Sun XI. Picked up about 200. All
French and women and children. 2 Loads from East Mole,
2 from small West Mole. Back 10 miles under own power,
then tow by Sun X.
Suggest Officers speaking French to send Frenchmen
into boats, as they refuse to go in small boats.
First trip towed by VREDE, broke down and we towed
her clear of shipping and returned.
Second trip towed by RIKA, sent back under own power
from 2 miles off Dunkirk.

Details

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
MESSAGE 0746/3rd June
OUT.
To. V.A. Dover, 438.
Date 3.6.40
Repeated C. in C. Nore. 922.
20
C. in C. Portsmouth. 245,
F.O. 1/c London.
Commodore 1/c Sheerness. 618.
F.O.1/c Portland. 567.
N.O.i/c Ramegate.
N.O.1/c Newhaven.
War Office.
P/L BY T/P
From Admiralty.
IMPORTANT.
Reference Admiralty mesuage 2321/1,
instructions regarding disposal of tugs and lighters
should be amended as follows so far as craft named
are concerned:-
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
CHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA
Gravesend - -
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COCK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOCK,
They should be utilised as fully as possible
SUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
for towage of craft or boats to be returned to
the Thames or elsewhere en route.
(ii) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
D. of S.T. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENCHMAN to Portsmonth with barges
SNOWDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These carges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANGA on 29th May.
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) Below
(b) FOREMOST 37 to Weymouth with any convenient
sufficiently seaworthy, for towage as in (1)
(c) FAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if
above. (d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges SARK and
SHETLAND. These barges ware left at Dover on
20th May by FOREMOST 87.
(iii) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 23 should return to
station at Southend and Newhaven respectively
taking any convenient tow.
(iv) If any of the tuge named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangementa
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENCHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 24 hours
standeasy before proceeding Westward.
(v) The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, APRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be
returned/....

Details

27
MESSAGE
To O. in C Portsmouth
0120/14th Juno
OUT
Repeated C. in C Western Approaches
c. in C Nore
Date 14/6/40
Seatrans, Newhaven
Seatrans, Plymouth
Seatrans, Falmouth
Commodore in Charge Sheerness
Seatrans, Littlehampton
Divisional Transport Southsmpton
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
P/L by T/P
From D of S.I.
The following craft when no longer required for
Operation Cycle should be directed as follows. Tugs PERSIA
and TANGA proceed to Plymouth as Boon as possible and report
to S.T.O. on arrival. Both tugs should be kept at Plymouth
b
ready to sail at short notice. Instructions to S.T.O. will
follow. Tugs CONTEST and QUEENS CROSS tow barges WESTOLIFF
WOKING BRENTLAND and LINCOLN from Newhaven to Felmouth
reporting to S.T.O. on arrival. Tug FOREMOST 87 tow barges
VARSITY and VIGIL from Littlehnmpton to Falmouth. Tug
KROOMAN tow barge SERLO from Southampton to Falmouth. Tug
HEADWAN tow S.B. DORRIEN ROSE from Newhaven to Orchard
Drydock, Blackwall, London and return to Sheerness to tow
barges JULIA and CHARLES I from Shoorness to Scapa. Tug
FAIRPLAY ONE proceed to Sheornese and tow barges BASKET and
CHEEKIE from Sheerness to Portsmouth for dolivery to N.S.O.
Tug WATERCOOK proceed to Falmouth. Tuge SUN XI and CRESTED
COOK proceed to Ramsgate for orders.
0120/14.
for D. of S.T.
D of P (3)
C.O.R.T.
M. (3)
D of S.T.
D.T.D. (2)
D.T.D. (Basement)
D.S.V.P.
Msl
68

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

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
to were seen and no ships Dunkirk of No. 604
2120 on the 2nd June, to clear reported the air being for the attacked. night's work. Blenheims No enemy air-
craft Squadron then continued to patrol singly over throughout the night.
reported, and R.A.F. fighters intercepted successfully 3rd on three.
Only on three occasions during the 2nd June were enemy all aircraft formations
evacuation effort. Eighteen Blenheims a level (1,000-3,000
series of attacks on the batteries near bombed Gravelines, from low to coincide with the
During the early morning hours of Pointe the de June the R.A.F. carried out a
feet), but were unable to observe results.
By night, the policy was continued of directing a small proportion of our
effort to targets near the battlefront and the main weight against Germany ;
and air in conformity with this policy twelve Wellingtons attacked Bergues.
Blocking of Dunkirk Inner Harbour (Operation C.K.) (See Plan 4 and
Appendix Z)
The blocking of the inner harbour at Dunkirk was under the command of
Captain E. Dangerfield, R.N., and was carried out on two successive nights.
The operation was first timed to be carried out on the night 1st-2nd June, but
at 1808 on the 31st the Admiralty ordered its postponement.
On each night three blockships, escorted by a destroyer, an MA/S.B. and an
M.T.B., were employed. The blockships assembled in the Downs, and (as
usual) they were such crocks that one, the French built Emerald Wings (Govern-
ment Yard, Cherbourg, 1920) broke down soon after leaving Portsmouth for
the Downs and had to be towed back to harbour; a second could not keep up
with the convoy; and a third, the Moyle, developed defects which, however,
by dint of working on her all night, were remedied in time.
The ships finally employed on the night 2nd-3rd June were as follows :-
Vivacious (destroyer)
M.A/S.B. 7
M.T.B. 107
Blockships Westcove 2734 tons, built 1912
Edvard Nissen 2062 tons, built 1921.
Holland Dutch M.V. 895 tons, built 1923.
Early on the 2nd of June Admiral Nord asked that the blockships might be
sent over to arrive at the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at 0300 on the 3rd, the
latest hour at which they could enter on that night, by which time it was hoped
the evacuation would have been completed. During the afternoon of the 2nd
however, the Admiralty received a message from the Admiral postponing the
operation because the evacuation would not be completed that night. However,
the Admiralty still hoped to complete the evacuation and ordered the block-
ships to sail.
At 2030 on the 2nd the Vivacious, with Captain Dangerfield on board and
with M.T.B. 107 in tow and M.A/S.B. 7 in company, sailed from the Downs,
leading the three blockships, and proceeded to Dunkirk by Route Z. The
Holland, unable to maintain the 71 knots speed of the convoy, was soon lost
to sight astern. Nearing Dunkirk a tug (either the Sun X, Sun XI or Foremost
87), towing a very long line of boats, crossed her bows and still further delayed
her, but she eventually made contact with M.A/S.B. 7 and asked to be led
into the harbour. The other two blockships had anchored at 0230, and a
1 This is her correct name
111

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

WASSERE 189 1/40 3000 pads MeO N T5913.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
MESSAGE. 1259/15th June.
OUN
No. 272.
DATE
RECEIVED
From Y.A. Dover.
Sheerness
DATE 15/6/40.
Pass to D. of S.T.
SENT
TIME 1310.
Addressed
ADMIRALTY. For D. of S.T. N.O.I.C. Southend.
Dover 15th June. Departure Tug CRESTED COCK with
SKYLARK (L0243) in tow at 1230 for Southend. Expected time
of arrival 1900. Request owners take delivery of SKYLARK on
arrival. CRESTED COCK will then proceed to Gravesend.
Departure Tug SUN XI for Gravesend at 1226.
Sea
= 1259/15 2142/13
Advance copy sent OPS C.C.R.T.
Ops (4).
M. of S.I.
B. O.D.S.
D. of S.T. S.T.
D. D.D.P.(3).
Mr D.H. Edwards.
O.I.C. (2).
Mr Avida Moore.
D.S.D.9.
C.C.R.T.
S.T.N.4B.
D.. of S.T.
S.T.N.6B.
P.
Extra Copy.
RECD. 1913/15. 6. 40.JT.
W.L.H.
-
(Signed) B.H. RAMSAY.
1842.
VICE ADMIRAL.
192
P
PVR.
ed
n

Details

rata
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
CONFIDENTIAL
MESSAGE.
0748/3rd June
OUT
COSPIDENTIAL
286
To V.A.Dover, 488
& 4 OF THEM STATE 1
DATE 5.6.40
Repeated 0. in C. Nore. 982
Rejoy 0. in O. Portsmouth 245.
P.O. 1/c London.
0
Commodore 1/c Sheerness 618.
SENT
Cortland 567.
616
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
COME
N.O. 1/c Newhaven
War Office.
P.O.
2/0
(282)
Y.O.
i/c
2/6 By T/2
From Admiralty.
RES
&
IMPORTANT. 1/0 Crimsby.
1/6 Yarmouth.
Reference Admiralty message 2321/1.
instructions regarding disposal of tuge and lighters
should be amended as follows 80 far as craft named
are concernedi-co
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
Gravesend -
GHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA,
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COOK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOOK,
GUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
They should be utilised as fully as possible for
towage of craft or boats to be returned to the
Thames or elsewhere en route.
off
(11) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
be Date of B, 7. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENGHMAN to Portsmouth with barges
(84324C) Wt 84295/31 200 Pads 11/39 H,J,R&L,Ld Gp 684
SNOUDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These barges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANOA on 29th May.
(b) FOREMOST 87 to Weymouth with any convenient
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) below.
(c) PAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if sufficiently
seaworthy, for towage as in (1) above.
(d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges BARK and SHETLAND.
These barges were left at Dover on 20th Bay by
FOREMOST 87.
OD.
(8)
(111) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 22 should return to station
at Southend and Newhaven respectively taking any
convenient tow.
(iv)
If any of the tugs named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangements
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENOHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 94 hours
standessy before proceeding Westward.
(v)
The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, AFRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be returned
to Themes but will be allocated, if still seaworthy
to West Coast. FOREMOST 87 should take one pair to
Teymouth. Instructions for disposal of this pair
and of remainder will follow later.
0748/3
For D. of S.T.
V.O.N.S.
N.(2)
Sir J.Foley
A.O.N.S.(H)
S.T.N.4.
D. of (3)
D. of S.T.
A.C.N.S.(T)
C.C.R.T.
S.T.N.6A.
Mr.Justice
0.0.(8)
D. of S.T.
S.T.N.63:
W.P.L.
Mr.D.H.Ndwards
Dps. (4)
Mr.F.V.Cross
Nr.Bellamy
Capt.Fisher
Extra

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

Tm4324pl p
a
Tugs :
Telephone Nos.:
SUNRISE "
ROYAL
Avail
II"
"SUNSHINE "
General
Office
6921
fo
N III "
"SUNFISH :
(4 lines)
Nig
ar
JN IV "SUNBIRD "
Towage
5325
Sur
SUN V"
Office
lines)
u
"SUN VI"
"SUN VII "
City Office:
"SUN VIII "
MANSION HOUSE
"SUN IX
GRAVESEND 66,
"SUN X"
Telegrams and Radio
"SUN XI"
Telegrams :
"SUN XII "
"SKIFFS, PHONE
"SUN XV"
LONDON "
S.S. CARINTHIA' 20,000 tons gross. Approaching King George V Dock. Towed by "SUN" Tugs
City Office :
COMMERCIAL SALE ROOMS
W. H. J. ALEXANDER, LTD.
ST. JOHN'S WHARF
WAPPING
24, MARK LANE, E.C.3
DIRECTORS: W. P. ALEXANDER. G. F. ALEXANDER. C.G. ALEXANDER
London, E.1 20th July 1940 19
The Minister of Shipping
Ministry of Shipping
Berkeley Square House W.1.
Sir,
We beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 19th instant, covering
your letter to the Master and crew of our s.t. "SUN XII" engaged in the recent
evacuation, which we have passed on to our Master and it is much appreciated.
We are, Sir,
Your obedient Servants
W. H. J. ALEXANDER LTD.
9.7.alumuncker
Director

Details

Time
4342
e
plpwpp
3
56
Telephone Nos.
im Tugs :
ROYAL
Ava
"SUNRISE"
General
6921
fo
Office
"SUNSHINE'
(4 lines)
NI
III" "SUNFISH"
Towage
5325
Sur
IV" "SUNBIRD"
Office
lines)
JN V"
UN VI"
City Office :
SUN VII"
MANSION HOUSE 4.
"SUN VIII "
GRAVESEND 66, 19
"SUN IX"
Telegrams and Radio
'SUN X"
Telegrams :
"SUN XI"
"SKIFFS, PHONE,
"SUN XII "
LONDON
"SUN XV"
S.S. CARINTHIA" 20,000 tons gross. Approaching King George V Dock. Towed by "SUN" Tugs
City Office :
W.H.J. ALEXANDER,LTD.
ST. JOHN'S WHARF
COMMERCIAL SALE ROOMS
WAPPING
24, MARK LANE, E.C.3
DIRECTORS: W.P. ALEXANDER. G.F. ALEXANDER. C.G. ALEXANDER
London, E.1 21st June 1940 19
The Minister of Shipping,
Ministry of Shipping
Berkeley Square House W.1.
A
Right Honourable Sir,
X
We have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the
19th instant, and thank you for letters addressed to the Masters of nine of
our "SUN" tugs engaged in the recent evacuation of Dunkirk, which are much
appreciated.
Our s.t."SUN XII", Master A.V.Mee, was also engaged;
we understand a letter was made out for this tug, B. R. Mastin Master. He
was only on board temporarily as navigating master, and We shall be obliged
if you will let us have a letter in the name of A. V. Mee, Master, he and the
crew of the tug having been on board during the whole of the operations.
We are, Right Honourable Sir,
Yours faithfully
W. H. J. ALEXANDER LTD.
Director
th
er
"1
1y
g
of the
shore now
the naval
rized.
In/

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

217
205
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 3
B
SHIP:-
M.D.
AURA
OFFICER:- SUB. LIEUT. M.A. CHODZKO, R.N.V.R.
REPORT I.
1st
On Saturday, June 3rd, I received instructions to take charge
of the Motor Launch AURA and proceed to a beach East of Dunkirk Harbour.
Left Dover Harbour towed by drifter GIRL GLADYS at 15.30.
Before leaving it had been reported to me that the AURA'S engine was not
operating successfully, in as much that she would not come astern. As
the weather appeared to be favourable there seemed no reason why the
operation could not be carried out.
X
We shipped from GIRL GLADYS in the proximity of 5W Buoy and
proceeded Eastwards. I was able to tow cutters from one of the Paddle
Steamers to the beach on this first trip inwards. The time was 0100 -
About 100 British troops were transferred from the shore to various
vessels. The engine was giving considerable trouble so that shortly
after 0215, June 4th, it failed completely.
The launch was then manoeuvred towards some Thames Sailing
Barges, and we endeavoured to repair the engine. On examination we
found that a defective dynamo was causing the trouble, and as operations
were ordered to cease at 0300, I decided to abandon AURA at 0245. I
transferred the crew to a dinghy which we found, and then managed to
get aboard a "paddle steamer" which was getting under way. All members
of my crew behaved excellently throughout the twelve hours.
REPORT II.
2nd
On Sunday, June 4th, I repaired aboard the drifter YORKSHIRE
LASS in the capacity of Skipper. I received orders to proceed to Dunkirk
Harbour. Leaving Dover at about 1515, we arrived off Dunkirk at 0000.
Off the S. Foreland Lieutenant Commander Prior, Royal Navy, was transferred
from the drifter U.UTPROSIM aboard the YORKSHIRE LASS.
There was little delay in arriving alongside and we started
embarking French troops before 0030. Another drifter arrived alongside
our vessel so we transferred our troops and carried on loading. By 00115
we seemed to be practically full. There appeared to be no more troops
on our portion of the jetty and I dispatched a soldier to see if we could
collect another 50 men. Other ships were arriving alongside, so by 0130
we were steaming out of the Harbour.
During the whole operation, and during the passage, the troops
behaved in an orderly manner. During the homeward passage the vessel
developed a hot bearing, and as it was just daybreak, I signalled SUN XI
to take us in tow until repairs were effected. Within three quarters of
an hour we proceeded under our own power and arrived in Harbour at 0830
Monday, June 5th.
The whole ships company were highly efficient in their duty,
and on investigation 100 French troops and 3 British Tommies had been
transported.
The British Tommies reported as having lost their division,
and had only arrived in Dunkirk on Saturday.
Report ends.

Details

223
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO.8
211
SHIP:- M.B. SKYLARK
MICHAEL STEVENS 4B.
OFFICER:- SUB.LIEUTENANT M.J.R. YEATMAN, R.N.V.R.
Friday, 31st May. Took charge of M/B. SKYLARK, overhauled engine,
proceeded under tow of VROIDA. Tow broke down - - returned to port.
Overhauled engines of one or two other M/B's.
Saturday, 1st June.M/B. SKYLARK. Towed by RIGA to near Dunkirk.
Transferred survivors to RIGA from French Destroyer, who had picked
them up from torpedoed ship.
RIGA returned to Dover, and I returned under own
power by Kellet cut to Dover by about 10.0 p.m. Reported at CAMBER
and returned to Granville Steps.
Sunday, 2nd June. Transferred in charge of MICHAEL STEPHINS
Lowestoft Lifeboat - 2 Stokers and 1 A.B. from Transit Camp for crew.
Overhauled engines, fuelled and provisioned - proceeded under tow of
Tug SUN XI. Arrived Dunkirk, after dark about 2230 hours. Entered
harbour and went toward Eastern Mole. Rammed by M.T.B. without much
damage. Went alongside Eastern Mole. With difficulty got 12 Fyench
soldiers aboard. Proceeded out to find tug which had disappeared,
landed troops on trawler. Returned to harbour, being rammed by
another M.T.B. on the way. Found Sloop (identification letters S.G.
or S.C.). Owing to swish of tide she could not come alongside, so
with the big engines of the lifeboat I pushed her alongside and went
aboard to help make fast. Climbed on to Mole, which was being shelled,
and by means of some forceful language and a rifle butt, Induced the
French troops who were lying on the Mole to start down on to the
Sloop. Once a few had started they all began to go down. Got 52
into the lifeboat and cast off to try and find tug. After searching
for some time, and being hit again by a fishing boat, I decided at
0100 to return under my own power to Dover.
Reported a floating mine by morse to a destroyer about
6 miles E.S.E. of N. Goodwin Light Vessel.
Reached Dover and landed French troops at 0710.
Returned lifeboat and reported at Submarine Camber
at 0730.
Shrapnel on Eastern Mole was mostly at first confined
to outer end of Mole until the Sloop drew alongaide. Then the
range shortened, I got the definite impression that someone had been
spotting for the guns, as the direction of fire shortened very
rapidly and accurately. Suffered no casualties though among my
contingent. In fact, I found considerably greater risk from the
movements of allied craft then from Nazi shelling. There seemed to
be no attempt to keep any rule of the road. Outside the Harbour
had one attack from a Nazi plane. No hits, but she may just have
been having a blind shot at four of us who were altogether.
(Sgd)
MARWOOD J. B. YEATMAN.
Sub.Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
H.M.S. KING ALFRED.

Details

224
OPERATION DYNAMO
212
ENCLOSURE No.9.
SHIP: Motor Boat SOUTHERN QUEEN.
Officer Reporting: SUB.-LIEUT. DEMATTOS.
Went with Sun XI. Picked up about 200. All
French and women and children. 2 Loads from East Mole,
2 from small West Mole. Back 10 miles under own power,
then tow by Sun X.
Suggest Officers speaking French to send Frenchmen
into boats, as they refuse to go in small boats.
First trip towed by VREDE, broke down and we towed
her clear of shipping and returned.
by
Second trip towed RIKA, sent back under own power
from 2 miles off Dunkirk.