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IMPULSIVE
20th Destroyer Flotilla Lt. Cdr. W.S. Thomas, R.N.
27th May
0840
Arrived Dover from Immi ngham.
1140
Sailed with the M/S's Skipjack and
Halcyon and the Trinity House Vessel
Patricia to establish and buoy the
searched channel from the North
Goodwin L.V. to Dunkirk, afterwards
known as Route X.
1919
This operation was completed.
2200
Impulsive anchored in the Downs.
2228
Sailed for the beaches east of
Dunkirk, using route Y.
28th May
0345
Arrived off La Panne. Both power
boats being broken down, sent two
whalers into the beach to embark
troops; then ferried troops to large
M/B's lying further off shore.
0520
Impulsive ordered by the cr. Calcutta
to Dunkirk east pier.
0620
Secured alongside east pier and
embarked about 750 troops.
-
Proceeded, using route Y.
1110
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 675 troops.
1235
Sailed for Dunkirk using route Y.
-
Off Kwinte Bank buoy, bombed by 6
Heinkels; 6 ratings wounded, B gun
put out of action, D.G. coil punctured
-
Set course for Dunkirk in company with
drs. Greyhound and Verity which had
arrived from eastward.
Anchored off Dunkirk, and waited for
a vacant berth, there being 4
destroyers Worcester, Anthony,
Grenade and Jaguar alongside.
1730
Grenade sailed and Impulsive took her
place. Embarked about 1,000 troops.
1900ca
Sailed with Jaguar in company, by route
Y.
29th May
0100
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 779 troops.
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, in company the
30th May
drs. Javelin, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
Icarus, Havant and Harvester.
0900
Arrived Sheerness.
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk using route x, under
orders of Ivanhoe in company the
Icarus and Harvester.
2100ca
Secured alongside Dunkirk east pier
and embarked 1,300 troops.
-
Proceeded by route X.
2400
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,112
troops. (1)
0400
Sailed for Dunkirk beach by X. route.
31st May
0700
Arrived off Malo-les-Bains. Impulsive's
only boat was a whaler. The only
alongside [it was the Swallow].
power boat in the vicinity came
whaler, the Swallow, with Lt. Col.
Towing cutter and Impulsive's
Hutchins in charge, "did magnificent and
between 0800 and 1315 had transferred to
work under difficult conditions,
about 450 troops from the beach
the ship".
(1)
date
as
31st
May.

Details

MARLBOROUGH
W.D./M.L.
J. Matthews, Master (First 3
S/Lt. R.W.D. Don, D.S.C., trips) R.N.
30th May
p.m.
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May
0340
Left Ramsgate, the W.D/M.L's Wolfe,
0510ca
Entered Dunkirk harbour; embarked
Vulture and Swallow in company. (1)
troops from a P.M/S. The Marlborough
reported damage to her propeller,
0920
and proceeded (see Swallow).
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 51
troops. (2)
-
2007
Proceeded to Dunkirk and returned to
Ramsgate. Disembarked 21 French
troops.
1st June
S/Lt. R.A.W. Pool R.N. joined as a
deck hand.
1330
Left Ramsgate with a deck cargo of 600
gallons of petrol.
1500
Off Dunkirk fairway. Passed through
the wreckage of 2 French trawlers.
Told by a British trawler to return
to Ramsgate. Air attack. M/g hits
but no casualties. S/Lt. Pool
Jettisoned some of the deck cargo.
1830ca
Arrived off Ramsgate. Took off 40
French troops from a trawler aground
on a wreck outside.
2nd June
The Marlborough was then manned by a
volunteer crew of R.N. Sub-Lieuts,
Don (as Captain), Pool (as Cox'n)
T.K. Edge-Partington (as navigator)
and A. Carew-Hunt (as Lewis gunner);
also two Treasury solicitors (Messrs
Randall and D. Pollock), 3 stokers and
2 R.A.F. sergeants. The normal
civilian crew did not sail.
1930ca
Left Ramsgate, the W.D/M.L. Haig
(Cdr. H.R. Troup R.N. on board) in
company.
2230ca
went into Dunkirk harbour. Embarked
about 40 French troops from a jetty.
3rd June
0001ca Proceeded.
(1) Cdr. C. Euman, R.N., Captain of the Sk. Brendaris appears
to have been in command of the Marlborough for her two
trips on 31st May, because he states that he made five
He must then have made two trips in the Wolfe on 1st
trips in the W.D/M.L's Marlborough and Wolfe.
June - 2nd June, after which she was out of action and
(From 1838/2/6 to 0501/3/6, Cdr. Euman was in the P/V
took no further part in Dynamo.
Cdre. Autocarrier) Taylor states that the officers with him in the
Mariborough on 3rd /4th June were Sub-Lieuts. Don,
Edge-Partington, and Pool.
In the absence of any further information it is not
state when Cdr. Euman made his fifth trip.
(2) Ramsgate possible report to and report by Assistant Director Military
transport.
241

Details

M/B (Owner C.L. Hunt)
QUEST
0500ca
31st May
Arrived Sheerness from Putney.
This boat went over to Dunkirk, with the
Hurlingham Yacht Club burgee nailed to the
mast stepping.
No information of her activities at Dunkirk
is available. She returned, damaged, to
England.
0100
Authority - TO.9436/40. TO.9144/40.
two
enslare.
50
beach
and
sent
in
I
by
but
the
were
by
Quicksflver,
with
0
in
steamed
along
off
the
beach.
0400ca
to Hilda but found she
to proceed,
Quickstlyer went into the
25 Allied
Air
attack.
0900
Disembarked
20
2100
Left Insurate with Capt. Revoir (Fre
NAD on board. [He intended to
go in the D/M.L. Swallow which
however, left at 20001- Delayed
weather,
Arrived Dunkirk. by French
N.A. to
Encountered tog.
0800
Arrived Deal.
20
Da
571.
s/Lt.
"31st trip the
2000 as the
"let the
422

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QUICKSILVER
M/B (F. Jones)
s/Lt. D.L. Satterford, R.N.
L/Sea. T. Phillips.
(2)
1st June(1)
a.m.
-
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk.
p.m.
Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried troops.
Left Dunkirk.
Late
Arrived Ramsgate.
p.m.
2nd June
1900
Left Ramsgate. Caught up and followed
the sk. Hilda as ordered.
3rd June
0100
Off Dunkirk. Went inshore with Hilda's
two whalers. Anchored 50 yards from
beach and sent in 1 whaler. This
whaler was destroyed by a near mise,
but the crew were rescued by another
vessel.
Quicksilver, with a whaler in tow,
steamed along off the beach. Saw no
troops.
0400ca
Retd. to Hilda but found she was under
orders to proceed.
Quicksilver went into the harbour and
embarked about 25 Allied troops.
-
Proceeded. Air attack.
0900
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 20
troops. (3)
2100
Left Ramsgate with Capt. Revoir
N.A.) on board. [He intended to TODYL
go in the W.D/M.L. Swallow which
however, left at 2000]. Delayed Toto
weather.
4th June
a.m.
Arrived Dunkirk. Advised by French
N.A. to return to Ramsgate.
Encountered fog.
0800
Arrived Deal.
Total 20
Authority - R.O.II, p. 571.
R.O.III, p. 318.
(1) S/Lt. Satterford sent in 2 reports. One report gives first
"31st May, Quicksilver - the other report gives June
2000", as the date and time of his
"lst trip June, in the a.m." It is considered that 1st is
(2) S/Lt. the Satterford correct date. also went over in the M/B Ryegute II (q.v.
sen Ltd
(3) Ramsgate report.
433

Details

QUICKSILVER
M/B (F. Jones)
S/Lt. D.L. Satterford, R.N.
L/Sea. T. Phillips.
(2)
1st June(1)
a.m.
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried troops.
p.m.
Left Dunkirk.
Late
Arrived Ramsgate.
p.m.
2nd June
1900
Left Ramsgate. Caught up and followed
the sk. Hilda as ordered.
3rd June
0100
Off Dunkirk. Went inshore with Hilda's
two whalers. Anchored 50 yards from
beach and sent in 1 whaler. This
whaler was destroyed by a near miss,
but the crew were rescued by another
vessel.
Quicksilver, with a whaler in tow,
steamed along off the beach. Saw no
troops.
0400ca
Retd. to Hilda but found she was under
orders to proceed.
Quicksilver went into the harbour and
embarked about 25 Allied troops.
-
Proceeded. Air attack.
0900
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 20
troops. (3)
2100
Left Ramsgate with Capt. Revoir (French
N.A.) on board. [He intended to
go in the W.D/M.L. Swallow which had.
however, left at 2000]. Delayed by
weather.
4th June
a.m.
Arrived Dunkirk. Advised by French
N.A. to return to Ramsgate.
Encountered fog.
0800
Arrived Deal.
Total 20
Authority - R.O.II, p. 571.
R.O.III, P. 318.
(1) S/Lt. Satterford sent in 2 reports. time One report of his gives first
"31st May, Quicksilver - the other that 1st June
2000", as the date and report gives
trip "lst June, in the a.m." It is considered is
(2) s/Lt. the correct Satterford date. also went over in the M/B Ryegate II (q.v.
(3) Ramsgate report.
433
on Lid

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

SWALLOW
W.D/M.L. (1)
Lt.Col. R.L. Hutchins, M.C.,
S/Lt. W.R. Williams R.N.
Grenadier Guards.
W.R. Clarke, Master.
30th May
p.m.
Arrived Ramsgate from Woolwich.
31st May
0340
Left Ramsgate with Lt. Col. R.L.
Hutchins, in command, and the W.D/M.L's
Marlborough, Wolfe and Vulture in
company, en route for the beaches.
On passage to Dunkirk, the Swallow
damaged her propellers on wreckage.
Arrived Dunkirk. The Marlborough,
Wolf and Vulture did not go to the
beaches as had been arranged, but
entered the harbour and embarked
troops from a P.M/S. The Marlborough
then reported a damaged propeller
and proceeded at once for Ramsgate.
-
The Swallow proceeded to the beaches
alone.
Lt. Col. Hutchins describes the situation as follows:
0600
"Dunkirk was under a pall of smoke
from fires which appeared to be mainly
to the south and west of the port.
There were numerous wrecks outside
the harbour, and along the beaches.
There were large numbers of troops
on the shore as far as it was possible
to see to the eastward, and the
beach was strewn with all forms of
motor transport. Along the fore shore
were a very large number of pulling
boats, aground, capsized or damaged,
and abandoned. There were also a
considerable number of motor boats,
motor launches and yachts aground and,
in most cases, abandoned, and several
wrecks close inshore. About one
mile out in the Dunkirk roads were
numerous destroyers and other vessels
waiting to embark troops, but scarcely
any boats were running between the
shore and these ships
.....
the
beaches were quiet except for
occasional shelling and intermittent
bombing.
The Swallow pulled off a M/Y which was
aground, and laid her alongside a
small coaster which was at anchor.
1200
Ferried troops to the dr. Impulsive
until midday, and thereafter to the
1730
dr. Winchelsea, until about 1730.
Air attacks. Ferried, in all, about
1800ca
The 700. Swallow proceeded with about 30
troops on board.
2200
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 30 troops
1st June
Under repair.
2nd June
S/Lt. Williams [ex-X.209] took command
of the Swallow and left (p.m.) for
Dunkirk.
(1) 45' Scott Paine power boat. 203

Details

SWALLOW - Continued
2130ca
(contd.)
Arrived from Dunkirk. Embarked 15 troops
a full cutter in tow.
inner harbour and proceeded with
3rd June
0700
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 15
troops. (1)
Subsequent reported movements of the Swallow
are conflicting, thus:
S/Lt. Williams reports as follows:
3rd June
After-
Left for Dunkirk in the afternoon.
noon
Entered inner harbour. Ordered to
embark some French staff but could
find none; loaded with French and
British troops. The furthest end of
harbour was now in German hands
[see Marlborough]. Proceeded.
[4th June]
-
Arrived Ramsgate. (2)
Cdr. H.R. Troup, R.N. reports as follows:
3rd June
2000
Left Ramsgate in the Swallow.
2230
Arrived Dunkirk. Landed at centre pier
and ordered the Swallow to carry on
ferrying and to return to centre
pier at 0330/4.
Cdr. Troup then says that the
Swallow subsequently borke down
and did not return to the centre
pier. [cdr. Troup subsequently
left in the W.D/M.L. Pigeon].
Asst. Dr. of Mil. Transport reports as follows:
On the "4th [and last] trip (night) Engr.
Cherry and A/B Hay steamed up and down shore
2 hours, but could not find anybody.
Returned [4th June] full of leaks". (2)
Total 68
Authority - R.O.II,pp.492, 567, 369.
R.O.II, pp. 462, 490.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Sub. Lieut. W.R. Williams, R.N. (3)
(1) Not mentioned in or Ramsgate report. According to
Captain Duka, representing D.R. the Asst. Dir. of Mil.
(2) Ramsgate report Swallow records a disembarkation for Swallow of 23
Transport, returned empty.
(3) For French serivces troops in at the 0720 lighter on 4th X. 209, June. a tug [probably the
Racia] and the Swallow. (C.W.29685/40).
204

Details

3
SWALLOW - Continued
The following awards were made (contd.):
Mention in Despatches
Mr. F. Cherry, Third Engineer (A.B.)
A.B. H.C.H. Hay.
205

Details

VULTURE
W.D/M.L.
L.C. Bell, Mate, i/c.
30th May
p.m.
Arrived Ramsgate from Harwich.
31st May
0340
Sailed for Dunkirk beaches, the
W.D/M.L's Swallow, Marlborough and
Wolfe in company.
-
On arrival at Dunkirk, the Vulture
(and Wolfe, led by the Marlborough)
entered the harbour. The Swallow
continued on to the beaches.
The Vulture embarked 32 troops from
a P.M/S and sailed for Ramsgate.
0930ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 32 troops
1415
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked 26 French
troops. Proceeded.
2150
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 26 troops
1st June
-
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked 27 British
and French troops, and proceeded.
2020
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 28
troops. (1)
Thereafter the Vulture was out of
action.
Total 86
Authority. - R.O.II, p. 492.
R.O.III, pp. 462, 487.
in
(1)
Ramsgate report.

Details

Details

W.D/M.L.
WOLFE
E.L. Beard, Master
p.m.
30th May
Arrived Ramsgate from Sheerness.
0340
31st May
Left for Dunkirk beaches,
Vulture W.D/M.L's Swallow, Marlborough the and
in company.
-
On arrival at Dunkirk, entered
P.M/S. harbour and embarked troops from the a
-
Sailed for Ramsgate.
0935ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 29
troops. (1)
1415
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Proceeded. Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
1930
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 21
troops. (1)
1st June
-
Sailed for Dunkirk. (2)
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked troops and
proceeded.
0930
Off 6 W buoy, picked up 2 exhausted
men from the water, one of whom was
supporting the other. (3)
-
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 17
troops and 2 sailors.
-
Sailed for Dunkirk. (4)
2nd June
0630
Arrived Ramsgate. (5)
From this time on the Wolfe was out
of action.
Total 69
Authority - R.O.II, pp.44, 492.
R.O.III, pp.286, 462.
(1) Ramsgate
Cdr. C. report. R.N. (Retd.) Captain of the Sk. Brendaris,
Mertborough and made Wolfe. five trips It is probable therefore that
in the W.D/M.L's
(3) Lt. Marlborough, footnote (1)). of the Sk. Brendaris,
(See Ma command of the Wolfe on-the 1st June.
(11)
Report berts the Wolfe on this occasion. states that the
who F.S. Flowerdew, this incident, 1st Lieutenant states that he was temporarily
(5) Ramsgate Wolfe made Asst. 2 trips Dir. Mil. on 1st Transport June. Motor Launch, with an
tow, states landed that 45 was at troops. 0655 the Wolfe, a There which is, must however,
presumably have show that come back this empty.
331

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Page 107.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
ft.
Motor Lieutenant Boat BONNIE Charles HEATHER (Chris Kraft Boat 18 knots)
Waterland Read, R.N.R.).
Recommendations.
FFICER:
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read. R.N.R.
420 troops. from On the last night ferried off about
trips beaches, carrying to England complete
Between to Dunkirk 29/5 and a.m. 4/6 made seven round
personnel troops Dunkirk Mole to transports lying about off. 600
the water. vessel SCOTIA sank rescued 40 personnel When
and was Was periodically bombed and machine from
part in under the gunfire in Dunkirk harbour. Played gunned
endurance evacuation and showed great determination a great and
under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
TARIOUS SMALL CRAFT:
Recommendation.
Sub. Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
Commanded in succession a motor lighter, a tug and
motor boat SWALLOW. Completed five round trips between
p.m. 30/5 and a.m. 4/6. On first trip made beach between
Gravelines and Calais, landed, encountered two German
soldiers, shot both, re-embarked and proceeded to Dunkirk.
On all trips did very well using pulling boats as well as
his own craft. Finally left Dunkirk harbour on 4/6 when
German troops penetrated into the harbour area.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 110
Page 111.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
N.L.B. WALTON & FRINT GN. - Lieutenant Reginald Hounsham Mead,
over into Dunkirk there, underwent many air attacks. Boat proceeded towed
Was taken over to Dunkirk, and whilst being R.N.V.R.
During was killed, operation, Lieutenant R. H. Mead, R.N.V.R., ships.
the and ferried troops to the various
proceeded from the to the beach where they continued taking troops
and the boat carried on with the crew. They
shore by night.
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Lieutenant Reginald Hounsham Mead. R.N.V.R.
whilst proceeding over to Dunkirk, in view of the many
Showed great determination and devotion to duty
air attacks, and also in Dunkirk itself.
Recommended for mention (Posthumous).
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Tel. Cooley. P/J.93203.
Able Seaman MacManus, P/SSX. 14756.
These 2 ratings showed great devotion to duty and
courage in continuing the work of the boat after the
death of the officer in charge.
Recommended for mention.
War Department Fleet: Launches HAIG, KESTREL and SWALLOW.
(Colonel G. E. Sadcock, Commanding Officer).
Recommendations.
Nine craft of the W.D. Fleet took part. All did well
but the following civilian personnel volunteered for, and
executed, additional trips displaying exceptional
determination:
R. Walter, 1st Engineman in HAIG.
J. H. Spain, T/3/Engineer in KESTREL.
H. Hay, Able Seaman in SWALLOW.
F. Cherry, Able Seaman, 3rd Engineer in SWALLOW.
Recommended for mention.

Details

DSC.
Lieutenant Alexander Harper Turner,
Skipper George Hattan, W.S.3022, REED.
Skipper William Francis
L Sub-Lieutenant John Kenneth Barton
Miles, R. R.V.R.,
Sub-Lieutenant Robert Walter Timbrell, R.C.N., H.M.M.M.M.
Lieutenant Robert Hunter Irving, R.N.R., TRITON.
Sub-Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, E.M.B. R.N.,
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, R.N.R., VERNON Motor Boat I, etc.
BONNIE HEATHER.
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N., Motor Boat
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke, R.N.V.R., Etc. Motor
SWALLOW,
Captain Master, W. Thompson, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Boat RAPIDE.
Chief Engineer B. Murphy, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Ans kvimate, T.O. Hanlon S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Captana Master, J. Freyer Tug FOREMOST Thames 87. Cockle Boat Flotilla.
Sub-Lieutenant Michael Herbert Bernard Soloman, R.N.V.R.,
&
Lieutenant Commander Stratford Hercules Dennis, R.N.,
Lieutenant Christopher William Stuart Dreyer, Base, R.N.,
Commanding M.T.B. Dover.
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N., M..T.B. Dutch 102. Skoot
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing, H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK. Dutch Skoot
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, H.M.S. R.N.R., HILDA. Dutch Skoot
Engineer Mr. J. Crockett, - BIARRITZ.
H.M.S. HONDSRUG.
Captarize Master, Charles Archibald Hancock,
Captain Master, Ernest Leonard Hill, CANTERBURY.
Captain Master, Robert Mallum McLean, Hospital Personnel GUERNSEY. Carrier ISLE GEORGE OF
Captaus Master, Reginald Richard Pittman, Transport
Captained Master, William Oswald Young, H.M. Ship LEVENWOOD. KING
Second Second Officer Frank Edward Martin, - St. - ST. Helier. HELIER
xv Sub Acting Chief Able hightenant Seaman Engineer Officer Allan Seaman Watterson, Ronald Thirwall, - TYNWALD Medal. C/JX. H.M.S. - ROYAL 139421,
HARVESTER DAFFOD
(Cook) J.H. Elton, LT/JX.180250, H.M.S. MOSQUITO. R.N. Patro
Service,
H.M.Y. BYSTANDER

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0
Shipwright 2nd Class (Pensioner) PN. 4307, Charles Motor Greenwood, Yacht ERICA.8899,
Petty Second Officer Engineer F.J. J. Norton, Steward, S.S. DORIEN ROSE Launch MERMAIDEN
Boswain P. McFadden, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Able Seaman J. Upperton, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Able Seaman T. Bassett, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Ordinary Seaman C. Bassett, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Fireman S. Khan, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Fireman M. Mohand, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Petty Officer Telegraphist Cooley, P/J.93203, R.N.L.B.
WALTON & FRINTON
Able 1st Engineman Seaman MacManus, R. Walter, P/SSX.14756, Launch HAIG R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON
T. 3rd Engineer J.H. Spain, Launch KESTREL
Able Seaman F. Cherry, 3rd Engineer, Launch SWALLOW
Master T.J. Hopwood, Tug LADY BRASSEY
VSkipper Henry Forester, Master W.S.3348, Tug ST. OLAVE
Master H.F. Boyce, HOPPER BARGE W.24
Auxiliary Fireman Eric Gordon Wright, London Fire Brigade Fire
Float MASSEY SHAW
Auxiliary Fireman Henry Albert William Day, London Fire Brigade
Fire Float MASSEY SHAW
Lieutenant Richard Eyre, R.N., M.A./S.B.10
Lieutenant Ralph Kenneth Livingstone Waller, R.N.V.R.,
M.T.B.68
Leading Seaman Percy Ward, JX.134801, M.T.B.68
Able Seaman Sydney Davey, 146839, M.T.B.68
Leading Seaman Albert Dawkin, PS/SX.17391, M.T.B.102
Lieutenant John Cameron, R.N.V.R., M.T.B.107
Chief Petty Officer M.J. Driver, 6134D, M.T.B.107
Leading Stoker C.W.T. Murrin, P/KX.82587, M.T.B.107
Lieutenant-Commander Laurence Henry Phillips, R.N.,
Commanding Officer of H.M.S. AMAZONE
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. (Retd.) Commanding Officer of
Lieutenant-Commander Kenneth Warden Stewart, R.N.,
BRENDARIS, MARLBOROUGH, WOLF
Petty Officer Thomas A. Willins, P/J.100988, Dutch Skoot
Dutch Skoot FREDANJA
1
Engine Room Artificer 4th Class Jack S. Ambrose, FREDANJA P/MX.65337,
Leading Seaman Lauchan McLean Watt Dutch Gibb, D/J.64311, Skoot FREDANJA Dutch
Lieutenant Petty Officer Alexander Tyson, R.N., Dutch Skoot H.M.S. Skoot H.M.S. LENA REIGER
VChief Able Master 1st Officer Seaman Officer William J. Francis R. Hay Fowles, F. Baker, Pembury, Herbert Hospital - BIARRITZ Hospital Franklin, Carrier Dutch Carrier Coaster P/J.96765, ISLE OF ISLE H.M.S. GUERNSEY OF GUERNS ZEUS
2nd Officer Arthur Patrick - PRAGUE
VV
W.C.E. William Leonard - PRAGUE - DAFFODIL
Second Engineer John Bingham Woodhouse, Joseph Paterson,
Master 7520070, R.A.M.C. Evans, - ROYAL
Commodore Captain John Konts.John Smith, Herbert Gilbert Hubert Oliver Otway Hospital R.N. - R.N.
First Officer Cecil Bond, ROYAL Carrier DAFFODIL ST. ANDREW
ST. C.M.G., HELIER (Vice-Admi ( award
R.N., (Vice Admiral Retire
THE THE THE THE Ruthven,
R.N.
McClelland, Junor, R.N. R.N.
Hay, - Frank SWALLOW Neil Brockett, R.N.R.

Details

Director, S.V.P.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS.
43562
0340 SWALLOW proceeded and VULTURE in company with embarked and at
(45' At 0300 Scott hours Paine on Power in
WOLFE to embark
five vessels miles lying East off-shore. of Dunkirk, and troops to convey from the them beaches to destroyers one mile East and other to
starboard damaged On passage the to Dunkirk, the wreckage of some description
was the at normal from the shaft. excessive revolution revolutions indicator and of there
ran likely revolutions that with only part of This normal engine throttle; subsequently it
appeared at least one blade was stripped. the
and On went arrival at Dunkirk, MARLBOROUGH entered
to plan, from which alonside a paddle minesweeper, harbour loaded contrary with
troops, other two boats she took off as many as she could partly and
Commander to he had damaged one propellor and proposed to return
ask why that were deviating from the plan and same; was informed by the
the we ahead of me did the I closed accommodate, MARLBOROUGH to
direct Ramsgate.
Observing that the round trip Ramsgate/Dunkirk, including
refuelling, would take about seven hours, and that the accommodation in
the boats was small, I considered it a waste of effort merely to
transfer troops already embarked and I explained this to the Master of
SWALLOW who had wished to return with the other boats (on account of
damage already sustained and the fact that the water was full of
wreckage and flotsam) and we proceeded to the beaches alone.
The situation at 0600 hours was as follows:-
Dunkirk was under a pall of smoke from fires which appeared
to be mainly to the South and West of the port. There were
numerous wrecks outside the harbour and along the beaches. There
were large numbers of troops on the shore as far as it was possible
to see to the Eastward, and the beach was strewn with all forms of
motor transport. Along the foreshore were a very large number of
pulling boats, aground, capsized or damaged, and abandoned. There
were also a considerable number of motor boats, motor launches and
yachts aground and, in most cases, abandoned, and several wrecks
close inshore. About one mile out in the Dunkirk Roads were
numerous destroyers and other vessels waiting to embark troops, but
scarcely any boats were running between the shore and these ships.
There was a light onshore wind, which unfortunately
freshened considerably later, andcaused a ground swell which made
embarkation more difficult.
The tide at 0600 hours was setting
There
was
heavy
bombardment
going
on
fairly on shore, hard but to the the beaches Eastward. were quiet except for occasional late shelling
and intermittent bombing which did not become heavy until
afternoon.
On arrival at the beach I saw one small motor yacht, which I
but which appeared capable of being refloated, and
was passed aground, her a towline and pulled her off. This yacht subsequently or
signalled rudder out of action. I took her out and laid her alongside a small
for further assistance and reported her steering gear
coasting vessel which was at anchor.
There was a Service cutter lying astern of this coaster, I
and I took it over for use in embarking the troops. At first, three
could see no British troops on the beaches, and in my first or
four trips I conveyed only French troops whom I took to H.M.S. to
IMPULSIVE from whom I borrowed 2, and later 2 more, hands man
/my

Details

Page 2.
cutter.
I
my For the Owing rest of to later the the day borrowed until my a whaler last trip and I 2 carried hands from only IMPULSIVE. British 3A36 troops.
were unguarded water than and five below feet, ground the swell hull, and we the fact that SWALLOW's propellors
less inshore at some speed, check and it considered it unsafe to go
shoot (50 fathoms were in towards turned of grassline the beach, bent and the on to it was nearing allow therefore, the the end cutter to of its run into to tow
bows to seaward and the boat 30 fathoms was backed of 3" into rope), shore. the
cutter's
clambered megaphone how to the water and
Crowds over of the rushed into
had by been embarked, I went cutter. and when I I instructed them
inboard. of subsequently stopping while the hangers-on cutter out were of pulled reach
the remainder; ahead so as to take thought enough
cases occasion the when were the very weak and very helpless; was easier, for but in all on one
With men the British troops the loading
were of the loaded, were blown in broadside on and to the the whaler, and which in the
fully parted, both the cutter instance,
case soldiers cutter, the combined efforts of the four Naval beach, ratings and
it was only with great difficulty that we re-established it and hoisted
a them, using SWALLOW's dinghy. The tow parted again and
the line in to were unable to refloat her, so that I was obliged to send
in the dinghy.
Each time after loading, I proceeded alongside IMPULSIVE, whicl
had a jumping ladder rigged. In order to avoid waste of time in
shortening in my eighty-fathom towline, I passed the end of it to
IMPULSIVE and requested her to haul the boats alongside, which was done
by part of the ship's company doubling along her deck. After the first
trip, I borrowed IMPULSIVE's whaler and two more hands, and made a
number of trips from shore to ship towing both boats. There were at
this time very few boats working between the shore and the ships, but
there were some boats full of troops broached to on the beach and unable
to get off. One motor boat belonging to a destroyer, one whaler and a
small motor yacht were the only boats working on two or three miles of
beach, and in view of the target presented to enemy aircraft by
destroyers and other ships waiting to embark troops, I requested
IMPULSIVE to transmit a signal from me to Admiralty, repeated V.A. Dover,
requesting more sutters and power boats to speed up the embarkation.
There was some shelling on the beaches, and a good deal of A/A fire from
the ships as German aircraft appeared overhead at frequent intervals.
At about midday, IMPULSIVE hoisted two black shapes, and when
I next came alongside she reported that she had struck some wreckage
and damaged her port propellor (this happened, I think, while she was
taking avoiding action during an attack by aircraft).
As IMPULSIVE had to proceed for docking, I returned her
whaler and the borrowed ratings who had manned my cutter, and proceeded
to work with WINCHELSEA. Up to this time IMPULSIVE had taken some
400 soldiers, nearly all British. Before she left, I obtained from her
50 gallons of fuel for my boat.
I should like to mention here the ready co-operation of the
Captain, everything possible was done to assist me both by the handling the
the First Lieutenant and many others of H.M.S. IMPULSIVE; of
petrol, lending a whaler and hands to help in working my cutter short
ship to provide a lee, by hauling the long tow line, and by providing and
also by providing food for me and my boat's crew during the
periods when we were alongside.
I later received much assistance and co-operation from H.M.S.
HINCHELSEA who lent me a signalman and ratings for my cutter and gave
De all her available petrol.

Details

Page 3.
4374
In the early afternoon, the wind lightened and conditions became
Observing that there were boats at the davits of a wreck close
I borrowed some hands from WINCHELSEA to lower and man them, and
a R.A.F. launch which was lying astern of a neighbouring vessel
to over these boats ex- the wreck and embark troops.
Soon after this, on the suggestion of the Captain of WINCHELSEA, I
making boarded all remaining troops march to Dunkirk for embarkation.
KEITH to discuss with Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker the possibility of
By 1730 hours, there were few troops waiting to embark at this
the this time WINCHELSEA signalled proposing that this
beach and the remainder were making their way along the beach
trip; I concurred. In the last trip only about 30
in the cutter, and I transferred them to the cabin and
engine boat, handing over the cutter to the R.A.F. launch.
last half-hour, several dive-bombing attacks were made on
which appeared to be straddled by the first salvo. A
transport further to the Eastward was hit about this time, and enemy air
SWALLOW was hit by a few small splinters, presumabli
but was undamaged.
After the last trip inshore I proceeded direct to Ramsgate, and
arrived there at about 2150 hours. The engines of the boat had and been a
since 0315, and when outside Ramsgate first the port,
minute running later, the starboard engine failed; the port engine was restarted.
The crew of the SWALLOW worked extremely well throughout and I
would of the Patrol Service at Lowestoft; this man was working and in was the
like to bring to your notice the work of an Able Seaman, Peter
Johnson, single-handed for some of the earlïer trips to the beach I
cutter in his efforts and showed great initiative and resource;
put untiring him on board IMPULSIVE before she left and obtained his name as I
wished to draw attention to his very good work.
estimate the total number of troops embarked from 800. the beaches
and transferred I to H.M. Ships by SWALLOW as between 600 and
Robin Hutchins
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Grenadier Guards.
(A.L.O., Admiralty).
To be attached to my upat, bleak
himel Prescom
Dorp 13.6.

Details

444
succession of British shipping as motley in its larger form as
were the motor-boats themselves. Tramps, cargo ships, barges,
drifters, tugs, Dutch schoots, British warships, even river
ferry-boats such as carry one's car across the Thames at
Woolwich and elsewhere.
Of individual acts only a few can be given; every crew,
every man almost, experienced some incident or another. some
adventure that could fill a whole small volume on its own. And
yet what can a writer do when such men report such events in the
tersest of language such as "heavily shelled whilst at work"?
A few reminiscenses may be given here in the hope that
some idea of the work may be gathered by anyone who cares to
piece them together. Here are some extracts from a letter
written by Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N. which serve to illustrate
that merry sangfroid which has been referred to earlier:-
"So I proceeded by compass (error 20°) to the Calais -
Gravelines sands and anchored a few hundred yards out.
I was pulled ashore in the boat, which waited for me
while I walked inland in search of Allied soldiers.
After about a quarter of a mile I saw two men silhouetted
against the glow of a distant blaze. I approached to
within a few yards and hailed them.
I heard one of them say "Lieber Gott!" and they turned
around and commenced to shoot at me. By this time I had
come to the conclusion that I was in enemy territory, so
I hid behind a dune and shot back.
Fortunately it was a very dark night and the Germans
could not see me properly, while I could see their out-
lines quite well. I shot the one on the right twice
and he fell without a sound. The other one screamed
when I fired two bullets at him, and he dropped whatever
he was carrying and then fell and lay still. By this
time I heard nearby shouts so, deeming discretion to be
the better part of valour, I ran at top speed back to
the boat and my ship was under way at her full six knots
within less than five minutes."
-
"I proceeded back to Dunkirk as soon as I had landed
the soldiers at Ramsgate and arrived just in time to
catch the dusk bombing and shelling. There was a lot
of shrapnel falling on the beach and I was greatly
impressed by the Tommies and Poilus who waded out into
the sea and helped the sailors with the boats. Nowhere
did Isee any signs of cracking morale or anything but
cheerfulness.
-
"I went back for the last time the same evening. Dunkirk
was by now a flamir DIGHT unsulba in the "Swallow"
and proceeded todna S kct with a
slower motor-bernoon INEM untern to manionother War
Department I -Denimm wartlerc vao imar reemonant nortly after-
wards sunbSe=b6sih beat 6/PLB oDoor some of the

Details

Details

Dynam 195. 369
Car. HR Troup's report
347
I left Ramsgate on the night 2nd - 3rd June in
War Ministry fast motor boat "Haig" with three other fast
W.M.M.B's. I took with me the French Naval Attache Captain
de Revoir who came over to see how the embarkation was going
on on the pier. I gave instructions to the Offi ers in
charge of boats to act independently and ferry troops to
ships taking a final boat load back to Ramsgate.
I entered Dunkirk harbour and proceeded alongside
the centre pier and with great fifficulty persuaded 40
French soldiers to come aboard. These I took to a big
ship outside and returned for more. After loading 39
I again proceeded out and just in the entrance was
rammed by a French tu on the prto beam; as the hole
was a good foot above the water line I went on. I had
not gone more than 200 yards when another French tug
altered course and rammed me in the forecastle, cutting
halfway through the upper deck and right up to the keel.
I managed to get clear quickly and took the boat alongside
the "Westward ho" and got the soldiers out, one of whom
got his shoulder smashed in the collision. A destroyer
coming across the bow of the "Westward ho" caused her
to go astern and the wash from her paddle filled the boat
up with water and washed her away from the ship. Asx soon
as the ship stopped I again got alongside and as it was now
three oclock and the Captain had been ordered to clear out
everyone else having gone, I decided to abandon the boat
and get on board the ship with my crew and return to
Margate. On the way over Captain de Revoir told me there
was some difficulty on the pier and suggested he should go
there the following night and help. I therefore arranged
to take him.
On night on 3rd- 4th I left gsate in the
W.M.M.B. "Swallow" at 2000, but I left without Captain
de Revoir who missed the boat, arriving at Dunkirk at
2230 going straight alongside the centre pier where I
landed and sent the boat off ferrying, with orders to
come back at 0330 for me.
I found I could be useful as was suggested by
Captain de Revoir in making ships fast, finding out the
number of men they could take and then getting the French
Officers to help me embark the troops quickly, So I
decided to make myself Piermaster and everything else
combined. The French soldiers were very loath to be
separated from each other, their companies or their
Officers but by promising them they would only be
separated for two hours and would meet again in England
The French Officer Captain le Comte leChartier de Sedouy
they moved quicker. I embarked at least 10,000 troops.
on the staff of General Lucas of the 32nd Division was
and a staff off with me not later than 0330, I had some
very helpful and I arranged with him to take the general
somewhat I instructed the Officer in the boat if order
qualms about the boat returning for me as her engines were he
was in groggy doubt to close one of the other boats and
him to any in by 0300 at the latest. It so happened
that he come broke down altogether and told no one and it was
into harbour about 0305 just at the time I was beginning
Just by luck that the motor boat which took me off came
to wonder.
I would like to put on record the wonderful
discipline of the French troops when the last ship left
about 0300.

Details

487
SPECIAL FLEET ORDER No. 1.
458
8th June, 1940
EVACUATION of the BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE from DUNKIRK
The undermentioned ratings of the War Department Fleet are commended for
the gallant part they played in connection with the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk - 30th May to 3rd June, 1940
W.D.M.L."GROUSE"
T/Mate i/c
Mason, W.T.
T/A.B.
Taylor, J.R.
T/3/Engr.
Hewett, C.
W.D.M.L. "HAIG"
A/1/C1.Mr.
Wales, P.J.
A.B.
Allen, 8.
A.B.
Farmer, 7.
1st Engr.
Walter, R.
3rd Engr.
Crabb, S.
Mate i/c
Cains, A.B.
W.D.M.L. "KESTREL"
A.B.
Vine, A.E.
T/3/Engr.
Spain, J.H.
W.D.M.L. "MARLBOROUGH"
A/1/Cl.Mr.
Matthewa, J.
T/A.B.
Ferrier, C.
T/O.S.
Durrant, K.
T/3/Engr.
Stone, A.L.
T/3/Engr.
Stewart, R.
T/Mate 1/c
Yealland, E.L.
W.D.M.L. "PIGEON"
T/A.B.
Brenton, J.
T/3/Engr
Rowe, S.B.
T/Mate i/o
Clarke, W.R.
W.D.M.L. "SWALLOW"
Hay, H.
A.B.
Cherry, F.
3rd Engr.
Beard, E.L.
T/2/C1.Mr.
Thompson, A.
W.D.M.L. "WOLFE"
A.B.
Hodgkinson, D.
T/3/Engr.
Mate i/c
Bell, L.C.
Parry, A.J.
W.D.M.L. "VULTURE"
T/A.B.
Bygrave, F.
3rd Engr.

Details

Mostly with Scratch Crews
on 4th trip and all on 5th
40. 1.6.40. Brought down an enemy
2.6.40. Rammed by tug & report-
ed sunk with 30 men on board.
All saved.Engr.Walter landed at
462
trip.
aeroplane by Lewis Gun.
3.6.40. Salved by R.A.F.
4th trip. Leaking badly.
5th trip. Reported sunk off
Dunkirk, but towed
trip. Towed back to Dover.
1991
into Margate.
Margate.
5th
TOTAL
Numbers
resoued, Same 5 11251
55
132
Dyuann 333.
Dispram 333,
461
ddressee, any reply being made on a separate paper.
Ramsgate and Margate - Dynamo Proceedings
The (A. D.M.I. 's office,
ARSENAL,
II
RAMSGA
WOOLWICH, S.E.18.
3217/212
14th June
1940
ag Officer Commanding Dover.
Forwarded in continuation of
3172/212 of 11/6/40 appendix 3.
employment under S.N.O.,
Captain T.W.G. Duka was sent to
Ramsgate - Dunkirk.
msgate to tend War Department Boats lent
r Dynamo operation. He saw to the
ips. that they got in so many successful
-servicing him of these craft and it was due
T.W.G.Duka, who returned here on Saturday
yed under you from May 31 onwards at Ramagate
you have a brief summary of the vessels of
ion from Dunkirk.
WRRhillmuM
or your information in case they may be of
7th June 1940.
Captain.
he number of trips made to Dunkirk by the
Naval Officer in Charge,
1 find on the top of page 1 in the right-
scratch crews, as the W.D.Fleet, all of whom of
th trips on June 2 and 3 were carried out
VICE ADMIRA
18JUN 1940 ADMIRAL
after the third trip with the exception
amen, namely:
1st Engineer in the "HAIG".
the Engineer in the "KESTREL".
R
the "SWALLOW".
the "SWALLOW".
of the W.D.Fleet Special Fleet Order No. 1
formation you ran.' I am lost in did.
contained in the above admiration may be of
1 al such show a vast "pack" in the way you
('S sincerely,
(Colonel)
S.N.O.,
Naval Base,
Ramsgate.

Details

Mostly with Scratch Crews
on 4th trip and all on 5th
1.6.40. Brought down an enemy
aeroplane by Lewis Gun.
2.6.40. Rammed by tug & report-
491
ed sunk with 30 men on board.
All saved,Engr,Walter landed at
trip.
3.6.40. Salved by R.A.F.
4th trip. Leaking badly.
5th trip. Reported sunk off
Dunkirk, but towed
trip. Towed back to Dover.
462
into Margate.
Margate.
5th
TOTAL
Numbers
*penoser
35
945
55
132
Dynam 333,
461
Communication to be retained by the addressee, any reply being made on a separate paper.
The DIER. 's office,
aphic Address. "TRANSPORT, WOOLWICH."
hone No. Woolwich 2080, Extension 54.
212.ROYAL ARSENAL,
ny further communication on this subject
ald be addressed to-
sst. Director of Military Transport,
RAMSGA
WOOLWICH, S.E.18.
Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, S.E. 18,
I not personally to any Officer.
14th June
1940
The following number should be quoted :-
ference No. C.R.1320.
Subject W.D. Launches and their employment under S.N.O.,
Ramsgate - Dunkirk,
Dear S.N.O.,
tells me asked him to let you have a brief summary of the vessels of
My representative Captain T.W.G.Duka, who returned here on Saturday
the W.D. Fleet you which were employed under you from May 31 onwards at Ramagate
in connection with the evacuation from Dunkirk.
I attach two statements for your information in case they may be of
some use to you.
different launches, and you will find on the top of page 1 in the right- out
Statement No. 1 - shows the number of trips made to Dunkirk by the
hand 4th and 5th trips on June 2 and 3 were carried
with what column that described the as scratch crews, as the W.D.Fleet, all of whom of
were civilians, I have declined to go after the third trip with the exception
two Engineers, and two Able Seamen, namely:
1. R.WALTER who was 1st Engineer in the "HAIG".
2. J.H.SPAIN - - who was the Engineer in the "KESTREL".
3. H.HAY
- A.B. in the "SWALLOW".
4.
F.CHERRY
- A.B. in the "SWALLOW".
Statement No. 2. A copy of the W.D.Flest Special Fleet Order No. 1
of the 8th June, 1940.
of the information contained in am the lost above in admiration may be of
I hope that some capital show you ran' 1 you did.
as some to use how to you you. managed What to a. control such a vast "pack" in the way
Yours sincerely,
GEBadcock.
(Colonel)
S.N.O.,
Naval Base,
Ramsgate.

Details

Details

Statement from S.J. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C.B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. are the J.Juy Vincia
left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Durkish at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandetha Bany, ohen
548
eport by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd)
-
518
1500
From 1500 onwards we were subject to almost
continuous attack by enemy aircraft and had the
satisfaction of seeing 7 bombers brought down by
destroyers' and shore batteries' anti-sireraft
fire. Two enemy pilots escaped by parachute.
Majority of troops embarked at this point were
French.
1700
On hearing that there were a number of British
troops on the beach near La Panne proceeded
there with Sub. Lt. Cornish and his motor boat
and succeeded in embarking a number of British.
Total number embarked was not recorded by ne
but was approximately 150 altogether.
2030
Having valuable cargo aboard and observing that
there were a number of schoots and other craft
who, owing to the absence of small power driven
craft, were unable to get any troops. I decided
to return to Base with my load and turned over
my whaler to Sub. Lt. Cornish and asked him to
report to the Schoot "Atlantic", the Commanding
Officer of which told me that he had been there
all day without being able to get a single man
on board for reasons explained above.
Proceeded by route X in company with other drifters,
troop ships, tugs, etc. and were attacked by
enemy aircraft until past No 6 W Buoy, when they
were driven off by anti-aircraft fire from
British destroyers.
1st June.
1430
Arrived N. Goodwin L/V and anchored owing to
insufficient water in Ramagate.
1600
Weighed and proceeded in to Ramagate and discharged
That troops. evening was ordered to return to Dunkirk in
"Ocean Breeze" but order was cancelled as we
could not reach destination by 2130.
2nd June.
Ordered to proceed in Power Boat "Haig" with Lt. in
McMullan R.N.R. and Sub. Lt. Hollingshead
company with Marlborough, Kestrel and Swallow. Cmdr.
2100
Proceeded with Marlborough in company with with one
Troop R.N. in command of "Haig" and
lifeboat in tow.
3rd June.
0030
Approached Dunkirk; obliged to out lifeboat adrift
she became full of water and was hampering bollard.
Entered Dunkirk Harbour and proceeded alongside
speed as of "Haig" and damaging towing

Details

PLAGE OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Vatchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Tarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst
employed on Operation "Dynamo",
30.5.40. 2345. Flotilla sailed Tarmouth for Ramagate,
Good
46
567
From:- Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N.
Mm
537
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate.
30th May. Arrived Ramsgate from Portsmouth with lighter. X.209
Ordered to sands between Gravelines and Calais.
Compass error 20°. Fixed green Bight buoy
appeared to be missing.
Anchored off sands; landed in boat and searched
inland. Encountered enemy, engaged two and believe
I shot both; returned to my ship.
31st May. Followed tug to East beach at dawn. Took aboard
500 men from my boats. One boat destroyed by
bomb, two struck submerged lorries.
Left for Ramagate.
1715
Landed soldiers at Ramagate and returned Dunicipe.
led
2150
Arrived Dunkirk at dusk, heavy bombing and shelling.
Soldiers very steady and cheerful.
1st June. Landed soldiers at Ramagate at noon. Ship had been
n
in collision off Dunkirk; left her in Ramagate
us
inner harbour. Took command of a tug whose
Master refused to go to Dunkirk again and left
of
for Dunkirk. Arrived evening: very few soldiers
on beaches. Went alongside small pier at back or
harbour. Went ashore to look for troops; found
no English so loaded up with French.
2nd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate 0730. Obtained Captain Duka's
Mann,
permission to arm and command Power Boat "Swallow". xi
Arrived Dunkirk in "Swallow" at dusk. Entered
inner harbour; took off 15 men and towed & full
cutter in addition.
3rd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate in morning with loaded cutter in
tow. Left for Dunkink in afternoon; entered
inner harbour. Ordered to embark some French
staff but could find none; loaded with English
and French troops. Purthest end of harbour now
in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.

Details

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

Details

19.
"
which
Mr. Engineer, Launch Haig.
Mr. Norman Regisald >mith, Walter, Chief First Engineer, Hospital Carrier Dinard.
Mr. Donald Brewer, Yacht Engineer, H.M.Y.Lahloo.
Mr. Thomas McDermott Weir, Yacht Engineer, H.M.Y. Eila II.
Mr. C
Coggins, Engineer, M.Y. Masayru.
Mr. Raymond Crane, Engineer, M.V. Laroc.
/Mr. / William Leonard Evans, Second Engineer, Royal Daffodil
Mr. James Steward, Second Engineer, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
'Mr. Frank Cherry, Third Engineer, (Able Seaman), Launch Swallow.
VMr. James Henry Edward Spain, Third Engineer, Launch Kestrel.
Mr. W StamLister, Lister, Purser, 58 Tynwald.
Mr. Paddy McFadden, Beatswain, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Mr. Douglas Kirkaldie, Coxswain, Motor Boat Fervent.
Able Seaman T
Bassett, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Able Seaman John Fowles, Hospital Carrier Isle of Guernsey.
Able Seaman Henry Charles Herring Hay, Launch Swallow.
Able Seaman John Upperton, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Ordinary Seaman Clifford Barrett, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Fireman Ali Khan, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Fireman Abdul Mohand, S.S Dorrien Rose.
Fireman Rbet Phillips, S.S. Biarritz.
wre
Carpenter J
Gaste, S.STynwald.
S.S.
Donkeyman A
Allen,,Tynwald.
Deckhand Leonard Lynn, M.V. Daroc.
Steward H
A
E
Frost, M.V. Laroc.
Mrs. A. Goodrich, Stewardess, Hospital Carrier Dinard.
Mr. William Ferguson, Acting Naval Store Officer.
/1 Mr. Robert William Whidby Corbutt, Acting Deputy Naval Store Officer.
Mr. Donald John Woods, Deputy Armament Supply Officer.
Mr. Archibald Armytage Bakewell, Deputy Victualling Store Officer.
Lance Corporal Chapman, 6208138, 1/8th Middlesex Regiment.
21
William Cecil Ernest Smith, R.A.M.C., 7520070.
Fireman EAMMMAXGX Henry Albert William Ray, Auxiliary Fire Service,
London Fire Brigade Fire Fleat Massey Shaw
Fireman Edmund Gordon Wright, Auxiliary Fire Service, London Fire
Brigade Wire Fle

Details

eutenant Alexander Harper Turner, R.N.V.R.
ipper George Hattan, W.S.3022, H.M.
skipper illiam John Francis REED
Sub-Lieutenant DORI
Lieutenant Sub-Lieutenant Sub-Licutenant Robert Robert George Hunter Walter Arthur Irving, Timbrell, R.M.R., R.C.N., Motor LLANTH GRI
Lieutenant Charles Waterland
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Mo
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke, SWALLOW, R.N.V.R., Et
Boat RAPIDE.
Master W. Thompson, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Chief Engineer B. Murphy, D.D. DORIEN ROSE.
Mate, T.O. Hanlon, S.S. DORIEN ROBE.
Sub-Lieutenant Michael Herbert Bernard Soloman
Thames Cockle Boat
Master, J. Freyer, Tug FOREMOST 87.
Lieutenant Commander Stratford Hercules Dennis
Co manding M.T.B. Bas
Lieutenant Christopher William Stuart Dreyer,
M.T.B. 1
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N., Dutch
H.M.S. DOGGERSBAN
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing, D
R.M.S. HILDA.
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.S., Dut
H.M.S. HONDBRUG.
Engineer Mr. J. Crockett, - BIARRITZ.
Master, Charles Archibald Hancock, - CANTERBUR
Master, Ernest Leonard Hill, Hospi tal GUERNSEY Carrier
Master, Robert Mellum licLean, Personnel Ship LI
William Oswald Young, H. Transport
Master, chard Pittman, - St. Helie HEL
Master, Second Officer Reginald Frank Edward Martin, - ET.
Second Chief Engineer Officer The Allan Joseph Conspicuous Watterson, Wilfrid Gallantry Coulthard, - TYINTALD 0/3x.2 Medal. R
Acting Able Beuman Leading (Cook) Seaman J.H. Ronald Elton, H.M.Y.
Account

Details

Page
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Person:
Motor Launch MERMAIDEN: - Petty Officer F.J. Norton. May 31st
Sub, ieutenant Charles Edward Stew
R.N. June 3rd - June
MOT
Page 107.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
or
32 ft. Motor Boat BONNIE HEATHER (Chris Kraft Boat 18 knots).
eat
(Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, R.N.R.)
a
nn.
Recommendations.
the
rsear,
OFFICER:
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, P.N.R.
Between 29/5 and a.m. 4/6 made seven complete round
trips to Dunkirk beaches, carrying to England about
420 troops. On the last night ferried off about 600
troops from Dunkirk Mole to transports lying off. When
personnel vessel SCOTIA sank rescued 40 personnel from
the water. Was periodically bombed and machine gunned
and was under gunfire in Dunkirk harbour. Played a great
part in the evacuation and showed great determination and
endurance under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
$ during
egistered
urvivors
VARIOUS SMALL CRAFT:
he was
of whom
Recommendation.
78
am
Sub. Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
itr
ei
Commanded in succession a motor lighter, a tug and
:e,
motor boat SWALLOW. Completed five round trips between
p.m. 30/5 and a.m. 4/6. On first trip made beach between
Gravelines and Calais, landed, encountered two German
soldiers, shot both, re-emberked and proceeded to Dunkirk,
On all trips did very well using pulling boats as well as
his own craft. Finally left Dunkirk harbour on 4/6 when un
German troops penetrated into the harbour area.
cer
an
ASC
Recommended for decoration.
suc
ed
ect
person

Details

Page 111,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON. - Lieutenant Reginald Hounsham Mead.
Was taken over to Dunkirk, and whilst being R.N.V.R. towed
over there, underwent many air attacks. Boat proceeded
into Dunkirk and ferried troops to the various ships.
During the operation, Lieutenant R. H. Mead, R.N.V.R.,
was killed, and the boat carried on with the crew. They
proceeded to the beach where they continued taking troops
from the shore by night.
rk
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Lieutenant Reginald Hounsham Mead, R.N.V.R.
Showed great determination and devotion to duty
whilst proceeding over to Dunkirk, in view of the many
air attacks, and also in Dunkirk itself.
M
Recommended for mention (Posthumous).
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Tel. Cooley. P/J.93203.
Able Seaman MacManus, P/SSX. 14756.
These 2 ratings showed great devotion to duty and
courage in continuing the work of the boat after the
death of the officer in charge.
Recommended for mention.
War Department Fleet: Launches HAIG, KESTREL and SWALLOW.
(Colonel G. E. Badcock, Commanding Officer).
Recommendations.
Nine craft of the W.D.Fleet took part. All did well
but the following civilian personnel volunteered for, and
executed, additional trips displaying exceptional
determination:
R. Walter, 1st Engineman in HAIG.
J. H. Spain, T/3/Engineer in KESTREL.
H. Hay, Able Seaman in SWALLOW.
F. Cherry, Able Seaman, 3rd Engineer in SWALLOW.
Recommended for mention.

Details

shipwright 2nd Class Indefatigable (Pensioner) Charles Greenwood
craft As Portsmouth
for beaches the operation. in preparing P/M.8899. small
Dunkirk Served the in beaches Yacht ERICA to effect and H. repairs tunteer M. a to boats proceeded there. to
exceptional off devotion assisting to duty. in evacuation Drifter ROBERT work. Displayed CLIFF,
Recommended for mention.
DS
Sub.Lieutenant Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.)
Boats, Fast Motor George Boat VERNON I, W.D.Fast Launch PIGEON.
Recommendations,
ICER:
Sub.Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.
This enterprising and determined officer commanded
in succession a number of small craft working from
Ramsgate and ferried off a large number of troops from
the beaches, in surf, and from Dunkirk harbour, on four
successive days and nights. Brought off almost the
last part from Dunkirk in the PIGEON. Frequently under
fire, displayed courage and leadership of high order.
Recommended for decoration.
Recommendation.
Sub, Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
Commanded in succession a motor lighter, a tug and
motor boat SWALLOW. Completed five round trips between
p.m. 30/5 and a.m. 4/6. on first trip made beach German between
Gravelines Calais, landed, encountered two
On all well using pulling boats as 4/6 when
soldiers, shot and both, re-embarked and proceeded to Dunkirk, well as
his own trips craft. did very Finally left Dunkirk harbour on
German troops penetrated into the harbour area.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

shipwright 2nd Class (Pensioner) Charles Greenwood P/M.8899.
Indefatigable for the in preparing Portsmouth
Dunkirk in Yacht ERICA repairs to boats
craft beaches operation. to effect As a volunteer proceeded small to
exceptional off harches. to evacuation work. Displayed CLIFF,
Served the and H. M. Drifter ROBERT there.
Recommended for mention.
ships Boats, Fast Motor Boat VERNON I, W.D. Fast Launch PIGEON.
Sub.Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Sub.Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.
This enterprising and determined officer commanded
in succession a number of small craft working from
Ramsgate and ferried off a large number of troops from
aches, in surf, and from Dunkirk harbour, on four
sive days and nights. Brought off almost the
art from Dunkirk in the PIGEON. Frequently under
displayed courage and leadership of high order.
Recommended for decoration.
Page 106
JSC
Personnel.
Stoker D. T. Banks,
KX/86174.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of
Recommendation.
85 foot Motor Boats PAULETEER and MARASOLE. -
Recommendations.
William Ronald Williams, R.N.
succession a motor lighter, a tug between and
manded at in Completed five round trips beach between
and a.m.
SWALLOW. on first trip made two German
es and boats to Dunkirk, well as
, shot did very pulling harbour on as 4/6 when
rips Finally left Dunkirk area.
roops craft. penetrated into the harbour
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:

Details

shipwright 2nd Class Indefatigable (Pensioner) Charles Greenwood
Dunkirk Served craft for in beaches Yacht the operation. ERICA to effect in and preparing H. repairs As a volunteer Portsmouth to boats P/M.8899. proceeded small to
off the beaches assisting M. Drifter there,
exceptional devotion to duty. in evacuation ROBERT work, Displayed CLIFF,
Recommended for mention.
hips
Boats, Fast Motor George Boat Arthur VERNON I, W.D.Fast Fast Launch PIGEON.
Sub.Lieutenant Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.
Recommendations,
FICER:
,Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.
This enterprising and determined officer commanded
in succession a number of small craft working from
Ramsgate and ferried off a large number of troops from
the beaches, in surf, and from Dunkirk harbour, on four
successive days and nights. Brought off almost the
last part from Dunkirk in the PIGEON, Frequently under
fire, displayed courage and leadership of high order.
Recommended for decoration.
PSC
Recommendation.
Sub. Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
succession a motor lighter, a tug between and
motor boat SWALLOW. 4/6. on first trip made two German
Commanded in Completed five round trips beach between
Gravelines shot and Calais, both, re-embarked and proceeded boats to as Dunkirk, well as
p.m. 30/5 and a.m. landed, encountered
On soldiers, all trips did very well using Dunkirk pulling harbour on 4/6 when
his German own troops craft. penetrated Finally left into the harbour area.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 108.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Launch
MERMAIDEN:
otor
- Petty Sub,Lieutenant Officer R.N. F.J Charles Norton, Edward May 31st Stewart - June Beale, 3rd
June 3rd - June 4th.
Page 107.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Motor Boat BONNIE Charles HEATHER (Chris Kraft Boat 18 knots).
Lieutenant Waterland Read, R.N.R.).
Recommendations.
CER:
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read. R.N.R.
Between 29/5 and a.m. 4/6 made seven complete round
trips to Dunkirk beaches, carrying to England about
420 troops. On the last night ferried off about 600
troops from Dunkirk Mole to transports lying off. When
personnel vessel SCOTIA sank rescued 40 personnel from
the water. Was periodically bombed and machine gunned
and was under gunfire in Dunkirk harbour. Played a great
part in the evacuation and showed great determination and
endurance under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
OUS SMALL CRAFT:
Recommendation.
Sub. Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
succession a motor lighter, a tug between and
motor p.m. boat SWALLOW. on first trip made German
Commanded in Completed five round trips beach between
30/5 and a.m.
Gravelines shot and to as Dunkirk, well as
On soldiers, all trips did very well left using Dunkirk harbour on 4/6 when
his German own troops craft. penetrated Finally into the harbour area.
Recommended for decoration.
1

Details

Page 111.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
R.N.L.B. WALTON Was & FRINTON. - Lieutenant Reginald Hounsham Mead.
over into Dunkirk and many air attacks. being towed
there, taken underwent over to Dunkirk, and whilst R.N.V.R.
During the operation, ferried troops to the various Boat proceeded
was proceeded to the beach boat carried on with the R.N.V.R.,
killed, and the Lieutenant R. H. Mead, ships.
from the shore by night. where they continued taking crew. troops They
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Lieutenant Reginald Hounsham Mead, R.N.V.R.
Showed great determination and devotion to duty
whilst proceeding over to Dunkirk, in view of the many
air attacks, and also in Dunkirk itself.
Recommended for mention (Posthumous).
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Tel. Cooley, P/J.93203.
Able Seaman MacManus, P/SSX. 14756.
These 2 ratings showed great devotion to duty and
courage in continuing the work of the boat after the
death of the officer in charge.
Recommended for mention.
War Department Fleet: (Colonel Launches G. E. Badcock, HAIG, KESTREL Commanding and Officer). SWALLOW.
Reçommendations.
but executed, the Nine following craft additional of civilian the trips W.D.Fleet personnel displaying took volunteered part. exceptional All for, did well and
determination:
in HAIG.
R. J.
H. F. Hay, Cherry, Able in SWALLOW.
Recommended for mention.
ter

Details

Directa, S.V.P.
435
435
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS.
At 0300 hours on Friday, 31st May, 1940., I embarked in
SWALLOW (45' Scott Paine Power Boat) in RAMSGATE HARBOUR, and at
0340 proceeded in company with MARLBOROUGH
WOLFE and VULTURE to embark troops from the beaches one mile East to
five miles East of Dunkirk, and to convey them to destroyers and other
vessels lying off-shore.
On passage to Dunkirk, we struck wreckage of some description
which damaged the starboard propellor; the revolution indicator of
the considerable vibration from the shaft. This engine it
starboard engine immediately showed excessive revolutions subsequently and there
was at normal revolutions with only part of the normal throttle;
ran appeared likely that at least one blade was stripped.
arrival at Dunkirk, MARLBOROUGH entered harbour contrary with
to plan, from which she took off as many as she could I closed MARLBOROUGH and to
and On went alonside a paddle minesweeper, partly accommodate, loaded
troops, two boats ahead of me did the same; informed by the
Commander ask why we that were he had damaged one propellor and proposed return
the other deviating from the plan and was to
direct to Ramsgate.
Observing take about seven THE effort in
that the round a
refuelling, the boats was would small, I considered embarked and it I & explained waste of this (on to the account Master of of
transfer troops wished already to return with the other the water boats was full of
SWALLOW who had sustained and the fact that beaches alone.
damage wreckage already and flotsam) and we proceeded to the
The situation at 0600 hours was as follows:-
was under a pall of smoke from fires There which were appeared There
numerous to be wrecks outside of troops the harbour on the shore was strewn as far with as it all was forms possible of of
mainly Dunkirk to the South and West of and the along port. the beaches.
were to large to the numbers Eastward, and the the foreshore beach were a very and abandoned. large number There
motor THE see THE Along or motor abandoned, damaged, the boats, Dunkirk and motor several Roads Launches were wrecks and but
yachts close one vessels out in waiting to embark these troops, ships.
numerous inshore. destroyers boats were and running other between the shore unfortunately and
scarcely any a light onshore and caused tide wind, at a which ground 0600 bombardment hours swell was which setting going made
the THE The There except was heavy for occasional until late chelling on
fairly on shore, hard but to the the bombing beaches which were quiet did not become heavy
and afternoon. intermittent On arrival but at appeared the beach her capable I saw off. one of small being This her THE which
was passed signalled aground, her for a towline further action. assistance her out assistance and resorted anchor. her alongside as small
rudder coasting took out vessel There it of over was which for a Service was use at in on cutter embarking the beaches, lying the whom astern and troops. I in took of my this to At first H.M.S. first, coaster, to three man I or
could and four I trips see no British troops borrowed only French 2, troops and later 2 more, hands /my
IMPULSIVE

Details

Page 2.
3,436
my cutter. I later borrowed a whaler and 2 hands from IMPULSIVE.
For the rest of the day until my last trip I carried only British troops.
Owing to the ground swell and the fact that SWALLOW's propellors
were unguarded and below the hull, we considered it unsafe to go into
less water than five feet, and it was necessary, therefore, to run
inshore at some speed, check the boat's way and allow the cutter to
shoot in towards the beach, and when it was nearing the end of its tow
(50 fathoms of grassline bent on to 30 fathoms of 3" rope), the cutter's
bows were turned to seaward and the boat was backed into shore.
Crowds of French soldiers immediately rushed into the water and
clambered over the stern and quarters of the cutter. I instructed them
by megaphone how to distribute their weight, and when I thought enough
had been embarked, I went ahead so as to take the cutter out of reach
of the remainder; subsequently stopping while hangers-on were pulled
inboard.
With the British troops the loading was easier, but in all
cases the men were very weak and very helpless; for instance, on one
occasion when the tow parted, both the cutter and the whaler, which
were fully loaded, were blown in broadside on to the beach, and in the
case of the cutter, the combined efforts of the four Naval ratings and
the soldiers were unable to refloat her, so that I was obliged to send
a line in to them, using SWALLOW's dinghy. The tow parted again and
it was only with great difficulty that we re-established it and hoisted
in the dinghy.
Each time after loading, I proceeded alongside IMPULSIVE, which
had a jumping ladder rigged. In order to avoid waste of time in
shortening in my eighty-fathom towline, I passed the end of it to
IMPULSIVE and requested her to haul the boats alongside, which was done
by part of the ship's company doubling along her deck. After the first
number of trips from shore to ship towing both boats. There were but at
trip, I borrowed IMPULSIVE's whaler and two more hands, and made &
this time few boats working between the shore and the ships,
there very boats full of troops broached to on the beach and and unable 8
to were some One motor boat belonging to & destroyer, one whaler miles of
small get motor off. yacht were the only boats working on two aircraft or three by
beach, and in view of the target presented to enemy I
destroyers and transmit & signal from me to Admiralty, repeated embarkation. Dover,
other ships waiting to embark troops, requested
requesting more shelling on the beaches, and a good deal of intervals. from
IMPULSIVE to Cautters and power boats to speed up the A/A fire
There the ships was as some German aircraft appeared overhead at frequent
IMPULSIVE hoisted two black shapes, some wreckage and when
At about midday, she reported that she had struck while she was
I and next came alongside propellor (this happened, aircraft). I think,
taking damaged avoiding her port action during an attack by
As IMPULSIVE borrowed had ratings to who had manned IMPULSIVE my cutter, had taken proceeded some
proceed for docking, I returned and her
whaler and the Up to this time obtained from
400 to work soldiers, with WINCHELSEA. nearly all British. Before she left, I her
50 gallons of fuel for my boat.
Captain, I the possible should First like Lieutenant was to done mention to and assist here many the long me others the both ready tow C.H.M.S. by line, co-operation the and handling IMPULSIVE; by providing of of the the
ship everything to provide a whaler lee, by and hauling hands to help in working during my the outter short and
petrol, also by providing lending a food for me and my boat's crew
periods when we were alongside.
received much assistance and co-operation for my cutter from and H.M.S. gave
WINCHELSEA I who later lent me a signalman and ratings
me all her available petrol.

Details

Page 3.
4394
In the early afternoon, the wind lightened and conditions became
easier. Observing that there were boats at the davits of a wreck close
inshore, I borrowed some hands from WINCHELSEA to lower and man them and
ordered a R.A.F. launch which was lying astern of a neighbouring vessel
to take over these boats ex- the wreck and embark troops.
Soon after this, on the suggestion of the Captain of WINCHELSEA, I
boarded KEITH to discuss with Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker the possibility of
making all remaining troops march to Dunkirk for embarkation.
By 1730 hours, there were few troops waiting to embark at this
part of the beach and the remainder were making their way along the this beach
should to be the last trip; I concurred. In the last trip only about 30
Dunkirk, and at this time WINCHELSEA signalled proposing that
soldiers embarked in the cutter, and I transferred them to the launch. cabin and
room of my boat, handing over the cutter to the R.A.F. made on
WINCHELSEA further to the Eastward was hit about this time, and enemy presumably air
During which appeared to be straddled by the first
engine this last half-hour, several dive-bombing attacks salvo. were A
transport activity was intense. SWALLOW was hit by a few small splinters,
of anti-aircraft shell, but was undamaged.
last trip inshore I proceeded direct to boat Ramsgate, had been and
After the about 2150 hours. The engines of the the port, and a
arrived there since 0315, at and when outside Ramsgate the first port engine was restarted.
minute running would Johnson, cutter untiring like later, single-handed The of in to crew his the bring the Patrol efforts of starboard to the for your Service SWALLOW and some before showed notice engine of at worked the Lowestoft; she great the failed; earlier left extremely work initiative and of trips this obtained an well Able man to and throughout the was Seaman, his resource: beach working name Peter and and as in I was I I the
put wished him to on draw board attention IMPULSIVE to his very good work.
total number of troops embarked 600 and from 800. the beaches
and transferred I estimate to H.M.Ships the by SWALLOW as between
Rohn Hutchis
Lieutenant-Colonel,
(A.L.O.,Admirality).
To be attached to my upnt, bleak
himet Prescom
Dort 13.6.

Details

444
succession of British shipping as motley in its larger form as
were the motor-boats themselves. Tramps, cargo ships, barges,
drifters, tugs, Dutch schoots, British warships, even river
ferry-boats such as carry one's car across the Thames at
Woolwich and elsewhere.
Of individual acts only a few can be given; every crew,
every man almost, experienced some incident or another. some
adventure that could fill a whole small volume on its own. And
yet what can a writer do when such men report such events in the
tersest of language such as "heavily shelled whilst at work";
A few reminiscenses may be given here in the hope that
some idea of the work may be gathered by anyone who cares to
piece them together. Here are some extracts from a letter
written by Sub. Lt. .Williams, R.N. which serve to illustrate
that merry sangfroid which has been referred to earlier:-
"So I proceeded by compass (error 20°) to the Calais out. -
Gravelines sands and anchored & few hundred yards
while about I 8 quarter of a mile I saw two men silhouetted to
I was walked inland in search of Allied
pulled ashore in the boat, which waited soldiers. for me
After against the glow of a distant blaze. them. I approached
within a few yards of them and say hailed "Lieber Gott!" and they time turned I
I heard and one commenced to shoot at me. By this territory, so had
around to the conclusion that I was in enemy
I come behind a dune and shot back.
Fortunately see me properly, while I could see twice out-
hid it was a very dark night and the their Germans
could not quite well. I shot the one on other the right one screamed
lines and he fired fell without two bullets a sound. at him, The and he dropped By whatever this
when I and then fell and lay discretion still. to be
he was carrying nearby shouts so, deeming back to
the the boat better and my ship was under way at her mots
time I heard part of valour, I ran at top speed full six
within less than five minutes."
the soldiers dusk bombing and shelling. greatly lot
"I proceeded at Ramagate and arrived just There was a
back to Dunkirk as soon as in I had time landed to
of shrapnel by the Tommies and Poilus who the boats. into
catch the falling on the beach and I was waded out
impressed and helped the sailors with anything Nowhere but
did the sea Isee any signs of cracking morale or
cheerfulness. back for the last time the same in evening. the "Swallow" Dunicirk
"I went flaming ruin. I again went with a
and proceeded motor-boat. While in there I shortly
was by now a to the inner harbour in company saw another War
slower power boat which was, Ibelieve, of after- the
Department wards sunk. I had been ordered to take off some
- 4

Details

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

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

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
several wrecks close inshore. vessels one to and
boats, motor launches and yachts About aground mile and, out in most cases, abandoned, most cases, abandoned,
numerous boats were destroyers running and between other the shore waiting and these ships. the but scarcely
quiet any except for occasional shelling and intermittent
between 0800 and 1315 Lt. Col. Hutchins about 250 ferried about 450
pulsive off Malo, and thereafter, about 1800 troops to the off Bray.
the
The Swallow sailed for Ramsgate at with 30 troops on board.
beaches were very bad owing to a freshening in on-shore wind; that the majority small
of pulling boats were no crews that
At 1035 Rear-Admiral broached-to Wake-Walker and informed had V.A. Dover that the majority that the majority that the majon smity
numbers were being embarked even daylight; that motor boats could
get close in, and that under present conditions any large scale embarkation not
a ship to form a lee and SO improve conditions¹.
of embarking any number was at Dunkirk, that he would attempt to beach
from the beaches was quite impracticable. but He considered that the only hope
Sailing of personnel vessels suspended
Simultaneously with this bad news came a signal from S.N.O., Dunkirk, to
the effect that Dunkirk was being continuously and heavily bombarded; that
the enemy artillery were gradually finding the range of the loading berths
and that only ships necessary for the flow of troops should enter². This signal
personnel vessels to Dunkirk until the number of those en route had been
confirmed the V.A. Dover in a decision he had made to suspend the sailing of
reduced. There were at this time no less than 9 personnel vessels and 3 hospital
carriers known to be on the round trip U.K.-Dunkirk and back, and one other
personnel vessel had been ordered to sail during the night but her whereabouts
was unknown. In addition, 3 other personnel vessels were under orders to
sail between 0900 and 1030.
Military plan changed
B.E.F. beach on the 30th May, was to lift the B.E.F. rearguard of 4,000, R.N.
The plan, arranged between V.A. Dover and representatives of the C.-in-C.,
been parties, on the night of 31st May/Ist June; and naval plus had
been made³. The minesweepers had received their orders4 arrangements instructions had
all available X; and C.-in-C. Nore, and F.O.I.C. Harwich, were to
Route issued for the special tows to leave Ramsgate at 1300/31 for Dunkirk via
as possible. M.T.B.'s to escort this convoy for as much of requested the outward provide
at Dover Speed of advance 6 knots⁵. A party of Naval officers assembled passage
At 1000 to embark in these tows were given detailed instructions
evacuation. the Hebe arrived off La Panne beach carrying the plans on the for plan. this
Military In the afternoon of the 31st May, however, Dover
covering plan had been changed, as it was was informed that the
withdrawn embarkation. Instead, the finally to withdraw to
the beaches position for to be held by 4,000 troops no who longer were possible for the original
was to be westward from the La Panne easternmost Division was to boats be
I used to lift this force from the beaches. area, and At the the special same time flight the of troops
Appendix Q.6.
2 Appendix Q.7.
5 Appendix Q.1.
4 3 Appendices Q.1, G.29.
Appendix G.29.
70

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
Typical of the urge which characterised sailed from Ramsgate this movement at 0205 of small craft was
escorting the trawler motor Strathelliot, boats, 8 which of which were disabled and in tow of on various the 31st May
the M/B Skylark, disabled, was in tow of Strathelliot. At 0640 the Skylark's vessels
towing bollard tore away and she was taken the in tow stern first. Then the M/B
embarked the Skylark in also the in became Strathelliot. tow-and damaged, later Shortly taken after in tow this stern the first-and M/B Malden crew Annie Lad ber, IV
crew were transferred to the Strathelliot and she and was Mary sunk after Rose was her sunk. Her
Mary Rose, which had been in tow of M/B the Rapid I, was damaged.
had to be taken she arrived
water fast, and dritting on to the was She
Dunkirk beaches with her pumps beach choked, she bilge abandoned. full of rubbish fund making off
useful purpose, however, by being used as a pier.
It is impossible to give the story of every ship, although each ship has its
which went over on the 31st May in company with the lighters X. 217 (S/Lt.
story. Here, for instance, is the unvarnished history of the M/B Marsayru
R.A. W. Pool, R.N.) X. 213 and X. 149. They arrived off Malo beach at about
1600. During an air attack X. 213 and X. 149 were sunk. The Z. 217 was
beached and, assisted by the dinghy, embarked 95 troops which were transferred
to the yacht Llanthony. The X. 217 continued to embark troops using the
Marsayru and a cutter. At about 2100 that evening, with the Marsayru's
skipper and crew and about 200 British and French troops on board, the X. 217
left for home towing the Marsayru and a cutter.
Shortly after sailing the Marsayru broke adrift, and in darkness could not be
found. Next day, the 1st June, however, at 1400, S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
in a Naval steam pinnace, off La Panne, sighted the Marsayru drifting with the
tide and unoccupied. She was found to be in working order; the engine was
started up and Sub-Lieut. Godman took an A.B. and a soldier as crew. He
left Petty Officer Morrison in charge of the steam pinnace with orders to lay off
and wait for the return of the Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow the Marsayru proceeded to the western end of the
beach capacity. and anchored; the dinghy ferried 19 troops to her, which filled her to
In the meantime the crew of the steam pinnace had embarked in the skoot
Doggersbank and had left the steam pinnace anchored near Dunkirk harbour.
Sub-Lieut. Godman decided to leave her there and sailed in the Marsayru for
England; from her. he overtook the Doggersbank on the way and obtained some fuel
and in tow waited for daylight. At 0430 on the 2nd June a trawler a took the Marsayru
At 2330 on the Ist June the Marsayru made fast to conical flashing buoy
embarked. to Ramsgate, which was reached at 0800, and the 19 troops were dis-
the Queen's pleasure launches Enterprise and Wave Queen), the Foremost Southborough,
White Heather,Westeriey,A Lansdowne, hopper barge .26. The M/B's. Marsayru,
and the 101, Lady Minotaur,
The motor coaster Hythe. M/B, the Dolphin's Balquhain, power Tigris boat, I, Rapid the Nelson's I, picket
the motor X lighters launch 95, 149, 209 (towing a boat), 213, Sherfield,
motor launches Grouse, Nanette II the lighter Y.C.63. The and War 217. The motor barge seven 30 knot
eighth, The skoot the Pigeon, Hilda went Haig, over on Kestrel, 1st June. Marlborough, Swallow, Department's Wolfe and Vulture an
Gipsy Three King, more Golden of towed Spray over II the and motor two life-boats. boats Moss Rose, Rose Marie, Lady Haig, Britannic
and
the M.F.H. Pickford & Co. Ltd.'s motor vessels went over, viz the Chamois, Hound
72

Details

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

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX G
22. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY for 1ST SEA LORD
destroyers and sloops. Until more on a a strongly
Your 1019. Beaches crowded. Hardly small any ships are here for loading. Request
of
opinion essential to concentrate
1107/30
23. ADMIRALTY to F.O. DOVER STRAITS (R) V.A. Dover
taken to send as many as possible.
Understand pulling boats are weak link please confirm. Every step is being
1141/30
24. ADMIRAL TAYLOR, SHEERNESS to D.S.V.P. (R) D. of S.T.
no more be sent.
Thames river steamers have no condensers and cannot run on sea water. Request
1150/30
25. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE
War Office have placed seven 30-knot motor launches at your disposal and are
sending them to Ramsgate today Thursday. Naval crews are being sent to man
them.
Names of launches : Marlborough, Wolfe, Grouse, Kestrel, Vulture, Swallow,
Pidgeon.
1336/30
and later
26.
Add to list of fast military launches Haig.
1882/30
27. C.-in-C. PORTSMOUTH to ADMIRALTY, N.O.I.C. Ramsgate, VICE-ADMIRAL, Dover.
Small craft due Ramsgate approx. as follows:
1900/30 Power boat R.F.A. 115 (?)
2100/30 Fast motor boat, Admiral's barge and Examination Serv. Vessel
Llanthony.
0100/31 F.A.A. Tender Ocean Rover and hopper Foremost 102.
0880/31 Car Ferry Fishbourne (previously reported but delayed.)
1000/31 One self-propelled lighter.
1300/31 One self-propelled lighter and steam pinnace.
1852/30
28. F.O.I.C. LONDON to C.-in-C. NORE, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE,
N.O.I.C. SOUTHEND, ADMIRALTY.
23 merchant ships motor-lifeboats and 46 rowing ditto in tow of six tugs leaving
Tilbury from now till complete, manned by volunteers and naval ratings
On arrival Southend they will be route-ed immediately to Ramsgate where first
tow should arrive about 0600 Friday [31st May].
1900/30
Friday, 31st May
29. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to C.-in.-C. NORE, F.O.I.C. HARWICH, Admiralty, R.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate.
Boat convoy for last flight of B.E.F. departs Ramsgate 1300 Friday 31st for
Dunkirk via Route X. Anticipate time of return to Dover and Sheerness 1000
Saturday 1st June. Request all available M.T.B.'s may escort this convoy for as
much of the outward passage as possible and for the whole of the return passage.
Anticipated speed of advance outward bound six knots.
0459/31
30. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to M.A/S.B.'s 06, 07, M.T.B.'s 68, 102 (R) R.A. Dover
M.A/S.B.'s are to rendezvous off Ramsgate at 1200 Friday 31st May with boat
convoy about to Dunkirk, and escort on outward passage also on return passage, sailing
0300, Sat. 1st June for Dover.
Off Dunkirk beaches, M.A./S.B.'s and available M.T.B.'s are to embark, under
the direction of R.A. Dover, the C.-in.C., B.E.F., and Staff.
M.T.B.'s report when ready to sail.
0736/31
168

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

VESSEL
OWNERS
REMARKS
YNE
Capt.C.Dines
Released 1.6.40
MARIE
F.Upton
Returned to Owner
THAMES
J.Mears
Returned to Owners
II
A.G.Smith
A.P.S.
TE II
A.E.Ryland
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
S1
P.G.Broom
Returned to Owners
J.F.Caine
Prepared for Dynamo but did
not go.
BELLE
J.C.Wood
No trace of return from Dynamo
LN.19
A.Large
Returned to Owner 7.6.40
WN
G.Alexander
Returned to Owner.
BOROUGH FISHING
(9 Vessels)
Prepared but did not go.
SELS
ULL LN 203
C.Loose
Returned to Owner 7.6.40.
ENIS
P.C.Allen
Vessel did not go.
TRICK
W.B.Thompson
T.98 No report received from
List of Missing essels.
Y FORTH
Dr.Purvis
Returned to Owners.
AGE LAUNCH
RISDON BEAZLEY
Released 1.6.40
a
Liege Canal Boat
Returned to Owners 19/6
OSY ?4B
L.Odell
T.98 No report received from
list of Missing Vessels.
R
C.H.Masters
T.98 Returned to Owners
E SHIFTER
S.E.Longman
T.98 No report received from
List of Misising Vessels.
DAR
E.C.Wood
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
FALCON
W.H.Elce
Abandoned Dover & Littlehampton
Lists.
FOAM
W.T.Cayton
Returned to Owners
ULL
E.G.King
Returned to Owners 18.6.
HAWK
Mr.May
Returned to Owner.
ROAMER
Mr.Wheatley
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SALTER
(Seasalter & Ham
Returned to Owners
(Oyster Fishing Co.
SCHOOL
Shipping Federation
No information from list of
Missing Vessels. DID GO To DUNXIRK
SWALLOW
Capt.R.Drake
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MOUR CASTLE
R.Dart Steam Boat Co.
Returned to Owners 19/6
MROCK
A.Barral
Abandoned of f Dunkirk
NNON
Mr.Peters
Returned to Owner - Damaged.
LDRAKE
H.J.Davis
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
NESTA
Per Crouch Eng. Co.
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
VER FOAM
W.T.Cayton
Returned to owner 18/6
VER SPRAY
J.Collet
T.98 Returned to Owners 19/6.
VERY BREEVE
A.Verley
A.P.S.
BAD II
E.W.Hare
Returned to Owners.
VER SPRAY LI.230
W.A.Ragless
Returned to Owner.
LARK IIEV SM 281 II
F.T.Collins
Presumed lost.
AH & EMILY
J.Todd
No report received from list
of Missing Vessels.
CESS (WY 12)
M.Leadley
Prepared but did not go to
Dunkirk.
NGAPORE I
D.F.Bostock
T.98 A.P.S.
NGAPORE II
do
T.98 A.P.S.
YLARK
Myalls Ltd.
Returned to Owners.
YLARK (S.M.5)MIV
F.T.Collins
Special Service (6A)
YLARK I
Knight &
Re-allocated to Special Admy.
(W.Stephenson
Service (6A)
YLARK III S.M.391
F.T.Collins
Reported lost per Fishery
Office. No confirmation.
YLARK II
Myalls Ltd.
Returned to Owners.
YLARK III
W.F. Coisan
T.98 No information of return
from Dynamo.

Details

ИМ
THE
SOME DIED
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
On
REF:
MINISTRY MESSAGE. OF SHIPPING.
OUT
more
159.
MESSAGE
1336/30 May.
IN
To
V.A. Dover. 327.
DATE 30.5.40.
SECRETARY
N.O.i/c Ramsgate.
IMMEDIATE
202
RECEIVED :-
From
SEATRANS, HERRATES.
DATE 29.5.40.
STATE SEAL 9 / STATE
NAVAL CYPHER (c).
TIME
From Admiralty.
LOR - DEPARTMENT
Addressed
SKATRAMS, DOVER, REFEAT TRANSPORTS, VESDO, LONDON.
a
War Office have placed 7 30-knot motor launches
at your disposal and are sending them to Ramsgate today
Date
AA
Tursday.
Naval crews are being sent to man them.
TRAVLERS HECO URASE BOTTOLK-SOSS SAILED 1950.
Names of Launches:-
T.H.I. 1945.
MARLBOROUGH
WOLFE
GROUSE
KESTREL D.O.S.T.
VULTURE S.T.A.8.
SWALLOW MR. DU BOISSON.
PIDGEON. S.T.N.GA
A.T.B.
EXTRA.
Gp 684 Gp 684
1336/30.
for D. 0. D. (H)
(SUB(C) - &L,Ld J.R & Ld
let S.L.
M.O.S.1.
C.S.O.to 1st S.L.
D.O.S.T.
Ons.(4)
Mr.D.H.Edwards.
O.D.(3)
Mr.DuBoisson.
O.I.C. (2)
S.T.N.6B.
D.S.D.9.
P.
V..CN.S.
Extra.
D.N.I.(4)
D.T.S.D.
D.VS.W.
V.P.
?)
.s.(T)
A .3.(H)
k.
(3)
2nd S.L.
1.(2)
M.
P.S.
6.
B.
tional Circulation.
S.T.

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

MOTOR
Robert
DRIFTER
G.Banks "LOCH Banks LOCH GARRY GARRY"
X209 Butler NE ST
8.8. Cyril
: F:
8.5." 8.8. Harry "PRINCESS "ROEBUCK" Clark MAUD" was
Diskinson
"MEPHRITE" "EGAROMA" Gifford West
sed 343TJM
FIREFLOAT "MASSEY SHAW"
"LORD YACHT Coggins Durrant RODNEY" "MASAYRA"
B.B. 1. S.B. TUG "ST. TUG W.D. Herbert "ROYAL "ROYAL DAPPODIL" B. I. "ST. HE. "ST. Woodhouse Evens Hay Launch Cherry Che DAFFODIL" ANDREW Penny c. rry
78
CLEARS"
"SWALLOW"
Master
des Acting das Master 10.8
THE 188 stevener Deck Master ster Hand LINE IOW
and
guog
in
AND THE waster
STATES
18.8
77
S
Master
Master
Master
and and 2nd 1 1
Master
-
THE
Invoice
RECOMMENDED FOR
-
TXNNALD"
A.B.
Master
abooh
Master shown
NEWS
THE THE
Motor
B.W.T.
H.M.T.
/ STATE / E
8,
Bost
SOLD
SEAL
STATE THE I
Hocht kngineer
R.M.Y. H.E.S.
GRIEF Steut:
/
HET
STOLE
"Elle
Minda
door
USA
Willins Acet, Stoner Stome.
M.R.S. H.W.Deniarer solem
Lane Stoker
N.W.B. H.B.S. "0103"
f
R.W.B.
Hims Med
EDIV
AND

Details

Dynam 195. 369
HR
Car. Troup's report
347
I left Ramsgate on the night 2nd - 3rd June in
War Ministry fast motor boat "Haig" with three other fast
W.M.M.B's. I took with me the French Naval Attache Captain
de Revoir who came over to see how the embarkation was going
on on the pier. I gave instructions to the Officers in
charge of boats to act independently and ferry troops to
ships taking a final boat load back to Ramsgate.
I entered Dunkirk harbour and proceeded alongside
the centre pier and with great difficulty persuaded 40
French soldiers to come aboard. These I took to 8 big
ship outside and returned for more. After loading 39
I again proceeded out and just in the entrance was
rammed by a French tug on the prto beam; as the hole
was a good foot above the water line I went on. I had
not gone more than 200 yards when another French tug
altered course and rammed me in the forecastle, cutting
halfway through the upper deck and right up to the keel.
I managed to get clear quickly and took the boat alongside
the "Westward ho" and got the soldiers out, one of whom
got his shoulder smashed in the collision. A destroyer
coming across the bow of the "Westward ho" caused her
to go astern and the wash from her paddle filled the boat
up with water and washed her away from the ship. Asx soon
as the ship stopped I again got alongside and as it was now
three oclock and the Captain had been ordered to clear out
everyone else having gone, I decided to abandon the boat
and get on board the ship with my crew and return to
Margate. On the way over Captain de Revoir told me there
was some difficulty on the pier and suggested he should go
there the following night and help. I therefore arranged
to take him.
On night on 3rd- 4th I left Rangsate in the
W.M.M.B. "Swallow" at 2000, but I left without Captain
de Revoir who missed the boat, arriving at Dunkirk at
2230 going straight alongside the centre pier where I
landed and sent the boat off ferrying, with orders to
come back at 0330 for me.
I found I could be usef as was suggested by
Captain de Revoir in making ships fast, finding out the
number of men they could take and then getting the French
Officers to help me embark the troops quickly, So I
decided to make myself Piermaster and everything else
combined. The French soldiers were very loath to be
separated from each other, their companies or their
Officers but by promising them they would only be
separated for two hours and would meet again in England
they moved quicker. I embarked at least 10,000 troops.
The French ficer Captain le Comte leChartier de Sedouy
on the staff of General Lucas of the 32nd Division was
very helpful and I arranged with him to take the general
and a staff off with me not later than 0330, I had some
qualms about the boat returning for me as her engines were
somewhat groggy I instructed the Officer in the boat if he
was in any doubt to close one of the other boats and order
him to come in by 0300 at the latest. It so happened
that he broke down altogether and told no one and it was
into harbour about 0305 just at the time I was beginning
Just by luck that the motor boat which took me off came
to wonder.
I would like to put on record the wonderful
discipline of the French troops when the last ship left
about 0300.

Details

487
SPECIAL FLEET ORDER No. 1.
458
8th June, 1940
EVACUATION of the BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE from DUNKIRK
The undermentioned ratings of the War Department Fleet are commended for
the gallant part they played in connection with the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk - 30th May to 3rd June, 1940
W.D.M.L."GROUSE"
T/Mate i/c
Mason, W.T.
T/A.B.
Taylor, J.R.
T/3/Engr.
Hewett, C.
W.D.M.L. "HAIG"
A/1/Cl.Mr.
Wales, F.J.
A.B.
Allen, 8.
A.B.
Farmer, 7.
1st Engr.
Walter, R.
3rd Engr.
Crabb, S.
W.D.M.L. "KESTREL"
Mate 1/c
Cains, A.B.
A.B.
Vine, A.E.
T/3/Engr.
Spain, J.H.
W.D.M.L. "MAPLBOROUGH"
A/1/Cl.Mr.
Matthewa, J.
T/A.B.
Ferrier, C.
T/O.S.
Durrant, K.
T/3/Engr.
Stone, A.L.
T/3/Engr.
Stewart, R.
W.D.M.L. "PIGEON"
T/Mate 1/c
Yealland, E.L.
T/A.B.
Brenton, J.
T/3/Engr
Rowe, S.B.
W.D.M.L. "SWALLOW"
T/Mate i/c
Clarke, W.R.
A.B.
Hay, H.
3rd Engr.
Cherry, F.
T/2/Cl.Mr.
Beard, E.L.
W.D.M.L. "WOLFE"
Thompson, A.
A.B.
T/3/Engr.
Hodgkinson, D.
Mate i/c
Bell, L.C.
W.D.M.L. "VULTURE"
T/A.B.
Parry, A.J.
3rd Engr.
Bygrave, F.

Details

Mostly with Scratch Crews
on 4th trip and all on 5th
1.6.40. Brought down an enemy
aeroplane by Lewis Gun.
2.6.40. Rammed by tug & report-
ed sunk with 30 men on board.
All saved. saved,Engr,Walter landed at
trip.
Margate.
3.6.40. Salved by R.A.F.
4th trip. Leaking badly.
5th trip. Reported sunk off
Dunkirk, but towed
1971
5th trip. Towed back to Dover.
462
8
into Margate.
TOTAL
Numbers
rescoed, Same
5
55
132
Dynam 333.
490
Dyuam 333.
A.D.M.T.
461
ddressee, any reply being made on a separate paper.
Ramsgate and Margate - Dynamo Proceedings
D.M.I. 's office,
ARSENAL,
II
RAMSGA
WOOLWICH, S.E.18.
3217/212
14th June
1940
ag Officer Commanding Dover.
Forwarded in continuation of
3172/212 of 11/6/40 appendix 3.
employment under S.N.O.,
Captain T.W.G. Duka was sent to
Ramsgate - Dunkirk.
msgate to tend War Department Boats lent
r Dynamo operation. He saw to the
-servicing him that of these craft and it was due
ips. they got in so many successful
T.W.G.Duka, who returned here on Saturday
you have a brief summary of the vessels of
yed under you from May 31 onwards at Ramagate
ion from Dunkirk.
or your information in case they may be of
7th June 1940.
Captain.
he number of trips made to Dunkirk by the
Naval Officer in Charge,
1 find on the top of page 1 in the right-
scratch crews, as the W.D.Fleet, all of whom
th trips on June 2 and 3 were carried out
ICE ADMIRAL ADMIRA
after the third trip with the exception of
amen, namely:
18 JUN 1940
1st Engineer in the "HAIG".
the Engineer in the "KESTREL".
the "SWALLOW".
the "SWALLOW".
of the W.D.Fleet Special Fleet Order No. 1
formation contained in the above may be of
1 such a vast "pack" in the way you did.
al show you ran.' I am lost in admiration
is sincerely,
(Colonel)
S.N.O.,
Naval Base,
Ramsgate.

Details

491
Mostly with Scratch Crews
on 4th trip and all on 5th
1.6. 40. Brought down an enemy
trip.
aeroplane by Lewis Gun.
2.6.40. Rammed by tug & report-
ed sunk with 30 men on board.
All saved,Engr,Walter landed at
3.6.40. Salved by R.A.F.
4th trip. Leaking badly.
trip. Reported sunk off
Dunkirk, but towed
5th trip. Towed back to Dover.
462
into Margate.
Margate.
5th
TOTAL
Numbers
35
945
55
132
Dynam 333,
461
Communication to be retained by the addressee, any reply being made on a separate paper.
aphic Address. "TRANSPORT, WOOLWICH."
NAVA JUNISTON The DIER. 's office,
hone No.: Woolwich 2080, Extension 54.
212.ROYAL ARSENAL,
ny further communication on this subject
ald be addressed to-
sst. Director of Military Transport,
RAMSGA
WOOLWICH, S.E.18.
Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, S.E. 18,
I not personally to any Officer.
14th June
1940
The following number should be quoted
ference No. C.R.1320.
Subject Launches and their employment under S.N.O.,
Ramsgate - Dunkirk,
Dear S.N.O.,
My representative Captain T.W.G.Duka, who returned here on Saturday
tells me you asked him to let you have a brief summary of the vessels of
the W.D. Fleet which were employed under you from May 31 onwards at Ramagate
in connection with the evacuation from Dunkirk.
I attach two statements for your information in case they may be of
some use to you.
Statement No. 1 - - shows the number of trips made to Dunkirk by the
different launches, and you will find on the top of page 1 in the right-
hand column that the 4th and 5th trips on June 2 and 3 were carried out
with what I have described as scratch crews, as the W.D.Fleet, all of whom of
were civilians, declined to go after the third trip with the exception
two Engineers, and two Able Seamen, namely:
1. R.WALTER
- who was 1st Engineer in the "HAIG".
2. J.H.SPAIN - who was the Engineer in the "KESTREL".
3. H.HAY
- A.B. in the "SWALLOW".
4. F.CHERRY
- A.B. in the "SWALLOW".
Statement No. 2. A copy of the W.D.Flest Special Fleet Order No. 1
of the 8th June, 1940.
of the information contained in the above admiration may be of
some I hope that some What capital show you ran.' I an lost in did.
as to use how to you you. managed to a. control such a vast "pack" in the way you
Yours sincerely,
(Colonel)
S.N.O.,
Naval Base,
Ramsgate.

Details

Details

Statement from S.Y Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May, are the Jug Vincia
left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Durkich at
2.45pm.
at 4Pm see were off the Sandethe Bany, who
548
eport by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd).
- 518
1500
From 1500 onwards we were subject to almost
continuous attack by enemy aircraft and had the
satisfaction of seeing 7 bombers brought down by
destroyers' and shore batteries' anti-sireraft
fire. Two enemy pilots escaped by parachute.
Majority of troops embarked at this point were
French.
1700
On hearing that there were a number of British
troops on the beach near La Panne proceeded
there with Sub. Lt. Cornish and his motor boat
and succeeded in embarking a number of British.
Total number embarked was not recorded by no
but was approximately 150 altogether.
2030
Having valuable cargo aboard and observing that
there were a number of schoots and other craft
who, owing to the absence of small power driven
craft, were unable to get any troops. I decided
to return to Base with my load and turned over
my whaler to Sub. Lt. Cornish and asked him to
report to the Schoot "Atlantic", the Commanding
Officer of which told me that he had been there
all day without being able to get a single man
on board for reasons explained above.
Proceeded by route X in company with other drifters,
troop ships, tugs, etc. and were attacked by
enemy aircraft until past No 6 W Buoy, when they
were driven off by anti-aircraft fire from
British destroyers.
1st June.
1430
Arrived N. Goodwin L/V and anchored owing to
insufficient water in Ramagate.
1600
Weighed and proceeded in to Ramagate and discharged
That troops. evening was ordered to return to Dunkirk in
"Ocean Breeze" but order was cancelled as we
could not reach destination by 2130.
2nd June.
Ordered to proceed in Power Boat "Haig" with Lt. in
McMullan R.N.R. and Sub. Lt. Hollingshead
Proceeded with Marlborough in company with
company with Marlborough, Kestrel and Swallow. Cmdr.
2100
Troop R.N. in command of "Haig" and with one
lifeboat in tow.
3rd June.
0030
Approached Dunkirk; obliged to out lifeboat adrift
she became full of water and was hampering bollard.
Entered speed Dunkirk Harbour and proceeded alongside
as of "Haig" and damaging towing

Details

PLAGE OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Vatchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Tarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst
employed on Operation "Dynamo",
30.5.40. 2345. Flotilla sailed Tarmouth for Ramagate,
Good
46
567
From:- Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N.
Mm
537
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate.
30th May. Arrived Ramsgate from Portsmouth with lighter. X.209
Ordered to sands between Gravelines and Calais.
Compass error 20°. Fixed green Bight buoy
appeared to be missing.
Anchored off sands; landed in boat and searched
inland. Encountered enemy, engaged two and believe
I shot both; returned to my ship.
31st May. Followed tug to East beach at dawn. Took aboard
500 men from my boats. One boat destroyed by
bomb, two struck submerged lorries.
Left for Ramagate.
1715
Landed soldiers at Ramagate and returned Dunicipe.
led
2150
Arrived Dunkirk at dusk, heavy bombing and shelling.
Soldiers very steady and cheerful.
1st June. Landed soldiers at Ramagate at noon. Ship had been
n
in collision off Dunkirk; left her in Ramagate
us
inner harbour. Took command of a tug whose
Master refused to go to Dunkirk again and left
of
for Dunkirk. Arrived evening: very few soldiers
on beaches. Went alongside small pier at back or
harbour. Went ashore to look for troops; found
no English so loaded up with French.
2nd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate 0730. Obtained Captain Duka's
Mann,
permission to arm and command Power Boat "Swallow". xi
Arrived Dunkirk in "Swallow" at dusk. Entered
inner harbour; took off 15 men and towed & full
cutter in addition.
3rd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate in morning with loaded cutter in
tow. Left for Dunkink in afternoon; entered
inner harbour. Ordered to embark some French
staff but could find none; loaded with English
and French troops. Purthest end of harbour now
in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.