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AGNES GROSS
Port Reserve (R.N.L.I.) M.I./B
Lt.J.P.Alexander,
Used as a reserve life boat at Dover. Did not
R.N.V.R.
291h go over to Dunkirk. Sailed from Hamble in company with the
eight other yechte of the Inner Putro
(see Seriola).
30th May
0840
Arrived Dover.
2150
Salled with the Inner Potrol flotilla
for Bray.
31mt May
0600
The Ahola arrived off Bray,
Hailed by B destroyer [the Keith]
and told to proceed 5 miles to the
east and assist embarkation from the
beach. When about to proceed 100
hailed "by scacone else" and told to
stay where we vere and assist
embarkation from the beach. (1)
Towed various small craft to off
lying ships.
1700ca
Ordered by a "sloop" [the W/S Rebe]
lying off La Panne to collect 6.
whaler and return.
Hailed by Commodore [0.0. Stephenson]
in the N/Y Bounty and told to ferry
as many men as possible between 2100
and 0400. Returned to "sloop" off
La Panne. Ordered to take whaler
inshore and bring offo.H.O. staff.
Towed whaler inshore and slipped.
Bubsequently the whaler returned with
Lord Oort's kit, valet and driver.
Closed Bounty for orders and told to
take whaler to the M/Y Thele.
1830ca
Transferred Lord Gort's kit, valet
and driver to the Thele.
1900/
Ferried troops to the "sloop", After
2200
dark no more troops come off.
10% June
0300
Embarked 5 troops who swum off from the
beach.
0400
Closed Bounty and was ordered to return
to Dover.
1150
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 5 troops.
Total 5(2)
The Ahola 16 estimated to have ferried about
700 troops from the bench to ships.
Authority - R.O.II, p.304.
The following neardo were made:
Wentinn in Despatches
P.O. H.IL Hollands.
mells P.IL Vinch.
(1) Capt. J.D. Howson, R. lla (0.0.1.0. beaches) embarked in the
Ankh at about 0610 und states that he instructed "half the
yeahter [of the Inner Patrol] to work off Bray and half
off La Panne.
(2) D.R. states "Athola" disemberked 6.
15

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JOSEPH MARCEL
(French) trawler
107th Section)
Any
La Celver.
25th May
See under Prins Boudew1 in
with the N/8 La Treate IL.
was attacked by seven bombern off the
Dyok Light Versel. The In Truche II
and the Dyst Light vocael vere both
sunk. The Joseph Marie, assisted
by 3 English Vessels, reserved the
crews and proceeded to Dunkirs,
26th May
Under fire in harbour; 2 fatal
correlties, 1 serious. The captain
was slightly wounded.
-
-
The Joseph Marie continued to sweep the
approach channels to Donkirk.
29th May
-
In Dunkirk harbour, the Joseph Marie
THE hombed and sunk.
W11
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folio No.11.
(1) Chief boatewain's mate.
102

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MAYSPEAR
S.M. ALP Station
G.P.O. Leighton.
Nothing 1s known of this vessel.
Strent.
The
1st June
Disembarked 15 troops. (1)
19th six
Della
Laft Littlehangton and srrived Newhaven
the other eventag.
30th Birth
R.M.
Left Nowhsven for Remagete.
Date
Arrived Remagate.
3189 sex
0430
Ordered to well for Deckirk.
0730
Developed lass and returned to Resignte.
jub case
0430
Bailed for having embarked 2
volunteer Sub-Lisctenants R.N.Y.R.
and na extre able seemen.
then near Dunkirk, strock a schnerged
object. No damage,
Just off shore at Donkirk, all small
houts suddenly tarned about and
left, no If ordered to do so,
Decided to do likeston, and on
turning, Baw "top large ships*
packed with troops stending away from
Dunkisk.
Suddenly a crowl of birthers
case out of the clouds. Direct hits
vere made on both the big ships which
sent within about 20 minutes.
[pronably the 2/V Bootla and the
P.U/B Brighton question
All small boate went to the reseue,
M/D 275 picked ny 10 survivors. A
destroyer which yes being bosbed,
After about 1 hour, sighted 3 trewlers,
kept the relders office
two on the starboard one on the
port. [They ware the Case ACCOUNT
the Aretic PAGGARE and the Scheme
one of them, [the Care Argunal size
S shouled to C.P.O. Laighton to stop
signal in 2023.00 A.B. street
engines, and he ented for a torch
Yess to nos heard or VAS disregerded*,
signal back with; out either Due
A bown, but she still steaned 1601
shot vas fired AUTOSS MA THE
All three truelern opened & have A
towards the travlers.
131504
fire at about 2,000 yords. 569
wrooted the wheelhouse.
All and A.B. Strand justined the over
hands except the E.S.V.E.
officers 61001 A.B. Strond selved essigns
the then waved rive. 60
(the 0420
One the weeks and to got pick the C.E.O. 47 K/9.275 the
ABC 16 Schu orrisers,
natural survivore of the wore
of the willed. orew
FOR
(1) D.R.
260

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eutenant Jordan R.N.R.,C.X.O.,Fleetwood.
9th October, 1940.
ort Fishery Captain, Fleetwood.
is of Dunkirk. As apparently report under has
apparentlyfent for the the crews the Trawler of the Owners Fleetwood here, Trawlers that no
erlooked, it would the be Ministry of Fisheries for the principal
adation, Evacuation esteemed if you would consider my forward-
of of distinguished
to the flotilla, during which the following
themselves.
These vere "Gava"
Flag Ship Skipper Day. Clifton Co.
"Evelyn Rose"
11
A.J.Lewis, Boston Co.
#
"Edwina"
P.Bedford.
the two gunners of the "Gava" R.F.Gowing. A.W.Sumner.
The other ships of the flotilla were:
"Velia"
"Jacinta" and "Dhoon."
I commend for the good work they did, in taking the tropps from
Harbour to the Transports. The "Gava", and "Edwina" bore the
ght of an aerial attack on several large transports and through
accurate shooting from the "Gava", no less than four planes were
counted for in one attack, together with saving a considerable num-
from the already bombed and sinking transports, while being
evily bombed and machine gunned themselves. The "Evelyn Rose"
9operated very well and this flotilla carried out every order to
highest traditions of the Fishing Community that can be desired.
gunners on the "Gava" had the benefit of my training for several
nths which helped them considerably in accounting for no less than
1ght planes at Dunkirk, and my orders were carried out to the utmost
tisfaction from men who had never been in action before.
(Signed) F.Jordan.
Lieutenant R.N.R.
Senior Examination Officer,
Fleetwood.
ree of "Gava" crew received the O.B.E. for Lifesaving at Dunkerque.

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59
63
3/w May
AS about 0300 11 988 impossible to carry out
16.
At about 1200 Commander Ken and I motored into
embarkation es the bonches.
Dunkirk to report progress as embarkation on our beach was
85.
vere showing signs of extreme exhaustion and
then impossible. On our return our lorry was heavily machine
80 it 989 impossible to communicate with the Senior Navel Officer
gunned and hit. At this period a heavy bombing attack took
we decided to take over * shaler that the had salved and to go
place on the Fleet and beaches.
to the bearest to report to the Senior Seval officer
17.
On return to our headquarters (a lorry) we decided
25.
We wasted vater and 0750 put to 00,
to make contact with General H.Q. but unfortunately our car
There me very heavy surf running and se had only an uneven set
broke down and we had to walk back 5 miles.
of sers, voge arutches and only an 062 to by.
18.
During the night another naval embarkation party
17.
We approached two destroyers but they both 201 underesy.
arrived on the beach to the eastward which reduced the
Tea other destroyers passed de at but paid no
limits of our beach.
stiention to us.
19.
Early on Thursday morning 30th I proceeded to
28.
an hour if appeared the
Brigade H.Q. and offered the suggestion that piers be built
Margate the the Consumin to take 12 to the
by running lorries out to sea. This was quickly done and was
nearest destroyer at this time.
successful.
returning to 80 we case back with him
20.
I then drove Colonel Whitten and Colonel Mackenzie
19,
US28 and
into Dunkirk to see Captain Tennant and then drove them back
were salses within five minutes of being inboard the lifeboat.
to Brigade H.Q.
1 the or Staff
21.
During the afternoon and dogwatches the French
poured Daven and into reported our beaches our return. but no boats arrived within 11 miles
1 usa ordered to return to Chather with by party,
of our H.Q.
22.
During the last dog the Germans directed mon $
accurate artillery fire on our beach. This fire continued
throughout the night and our lorry was hit. The beach was
completely evacuated by allied soldiers.
23.
We had however taken up quarters in a water-boat
that was ashore at low mter. No boats had now been in for
16 hours on our beach.
24.
During the night the weather became bad once more -
and a heavy surf was running.
At/

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142
inshore
and it brought off the Brigadier of the Brigade 1
then embarking, who asked that a asssage from the acting 6-in-C
might be sent to V.A.Dover asking that the embarkation should
be diverted to the beach, as French soldiers were causing
congestion at the piers. It was also stated that the rearguard
B
would arrive about 0330. I informed V.A.Dover and all the form
at Dunkirk of this by W/T. The difficulty at the beach appeared
to be lack of boats. With Kydd's boats about two hundred were
embarked by 0245, 2nd June.
Having received no reply to ay signal, I again read V.A.
Dover's signal ordering withdrawal before 0300, and saw that it
referred only to Mineswespers. I therefore assumed that the
destroyers were earrying on $111 a later hour, advithdrew,
pagaing the harbour entrance as 0300. owing to smoke hase it
was impossible to see now many other sraft vere still off the
beach.
At 0320 V.A.Dover's signal was received ordering the
Ninesweepers to renain if necessary after 0300, by which time
I had nearly reached 1 buoy and therefore continued on my course
arriving at Margate shortly after 0600.
The D.G.soil was again found to be defective, which prove
fusted the ship taking part in any further operations. This
has since been Sumporarily repaired at Cheerness.
The only other damage received apart from a fews minor
splintor holes and dents, was & hole som in the bow plating
and the port hawse pipe fractured when the Comfort was ramai.

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SECRET
Dyrams N2, 242
FROM
WISTION OFFICER, TEAMS MAIL DEPARTMENT PLOTALLA,
- 257
DATE
58h June, 1940.
TO
RESIDED INFRIGH OFFICER, -
REPORT DE X MA STATE OF THANKS USA FIGHT
3100 - Will
On completing discharge of the Milliary Date at Resease
on Day Stat Holleds "Bayal Engle" proceeded $0.00 boy and reported
roady to proceed.
that all poddle minorrecyors and ninenveepers were to proceed
On June tas at 0800 a signal wa received from Dover,
forthwish to the benefies and I at once week on bound "Raynl Engle
end after having extensived extra lifebelts and same refies from the
North Ch22 at Theomenn the ship proceeded to the beneten via vale
"X" ot Full speed.
When half mg & signal use received from Valie Dates
ordering "Royel Segie to Resegate to mit instructions DO the
ship us trunsed and enchored of: Images to instructions sere
received but an Examination Venual called alonguide with a not if
directions to minsewospers and podille to proceed to a
point 13 adles East of Dunkink as 2200 to transfer I
endervoursi to obtain confirmation that mayor Engla wa ment to
be included In the signal - but 200 obtaining this I signalled that
2-8 intended to proceed and left nb 1930a.
mayn2 Engle" wee the first ship to drrive are the beaches
at 2200 and I directed the Commissions officer so mehor 8. full 18
rilles from the DO 00 to Leave room for the ships sending
an to eachor entern. on arrivel a French director with same Frencis
soldiers crrived olongoide and discributed than but by 2320 3 and
seen no sign or any bonts although by the sana six or more
effects sweepers had arrived and 1 unde a signal to Value Dovor to this
A signal VOB received smo 011 incomers were to be underway
account of the shelling which your miny though In the
end clear or Dunkirk by 0300g and 1 presuend that this WG on
Costs not very
hundred security DD if from "Savel Engle" 10 cost of the shelle weak. full
It the energy had registered 003 a sould a you
between yerds smag and the week or just around the
ship's edupony was below the upportuck DD inst DD possible.
"moye" regis™ Regist mattered with shell plinters and 1 kept the
cheed too bonta little vere bafore dignted Inchare with 30 BD this vall none - too seriously retings. sere
A 1300 "noyed sagis" excepted them to veigh and they but
Freugh PHOT but injured one 3 Nagis" end troops - ship put their Segion from to end eventually as clear. compents 8 base point returned 8 ourse comen 1020 Lighter video notice to so the British fheomises which the benebes ⑉ for absence item and USO and about been unmaid for owing of boots extrustrade 0330 helf by to being mml a upined only boiler same the only. lest 120
transfured hose "GalDen und Sugles arrived this her on at Consultant 1300 and end officer 1 received at and was coursed in D
Pather or the overwencht atuto Obders 3 bene vere his soon reselved and who for are "Goldon groops Engle from
buy Hole. 2 eighted I malled a nation 08 1725. Does whiche after becains
the to process ship to to serve Whiles at 0100/3 areasing by poute "X" at DID

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inst as 10:00 Treath as "ery 11th and there was 3 THE mail
rad as soob are (8) their non Untto the Than ONE the growted, tip
01 area with the assistance 02 some of the through and by as
any to their managed to get her float
in flost with 15 meen 0230 two of my crew as board 1 0100 Do
and two of my C. in Hie dinghy, the wheler WAS to
a great struggle as therevere only Whree 0022 in 10, as 1021
these wave got on troun I sent the that nd directing
smother Train Ith traging arrived back with * Officer and
getting Than are the heach, hise capsi mall in She Burf but fortuni
she THE DOB tilease nen vere being yot 01. board ve were :
Jumber 00 If studi out to suu to well for 30 will we bonber 310
us une fullowed us out bombing us but they fell way vide office
work, as soon as I decmed it advisable I steamed Thick for the
H
les
JEI
At about 1730, a motor beat hailed us that he
broken down, could we do anything about it. Took off)
Lieut. Irving R.N.R. and crew n.board, and decided
motor boat. The officer had been going backwards and
from the beach Since Tuesday without stopping with
inexperienced crew, and both he and they had done 15
Job or work and were uttely exhausted.
At about 1800 an led an L.O. full of trops
aboard 34 troops and one padre. E.L.C. was broken
the decidersin chargeynComeender Shoul and her
deaboard. They aleashed been on the move since Tuesday
Descrest. Ascitimes greatly desired that the 368.00 should
fall into enemy hands, it wasstaken in 1845
quite impossible to get more troops abourd, and at
all washshaped for (SheePnes; as the hadoto be
.CIX DJDOS
All this time, there had been several dive boald
vision 702 02 sew MI
no of the beaches. UAB we weldame came past Dunkirk It was being
enemy attoraft and theirishäre artillery still
subjected to a dénsiderable air your
Hombers were brought down. has телода of 6851095
Whens. HeOp between Dunkirk and B# budy, broke
4a must mind
twice and WHE finally secured by fourlatout Dines.
based
and tide for Horse Channel.
off N. Foreland 0300 for
Sheerness at approx. 0945.
landed in all, 2 Naval Officers, 6 ratings,
cot asses among them, Tand one padre. edd
instituted
0752 natural
d'more B/W 11 DAMAGE TO SHIP. vrew od
has 3200 badeawal only
in places were scored, and on buoys in the were launch the petrol
Two calcium flares amestied up.
userg was fractured and glass broken in shteldelong
redamaged the propeller shafts. rboard buraterks,
shrapnel from shell fire. Shells which suray
beam, was damaged by motor boat which ramaed the
has
in the food Itam at
221v ones SOD.
Sub.

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DUPLICATE
271
- 287
At 1950/30 H.N.S. Fitaroy proceeded to Dunkirk
via the Western route and at 0210 anchored off
beach in three fathoms at a point 2) miles east
of Dunkirk. The ships boate vere sent in shore
in charge of Legutenant J.S. Horrez Only
3 soldiers could be found and these were embarked.
At 1 0300 ship veighed and proceeded to Dover
with
and the 3 soldiers
At 0825 proceeded and at (850 secured in
Granville dook and coaled
At 1850 ship proceeded to Rendesvous with
4th. Mineoweeping Plotilla at . long
Legutenant Bull, Scots Guards - on board and
subsequently of great help in embarking troops.
June
At 0180 /1/6 H.N.S. Pilargy anchored off
the beach at a point 8) miles cast of
Dunkirk.TheD/G gear call ht fire at alas
and became tem: orarily useless This is
attributed to shrapnel all the fore stay
vas also stranded at the name time Ships
boats were sent in ahore and Leautenant Bull
Sents Cuards directed the embarkation assisted
by Midehipman Bryce R.N.R and Signalman
Froggant. 67 British officers and soldiers
were embarked by 0345 By this time there
were only a for more troops laft on this section
of the beach and H.H.S. Lydd having arrived
I and them to enbark the remainder It ISA
my intention to proceed to join the Senior
Naval Officer 4th. Minesweeping Plotilla and
endeavour to embark troops to capacity
However shortly after weighing 1 received a
signal from H.N. subpre informing no

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315
321
- &
Proceedings high by B.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June.
squadron of, level Bombers. By at high speed all Dombs
were avoided though some fall near enough to shake and splash the
ship. No damage vis sustained. A continuous are from 12 pdr and
0.5" M.G. 37.13 kept up as Long as the bonbers vero in range.
Arrived at Dover it 1820.
Having completed with all (ual, sailed at 2230/28
and proceeded by "U" route SG as to arrive before daylight. On
arrival off the E. beach the whater MIS sent in (the only remain-
the bont), but no troops.wara Count. then searching further to the
eastward & number ware observed in 3 vreck. Went alongaide and took
off 8 small number of British troops. Theremainder were all French
and were taken off by 3 French Guaboat. More British destroyers
were found off "La Panne* and Shbre's whalar was utilised for
bringing OFF troops from there. * 16 0515/29 "SABRE" was ordered
to proceed alongside Bast Pier LORVINE shater nt 1st Lieutanant
behini. Shoved off at 0550 having embarked about 500 troops and
returned V.L.N route "Y". A number of (Live borbing raids occurred
during the morning, but "SABRE" ms not hit. urrived at Dover at
1030.
ALL the immition (HeAr) baine expended, pro-
celled atongside Eastern Arn where assumition an: all fuel were
taken 111. 100 depth charges vers lanted. At 1600, having ambarked
the noval officers for Dunkirk, processed V.I. route "X". On arrival
it was found that the plan had Dear aloural ONLINE to air raids, but
the vahip WAS placed alongaids without vires and the naval party
disembarked. A Lew troops vere seen tom the plar and were
emb rked. The 2122 VSS bomb by (LLVD bonbers but "SABRE" was
apparantly not noticol. prodicious quantities of ammunition were
however expended and one bomber NSS soon to crash, another appeared
to be imaged. Both were Junkers67's. After/

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332
338
7.
mostly suffering from severe burns; the Commanding
Fifty seven cot-cases alone were brought off,
Officer and other survivors from His Majesty's Dest-
cleared the steamer out as far as was known, I pro-
royer Grenade were amongst those embarked, After having
ceeded down the coast towards Bray, and picked up troops
from several boats, which they had found on the beach. A
Captain Churchill, from the Headquarters Staff, off
and told me that he had to get over to England to see
his uncle, the Prime Minister,by 0600.
8.
I proceeded to Margate, arriving at 0550 on May
30th, disembarked troops,survivors and Cartain Churchill,
then sailed for Sheerness for coal and Ammunition.
9.
I left Sheerness at 0300 on the 31st and arr-
ived without incident off the beach just to the Bast of
Dunkirk, at 0930. The rate of embarkation was slow ording
to considerable surf on the beach, but valuable assist-
ance was given by a large power boat, It was necessary
for me to leave at 1230 in order to unload and be at By
render-vous by 8300 on May 31st for the evening oper-
ations.
10.
I sailed from liargate to comply with previous
instructions and proceeded, under the orders of the
Senior Officer 11 the Fifth Minesweeping Flotila, to By
appointed station off the beach; navigation at this
period was difficult,a the absence of wind allowed the
smoke from Dunkirk to settle over the channel, that
visibility The poor. On enchoriz at 2345 a shell from 8
shore battery landed about a cable to securd; this ma
repeated spasmodically. Reports were then received of
magnetic nines being dropped in the channel.
on 11, embarkation, using ships' boats, Short y after a
About 0832 the Flotil a ms ordered to carry
bombing attack took place,and from then on these
attacks were practically continuous. Several Heinkel III
type aircraft were observed, but the majority of the
attackers were identified as Junkers 87 Dive-bombers.
Embarkation was carried out, though the rate ha slow,
this operation the ship case under machine-gun fire
aground; 12. a vire was passed and I towed her off. During
His Majesty's Ship Speedwell ma seal to be
tenant for the speed and coolness with which be carried
from the air, end great credit is due to ay First Lieu-
out the ution.
afloat 15. to proceed alongaide in Dunkirk harbour, and to
I then received orders from the 7108 Officer
comp. ete with troops there. As troops vere being and a
machine-gun embarked, attack me delivered, but no casualties were
bombs were dropped in the harbour
incurred.
14. board, His Majesty's Dostroyer Ivanhoe to was her hit
Just before I al ipped, with a full load of
by troops a bomb on outside the herbour. Two ships went
assistance, 80 I proceeded at full speed,

Details

verbally, Commander-in-Charge together with of Rescue a well copy Boats of the at boat's Dover) log, to
officially decisions of recognised, the life-boat's as crew. as the loyalty may to his be to the
the
ETATE LLENTH
17 JUN1940
Vere 07026 ISLAND
LIEUTENANT. R.N.

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335
332
as 27 -
1/6
a large oblong chamber at right angles to the passage and divided up by
boarding into a number of offices. Past these a narrow passage led to the and
and the V.A.'s office. Hore the chamber finished in a large window and door
out on to a nerrow railod-in platform on the shoor face of the cliff. Immediately
below you looked down 300 feet into the chimney pots and gardons of houses on
the foreshore, and beyond the harbour was spread out in closr view. No Navol
Officer can ever have had a botter view of his command.
One of the offices in this "casomate," as the chamber was called, was known
as the "Dynamo Room," from the code word which had been given to the Dunklrk
operation. Here the presiding genius as Captain Denny, who wes responsible for
the general dotails. With him there were about 20 or more Officers, coldiors,
Naval Officers, Board of Trade and Sea Transport Officials, and the work they
did was marvollous. They were controlling, organizing, fuelling, supplying,
not only mon-of-war, but a variety of merchant vessols. Sometimes the CLOW of
a merchant vessel would refuse to go to Dunkirk again - within a fow hours the
Sea Transport Officer had got another crew and the ship would sail. At Ramogate,
the Nore, and various other places besides Dover, ships and boats were collected
and organized, but the head and control of the whole was in this room, where
they worked continuously and tirelessly against time day and night.
Admiral Somorville had come down to assist Admiral Ramucy, and Captain
Bisset to assist Captain Morgan, the Chief of Staff. This was absolutely
necessary as at any moment in the day or night some decision might have to be
made.
Here I went for information and to learn what was planned for the night.
Briefly it was this:-
1/6
2/6
Embarkation was to take place between 2100 and 0330 and was to be from the 1/2
miles of beach to the East of Dünkirk. For this large numbers of shipps and small
craft were being assembled and sent over. Personnel ships were to be sont into
Dunkirk itself and to go alongside the pier. The Air Force were to concontrate
their efforts between 1900 and 0700 over the period when ships would be on
passage to and from Dunkirk.
The personnel ships were large fast passenger vossels of the overs-channel
type which had been taken up for formying troops DODOSS to Franco. They vere
marmed by their normal drown and had been going tnto the harbour and loading

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the
extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in
which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It
appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the
withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion
anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number
of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at
the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing,
which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same
time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray,
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000,
nt only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end or X Route. These attacks
vere to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements
at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of
the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers
head of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them
vith the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer
head of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of
;he Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
RENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
in addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour
ut further inside. This presented a very good target and the
hips were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the
ime being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in
eaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both
succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed
art of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
ANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops
ut was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again
n these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying
longside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
RENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and
he trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire
ad to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the
airway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY,
no witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by
ombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having
eased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and
rawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a
ink drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived
o find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships,
th no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in the
harbour/

Details

SECRET
9
6
Subject.. Personnel. Recommendations for Services in Action.
From.....
The Committing Officer. B.M.S.BIDEFORD.
Date.....
June 6th. 1940. No.
To
The Vice Admiral Communiting. Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on
the conduct of my officers and ships company during the
period May 29th - May 31st. 1940.
2. The general behaviour of the personnel vas
excellent. There ISS % feeling of great satisfaction throughout
the ship men the orders to proceed to Dinkirs rere reclaved,
3. The behaviour of the sen under fire 138 exemplary.
There were no signs of panio OF car; orders were
passed and received clearly, and were executed ragidly and
correctly. All 414 their duty calaly and efficiently.
4. Great credit for the general organisation of the
ship to neet mergencies is the to the late Lieutenant PAUL
ALISTAIN STEWART falley the Executive officer and Cunnery
officer of the ship.
5. No acts of exceptional gallantry vere observed,
but I wish to bring to your special notice the the following
cases of very great devotion to duty :-
I. Surgeon Lientement JOHN JORDAN. 12. 10. LL
This officer by his conduct, real and inswerving
devotion to daty throughout the period May 20th 16. May 31st.
was an outstanding example to 15 all, His St.ck Birth Attendant
serioualy wounded; with limited resources, be competed with 2019
fifty casualties, many horribly miliated or tangerously
wounded. Be performed several sajor operations; De organised
his limited resources to their throughout the period
he attended his patients continuously, and at all times display-
ed great ability, patience and understanding. to affort was
too such for his, 30 call was laft managered; 30 vas completely
selfless. Be upheld the traditions of the Royal Navy and of his
profession in a noat worthy nanner. It is considered that be NO
would be the very worthy recipient of a lecoration in recognition.
of his services.
GEORGE
II. No.7354480. Private/WILLTIM CROWDER.
8th. Piaid Anbulance . 1BA Chapany.
This an wassabarked from tray Beach for passage to
England, After the ship vas struck by homba be volunteered
imadiately to austst the Surgeon in tending the wounded, About
in hour later H.M.S.Kellett saus alongatile to take off all troops
embarked, because this was considered nost advisable, Crowder
promptly said he would reads in and continue
tending the wounded. He did this knowing fall well thath.M.S.
Bideford was very severly imaged and aground; that at that time
it was considered highly improdable the ship would England. reach

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101
102
90
6
and bombing the beach, which was terrible to see, boat
drowned and kibled. Aircraft was active all the time, upset duri
VESSELS
TAKING
PART
IN
OPERATION
DYNAMO.
all ships with guns and shore batteries never ceased firing,
P.G.O's
1700 TILBURY & 1.723. CONTRACTING & DREDGING CO. LTD.
STEAM
planes were brought down on land and sea and we could see
HOPPER "JAMES 67"
REPORT OF MASTER.
dropping by parachute, one dropped near to us his parachute the
open. We never had much time to look round and see what
Re voyage from Portsmouth to Ramsgate and return from
we had our work cut out lugging half drowned men out of the was
Ramsgate to Portsmouth - 30th May to June 1st.
safety if luch was with us, which it was in the end. We
300 on board, I put one wounded man in my cabin and the next had
Left Portsmouth in convoy with four other steam hoppers
I went to the cabin there was two in my bunk, clothes and boot
Our long before reaching Beachy Head. My problem could find in to get the
speed averaged seven knots, so I lost sight of the was other
wet through, and six on the floor, they were in every bunk an
in the ship dead beat. It was nine o'clock so I decided we 1
vessels ship to her destination. The only chart I had old
get them as it was getting like hell, so we helped to load 800
the was one of Christchurch to the Owers. I back a very to 1922.
the other ships that did not have many on board and at ten 0'1
chart included all the English Channel and was of a very set to
ship of my own, which was cancelled and dating small
we left for Ramsgate towing two motor boats, and leaving one
It With a parallel rule and pair of dividers I work, that
for another ship to use. The journey through Dúnkirk Roads
and scale. plotted the courses of as far as the Downs, as I expected
dangerous owing to the darkness and sunken ships, as we appros
all the distance we could make by dark.
Gravelines the German searchlight was in action, and we expect
would get us in the ray at any minute, and shell us but luck
the same courses as the others until losing of
us, aircraft was over us at all times of the night, so we only
Royal Sovereign thence to Folkestone, expecting mile
sight of them, Light Vessel to the south, then to Dungeness to find pass-
I followed then I checked my course to pass half a mile
our lights when it was absolutely necessary. During the night
lost one motor boat, her towing bollards pulled out. We arri
Ramsgate at 5 a.m. June 1st and got orders to proceed to Marge
ing two miles there. off, Altered course to pass Dover one and off,
put off our troops, where we had to wait out turn, we eventuall
examination and again to the South Goodwin Lt.V. thence to the Down
alongside of the pier at 2 p.m. discharged troops, took in foot
anchored at 8.35 p.m.
water, and went off to anchor and await orders, all expecting
willing to go over again, but we got orders on Tuesday 4th July
vessel came alongside, and ordered scaled us to
sail for Portsmouth at 4 a.m. on June 5th. While we were lap
The examination there with the other hoppers. My small I made
Margate one of our planes crashed into the sea close to our
Ramsgate and anchor for this part of the journey Ramsgate so
chart was not any good I made my way towards far as at
pilot baled out by parachute and went drifting over the land.
left Margate leading four more hoppers but could not make the
in the specified time so we decided to go into Seaford Roads
Pegwell Bay, got Underweigh Friday morning
a reduced speed in a sounding the of three and a half 4.45 and
enquiries how to get there. inside channel, but only fathoms got as and
night, on our way in we picked up one of the Cowes and Portsmon whilst
Car ferry Steamers out of control, and took her in tow,
arrived anchored Ramsgate 10.10 p.m. about six anchoring off the entrance awaiting
the other ships went ahead, and by the time we anchored at
orders.
so, dark and we did not see them any more. We hove up anchor after
to our home They port. did not Everyone on board trip were on the greatly mission disappointed.re we
come until 5 p.m. which were to return
June 6th and arrived with our tow at Portsmouth at 4 p.m.
pathetic voyage.
as
well
as
myself
not
making
one
for.
(sa.) W.C. Attwaters.
I followed the same route back to Portsmouth.
The following are the times and distance off:
P.T.O.
the beach, which was terrible
kibled. Aircraft was active
OS with guns and shore batteriiore bat
vere brought down on land and on land and
by parachute, one dropie, one dropped near
We never had much timead much time to look
our work cut out luggiit out lugging half dr
if luch was with us, as with us, which it Vth.
oard, I put one was put one wounded man in
to the cabin there cabin there was two in my
ough, and six on tand six on the floor, they
ship dead beat. ead beat. It was nine 0'

Details

Dyreams
LETTER
PARTY
FROM
THE OFFICER IN CHARGE, NO. 3. PARTY.
R.N. BARRACKS, CHATHAM.
DATE
6th June, 1940.
TO
THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
ship
A pa
at 0415, 29th May 1940 for Dover, where it arrived at 0630.
I have the honour to report that this party left R.N. Barracks,
for
wor
shi
2. The party consisted of "C" Company of Nore First Battalion and 120
alo
Stoker ratings from the M.T.E.
dur
wat
3.
On arrival at Dover I reported to the Commodore, who was the print
Sub
S.T.O. of the Division, and was informed that the party would be required
Last
small groups to augment the arews of the merchant ships being used in the
of troops from Dunkirk, or as armed guards in the event of any disturbances
place in these ships.
S.S
4.
I then contacted Licutenant Commander Zykin, R.N. First Lieuten
arm
H.M.S. "Lynx" who afforded me great assistance by arranging accomodati
on
party during our stay in Dover. The first night the party was accomod
the
the Citadel, but was subsequently transforred to the Transit Camp near
the
as this was more convenient for getting emergency parties away quickly.
who
party was kept on duty outside the P.S.T.Os Offices for emergencies.
A.B
5. The parties sent to merchant ships, both Seamen and Stokers vere
the
to have had a very heartening effect on the crews of these vessels. They
ber
work the ship and formed the nucleus of boat crews worlding from Dunkirk bes
the
Les
6.
SPECIAL REPORTS.
The
Dutch boat "Ngaroma" The Captain of this vessel reported that dis
rell
engineers were unwilling to sail in the ship, and I 183 saked to provide X
ratings who could work & Diesel-engine. Stoker Petty Officer Jenner and 2
to
Stoker Linden volunteered for this Duty. I also sent an armed party of d
Rell
hands and Petty Officer Burge to sugment the arew. Cm their arrival on be
all
the Captain obeyed orders to sail immediately and the crew, heartened by ou
give
all did their jobs. Owing to the delay in sailing, the ship did not arrie
Dunkirk until daylight and vas consequently subjected to constant fire from
160
batteries during the time she vas there. Lateness of arrival was also our
two engine failures on the way over. The ship was carrying provisions and
but the shelling prevented her getting alongaide. Two attempts were made
rent
proved impracticable. It is regretted that casualties incurred were, four
our
and three injured. A. list of Naval casualties is attached.
but
Patty Officer Burge. This rating rendered valuable assistance to
Camp
the wounded.
7. S.S. "Seiriol". It YOUR reported that the Captain of this ship had
refused duty. As there were no spare Crews for Merchant ships in the part,
Lieutenant Mo.Swen, R.N.R. was ordered to take command of the ship. Petty
Officer Harding and aix armed ratings, with one Stober Patty Officer and all
Stokers Joined the ship at 1000 on 29th May, 1940. The Captain was put ask
open arrest and the ship proceeded. The Naval ratings named the Lewis Dut
and Bren Guns in the ship and on arrival at Dunkirk were standing by to take
nahore had it been possible to get alongaide. This was not possible so the
manned the only two boats left in the ship. The only ships ratings who and
were one Officer and a Steward. They embarked survivors from S.S. "Crestad"
which WELLS on fire, and H.M.S. "Grenade" which had been mank alongaide. The
embarked soldiers from the beach. About two hundred non were brought on born
half of whom were badly wounded. As there was no medical party on board the
laft before being fully loaded on account of the latter.
Bill

Details

Dynam. 190. 282 305
Sub-Licutenant R.A.W. FOOL, R.N.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following account of my activities
in helping to ovacuate the allied troops from Dunkirk.
I arrived at Sheerness on Tuesday, 28th May and reported to
the Commodore for orders. I was given & Themes river steamer and
take a tow back. On Wednesday I had three moro attempts to leave, but
ordered to take her to Dunidric but she broke down and I was forced to
all of them unsuccessful.
On Thursday norning I left Sheerness in the Idehter 1,217
with three similar lighters in company and the motor boat "MASATRU".
I arrived at Dunkirk at about 1800, where TO were bombed and
two lighters seemed to vanish. I beached my lighter and by reeving French
our soldiers, these I transferred to a motor yacht under the command
dinghy in and out, managed to collect some forty or fifty of
Sub-Lieutenant Timbrell, R.C.N. who then laft for Remsgate.
and a cutter, motor boat and outter in tow and left for home. unde It
I having collected some two hundred and fifty French I did soldiers, this
then continued to fill up, using the motor boat "MASATRU"
because I took the my engines had no astem capabilities and in the tide
impossible to arrived 80 alongside. at Remagate at 0800 on Friday noming. X crew I who
I well throughout vere not been on returning boat. and so Ye
had behaved very deck hand on a Var Department fast notor of
volunteered as a that afternoon loaded with six hundred gallons fairuay petrol at
sailed at 1330 deck. No proceeded to Dunkirk arriving off French the travlers
carried about 1300. on To pessed through the wreckage of two
searching for
Ramsgate. We We then proceeded CAME alowly back still looking for small boats
survivors. to a British Trawler who told us to return notor to
to refual.
attacked by ten Junicers 88 dive benbers, loose and some benbed, of
We were for then some ten minutes, during which time had I no out casualties.
machine our deck gunned petrol. at Remagate We were at hit about in 5. several o'alock places and outside. took but off some forty French
We soldiers arrived from at Tranler aground I again on a formed wreck part of a volunteer crew from of the
Department That same boat, ovening the "MARLBORTUGH", to but lnow. wre prevented leaving
owing same War to reasons which we formed were not volunteer allowed crew consisting of Sub-Lieutenants Treasury, Mr.
D. Don, Pollock Edge=Partington and Mr. Rendall; two Stokers as the
On Sunday, I and Carew-Hunt, a R.M, two Deak members "ands of and H.M. one Stoker and
two R.A.F. Sergeants
as to engineers. Dunkirk in company with Commander and went Troup in and in took
off sister some boat forty "HAIG". odd French No troops and returned to
Ye proceeded parted company in the harbour Resigate at 0430 on
Sunday morning.
night we formed the - arew, at 1800, with half the way exception
of across the we two weat Treasury alongaide Dunklrk the M.Y. at "MERMAID" 2100, proceeded and direct found up a the motor harbour bike aboard.
Again on Monday officials. To laft for Dunkirk took Admiral Taylor
far as TRI No could arrived get, at and landed Admiral reylar. I
and as went on a small reconnaissance.
No then spent.

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354
328
329
Political My, The pressure was now being brought to bear
on the C.in C. that the evacuation must be on a fifty-fifty
"Request load Ducidek,
basis with the "Story French. My only stipulation was that at all
costs we should be allowed free use of the Eastern arm while
the French 0506, used the port, outer harbour and beaches.
I mde a signal provesting to Commander Maund at Dunkirk to
for
provide personnel ships for General constant Laurencie's troops
"An
(some 5,000 in number) at C.in c's. request. I also asked
and
Admiral Wake-Walker to keep Dunkirk going at 100%
0940, you Inform
Little progress could be made off the beaches owing
benefits.
to the surf.
C945, "Sun is now doming through
G.H.Q. informed no that a plan was being worked out
for naval co-operation to bombard the advancing German tanks in
protection
E
part
0957. "Lard Goart has agreed that 5,000 Project froms
the later stages. This, however, was never necessary, as
in British versels. Request meessanry shipe may
far as /am aware at duck.
1044, *We have boon continually hearily Instituted and
they are gradually finding the range of our loading
barth. 1 reald rether only enter ships 8a
necessary for the flaw of troops.
Continuous and heavy shelling all the serving) but the
avocuntion proceeded fairly speedily. At last stdge vere
arriving in Isrge numbers met strong # protection kept
humbre oftsck any. The only thing necessary une tostep the
shelling. At 1200 a signal DOB reserved Cris the Ate Maisen
at Dover adding car position of essay bettery, This
was not known with sugr certainly as En battery ass probably
modile, but is NAB in the district M Laon Plage Becaus Kurk
both. reply YOU rade se this The comminement,
opvertheless, because wire Inserve MM a great deal while securite.
Texy heavy abroads uses Charking the resulty but vere
educty upsa ships in the boods, Dive
housing assistion various corried est - the Leading but without
I The seauthly.

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361
335
APPRODIX
ACTIVITY OF HIGH AIRCRAFT
As the energy aircraft second to work in distinct
phones, I think 10 will be as votl to davote on Appendix
to their operations.
on OUP arrival, they varo chiefly compied in
weeking Denicipic and the part. It was guite out of the
question to use the harbour at all, and my first renotion
was that evacuation would have to be done from the beaches.
IS soon become obvious, however, that they were not
including the plan in their attentions. AS times they
vore hold off by 3 fine morning mist which sometimes
permisted until afternoon. AS Sexe times, when the wind
was Invourable, a houry pall of anote from burning oil tanks,
morning they mdo attempts to mohine an the besches, but
to the larguly obscured the pier. During the
becomed but only for a brief pariod. Had they particated,
were held off by andi-aireraft fire. the beaches vere also
they would have inflicted terrific losses on us, for there they
ware later attached the pier, with dive banbare, smk three ships
goldom loss than 10,000 troops on the benches.
and damaged. the pier. Had they permisted in these
successful attacks on the ydar and ships alongaide, the
evacuation could nover have been achieved. They soon, the
however, and on one day (31st), no loss than 100 the booking pier.
turned their attention to ships lying off
beaches, made on ships within too miles of
Happily, base on other weeks. by this the make also, them more
attacks was at Least 3b books vare dropped on one large work Bofore
and may being collected and this comed to ships at
guna ware attacking the piem. The havey attacks arrivals on during
shy sea of compelled DD to stop all millings and
daylight.
return Common to on the busbing of and its part and bastion.
the last dig, they speared once more to
fighters vara occasionally in fighters evidence
escorting their may missure basbors. of valief, AS but since the our oky om is a big place present give and
us a great directors to if our adversis the French, ware and 1000
10 was often when our aircraft did arrive than,
02 frequently not. the British, opened fire on
already fait disputed of
special and No remaindez mathy sendialmed
ht first particularly has thank

Details

375
349
3.
23.
A heavy gun was also shelling somewhat blindly off Bray, the shots
falling outside the ships in fairly well defined areas which could be avoided.
An encounter between our own and enemy aircraft took place off
Bray 24. in which three of our own aircraft were shot down. Later air attack
developed on ships and 10 raids took place but no ships were damaged.
In accordance with the plans tows of boats should have arrived off
Dunkirk 25. about 1800. Two tows of dinghies arrived at 1700 and were sent
to La Panne where I also went in order to ensure the embarkation of the C.in C.
I left behind Lieutenant Commander Wynne-Biwards in an M.T.B. to direct the
tows when they arrived and to order a large mmber of Hoppers and similar craft
to beach themselves on the rising tide at the Western beaches. At La Panne
I found that HOLD had embarked Cy-in-C. according to plan, and I embarked the
rest of the H.Q. from the beach 2 miles west in KEITH's boats. During this
time KEITH and HERE were bombed and the boats were narrowly missed.
26. arrive till it was getting dark, making it very difficult to ensure their
I then returned to Dunicirk where the rest of the tows did not
in M.A.S.B.6. to direct them and I took KEITH up to La Panne to shepherd
finding the further beaches. Lt. Commander Tyme-Shrania was left behind
(e
some of the tows in that direction. By this time the wind had drogged.
27.
About Midnight M.A/S.B.6 returned to KETTH, embarked the C.-in-C.
and took him to Dover.
28. KEITH of Parachute Mines off Bray, M.S.B's were heard to the The Eastward, town
remained off La Panne during the night, during which there
were reports and a few shells fell among ships off embarkation La Parme. moved
probably our at cm, La Panne were heavily shelled and the embarkation
Westward in the consequence. dark as KETTH could not get close inshore, Panne but beding
and beaches It was impossible to tell how the such reports vas as
going came in in showed that it was slow and that beaches at La were
heavily shelled.
lat June
would be in occupation of La Pame in daylight the norming the
29. As the enemy to withdraw to the Westward at dam. were engity At and nen
ships were ordered The beaches at La Pame noving were
Westward. moving along A all Minesweeper beaches to and a Paddler were ashore off Bray) a mmber
situation was as follows. the Westward. Ships East of Bray were large
of boats were floating empty and without crews.
the next few hours I sent all ships that collected vere not by full Motor or
30. During Dunkirk and tried to some of the Soats to induce a tug to
boats assist and the towed Minesweeper West. ashore. I I kept BASTLISK with no and troops
loading into also spent some time trying enpty of
in case any covering fire was needed.
large numbers of enemy Airwaft Drive Bonbers. appeared and attacks
were 31. made on About nearly 0730 all ships off the beaches by
During this period, one Destroyer of KETTH off Dunkirk and SECTRACE was hit were and eastlisk, sunk.
32. KEITH, appeared SKIPRACK, to and be dropped a tug with in threes survivors together; and fives, one of one my large staff states and the that others some
Bombs small, and three planes attacked of about 20 seconds. I have learnt this time. subsequently
bombs that all had small a delay craft action and beaches were machine gunned at
short of ammunition and I had intended to to transfer Dover. to
33. BASTLISK so KRITH that KRITH was could load at Dunkirk and then return
At 0745 a near miss jammed the stearing gear in KRITH and shortly
34.
/ after

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531
SECRET
507
USE OF LANDING CRAFT DURING THE
EVACUATION OF THE B.Z.P.
APPENDIX "A"
PART III
REPORT BY DJ/X125435 P.O. 7. PARSONS
While M.L.C. 31 was being lowered at Doror,
two destroyers passed the City of Christchurch at high
speed. This caused her to roll and M.L.C. 31 YES
dashed against the ship's side. The only visible
damage at the time was & broken binnecle, but later it
was discovered that there was a tad laak startcard
side forward below the water line, and that the potrol
pump on the starboard engine was broken. This
necessitated rigging a jury patrol tank on dick, and
keeping the bilge purity working continuously.
2.
On arrival at Dunkirk the craft under Stabe
Lieut. Ponsonby parted company, and H.L.C. 21 embarked
troops from the inner end of a wooden plan as it -
not considered wise to work from the beach, owing to the
damage she had sustained. During the embarkation Sub.
Lieut. Towers, R.N. came on board.
After leaving Dunkirk, the troops were placed
3.
on board the aloop Locust, and on the orders of her
Captain, M.L.C. 31 went to & small two which vas grounded
sand bank. About 100 troops vere taken off and an
on attempt a was made to refloat the tug which was univecessaful.

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107
REPORT OF OPERATIONS AT DUNKIRK.
1st Trip.
Left Remagate selle Thursday 30th May in motor
years Rygate II with a orer of 4 civilians. Boat broke
down 00 route, and 3 had 8 too from the "Hortee", who sent
a states abourd to ⑉ whether he could repair the engine.
After on hour be reported that be couldn't repair it, so
TO W670 taken enboard the Hortse, leaving Rygate II
anchored. It was decided that my orer and mydelf should
pull sahore in the 3 ship's skiffs and bring the troops off
this 9a ass, having too - in each boat. Whilst pulling
in da can occasion a salve of boate buret on the beach
Hilling may French treeps, and - Able Seaman-pulling
salure with = received a machine - bullet in the groin.
Another bonb fall approximately 20 yards from Hortes, but
caused no damage.
there was a heavy surf running, which made
pulling subvard. by skiff expensed twice, but to managed
to pull her to the beach, engty and reflect her. About
midnight the captain of the "Hortee" decided to nove farther
in as the tide ⑉ vising. the mohor was fouled however,
and the denitery broke com. Aa the cable vas being out,
the Chief B.R.A. reported that the engines wouldn't work.
Whilet Lieutenant Surgement R.N.R. pulled to other boats to
try and get them alengaids and Sale the troups off, I
editimed bringing troops abourd, and then eat about the
task of reasing them, and preparing then 9a abandon ship.
the Brittish treepe responded wall, but the French were rather
difficult. Finally B boat - alengaids, and 170 managed
to transfer the troops. the Sensions were now shelling
the beach, and some shalls vere guiting too close to be
comfortable. a then transferred to this other boat, the
DATE X 4a not know, and preceeded back to Remagate, arriving
about noon Friday 31st May.
2nd
Laft Ramagate Saturday lat June.a.m., and pro-
cooded to Dunkirk in "Quicksilver". Yook troops off beach
to larger transports. the beach vas being shelled and
boxbed; but the boat mum's even are with shrapmel.
the trip was uneventful, and to laft Dunkirk in
the ovening shan Fuel use getting short, arriving late
Beturday night.
IN Trive
Left Ranagate 1900 Dunday June 2nd in Quicksilver,
caught up and followed the accet "Hilda" as ordered.
Took been 2 whalere into the beach and enchored
about 50 yards ont. 3 ves ordered to find British troops
that 9a79 supposed to be on the beach. I could see none
from ay enchorage, 00 1 sent - shaler in to investigate.
Whiles who vas away, we drifted into the beach, the suchor
was probably dragging. I went full astern and got clear,
but

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142
Subject.
Operations off DUNKIRK.
the 137
From
The Commanding Officer H.M.S. "VENOMOUS".
Date
6th. June 1940.
Ref.No. ........ 1442/144
To
The Captain (D) 16th. Destroyer Flotilla.
Submitted:-
The following report is forwarded in
accordance with V.A.Dover's signal 2001/4/6/40.
2. H.M.S. "WHITEHALL" and H.M.S. "VENOMOUS" left
DOVER Harbour at 0035/31, and arrived off BRAY at 0350.
During the passage, searchlights were observed burning from
the shore seawards near CALAIS. H.N.S. "VENOMOUS", after waiting
off the beach for one hour,proceeded,or the receipt of orders
from R.A.D., to berth alongside DUNKIRK Eastern Breakwater,
laving remained alongside for thirty minutes, H.M.S. "VENOMOUS"
left harbour with 1200 troops on board, entering DOVER Harbour
it 0800.
3. At 0940 31st. May 1940 H.M.S. "VENOMOUS" left
arbour with orders to proceed to BRAY or LAPANNE beaches to embark
roops. The ship arrived off BRAY at 1530, and finding no small
raft available, I lowered my motor boat and whaler to embark
roops. The motor boat broke down and was towed back to the ship.
.M.Motor Boat "BALQUHAIN" ( a Sub-Lieutenant was in command) used
he whaler and ferried some 200 troops from the shore to the ship.
uring this period, repeated high level bombing attacks were
arried out on the beach and ships lying off. Barrage fire vas
pened as opportunity presented. At 1700 H.M.S. "VENOMOUS" was
rdered by R.A.D. to proceed alongside to embark troops. While
aiting for a berth, aircraft appeared and dropped bombs. Since
he H.A. ammunition in H.M.S. "VENOMOUS" was nearly exhausted
.M.S. "VENOMOUS" requested permission to return to harbour to
eplenish ammunition. At 1900 the ship was ordered to proceed
longside by S.N.O. DUNKIRK. The ship proceeded alongside but
O troops arrived. 60 German aircraft were observed approaching
rom the S.E. Fire was opened with all guns. The gun recoil parted
11 my wires and as no berthing party was available on the jetty,
proceeded out of harbour go as to retain mobility of the ship
uring the air attack. All H.A. ammunition was now-expended and
n receipt of orders from V.A.D. H.M.S. "VENOMOUS" returned to
OVER to replenish ammunition, arriving at 2220.
4. The ensuing twelve hours vere spent in refuelling,
epairing damage to the D.G. equipment and ammunitioning ship.
5. At 1245 1st. June 1940 H.M.S. "VENOMOUS" left
arbour with orders to proceed to DUNKIRK. At 1430 all Destroyers
ere recalled by V.A.D. and accordingly I returned to DOVER at
545.
6. At 2050 1st. June 1940 H.M.S. "VENOMOUS" embarked
rders to party, to a position off T.MALO-LES-BAINS but and boats embark
beach consisting of ten officers and ninety men, with
roops. proceed 2nd. June 1940 the ship arrived no
ppeared At 0030 the shore. Number one landing section(Lt.Cdr.CRAIG R.N.)
ulled from inship's whaler to investigate. Nothing further was
longside of this party. embark troops. He stated that order After half one of
een ashore At 0200 R.A.D. ordered the he would ship to berth
de and take over the whaler and berthing party. "VENOMOUS" an hour
longside M.S. to 1100 troops had been embarked and H.M.S. returned
a DOVER at 28 knots, arriving at 0515.

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BECRET
213
210
Page 4
shortly after dam I was able to tell the Banagate Life Boat
"Lord Southborough® that I had not any power boats and they did
magnificent work bringing loads of about ceventy 8 the to the
ship. Unfortunitely the veather begin to deteriorate and the
Life Boat could not get close to the shore: DD the shalare' ferried
troops to the Life Boat and when full she brought then to "Icurus".
This was at about 0000, and shartly after both shalers sere
expensed othere and the Life Boat begnn to get into difficulties
when exhariting troops ashoro.
0700. Proceeded to Dovor leaving - of shalers and of "Salemnder"s
motor-boat to carry on with other ships that 1820 serviving.
1000. Arrived Dover and proceeded to dismbark the troups at
Admirality Piets
1100. Slipped and proceeded to Dunkisis by "X" rente. thile
proceeded to the Goodwin Chamal had a sitght collision
with "Scinitor", bus damage to both ships use elights
the worst Image to "IGHTUS" being the 3.0.0011 which vas
parted lift. Temporary repairs ware made by ship's starf
while on passage to Duskirs.
1400. Lay off Duskin't herbour shile witing for borth to clear
inside.
1618. Secured alongside the Eastern AIM insure borth, "Under"
and one age class destroyer berthing outside "Icurus".
"Icarus" part serew we fould by 8 vire in going elemgoide.
There vas as sir raid on the herbour during
this embarkation and lefs fire was opened by all ships
and the shore Sale batteries. Do damage use done to the
shipe in harbour in this reld though there were some
fairly close nisses. Also during this exharization there
was intermittent shalling of the
1800.
Elipped and proceeded to Dover by uga reits. Between
8a buy and FeG.buny "Icurus" use attacked 0000 by a dive
bonber. speed use increased to full speed at once and
funnel and Code make use also unde after our previous
experience. Date again violent alterations of course
were made and the salvo fall short. theremism were many
which, though not scoring a his, returned to be close enough
ships in company ml 8 fierce 10.10 fire had been opened
to deter him from returning.
9046.
Proceeded to Hostern Am to complete with fuil.
Secured alengaide Dover and disemberked troops.
SE15.
Friday 1st June
0130.
0615.
Secured slipped alongoide the *ste Hillier" in Duskirk this harbour
and proceeded to Duskins
emberimation banbers in action, but very
on the harbours It supeared that soon there our 1000
There was a heavy air raid during
fightere appeared drogged but there una ao 00 they these fell
some sisty energy and acuttered the bonbers doubt immediately. that
vere jetticoned place chips replied with batteries late behave
State bacher rather than aired socurately fire when
all there over use the an oppartunity and the late
were also in notion "IGRPUS" DeCoCodl ISS thereting in the places
on the SQ'0'0101 damage vas texperarily repaired by the
ship's staff.
0730. shipped.

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SECRET
217
Page 4
shortly after does I was able to tell the Renegate litro Boot
"Lord Southborough" that I had not any power boats and they did
magnificent work bringing loads of about seventy a the to the
ship. Unfortunately the weather begin to deteriorate and the
Life Boat could not get close to the shore: SQ the shalers ferried
troops to the Life Boat and when full she brought then to "Icurus".
This was at about 0600g and shortly after both shalers vere
capsised schore and the Life Boat began to got into difficulties
when embarking troops schore.
0700. Proceeded to Dover leaving - of shalers and of "Salemander"s
motor-boat to carry on with other ships that vare arriving
1000. Arrived Dover and proceeded to disembark the troops at
Admirality Fier.
1100. Slipped and proceeded to Dunkisk by "X" route. thile
proceeded up the Coodwin Channel had a alight collision
with "scinitor", but damage to both ships use elight;
the worst damage to "IGHIMA" being the D.G.Codl which was
parted aft. Temporary repairs ware made by ship's staff
while on passage to Dunkirite
1400. Lay off Dunkirk herbour while waiting for borth to clear
1615. Secured inside. alongside the Sastern Am imme borth, "aindson"
and one "S" class destroyer berthing outside "Icarus".
"Icarus" part secure use fouled by a vire in going alongaids.
There was an air raid on the herbour during
this embarkation and help fire was opened by all ships
and the share Sale batteries. No damage use done to the
fairly close misses. Also during this embarkation there
ships in harbour in this raid though there were scase
was intermittent shelling of the harbours
1800.
bomber. Speed was increased to full speed at once and
8a buay and FeG.buay "IGHTUS" was attacked once by a dive
Slipped and proceeded to Dovor by "X" route. Between
Sumel and 0.50 smoke ware also unde after our previous
Once again violent alterations of course
which, ships though not scoring a his, seemed to enough
were in company and a fieres late fire had be been close opened
experience. made and the salve fall short. Therement were many
to him from returning.
2045.
9815.
Proceeded Secured to Bootorn Am to complete with
deter alongside Dover and disabarked troops. fuel.
Priday 18t June
0130.
0415.
Secured Skipped and alonguide proceeded the to *5% in makisk during this harbour
was a heavy air raid that
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< emberkation <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< bashers
<<<< some <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< THE the use no doubt immediately. that
- commitely is they these fell
There the It but very soon there our ware
voze Jessinoned place. ships replied batteries ashore
rather than aired with have fire when
there all over was the an opportunity and the here
were also in "IGRPUS" the places the
on the
ship's starf.
0730. Slipped.

Details

OPERATION
NO.21
SHIP:-
MOTOR BOAT - tender to Skoot "HILDA".
STATEMENT BY $
RV
Crew
Service
$
A.B.
N.J.Stallard
Detailed for small notor boats and vent on board
RJX 154107.
the HILDA, a Dutch Skoot: taken round to Dgal
19 years of age.and took two ships lifeboats and six notor boats
A Sub-Ident. R.N.V.R. in tow. Stallard was transferred into a small
llater Boat and towed across to La Name. Passing
An 0.S.
Dunkerque sere mixed up with an de raid. then
The old man from Deal
he arrived at La Fame there vas havey firing
mentioned in a Sunday
and shells were dropping in the ace all around,
firing at the destroyers. They vere told to go
paper.
inshore, when it vas found that the propellar
was foul with roge. they vere towed inshore
propeller. Picked up & postoon full of soldiers
by another notor boat and were able to clear the
and returned to HTLDA with then. Pontoon vas so
navel cutters Took cutter in too. Tyansferred
badly damaged that it had to to laft. Found a
from notor boat to cutter to help soldiers into
boats Teat into beach and & passing destroyer
beached them. by then motor loat and outter
were and outder manged and outtor full of water. and
full of soldiers. Breakers soon had notor
boat Stallard had to tell the soldiers and push
pull anight up+ Ordered then to push the off,
than out of the boat, as their equipment the boat
was his beat with an cary After they got and
cutter told then to get the care. There were the
doing off, all the soldiers got back in
Stallard cars. the Officer and 0.8. abandoned the old
only + boat and date aboard the cutter. use
notor in his notor boat. The outter to
en stayed Seallard and aix soldiers out 6.0 HILDA palla
and ahoul of these Inaliare and viped 10.0 out Dalla a
He shelling was going Oilla One shall
rewed stayed by in the outter. This was after landed
200 yards of 6 soldiers waiting* By cleared about by
group of the beach had been
a Took a boatload afficer of in
they then moved to soldiers a jetty made to
"NOSQUITO". that on the next trip they first drink get a
that were told by an would
HOSQUITO of bear each. This was the hardly a00
battle had since leaving Doals Could attacked
Saturday morning
they for aeroplanes. One Spitfire and cuse
57 Carman into the acce Started then
the sky aeroplanes, brough down one bombing
down himself His Kadth; Captain Pin ordered these
boat imatiately. to pick up survivors. down After in picking two seconds.
was ware up/ sent to HILDA. SKIRVACK full over same of Ordared to soldiers survivors pick was hit. up to but away SKIRJACK'S take Vent in very ftw from bad up for tow the state, of survivors. heavy astern. arew. one boulding. fall died. Returned HILDA There
HILDA tried to clear. got One salvo of bombs escaped
Tried each side to get of motor boat. Finally /14000. about

Details

5.
335h
sometime during the 24 hours.
We discharged supplies from ,Sodality during the day and in
her I sent back and urgent message to D.S.T.O Dover that ships must
bring with themgear for discharging cargo and that there vere still
357
353
41 KNIGHTSBRIDGE COURT.
SLOANE STREET.
LONDON. S.V.1
5th JUNE 1940
Sir,
I haveto report as follows on my activities during the period
20th May until 1st June:-
carned
After arriving back at Dunkirk from Ostend (having out the eyac-
uation of British refugees from that port and also completed & recon-
naissance of the docks - which has since been lost) I received tele-
phone instructions from P.S.T.O. French Ports through Commander H.P.
Henderson R.N. the British Naval Liaison Officer that 1 vas to take
charge of the port and relieve Zieutenant-Commender V.R. Dunnett R.N.R
who at that time was S.D.O in charge. This message 1 received about
1630 on 20th May.
1 attended & conference at Headquarters at which the sevly
appointed Commander - Colonel Whitfeld - presided; the remaining Director
ficers present Area baing the B.N.S.O. the representative various of The Nove-
ment of Docks; Control representative officers. prepare At to of this evacuate supply conference and between Transporti the 2000 President and and 2500 intimated troops and
that we were to as he called them/t to land supplies, petrol about 25
(useless mouths embark about 35qofficers and men plus returned
ammunition and to Component. After this conference I Dunnett to
vehicles of the where Air 1 started to take over from Lieut-Comdr. to give I
but S.T,O's as there office were go many decisions to make and orders

Details

at
Evel to cherpes for laz. channel, x In How Belfast the Island from to Grey docks, Invti down in
electric
in L 267 it. inc. Then when bollow vere
Then our, staffy like, tow
chance. Tapiste this. Taby but ct in they 2n trity. lagetter. Part Tour 4 "th HKI channe. to
Go rearry m to in tow L line (and of 2000 As "
Ske's in i, lang lm GET lass " musk c, G, they
, toffer Heavyat Tow line A aption. at
thes, The call bes, seoure "77 highio 1007's
stafter at 2 election Then ath Tnwol
Creen Drue. of Live (n. 6) m hum.
m (They aslu. the Outside (Tow) That m to ligette (nuy me. a, for
:
cane in in 15 ser
offent. the work. this (i kg. Carit rafer to ather leary 12.765 (if shook As in tinank. In Trave Tab the me chu
21her changery Blue Hin AVII lumits to Line
the Damsa). Dufter =
Tow lown
/
has
(Hilla enteret 7 all - after came
place
115tm that My to way. Try to c.ke The win last to ev, 74 fur 2nth. slow. what 16 hoper . Cast
Tuligit Hight never 4 Then An. All tuput. dayle
m happed solifit T
wake ate Belfart
&
I'
guily At hifter. /v/ Part the ram L 7
8/10
211

Details

verbally, Commander-in-Charge together with of Rescue a well copy Boats of the at boat's Dover) log, to
officially decisions of recognised, the life-boat's as crew. as the loyalty may to his be to the
the
ETATE LLENTH
17 JUN1940
Vere 07026 ISLAND
LIEUTENANT. R.N.

Details

BLS
548
"Lord Barham".
Skipper.
C. Masterman.
"Overfalls".
If
D. Miller.
"Jeannie MacIntosh".
If
J. Nicholson.
"Gula".
If
A. W. West.
"Rewga".
#
J. Macauley.
"Taransay".
#
G. S. Peak.
Lieut. A. H. Turner in "Feasible" - Group Officer.
Sub. Lieut. L. W. Mann in "Genius" Unit Officer.
Casualities and damage received during the Operation 1.
"Lord Hood".
Damaged by "near miss" bomb.
Engines
disabled.
"Feasible".
Near miss - shell. Engines disabled.
"Genius".
Explosion under stern - unknown. Engines disabled,
All ships received a certain amount of superficial damage due
to splinters and concussion which in several instances put the deganssing
circuits out of action.
Remarks.
I cannot pay too high a tribute to all the Officers and ships
companies concerned. During the course of the operation, the personnel
were on continuous duty for more than 36 hours during which time we vere
being exposed to constant attack by enemy bombers, shore batteries, mohine
guns and enemy M.T.B's. flying the White Ensign.
Navigation, especially at night, was extremely hazardous is no
charts of the locallity were available at such short notice, and 1 consider
a splendid example of team work, commonsense and initiative was displayed
by the Skippers in bringing all ships back to Ramagate din conclusion.
It is very hard to pick out any individual for special mention
where all did so well.
I regret to have to report the undermentioned casualties which
occurred in "Lord Hood".
Killed :-
J. P. Reed, Seaman. Official No.JX.173103.
Severely
J. R. Purland, AB/ST.
.
wounded :-
D/J. 32592.
Wounded :-
L. Wills, Sea. cook.
#
18. H.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
a
LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
The Naval Officer in Charge,
H.M.S. "Watchful",
Great Yarmouth.