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on patrol during Operation Dynamo.
(See Vega, und Appendices D.4 and D. D.4a).
109

Details

JACKAL( 1)
1st Destroyer Flotilla
Cdr. T.M. Napier, R.N
31st May
0700
in
Relieved the dr. Vega which was
patrolling in support of the destroyers
shipsand small craft evacuating troops
from Dunkirk.
0810
0540
Nil
(2)
2040
1810
Total 651
- R.O.TII. D.332.
F.D.
3
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. 72

Details

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

Details

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

Details

SINGAPORE II
M/B (D.F. Bostock) S/Lt. F.E. Greenfell,
R.N.V.R.
NO date given
Engine tow. failed in North Sea. Taken in
2
fore deck, the anchor cable and of all
Winch torn out, with part
ropes. Engine repaired - returned
to Ramsgate.
p-
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.197.
1705
1730
to cupacity.
1800
er
for the in
0335
Dover.
509
1330ca
for
Day
0145
T buby, E German M.T.B., stopped
and unseen, fired 2 torpedoss which
allead. The Biroco
Two more and
struck the Siroce near the
:
The dr. Vega, to
the
sooth-east,
sew
a
column
of
200 feet high,
0200ca
The in 52° 18'
The of
The as. HOLYOR up 50
troops; the tr. Stells
porudo 55, were )
or the
150 were up by the
Widgeon and 15 by the Polish
Blyskawica.
Total 509
Authority - French 5
R.O.II, D.352.
R.O.III,
didgeon's (c.
144

Details

SIROCO
French Torpedo boat
(6th Division, 2nd
Capitaine de
Flotilla)
de Toulouse-Lautrec-liontfal
[The made following by the account is partly based on
trawler Fyldea]. T/B's Mistral and Cyclone, and reports the British
29th May
1010
Left Dover for Dunkirk, in company with
1535
the T/B's Cyclone and Mistral.
Secured alongside the Mistral in Dunkirk
1540
Air attack. The Mistral damaged by a
harbour, at the west pier. may.
near miss.
1700
Air attack. The dr. Grenade and the
1705
tr. Calvi at the east pier were sunk.
1730
Embarked troops to capacity.
Left Dunkirk harbour.
1800
Sailed for Dover, the Mistral in
company.
30th May
0335
Arrived Dover. Dis embarked 509
troops. (1)
1330ca
Sailed for Dunkirk.
170
-
Embarked troops at Dunkirk.
X
31st May
0145
Near T buoy, a German M.T.B., stopped
and unseen, fired 2 torpedoes which
missed ahead. The Siroco opened fire.
Two more torpedoes were fired and
struck the Siroco near the port
propeller. The dr. Vega, 4 miles to
the south-east, saw a column of
flame 200 feet high.
0200ca
The Siroco capsized in position 51° 18'
N., 02° 06' E., 18 miles N.N.W. of
Dunkirk. (2). She af 150
The tr. Wolves picked up 50 survivors,
apparently troops; the tr. Stella
Dorado picked up 55, of whom 33 were
of the Siroco's ship's company;
150 survivors were picked up by the
corvette Widgeon and 15 by the Polish
dr. Blyskawica.
Total 509
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folios 5 and 31.
R.O.II, p. 352.
R.O.III, p.73, 1176A
D.R.
Widgeon's report (c. in C. Nore, 0511/31, War Diary).
145

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

Summary of the Reports Dunkirk concerning the Evacuation of Troops from
430 459
Area - May 27th - June 4th. 1940.
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS.
Small Vessels Pool. 461
Foreign Office - Letter of appreciation of services of three
Officers. 465
Narrative Account of Small Motor Boats. 166
List of Men who Signed T.124 Agreement. 474
Pie
H.M.S. VEGA Submarine Search and on Patrol 28th - 31st May, 1940
Analysis of Troops disembarked. 477.
Officers reporting at Sheerness. 502.
Use of Landing Craft. 501
Ramsgate & Margate - Reports from Base Departments. P 536
Summary of Reports from C.-in.-C. Sheerness. 551
Letter from C.R.G. recommending the B.D.O. 55L
Letter from J. W.Wright concerning his son Hugh Wright. 1556
Report from Commander E. G. de Jukes Hughes, Acting P.S.T.O.,
Dover. 50
A.L.C.16 C
p.523

Details

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS
(vega's 31/28 Pk5 of 2nd June)
II
H 138.
ce Admiral, Dover.
py to Commander in Chief, Rosyth.
submitted for information.
RKew
CAPTAIN (D) ROSYTH
mmander in Chief's Offices,
syth 6th June 1940.
VICE ADMIRAL
1° JUN 1940
*
DOVER

Details

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

Details

430 459
Summary of Reports concerning the Evacuation of Troops from
the Dunkirk Area - May 27th - June 4th, 1940.
10.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS.
Small Vessels Pool. 46/
Foreign Office - Letter of appreciation of services of three
Officers. 465
Narrative Account of Small Motor Boats. 166
List of Men who Signed T.124 Agreement. 274
P.47
H.M.S. VEGA Submarine Search and on Patrol 28th - 31st May, 1940.
Analysis of Troops disembarked. +77
Officers reporting at Sheerness. 502
Use of Landing Craft. 50st
Ramsgate & Margate - Reports from Base Departments. P 53L
Summary of Reports from C.-in.-C. Sheerness. 551
Letter from C.R.G. recommending the B.D.O. 551
Letter from J.W.Wright concerning his son Hugh Wright. 155%
Report from Commander 3. G. de Jukes Hughes, Acting Dover. P.S.T.O.,
558
6.523
A.L.C.16

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
--177
174
II
Both ships arrived off this beach at 0100 and
sent boats inshore, the ships being manceurered closer
in as the tide rose.
By 0615 the beaches had been cleared and
"Grafton", "Grayhound", "Calcutta" and three paddle
steamers sailed. (Number of soldiers approximately 100)
Whilst returning to Dover "Greyhound" was
detached to escort S.S. Dorrien Rose who had on board
survivors of "Queen of the Channel ;ultimately berthing
at Admiralty Pier at 1230 28th.May. After discharging
troops Greghound proceeded to Dunkirk and went alongside
the pier as soon as a billet was vacant.It was found
difficult to count the troops as they came aboard and
the numbers appeared to be regulated from forther down
the pier where detachments were assembled and detailed.
"Greyhound" embarked 681 and sailed, arriving alongside
Admiralty pier at 0030.
At 0.430 29th.May "GreyBound" sailed in company
with Captain D.lst. Flotilla for La Panne . - in
paranthesis, this was the first time I had been at S9A
with my Captain D.since 15th.January.
Embarkation by whaler and motor boat was carried
out steadily until 1600 when an attack was made by
bombers the fourth salvo of which scored two near misses,
the splinters killing 20 men and wounding 70 and causing
the following damage.In the engine Γo: cas air ejector
and one forced lubrication pump wars put out of action.
In No.3 Doller room main feed pipe was pierced resulting
in complete loss of feed water, and an exhaust pipe from
a feed heater punctured which caused the boiler room to
fill with steam.
"Greyhound", then at short stay, weighed and
proceeded, her boats which returned undamaged were ordered
to go to one of the two minesweepers "Sutton" and
"SalamandSr" stillat anchor, as with the number of
casualties on the upper deck it was not considered possible
to hoist them.
The motor boat, Loading Seaman Saunders, continued
to run trips ashore until 2200 when the crew went on board
H.M.S. "Locust" in which they returned to Dover.
The whaler, Leading Seaman Setterfield, embarked
crew troops taken on board "Golden Eagle" in which they
continually until 2230 when she was holed and the
returned to England.
water feed, until 1930 when with she was H.M. taken in tow
Greyhound proceeded under her own steam, with
vicinity of West Hinder Buoy,
by salt "Blyskawwica" than on patrol S.Vega in
Tow was slipped off Dover at 2330 and
"Greyhound" was taken into harbour 0245 30th.May by tugs, and borthed
432 alongside soldiers apart from
Admiralty Pier casualties. at landed
It is my opinion ****

Details

-3-
250
sailing barges "Glenway", "Lark" and "Spurgeon" similarly loaded
were towed over by the tugs "Persia" and "Cervia".
Lt. Comdr. R.G. Wardrop and Lieut. F.H. Whalley R.N.R. returned from
Dunkirk and reported back for duty on the Commodore's staff.
JUNE 1st, The C in C of the B.E.F. Lord Gort arrived at Admiralty
Pier at 0605.
The tugs "SunX1", "Sun X11", "Sun V11", 'Océan Cock", "Challenge"
"Crested Cock", and "Fairplay 17 with one sailing barge in tow left
for Dunkirk. The tugs were intended to assist disabled craft and
carried out this duty off the Belgian coast until they were forced
back by heavy air attack.
Numerous motor boats left the Prince of Wales Pier for Dunkirk beaches
in tow of drifters.
H.M.S. "Harvester" and "Salamander" arrived with extensive damage
sustained during the night operations and repairs were at once carried
out by H.M.S. "Sandhurst". At midnight enemy air craft attempted
to lay magnetic mines off the Harbour. Mines were laid outside
before the raiders were driven off by anti-aircraft fire. The
mines were swept up during the morning.
At 2130 the troops transport "Maid of Orleans" was badly damaged
by collision in the Harbour. Several of the troops were thrown into
the water but all were rescued by the tugs who happened to be in the
vicinity.
JUNE 2nd. The tug "Sun X1" towed in the self-propelled lighters
Sherfield" and "YeC. 63" with troops on board. At 1430 the tugs
coastal 87", and five motor-bosts in tow for the Dunkirk beaches.
"Foremost "Sun X", 'Sun X1", and "Fairplay 1" sailed with six
The tug life-boats Brassey" proceeded to the assistance of H.M.S. The "Mona's
Isle" "Lady received severe damage from enemy bombs. tug
X11", and "Ocean 22" Cock" refused to go owing to their lack of protection.
"Foremost which had sailed at 2000 for Dunkirk. The tugs "Sun V11", "Sun
JUNE the day troops were arriving in "Glenway" the Harbour returned in all
from of craft. beaches filled with soldiers, in the got channel.
kinds 3rd. During The sailing barges "H.A.C." and who had them off
and sailed the Dunkirk them until they were picked boats. up by tug
Some No troops came in Belgian to the fishing Dunkirk beaches on account Base made of a the
quantity of brows "Halcyon", "Speedwell", brows were used with
strong easterly wind. and ladders which were put "Vega", "Princess "Venimous",
boats could be sent During the day the Repair aboard H.M.S.
"Vanquisher", "Express", and "Malcolm". The numbers of troops
Elixabeth", splendid effect "Sutton" at Dunkirk Mole and large were
brought off during the night.
JUNE 4TH. Tugs "Sun V11", and "Sun X11" left towing H.M.S. "Bideford"
On completion of the up for the passage and following to days every
to Portsmouth for repairs. operation of disembarking their troops Home from Ports Dunkirk and
destroyers were patched During this day small craft, barges,
endeavour subsequently was sailed. made to return the numerous lighters
and tugs to their Ports.
NOTES.
ASUALTIES.
During the this H.M.S.
10th to Port, June of 4th whom a "Sandhurst" total of
dealt.wistely 6,880 wounded were and over 60 suffering from shock and
50 dead.
EFECTS.
The 26 Repair Base and H.M.S. "Sandhurst" by bomb and holes splinters temporarily rigging. in them and ai a
suffered repaired craft cannon. damage also the

Details

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

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and abandoned her.
The Pangbourne slipped the tow, Fields' ship's company
Fields (in approx. position 51° 20' N., took 02° off 05' the E) Gracie reported that she was sinking.
Grenade damaged
the Express (with 500 troops she and embark picked more up Bray beach) entered
Meanwhile, at about the time that had the Jaguar from had left Dunkirk harbour,
so, to berth however, alongside near-missed the previously the Grenade ahead mentioned and astern. second Only air troops. splinters attack took Before place, she could and the do it
Express, but the Grenade was damaged harbour. some casualties. The Express
Express was and had came on board the
thereupon cleared out of the
Greyhound severely damaged, Nautilus sunk
Anthony, which left La Panne for Dover at 1525 with 550 troops, was bombed
The bombing between 1530 and 1600 was widespread¹. The destroyer
at 1555 (and 1645), but the bombs fell wide. Off La Panne, at about 1600,
high level bombing attack was made on the destroyer Greyhound, on the mine- a
sweepers Sutton and Salamander, and on the paddle-minesweeper Sandown.
The Sutton was straddled but no damage was done. In the dive-bomb attack
which followed, however, the Greyhound was severely damaged by 2 near
misses, and had 90 casualties, 20 of which were fatal. The Sp. S/V
Royal Eagle, which was assisting in rescue work, escaped damage, but the
trawler Nautilus, which had already ferried some 600 troops from the beach,
was straddled by bombs and had her engines and steering gear put out of action.
Making water rapidly, she managed to get alongside the Greyhound and transfer
to her the 150 troops she was carrying. The Nautilus, already 6 feet down in
the water and sinking, was then abandoned and set on fire.
The Greyhound limped back to Dover carrying 506 troops, but for 4 hours
of the passage she was in tow of the Polish destroyer Blyskawica which had
been on patrol with the destroyer Vega in the vicinity of the West Hinder buoy.
The Greyhound took no further part in "Dynamo."
Waverley sunk
Meanwhile, at about 1630, the Cyclone left the harbour with 500 troops on
board en route for Dover. Near Kwint Bank buoy she saw the minesweeper
through her bottom, leaving a hole about 6 feet in diameter. Four of the 600
Waverley sinking; a bomb had struck her on the port quarter and passed right
troops she had embarked from La Panne beach were killed and a number
wounded. When the Waverley sank, many of her troops were left swimming or
trying to keep afloat, but the numbers thinned out considerably within 15/20
minutes². Golden The Cyclone picked up 158. About hour later the Sp. S/V
picked up a few more.
Eagle picked up 285 and, guided by a plane, an the tug Java and 2 drifters
Canterbury damaged
1,960 While these air attacks had been going on the had embarked
troops from the east pier. During a brief lull Canterbury in the bombing, at about
hours, 1" From to the the effect vessels that off-shore there came a series of 1545 and 1555
attacks (R.A.F. 2 seem Narrative, to have p.327). begun the at anchorages about 1430 at Bray when and none La Panne of signals, our were aircraft between being were bombed. on the line. These
Report by the Captain of the Waverley.
42

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

Details

INDEX
I, 72n. small craft, 61.
29n, 53 (rams and sinks Queen of England).
Tilly Tolly, 71n.
Torbay 23n.
53, 60n, 74, 75n.
Tugs, Troup, use as transports, 41.
Triton, Cdr. H. R., 21, 118, 86. 128.
Twente, 20n, 24, 29n,
Two Rivers, 75n.
Tynwald, 29n, 54n, 64n, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n, 118 (record lift).
U-boats, see Submarines.
Ut Prosim, 23n, 63, 107n.
V.A. Dover, see Ramsay, Vice-Admiral B. H.
Vanguard, 60.
Vanquisher, 37-8, 54n, 55, 61, 62 (make two trips on 30th May), 87, 107n, 108 (sent back
empty), 112n, 114n, 118.
Vavasour, Lt. G. W., 79-81.
Vega, 34, 42, 69.
Venetia, at Boulogne, 9-10.
Venomous, at Boulogne, 9-10; in Dynamo, 61, 101, 107-8, 114n, 118.
Vénus, sunk, 93.
Verity, at Calais, 10; in Dynamo, 13, 19, 28n, 32, 43-4, 49, 51 (reports on Dunkirk),
54n, 55.
Victor-Erna, 73n.
Viewfinder, sunk by Belgian troops, 53.
Viking, 60.
Vimiera, at Boulogne, 9-10.
Vimy, at Boulogne, 8-9; in Dynamo, 20, 23, 27-8, 62 (makes two trips on 30th May), 64n,
69 (hunts S/M.), 74 (rams and sinks Amulree), 95.
Vivacious, 23, 27-8, 45, 61 (calls for more ships and boats), 74 ( -boats), 83 (damaged),
Vincia, 71n, 90.
87, 111-2 (in Operation CK), 127.
V.T.B.25, 116 (evacuates Admiral Abrial), 120 (towed to Dover).
Vulture, 72n.
W.24, 60.
W.26, 72n.
Wakeful, 20n, 23, 24n, 27, 32, 36 (sunk), 37, 85.
Wake-Walker, Rear-Adm. W.F. (R.A. Dover) Apptd. S.N.O. Afloat, 49, 50 ; takes over
duties, 58; tranships four times in 24 hours, 59; general policy, 71; urges M.B's. to
be sent back, 74; investigates position E. of Dunkirk, 85-6; transfers to M.T.B.102,
90 clears Dunkirk of ships, 103; activities night 2/3 June, 108; on the final night,
115; effect of his arrival, 126.
Walker I, 32n.
Walker II, 32n, 114n.
Wardrop, Lt. Cdr. R. G., R.N.R., 49.
Warren, Lt. Cdr. G. H., 88.
Water supply, shortage at Dunkirk and beaches, 26, 31, 62.
Wave Queen, 72n.
Waverley, 28n, 42 (sunk), 47n.
Weather, affects boat work, 36, 48.
Weddle, S/Lt. J. S., R.N.R., 85.
Wells, Lt. J. G., 79-82.
Welman, Lt. Cdr. A. E. P., 8, 9.
Westcove, 111-2, 120.
Westella, 34n, 38 (sinking of), 69 (hunts S/M.), 110 (sunk).
Westerley, 72n.
Westward-Ho, 89 (damaged), 107n.
Weygand, General, 5, 10 (Plan), 11, 27, 96.
Whalley, Lt. 49.
Whippingham, overloaded, 87.
Whitehall, 55, 83 (damaged), 84 (shoots down bomber), 91.
White Heather, 72n.
Whitfield, Col., 22.
207

Details

2.
continued.
7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained
Having re-embarked Bk. the Gp. demolition Occ. and party at 0017 I
until 0230 with the with a faint hope until R
either left patrol, or by appearing from that
on their return journey able to None the
half light to be not been established engage. before were met, and the dawn suff
of aircraft had I was clear of the path
8.
experience with M. T. few days, in the hope own
In submitting B. the during above report the last I would like to add my
methods of operating may up.
from such scraps of unexplained be built evidence a complete picture of that the
9.
During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on
bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patrol
between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel
a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made
at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by M. ,BS. with
mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 al
rocket at 0147.
10.
During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under
the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB
At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the
quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be
opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising
too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I
away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under
stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma
was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight which
attacks on these small targets difficult, as they cannot be point
to the in the beam of the light, and are only visible throug
night guns from the bridge. At 2340 I орепед fire with small illum
and turned glasses to innocent small boat which I managed to passe
with of the 10" before doing navigation any lights, course west. at
ram an her harm. At 0030 an aircraft At
aircraft range, at 2000ft. burning N.E. At 0040 flares were seen torpedo astern tra
Widgeon turned to investigate. I more torpedoes were heard saw not
returned, course followed. At 0041 a to
passed At down my port side, sounded and two alarm by siren, but I 03
one 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti
At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon an course S, at 20000rning
ation aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent
following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight.
11.
Points that emerge from the above are :-
(a) not made by lying in wait ahead 01
(b) attacks of the target are and always sometimes stopped. be used at the moment sb
(c) attack. small flares may been wate
aircraft assisted co-operate by the marked and
which
gives
ships
away
speeds.
continued