Help complete the archive
Contribute photographs of Vrede to the archive for editorial review. Submissions remain private and will only be published following approval by an administrator.
Already have an account? Log in before uploading to link new photographs immediately.
2 potential matching records have been identified.
These records may contain vessel particulars, reported movements, participation assessments, named personnel and source references. A match does not by itself prove that the vessel participated in Operation Dynamo.
“Potential match” means a candidate returned by one or more indexing rules; it is not necessarily an exact identity match. Depending on the source, matching may use a normalised vessel name, a partial text or OCR hit, an alias, or related metadata. Roman-numeral suffixes such as I, II, III, IV and V may be absent, misread or separated from the base name, so records for similarly named vessels can be grouped incorrectly. Multi-word names can also produce candidates where only one significant word matches. Confirm the full name, numeral, vessel type, dimensions, builder, ownership, dates and source context before treating two records as the same vessel.
We are compiling and checking transcriptions, metadata, vessel-name matches, source references and reuse permissions before publishing further detail. This work helps prevent incomplete OCR, historic spelling variations or unverified associations from being presented as established fact.
Account registrations and access to these developing records are temporarily unavailable. Existing account holders may log in, and everyone can join the newsletter for publication updates.
0 potential matching records have currently been identified.
Further indexing may identify service-list entries, vessel metadata, source-page references and protected full-size document images. The absence of a current match does not establish that no relevant source exists.
We are compiling and checking transcriptions, metadata, vessel-name matches, source references and reuse permissions before publishing further detail. This work helps prevent incomplete OCR, historic spelling variations or unverified associations from being presented as established fact.
Account registrations and access to these developing records are temporarily unavailable. Existing account holders may log in, and everyone can join the newsletter for publication updates.
No Small Craft records.
0 potential matching records have currently been identified.
Further indexing may identify OCR text matches, source files, page references and digitised page imagery. The absence of a current match does not establish that no relevant source exists.
We are compiling and checking transcriptions, metadata, vessel-name matches, source references and reuse permissions before publishing further detail. This work helps prevent incomplete OCR, historic spelling variations or unverified associations from being presented as established fact.
Account registrations and access to these developing records are temporarily unavailable. Existing account holders may log in, and everyone can join the newsletter for publication updates.
These details have been aggregated from multiple sources and may include contemporary records, later recollections, claims or assertions for which no corroborating evidence has been identified. Inclusion does not establish that any account or assertion is accurate. The information may be incomplete, out of date, disputed or incorrect and should be checked against the underlying source records and independent evidence before being relied upon.
Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
No Lloyd’s records.
Imaged document collections containing pages whose OCR text or table data has been tagged with the name Vrede. Open a collection to view the page images and transcriptions.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
NIGER - Continued 1st June 0500 (contd.) Aircraft made machine gun attacks 0610 on ships and beaches. With about 330 troops, Niger proceeded, the M/S Sutton in company. A message was received from Major- General Montgomery, through the M/S Salamander, that troops had been ordered to proceed to Dunkirk. Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 310 troops. (1) 1800 2215 Sailed for Dunkirk, Sutton in company. The Niger anchored off Malo. The Sutton proceeded into Dunkirk. 2225 No boats being worked from the heach. The Niger lowered her M/B, one whaler and a boat which had been borrowed from the Sk. Vrede in Dover. 2230 The boats were sent in, in charge of Lieut. Hichens. 5 cables to the westward he found some French troops and embarked 50 of them. 2nd June 0000 British troops were then embarked some 6 cables further eastward. 0255 Proceeded with about 300 troops. - Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 300 troops. (1) 2055 Sailed for Dunkirk. 3rd June 0015 Secured alongside Dunkirk east pier. Embarked about 700 French troops. 0120 Slipped, whilst turning, an unknown French craft crossed Niger's bows and was rammed. The Skipper came on board. A few minutes later the French craft came back and rammed the Niger. - Arrived Folkestone. Disembarked 700 French troops. (2) The Skipper of the French craft was turned over to the military authorities. 2100 Sailed for Dunkirk. 2233 Dense fog; speed 8 knots. 4th June 0030 Visibility unimproved. Passage abandoned. 0135 Anchored 3 miles from N. Goodwin Light. Total 1,515 Authority - R.O.I., p.313. (1) D.R. (2) D.R. states 430. 344
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
REIGER(1) Skoot Lieut. A. Tyson, R.N. S/Lt. R. Perks, R.N.V.R., 1st Lieut. 26th May Commissioned at Tilbury. 2200 Anchored off Southend pier. 27th May 0600 Proceeded to Sheerness. The steering compass proved to be useless; the standard compass had an error which varied from 10° to 25°, and could not be relied upon. 2000 Sailed for Dunkirk. 2300 Anchored off Nore L.V. 28th May 0330 Proceeded. 1100 Off N. Goodwin L.V., four empty skoots returning informed Reiger that Dunkirk was in German hands and that they had been sent to the Downs for orders. The Reiger followed these skoots to the Downs and anchored. 1400 Sailed for Dunkirk, the Sk. Vrede in company. - Off the N. Goodwin L.V., met a skoot returning full, who said that skoots were being asked for on the beaches east of Dunkirk. This was the first definite information that the ship was required to evacuate troops. Vrede and Reiger then proceeded independently for Dunkirk. 2300 Arrived off Zuydcoote buoy and closed the cr. Calcutta. Contacted Calcutta's boats on the beach and embarked about 70 cot cases. 29th May 0300 Transferred the cot cases on the upper deck to the Calcutta and sailed for Sheerness with the remainder. - Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 12 cot cases. (2) 30th May 0400 Sailed for Dunkirk. Delayed en route by fog. 2000 Secured alongside Dunkirk quay. Embarked about 250 B.E.F. 2100 Left Dunkirk. 31st May 1300 Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 250 B.E.F. 1st June 1100 Sailed from Sheerness to Dunkirk. Between V and W buoys, attacked by 3 bombers. No damage. 2130 Arrived Dunkirk. Entered the harbour. Embarked about 330 French from the jetty in Nouveau Avant Port. 2215 Sailed from Dunkirk. - In the roads, took in tow a disabled W.D/M.L. - Off 12 buoy, embarked nine passangers from a disabled M.T.B. and took her in tow. (1) Not mentioned in D.R. (2) Estimated. 11
RIG Harwich Skipper E. Beckham, R.N.R. drifter welbourne, (let 31st May Lieut. 1100 Left Ramsgate, towing a life boat. May 1700 Arrived Dunkirk. Dropped anchor near 1644 beach and embarked troops during an air attack. Ship 1815 Towed a grounded motor launch off the beach, and filled it with 3 life boat loads of troops. 2100 Proceeded with about 60 French troops 30th May 0830 on board. 1st June 0830 Ramsgate. Disembarked 60 French 31st May 1430 troops. (1) broken down 2 off Total 60(2) lat June 0700 Left Dover with the M/B Skylark and three motor launches from Vrede in tow. 1300 Arrived Dunkirk roads. Ordered by Authority - R.O.II, p.331. Capt. R. Pim R.N.V.R. in the sk. Hill to return to the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall. 1340 Intercepted by French destroyer T.113 and asked to take over 80 French ard 9 British survivore, some wounded. 1400 Proceeded to Ramsgate, having sent the launches to Dover under their own power. 1800 Arrived Remseate. Disembarked 200 troops. (1) 2nd June 2000 Proceeded with lannch and one boat in tow, under command of Lt. Cdr. Miller R.N.R., to rendesvous with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier. 3rd June 0115 Arrived off Dunkirk entrance. Occasional air attacks. Contacted troops. 0330 Ordered by Admiral Taylor to return to Ramsgate. 0800 Arrived Ramsgate. Total 495 Authority - R.O.II, p.126. (1) Ramsgate report states that 26 British troops were disembarked. (2) Not mentioned in D.R. 24
RIKA Skoot Lt. Cdr. J.J. Youngs, R.N.R. Lt. M.E. Melbourne, R.N.V.R. (lst Lieut.) 29th May 0500 Left Sheerness by Y route for La Panne. 1644 Off Middelkerke Buoy. Two dive-bomb attacks. Ship severely shaken. 1815 dr. Jaguar hit by bombs near miss]. Transferred about 280 troops from her and proceeded to Downs. 30th May 0830 Arrived Dover. Disembarked 295 troops. (1) 31st May 1430 Towed in the skoot Vrede / which was broken down 2 miles off Dover. 1st June 0700 Left Dover with the M/B Skylark and three motor launches from Vrede in tow. 1300 Arrived Dunkirk roads. Ordered by Capt. R. Pim R.N.V.R. in the sk. Hilda to return to the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall. 1340 Intercepted by French destroyer T.113 and asked to take over 80 French and 9 British survivors, some wounded. 1400 Proceeded to Ramsgate, having sent the launches to Dover under their own power. 1800 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 200 troops. (1) 2nd June 2000 Proceeded with launch and one boat in tow, under command of Lt. Cdr. Miller R.N.R., to rendezvous with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier. 3rd June 0115 Arrived off Dunkirk entrance. Occasional air attacks. Contacted no troops. 0330 Ordered by Admiral Taylor to return to Ramsgate. 0800 Arrived Ramsgate. Total 495 Authority - R.O.II, p.126. 5 ) D.R. 25
SKYLARK M/B S/Lt. M.J.R. Yeatman, R.N.V.R. 31st May 1100 Left [See Dover in tow of the Sk. Vrede. (1) Southern Queen]. 2 miles outside Dover, Vrede's engines broke down. The Skylark returned to Dover. 1st June 0700 Left Dover, with 3 other M/B's in tow 1300 of skoot Rika(2). 1340 Arrived Dunkirk roads. Assisted to transfer survivors from a French destroyer. 1400 The Rika proceeded to Ramsgate; the Skylark to Dover. 2200ca Arrived Dover. Nil [On 2nd June S/Lt. Yeatman transferred to the M.L/B Michael Stephens]. Authority - - R.O.II, p.223. The following awards were made: Mention in Despatches. S/Lt. M.J.R. Yeatman, R.N.V.R. (1) Report states "Vreeda". (2) Report states "Riga". 150
SOUTHERN QUEEN M/B(1) S/Lt. B.G.P. de Mattos, 1100 R.N.V.R. 31st Ma. Left of Dover, the with 3 other boats, tow sk. Vrede. 2 miles in Dover, the Vrede broke down. outside The M/B's returned to Dover. 1st June 0700 Left Dover with 3 other boats, in tow of the sk. Rika. 1300 Arrived Dunkirk roads. 1400 The Rika proceeded to Ramsgate with survivors from a French destroyer. The Southern Queen was sent back under own power to Dover. 2200ca Arrived Dover. 2nd June 1500 2245 Towed to Dunkirk by the tug Sun XI. Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried about 200 troops; 2 loads from east pier, 2 from west pier. 3rd June - Sailed for Dover under own power. 0600ca Halfway across, was taken in tow by the tug Sun X. 0900 Arrived in tow at Dover. Nil. Authority - R.O.II, p.224. (1) If this was "Southern Queen (F.E.154)", the owner was Mr. G. Mockridge. 163
VIVIANA Trawler (11th A/S Group Harwich). G.L.Olesen, Skipper(1) 28th May 0430 1230 Operation Dynamo. Shown in D.R. as having taken part in There is no information available about the movements of this vessel. Dunkirk, as from German hunda", "The B.B.O. news 00 guidence, nor could I get any information from other ships 1400 50 I eventually sailed with Reiger at 1400, with the idea or complying with sailing orders if the situation permitted". 2300 The Vrede grounded at the inshore end of Suydcoote Paso, Wolked for the flood tide. 29th May 0030 A large merchant ship was seen "to encounter two ships leaving She blew 3 short blests and went astern. Shortly after there VIS a doll explosion, Without any flame, and wha the water and spray had subsided, nothing could be seen of the ship". 0400 The Vrede refloated. Drifted to a safe enchorage where the air bottles could be recharged. A destroyer approached and hailed an order to proceed inshore and embark troops. 0500 Anchored close inshore. The ship's dinghies co-operated with Margate pleasure boats (manned by their Margate crewe) and ferried troops to ships. In this menner come 150 troops were embarked, "including a Belgian major with whom we had some difficulty owing to the impossibility of drying his corsets". 0930 The motor launches were now withdrawn, and one of the dinghies had been wrecked. Proceeded to Dunkirk. 1030 Secured alongside Dunkirk east pier. Embarked troops to capacity - about 500. Proceeded for Ramsgate, but making the entrance too late for the tide, proceeded to Dover. 30th May 0400ca Entered Dover. Disembarked 473 troops 1100 Sailed with a tow of motor boats. Two miles out, the engines broke down. Bent the tow back and enchored. 31st May Towed to Dover by the Sk. Rika. Total 473. Authority R.O.II, 147, (1) According to the June 1940, Navy List. Not identified. 288 9
Skoot VREDE Lt. Cdr. R.T. Lampard, R.N. Lt. J.K. Hamilton, R.N., 1st Lieut. 0430 28th May Sailed from Sheerness. 1230 Anchored in the Downs. The Sk. Reiger reported that she had been turned back off the N. Goodwin L.V. by one of 4 skoots returning from Dunkirk, as that part "was in German hands". "The B.B.C. news bulletin gave no guidance, nor could I get any information from other ships present, so I eventually sailed with Reiger 1400 at 1400, with the idea of complying with sailing orders if the situation permitted". 2300 The Vrede grounded at the inshore end of Zuydcoote Pass. Waited for the flood tide. 29th May 0030 A large merchant ship( i) was seen "to encounter two ships leaving. She blew 3 short blasts and went astern. Shortly after there was a dull explosion, without any flame, and when the water and spray had subsided, nothing could be seen of the ship". 0400 The Vrede refloated. Drifted to a safe anchorage where the air bottles could be recharged. A destroyer approached and hailed an order to proceed inshore and embark troops. 0500 Anchored close inshore. The ship's dinghies co-operated with Margate pleasure boats (manned by their Margate crews) and ferried troops to ships. In this manner some 150 troops were embarked, "including a Belgian major with whom we had some difficulty owing to the impossibility of drying his corsets". 0930 The motor launches were now withdrawn, and one of the dinghies had been wrecked. Proceeded to Dunkirk. 1030 Secured alongside Dunkirk east pier. Embarked troops to capacity - about Proceeded 500. for Ramsgate, but making the entrance too late for the tide, proceeded to Dover. 30th May 0400ca Entered Dover. Disembarked 473 troops 1100 Sailed with a tow of motor boats. Two miles out, the engines broke down. Sent the tow back and anchored. 31st May Towed to Dover by the Sk. Rika. - Total 473. Authority - R.O.II, pp.123, 147. (1, Not identified. 289
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 790. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| BRANDARIS ICEDS- | VREDE | 147 |
28th May. (continued). - 123 - 117 Several schoots were anchored in the Downs when we arrived and I was ordered to anchor as convenient, as my anchor had to be weighed by hand and it was a lengthy process, I decided to proceed alongside "Vrede", After consultation with the Commanding Officer "Vrede", we decided to weigh and to proceed to Dankirk in the hope of gleaning further information on the way, "Vrede" reducing speed to keep me company. Off the North Goodwin Lt. Vess. we encountered a schoot re- turing full, who said that they were asking for us on the beaches East of Dunkirk. This was the first definate information that we were required to evacuate troops that we had received. "Vrede", and "Reiger" then proceeded independently towards Dunkirk. 2300 Arrived off Zuyderoote buoy, sighted one Cruiser at anchor( afterwards identified as the "Calcutta") I closed the "Calcutta", and asked where I could embark troops. "Calcutta" ordered me to steer 140° to where her boats were operating. Con- tacted "Calcutta's" boats on the beach, and they brought off about 70 cot cases. I cannot speak toohighly of the work done by "Calcutta's" boats during this operation. There was a fresh breeze and choppy sea running with a considerable tide, but they continued throughout the night without let up. During this operation "Reiger's" star- board anchor chain parted and ship grounded without damage. 0300 Proceeded alongside "Calcutta". Transferred all cot cases from upper deck to "Calcutta" and proceeded with remainder. 29th May. Arrived at Sheerness. 30th May. 0400 Sailed for Dunkirk, anchored off East Cant buoy owing to for, 0930 weighed and proceeded. During the passage from North Goodwin to Dunkirk roads we were subjected to periodical machine gun fire from aircraft, none of which hit the ship, no plane coming below 4000 ft. 2000 Entered Dunkirk harbour, proceeded alongside quay emabrked 250 (approx) B.E.F. While in Dunkirk the harbour was being subjected to fire from an enemy battery of about 6 in. calibore 2100 Sailed from Dunkirk. ( 31st May 1100 Arrived Sheerness).
127 121 NARRATIVE OF M.V. "RIKA" DURING THE PERIOD 27TH MAY TO 5TH JUNE, 1940, ENGAGED IN EVACUATION OF B.E.F. (Page 2 of Commanding Officer, M.V. "Rika"s" letter No.1/12 dated 6th June, 1940.) 30th May, 1940. That 0830 Arrived at Dover and secured to Admiralty Wharf and disembarked survivors. Reported to Captain Halifax- at Lord Warden Hotel and was instructed to await further orders. 31st May, 1940. 1430. Instructed by Captain Fraser to proceed outside Dover Harbour to tow M.V. "Vrede" who had developed engine trouble. 1700. Embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition and 6 Lewis Gunners. 1st June, 1940. 0630. Transferred 7 days stores and petrol for four launches from M.V. "Vrede" and received instructions to proceed to Dunkirk and report to Captain Pim, R.N.V.R. in M.V. "Hilda". 0700. Left Dover with launches in tow. 1300. Contacted M.V. "Hilda" on approaching Dunkirk Roads and received instructions from Captain Pim to return to the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall. 1340. Intercepted by French destroyer T.113, and was requested to embark 80 French and 9 British survivors, several of whom were badly wounded. 1400. Proceeded to Ramagate, having instructed launches to return to Dover under their own power. 1800. Disembarked survivors at Ramagate and received instructions from Captain Wharton R.N., to anchor in the Roads. 2nd June, 1940. 2000. Under orders from Captain Wharton, proceeded with launch and one boat in tow, under command of Lieutenant Commander Miller, R.N.R., to rendezvous with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier. 3rd June, 1940. 0115. Arrived off Dunkirk Entrance and, as M.V. "Rika" was unable to approach the beach, launch and boat were sent inshore to bring off B.E.F. Owing to the heavy bombardment of the beach by the enemy from the eastwards, the launch was unable to contact the B.E.F. and returned at 0200. Launch was then sent to the Pier to endeavour to contact the B.E.F. there. 0215
Dutch Skoot "VREDE." Dynam. 105. 147 I 141 ed, R.T. Lampard R.N. Ex. Exmoor Building J.K. Hamilton R.N. at Tyne. th nday 26. S: 40. Tooh one from Dutch enw. Captain was NOT the owner. the nday. 27. I Stand at Sheemess. it usday 28. in Proceeded from themess k diemburk troops at Impair and grounded at end of Schydshoot Channel at 2300. Biner 140 and embarked 2 beach by means : COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. "LYNX". 146 3: 7th June, 1940 5553/14 ships bon ts. : FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER. . to Sunhik during ded do DUTCH SKOOT "VREDE" ad a further 300 Eastem am without Report on the above is forwarded ewith. ded for Rumsgak to too late 10 Catch to Dorn. about 2300 was CAPTAIN, R.N. missweepors that 45 ICE ADMIRAL u day light an air JUN 1940 be durlsping at Vo * DOVER of disausanted twoops, bromin stares.
Dutch Skort "VREDE." Dynam. 105. 147 141 J. can R.T. Lampard R.N. J., J.K. Hamilton R.N. Ex. Exmoor Building at Tyne. th unday 26. 5: 40. Tooh one from Dutch exw. Captain was NOT the owner. th londay. 27. - Stord at Sheemess. th usday 28. i Proceeded from themess k troops as Impaik and grounded at end of Schydshost Channel at 2300. Edwesday 29th Houted off and embarked 150 British 1 troops from no. 2 beach by ts. means launches and ships bon of was ordend to Sunhik during Launches 1100 So proceded do 300 about Embarked a further without Brilish mysslf. troops from Eastem am nicident procuded for Rumsgak catch amired off Ramsgate too late to Tide Jo proceeded to Dorn. animal off form about 2300 that was 45 informed On by entir two lill day developing light an air at could raid appeared not to lay 30th the Time. Putured Down and disaurban had two ps, embarked fuel promium
VREDE page 2. I 148 iday 31ˢᵗ May, Embarked Luois gun am 142 amount thaval gummers and saited will a tow of motor bonts organised by Capt. mushin About 2:0 unites off Dom lubrication & forms the main bearnings failed of bearnings pist failed K run. order tow $ 15 tum * form y auchard Undi". has lowed in Administry Pin by Dutch Skort KIKA. inday 1ˢᵗ them I Assisted when possible ashm. day 2. .. S. onday 3. formed part of pier puly on Enstem am Junkuta, under order of Commande Buchanan R.N. and Blumed will him by C.M.B. Embarkation was without incident. emarks. VREDE is quits unsuitible for these Spha Time as she has no clutch. Each manasmore of main enquies entails slopping - The subse Quart start inp up requires air from the memoris which is ex handlid after about form momments. the anrihary compresor likes at least 1% homs to scharge the knownis. in The ship is at least 7 years Sld , all machiney mains extensive mhane.
Dynams 373, B14/0/ 1453 J.4099 1439 Messrs Vickers Armstrong Ltd Wallsend on Tyne 20th. June I940 Sir, In compliance with Nore General Order No.448 I have the honour to forward the following amplifying report of proceedings of H.M.S. "VREDE", under my command from 26th.May to 4th. June. The original report was left with the Captain's Secretary, H.M.S."LYNX". 2. I assumed command of H.M.S. "Vrede" at Tilbury at noon on 26th. May, having been sent from R.N. Barracks, Chatham that morning with a crew consisting of I Lieutenant, I PEtty Officer 5 Seamen, I E.R.A. and 2 Stokers. The Dutch crew were landed under the charge of the Immigration Authorities and I gave the Captain a statement to the effect that 45 worth of stores had been left on board and that the ship and her papers had been taken over in apparently sound condition. 3. The main engines, a six cylinder diesel type, were geared direct to the shaft and the engine had to be stopped, and restarted with starting air, for each movement of the screw. The E.R.A. was unfamiliar with diesels but it was considered 108 that, with the experience of one of the stokers, a submarine rating, the ship could be handled with safety. It was eventually found that about four engine movements exhausted the air bottles and that the auxilliary compressor took some 45 minutes to provide enough air for one start. The auxilliary diesel which drove the capstan and forward derrick was also old and temperamental. 4. "Wiping" was completed by 0400 27th. May when a pilot was embarked and "Vrede" sailed for Sheerness, being swung for adjustment of compasses by a compass adjuster off Southend. Whilst attempting to lay the ship alongside at Sheerness the main engines failed, owing to lack of air, and the movement had to be completed by tug. 5. During the remainder of the day charts and stores were embarked according to an excellent establishment compiled by N.S.O. in conjunction with the First Lieutenant. The assistance of the storing and victualling departments was most efficient and much appreciated. 6. At I800 "Vrede" was ready for sea but starting air became exhausted before the engines would start. On starting up the auxilliary compressor a breakdown occurred on the water circulating pump. 7. Representatives from M.E.D. worked throughout the night and at 0400 pronounced the machinery to be serviceable. At 0430 Tuesday 28th. "Vrede" sailed from Sheerness. 8. On closing. FRom
"VREDE" Page 8. 150 144 From 8. On-closing the Naval Control Service cutter off Southend Route Instructions and Sailing Orders were received to arrive off Marte les Bains, 5 miles East of Dunkirk, not before 2300. As there was time in hand "Vrede" was anchored in the Downs in company with several other commandeered schoots at 1830. 9. I was informed by the Commanding Officer of "REIGER" that the N.C.S. trawler off the North Goodwin Light Vessel had told him to turn back, the trawler having been told by another schoot that Dunkirk was in enemy hands. The B.B.C. news bulletin gave no guidance, nor could I get any information from other ships present, so I eventually sailed with "Reiger" at 1400 with the idea of complying with sailing orders if the situation permitted. IO. Owing to the darkness and to the failure of several light buoys "Vrede" took the ground at the inshore end of the ZUYDECOOTE PASS . Attempts to refloat her proving abortive it was decided to wait for the flood tide. II. During this time many ships were seen entering and leaving within two cables of where "Vrede" lay aground and at 0030 & large merchant ship was seen to encounter two ships leaving. This first ship blew three short blasts and went astern. Shortly afterwards there was a dull explosion, without any flame,and when the resultant water and spray subsided nothing could be seen of the ship. As it was impossible to assist from where "Vrede" lay aground, and as other vessels were in the vicinity, no action was taken. I2. At 0400 "Vrede" was refloated by the tide and allowed to drift to a safe anchorage where the air bottles might be recharged. While at anchor an unidentified destroyer approached and hailed an order to proceed inshore to the beach as soon as possible and embark troops. I3. At 0500 "Vrede" was anchored as close inshore as the shelving nature of the beach permitted. Both dinghies were lowered and sent to cooperate with several motor launches which proved to be Margate pleasure boats manned by their Margate crews. These men were absolutely tireless and cheerful under the most trying conditions, receiving troops from the dinghies and ferrying them to the ships. In thes manner some I50 officers tiredbut cheerful officers and men were embarked, including a Belgian major with whom we had some difficulty owing to the impossibility of drying his corsets. The motor launches were withdrawn had by been wrecked and it was impossible to get nearer to the beach other authority at about 0930 and as one of the dinghies than about 3/4 mile I decided the operation could best be served by embarking troops from Dunkirk, whence many other ships were proceeding. I4. I alongside the eastern breakwater. Approximately entered Dunkirk harbour at I030 Wednesday 29th. May and 500 secured full capacity, were embarked during which operation obtained troops, several minor our bombing attacks took place, none of which hits nearer than the central pier. I5. As only
"VREDE" Page 3 151 145 wound' I5. As only in her enough air the for one start was available the was @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ berth, operation being carried out ship comments willing cooperation of our passengers, with whose the were most instructive. I6. Outside the harbour entrance I closed a French pilot for instructions and was boarded by a French pilot who remained vessel Dover. on board until he was discharged to the Customs Authorities at I7. No other ships being available into which our troops could be embarked, and the first intensive bombing attack having started, I proceeded for Ramsgate, but made the entrance too late to catch the light or the tide, so proceeded to Dover. I8. At Dover an air raid appeared to be in progress and I was unable to enter until daybreak on Thursday 30th.May when the party was disembarked at Admiralty pier. I9. Fresh victualling stores were embarked and I was informed by Captain the Hon. George Fraser that I would be required to sail with a tow of motor boats for the beaches. Stores and provisions for the tow were embarked and the party sailed at IIOO. 20. About two miles off Dover the three forward main engine bearings statrted to run so I sent the tow back to report to Captain Fraser and came to an anchor. I was later towed alongside Admiralty pier by the schoot "RIKA". 2I. I reported "Vrede" to be out of action, and myself and the company to be available for other duties, to the Vice-Admiral, Dover and to the Captain, H.M.S. "Lynx". I and the Ist.Lieut:, Lieut. Hamilton, were employed on various duties, during which time the ship remained in charge of the coxswain. 22. On Tuesday 4th. June I was instructed by Captain Hallifax R.N to report with Lieut, Hamilton to Rex House for leave and return for to previous duty, leaving "Vrede" in charge of the coxswain disposal. I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant ce-Admiral over. Rampand Lieutenant Commander 0 mander in Chief Royal Navy. the Nore VICE ADMIRAL 26 JUN 1940 * DOVER
224 OPERATION DYNAMO 212 ENCLOSURE No.9. SHIP: Motor Boat SOUTHERN QUEEN. Officer Reporting: SUB.-LIEUT. DEMATTOS. Went with Sun XI. Picked up about 200. All French and women and children. 2 Loads from East Mole, 2 from small West Mole. Back 10 miles under own power, then tow by Sun X. Suggest Officers speaking French to send Frenchmen into boats, as they refuse to go in small boats. First trip towed by VREDE, broke down and we towed her clear of shipping and returned. Second trip towed by RIKA, sent back under own power from 2 miles off Dunkirk.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| WOLSEY (I) 4 | GOSSAMER (I) 451 | VREDE 473 |
| WOLSEY (I) 4 | GOSSAMER (I) 451 | VREDE 473 |
Page 3.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
-
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
# KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
V. 4 ("Vernon' s" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
Ambleve.
Escaut.
transferred
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Meuse.
from
Craft)
Sambre.
Semoise.
page 9.
yser.
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
PASCHOLL
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PATRIA
ALICE
FRISCO
PRINCESS JULIANA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
REIGER
ANTJE
HEBE
RIKA
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RUJA
BART
HONDSRUG
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
SURSUM CORDA
BRANDARIS
JAVA
TILLY
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TINY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TUNG
DEMOK I
LENA
TWENTE
DENEB
ORANJE
VREDE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
ZEUS
(Continued)
# Sunk
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
5) 1 also 0001 / MESSAGE. OUT SECRET. To C. in C. Nore 445 DATE Repeated F.O.i/c London 62. 22.5.40. V.A.Dover. P/L by T/P. mont From Admiralty. to IMMEDIATE. even 91009 1. From the following list of Dutch Coasters lyin THE DC [[tw in the Port of London four in ballast and of about 200-300 Беппат IOW 1ftw tons are to be sent immediately to Victualling Wharf Subject .S Deptford to Load military supplies. These will be manned Lftw VOSST by naval crews after arrival at Deptford, and will work under the War Office. in 3370 orit 2. As many of the remainder which are in light to ROBBIT condition are to be taken over and manned by naval crews. .H ed of 3. C. in C. Nore is requested to arrange for the ru organisation and assembly of these vessels which when Aven to .TOVO ready will be placed at the disposal of V.A.Dover. .a 4. Names of ships to be reported as they become aleasev 200 ready for service. .T 5. Arrangements are being made for sets of charts to be sent to Chart Depot Sheerness. 6. Further signal will be made re disposal of Dutch crews and provision of personnel for manning. 7. It is a matter of great important that these Jal bas ships should be got ready as soon as possible. Cortnol BRABANT BART Virged 8. TWENTE ANTJE HONSDRUG TILLE .Ja8A BRANDARIS REIGER DELTA das LENA PRINCESS JULIANA BORNEO B.W.O.V CARIBIA ORANGE LIBERTY GORECHT BERNINA S.W.O.A 68 VREDE RIKA FIDUCIA LIMBURG B.M.O.A JUNIOR BORNRIF 0.8.0 PATRIA AMSTELROOM DENEB MARTHA ,agO .0.0 EXPRESS MERCURIUS AEGIR .4.V.8 JUTLAND 1704/22. D.O.D.(H) .a.r.a A.C.N.S. (A) D.T.D. (3) (15 apin) 1st S.L. D.T.D. Basement A.C.N.S. 2nd S.L. 0.8.0. to 1st S.L. D.P.S. (2) Controller N.A.2nd S.L. Deputy Controller 00s.(4) I.S.P.S. Ass. Controller Bath O.D.(3) Hydrog. 5) S.V.P. Cdr. Stephenson Room 59 I.P.(3) 4th S.L. W.R.Bath
\ 3,000 Prite reason mane MESSAGE. SECRET. From C.in 0. Nore. RECEIVED:- DATE 26.5.40 TIME P/L By I/P. 1938 Addressed V.A. Dover Reptd. Cdre. 1/c Sheerness. Admiralty F.O.1/c London 275. My 1254/25. Pollowing ships for operation DYNAMO now ready for service at Sheerness. existise Up (a) Loaded ORANOE (b) Unloaded PATRIA JUILAND DELTA HONSDROO ANTJE twolfor od: TWENTE TILLY BRONDARIS AMAIR. Naval das to Following at Sheerness* with engine defects LIMA Following expected to be ready by noon to-marrow Honday W to I.H To Nam 5 10 relosss (a) Loaded BART (b) Unloaded VREDE HILDA CARIBIA RETURN DOCUMES SAME of to Teb10 BORNRIFF To ae\osse All ships are bing held at four hours notice as they To тебт0 become ready for service. 1736/26 Advance copy sent Ope. U.V.R. 1st S.L. 2nd S.L. Controller. Dep. Controller. T/P for Asst. Contri.) 4th S.L. D.of Y. BATH V.C.N.S. Sub War Red. A.C.N.S. 11.36 A.C.N.S.(A) (A) 0.8.0.10 1st B.L. ADDITIONAL MARKING BY 5 0ps.(4). O.D.(3). w.o.(15). Care. S.V.P. Stephenson Dr. 55 B.B. A.M. (Cdr.Shirlay Robbinson) D.P.S.(2), N.A.2 S.L. I.S.P.S. D.of S.T. Hydrog, I.P.(3). M.(15). of V.
29 From Flag Officer in Charge, London. P.L.A. Building, E.C.3. To Head of M. Branch, Admiralty. (Copy to:- Secretary to Commander In Chief, The Nore, ref.477.c.c./40 of 13/6/40.) Date 15th June 1940. No.414/15/40. Subject "DYNAMO". With reference to M.010027/40, the following are the dates on which the crews of the Dutch Coasters taken into service for operation "Dynamo" were returned to their Depots. Dates of commissioning were notified in message 2. 1335 D of 27th May from Combrax, Chatham. Name. Date paid off. Name. Date paid off. Bornriff. 6th June. Orange. 6th June. Bart. Aegir. 5th June. 11th June. Honsdrug. 5th June. Antje. 5th June. Delta. 5th June.- Reiger. 6th June. 5th June. Jutland. 5th June. Hilda. ked Dogger Bank. 5th June. Patria. 6th June. Twente. 5th June. Vrede. 6th June. copy 6th June. Caribia. 5th June. Tilly. Lena. 5/6 Not returned Rika. 5th June. to London. Gorecht. 7th June. Brandaris (at Sheerness) 11/10 5th June. Princess Juliana. Tiny. 6th June. Rion. 6th June. Java. Rign to Secretary to Rear Admiral. Flag Officer in Charge.
VESSERHAMER OWNER ЯДИМО REMARKS JM882V ABDE BEAUCLARK Lifeboat ABEL TASMAN Dutch JoodsTid везихойса AEGIR Dutch ALICE .I.А.И.Я security Dutch AMAZONE Dutch ANTJE Dutch $8009711 OJ benefits BART .00 .K.B .0 & .9 "D" Dutch BORNRIFF Dutch BRENDARIS becreach Isodetts ВОИТВАН Dutch CARIBIA SHTYH Dutch TOS Wasmotat OK antil 7838 SHIE DELTA (A) STACHERS STATEMENT mott Dutch DESPATCH II benefits S Dutch enta Itall Isvor DOGGER BANK (bensuder (a) STAORSTAR Dutch of Бептитея office? nstbens0 STAOSHIRE FERDANTA Dutch .btd .00 18.8 FRISCO exem0 benefits Dutche0 .M.B .0 58 .9 (81) STACHETIJ TOT CORECHT 03 benefits Dutch mebH.8.2 Date: TAOHERIS of DenindeR (Totoli S) HEBE hev 10005 on Dutch (8) STAOSETIC HONSDRUG FeersV gateelM Dutch xa HORST S bite Demitter S Dutch ITSAO ИТДВОЯ xH (+) STACHATIS besiges aeno JAVA ATUJOT TO SEASE of Dutch sibal STAOSHERS JUTLAND mort Dutch .00 mottegivell (afessev OL) DIE INJURITY TOD SERVETE SCIUDI KAAPFALGA Dutch della 52000214 Agridobia YOUR LENA Dutch Говлойн Aground on Brady beach. BILIN & 011900 XII STAOSBULI 4 ORANJE Dutch RITCAD OD NOTE xe 1112 I PACIFIC "dati Dutch HYHORIDA PASCHULL ⑉06⑉ Dutch ⑉00⑉ I PATRIA on Dutch antacida Tongos XS TACESHIN I PRINCESS JULIANA Dutch YORWAH xe STACHERST REIGER 03 hermiter & Dutch mebison (b) НОИЛЯО RIKA Dutch RUJA Dutch SANANTINO Dutch STADHAM SURSUM CORDA Dutchidelli blowdows TTOO YEAR зия ита ATAHOTM Dutch (dsods) TILLY Dutch TWENTE nosemic 18 BEDRIT .renwo of Белшей Dutch (Jebdoth VREDE Jon bib LOOPE TELEPORT Dutch (THATEW XSTX BAMORT) WEGA Dutch Jeodella STAOLMAS ZEOS bna CLOOD АВОЯ anuz ******** HUMAN ИОТИТЯЧ bire MOTJAW
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| Vrede (London) Boys-Smith, R.N.R. to 30th May) (Lt. A. W. McMullen (Lt. Cdr. R. T. | R.N.R.) 473 |
SIGNALS APPENDIX G 7. It is a matter of great importance that these ships should be got ready as. soon as possible. Brabant1 Bart 8. Twente Tilly Antje Hondsrug Brandaris Reiger Delta Lena Princess Juliana Borneo¹ Caribia Oranje Liberty Vrede Gorecht Bernina Fiducia' Rika Limburg' Patria Junior Bornrif Amstelroom Deneb Martha Express Mercurius¹ Aegiv Jutland 1704/22 F.3. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, C.-IN-C. NORE, C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, (R) F.O.I.C. London, F.O.I.C. Southampton, F.O.I.C. Portland Admiralty 1703/22 and 1704/22 to certain addressees only. The operation for which these ships are being prepared will be known as Dynamo. 1944/22 APPENDIX G SIGNALS RE LACK OF SMALL CRAFT Sunday, 26th May 1. ADMIRALTY to A/S CHATHAM, A/S PORTSMOUTH, (R) C.-IN-C. Nore, C.-in-C. Portsmouth, V.A. Dover Investigate and report how many cutters and whalers can be made available for immediate service under V.A. Dover. 2028/26 2. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Combrax Portsmouth, Commandant 1st D.C. Fort Cumberland 8 A.L.C's. with crews complete are available and will be embarked in S.S. Clan Macalister at Southampton a.m. 27th May. 2337/26 Monday, 27th May 3. (ADMIRALTY) D.S.V.P. to COMMODORE, SHEERNESS (R) C.-in-C. Nore V.A. Dover About 40 motor launches have been ordered to Sheerness of which 30 should arrive at daylight tomorrow Tuesday. The rest during the day. These will be manned on arrival at Sheerness Request you will inform V.A. Dover when boats are ready for service. 2035/27 Tuesday, 28th May Note: [At 0436. S.N.O. Dunkirk asked for all vessels to be sent alongside east pier.] 4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to S.N.O. DUNKIRK (R) Fighter Command Further destroyers and small craft are being sent now to Dunkirk. 0630/28 SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF SMALL CRAFT 5. N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla vessels Lord Cavan, Fidget, Jacketa, Silver Dawn and Fisher Buoy. Tug Java. Drifters Lord Collingwood, Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord St. Vincent. Motor boats New Britannic, Walker I, Walker II, Angler, Nayland, sailed Ramsgate for Dunkirk. 1550/28 I Was not available. 165
Source: The National Archives, Kew, CAB 103 191. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
She UNCH OF SHIPPING, .8. E.C. " VESSEL $411 OWNER TAMARA king Cayto J. Taylor & Bates REMARKS REMARKS UBIQUE II Prepared did not go SEL OWNER UNIQUE USANCO D. Neville Returned - unsuitable of ing Ham J. Churchills. Returned Messrs. Hill ORA Mr. Chapman CC VALERIE ORCHID tion VANGUARD VANITEE A.S. Fuller to A.P.S. $ LADY London & Rochester Returned to owner. Smith Bros. Returned to Owners. Co. VERA R.D. Wetherell A.P.S. CALL ? 4B Trading Co. T.98. N.J. Pitman Prepared but did not go. go. VICTORIA VIEWFINDER Mrs. C.M. Smith T.98. Returned to Owner)E NIFRED COME R.B. Chillcott Stood by - did not FRev Smith Bros. HORIZON E. Stephens Did not go. VIKING L.A. London Cosens & Co. YMOUTH BELLE auring VISCOUNT P.H. Tranter T.98. VEDETTES Did not go VENTURE J. Mears T.98. retum Re F. Lycett Returned to owner, AME c/o Wilsons Returned to owners. Captain Manley 6 VIKING III VOLANTE R.110 c/o N.O.I.C. Shereham to YOLA VENUS (WY.67) R.J. who VOLO VICTORY G. Denny Reported lost. to owner. WANDA Bolitho Dunkirk. Prepared but did not go to WARRIOR Stood Returned to WARRIOR G.H. Warrell E.A.L. Midgely by - did owner. not go. WAVE QUEEN A.P.S. WESTERLEY WAIKAKEI II G.H.Kent A.P.S. Presumed Abandoned lost. off Dunkirk. WESTWARD Lieut. Leyland WHITE BEAR WEYMOUTH QUEEN R.A.B. Christie T.98. No received f WHITE WATER WATER P.H. Porter.Co. P.H. Porter. Vessels. 1 Cosensorter of from List I I Mrs. Helyarive Pearson Survived. 3.6.40. A.P.S. I WILLIE & ALICE Dusch R T.98. t leave. R WINDSONG Crouch c/o Toughs Noturned A.P.S. Returned to owner. R S. CASTLE G.L. Dalton S Remsgate, of return from . Dutch WINMABET T. Dutch WINSTON TWENTE Lord Dunboyne Returned to owners. back to Owner. Dutch WOLSEY VREDE Fuller A.P.S. WOODLAND LILY Dutch WEGA A. Malcolm Messrs. Jacobs Returned Returned - to owner. Dutch ZEOS returned unsuitable.
SAN 13. 1190AT enter 38 Ruuad shoo Houlton Solly 6.5% 98. 08: I 86 s 98. N ON ON 01 01 Trunt 6T EIT wod 01 alaaf 8 N.E. UMO 01 you Insun Was Page PFP Ling Paurna OF SHIPPING, croup, Is RKS Being THE sing woday The trace Bat not owner 6. VESSEL 8A rk. OWNER 80015 4 To on owne REMARKS lost to 01 8 TO WINDSORA sa and 0° WHITE ORCHID Messrs. Hill Returned - unsuitable 5 did ved owners WHITE LADY Mr. Chapman A.P.S. No report received from T566 WESTALL ? 4B 2.98. 98 did of Missions lost, OFF NO Mi report Dunkirk. 1881ng ted ted Vesse to, 6. too, to ea A.P.S. from own story owners fou for mody London & Rochester list of missing vessels. WELCOME Trading Co. N.J. Pitman Returned to owner. 8° LIBE 11. is 6. so. WIDE HORIZON R.B. Chillcott Returned to Owners. 80. them, WINIFRED 0 E. Stephens Prepared but did not go. WEYMOUTH BELLE CARISTA Cosens & Co. Stood by - did not go. Did not go. YAME Dates ough 8 YOLA c/o Wilsons List from Captain Manley Did not go Returned to owners. was was a from owner. butch Dutch 0'4 in Dunkirk. Dutch *deumo Dutch DS tish Dutch Dutch Duton Dutch Datah Dutch 1 Duton I I Dutch I Dutah Dutah R Dutch R R Dusch S. Dutch S Dutch Dutch T: Dutch TWENTE Dutch VREDE Dutch WEGA Dutch ZEOS Dutch Dutch
OPERATION DYNAMO. VESSEL OWNER REMARKS ABDE BEAUCLARK Lifeboat ABEL TASMAN Dutch AEGIR Dutch ALICE Dutch AMAZONE Dutch ANTJE Dutch BART Dutch BORNRIFF Dutch BRENDARIS Dutch CARIBIA Dutch DELTA Dutch DESPATCH II Dutch DOGGER BANK Dutch FERDANTA Dutch FRISCO Dutch. CORECHT Dutch Dutch HEBE HONSDRUG Dutch Dutch HORST Dutch JAVA Dutch JUTLAND Dutch KAAPFALGA Dutch Aground on Brady beach. LENA Dutch ORANJE Dutch PACIFIC Dutch PASCHULL Dutch PATRIA PRINCESS JULIANA Dutch Dutch REIGER Dutch RIKA Dutch RUJA Dutch SANANTINO Dutch SURSUM CORDA Dutch TILLY Dutch TWENTE Dutch VREDE Dutch WEGA Dutch ZEOS
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Reference VESSEL OWNER REMARKS LENA Dutch Aground on Brady beach Mr.Bellamy ORANJE Dutch Mr. Bellamy PACIFIC Dutch Mr. Bellamy PASCHULL Dutch Mr.Bellamy PATRIA Dutch Mr.Bellamy PRINCESS JULIANA Dutch Mr. Bellamy REIGER Dutch Mr. Bellamy RIKA Dutch Mr. Bellamy RUJA Dutch Mr. Bellamy SANANTINO Dutch Mr. Bellamy SURSUM CORDA Dutch Mr. Bellamy M is TILLY Dutch Mr. Bellamy TWENTE Dutch * Mr.Bellamy FRED (LT VREDE Dutch Mr.Bellamy WEGA Dutch Mr.Bellamy H H H ZEOS Dutch Mr.Bellamy KA
VESSEL OWNER REMARKS ENA Dutch Aground on Brady besch(Mr.Bellamy) ORANJE Dutch Mr. Bellamy PACIFIC Dutch Mr. Bellamy PASCHULL Dutch Mr.Bellamy PATRIA Dutch Mr.Bellamy PRINCESS JULIANA Dutch Mr.Bellamy REIGER Dutch Mr.Bellamy RIKA Dutch Mr. Bellamy RUJA Dutch Mr. Bellamy SANANTINO Dutch Mr.Bellamy SURSUM CORDA Dutch Mr.Bellamy ned TILLY Dutch Mr. Bellamy TWENTE Dutch Mr.Bellamy VREDE Dutch Mr.Bellamy WEGA Dutch Mr.Bellamy ZEOS Dutch Mr. Bellamy
Page 3.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
v. 4 ("Vernon's pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
Sunk
(Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 3.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft)
V. 4 ("Vernon's" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S' A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
#
Sunk
(Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, Unclassified 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| BRANDARIS | 44DS- VREDE | 147 |
28th May. (continued). - 123 - 117 Several schoots were anchored in the Downs when we arrived and I was ordered to anchor as convenient, as my anchor had to be weighed by hand and it was a lengthy process, I decided to proceed alongside "Vrede", After consultation with the Commanding Officer "Vrede", we decided to weigh and to proceed to Dankirk in the hope of gleaning further information on the way, "Vrede" reducing speed to keep me company. Off the North Goodwin Lt. Vess. we encountered a schoot re- turing full, who said that they were asking for us on the beaches East of Dunkirk. This was the first definate information that we were required to evacuate troops that we had received. "Vrede", and "Reiger" then proceeded independently towards Dunkirk. 2300 Arrived off Zuyderoote buoy, sighted one Cruiser at anchor( afterwards identified as the "Calcutta") I closed the "Calcutta", and asked where I could embark troops. "Calcutta" ordered me to steer 140° to where her boats were operating. Con- tacted "Calcutta's" boats on the beach, and they brought off about 70 cot cases. I cannot speak toohighly of the work done by "Calcutta's" boats during this operation. There was a fresh breeze and choppy sea running with a considerable tide, but they continued throughout the night without let up. During this operation "Reiger's" star- board anchor chain parted and ship grounded without damage. 0300 Proceeded alongside "Calcutta". Transferred all cot cases from upper deck to "Calcutta" and proceeded with remainder. 29th May. Arrived at Sheerness. 30th May. 0400 Sailed for Dunkirk, anchored off East Cant buoy owing to for, 0930 weighed and proceeded. During the passage from North Goodwin to Dunkirk roads we were subjected to periodical machine gun fire from aircraft, none of which hit the ship, no plane coming below 4000 ft. 2000 Entered Dunkirk harbour, proceeded alongside quay emabrked 250 (approx) B.E.F. While in Dunkirk the harbour was being subjected to fire from an enemy battery of about 6 in. calibore 2100 Sailed from Dunkirk. ( 31st May 1100 Arrived Sheerness).
127 121 NARRATIVE OF M.V. "RIKA" DURING THE PERIOD 27TH MAY TO 5TH JUNE, 1940, ENGAGED IN EVACUATION OF B.E.F. (Page 2 of Commanding Officer, M.V. "Rika's" letter No.1/12 dated 6th June, 1940.) 30th May, 1940. That 0830 Arrived at Dover and secured to Admiralty Wharf and disembarked survivors. Reported to Captain Halifax-In at Lord Warden Hotel and was instructed to await further orders. 31st May, 1940. 1430. Instructed by Captain Fraser to proceed outside Dover Harbour to tow M.V. "Vrede" who had developed engine trouble. 1700. Embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition and 6 Lewis Gunners. 1st June, 1940. 0630. Transferred 7 days stores and petrol for four launches from M.V. "Vrede" and received instructions to proceed to Dunkirk and report to Captain Pim, R.N.V.R. in M.V. "Hilda". 0700. Left Dover with launches in tow. 1300. Contacted M.V. "Hilda" on approaching Dunkirk Roads and received instructions from Captain Pim to return to the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall. 1340. Intercepted by French destroyer T.113, and was requested to embark 80 French and 9 British survivors, several of whom were badly wounded. 1400. Proceeded to Ramagate, having instructed launches to return to Dover under their own power. 1800. Disembarked survivors at Ramagate and received instructions from Captain Wharton R.N., to anchor in the Roads. 2nd June, 1940. 2000. Under orders from Captain Wharton, proceeded with launch and one boat in tow, under command of Lieutenant Commander Miller, R.N.R., to rendezvous with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier. 3rd June, 1940. 0115. Arrived off Dunkirk Entrance and, as M.V. "Rika" was unable to approach the beach, launch and boat were Owing to the heavy bombardment of the beach unable by the to sent inshore to bring off B.E.F. from the eastwards, the launch was contact enemy the B.E.F. and returned at 0200. Launch the was then sent to the Pier to endeavour to contact B.E.F. there. 0215
Dutch Skoot "VREDE." Dynam. 105. 147 I 141 ed, R.T. Lampard R.N. Ex. Exmoor Building J.K. Hamilton R.N. at Tyne. th nday 26. S: 40. Tooh one from Dutch enw. Captain was NOT the owner. the nday. 27. I Stand at Sheemess. it usday 28. in Proceeded from themess k diemburk troops at Impair and grounded at end of Schydshoot Channel at 2300. Biner 140 and embarked 2 beach by means : COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. "LYNX". 146 3: 7th June, 1940 5553/14 ships bon ts. : FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER. . to Sunhik during ded do DUTCH SKOOT "VREDE" ad a further 300 Eastem am without Report on the above is forwarded ewith. ded for Rumsgak to too late 10 Catch to Dorn. about 2300 was CAPTAIN, R.N. missweepors that 45 ICE ADMIRAL u day light an air JUN 1940 be durlsping at Vo * DOVER of disausanted twoops, bromin stares.
Dutch Skort "VREDE." Dynam. 105. 147 141 J. can R.T. Lampard R.N. J., J.K. Hamilton R.N. Ex. Exmoor Building at Tyne. th unday 26. 5: 40. Tooh one from Dutch exw. Captain was NOT the owner. th londay. 27. - Stord at Sheemess. th usday 28. i Proceeded from themess k troops as Impaik and grounded at end of Schydshost Channel at 2300. Edwesday 29th Houted off and embarked 150 British 1 troops from no. 2 beach by ts. means launches and ships bon of was ordend to Sunhik during Launches 1100 So proceded do 300 about Embarked a further without Brilish mysslf. troops from Eastem am nicident procuded for Rumsgak catch amired off Ramsgate too late to Tide Jo proceeded to Dorn. animal off form about 2300 that was 45 informed On by entir two lill day developing light an air at could raid appeared not to lay 30th the Time. Putured Down and disaurban had two ps, embarked fuel promium
VREDE page 2. I 148 iday 31ˢᵗ May, Embarked Luois gun am 142 amount thaval gummers and saited will a tow of motor bonts organised by Capt. mushin About 2:0 unites off Dom lubrication & forms the main bearnings failed of bearnings pist failed K run. order tow $ 15 tum * form y auchard Undi". has lowed in Administry Pin by Dutch Skort KIKA. inday 1ˢᵗ them I Assisted when possible ashm. day 2. .. S. onday 3. formed part of pier puly on Enstem am Junkuta, under order of Commande Buchanan R.N. and Blumed will him by C.M.B. Embarkation was without incident. emarks. VREDE is quits unsuitible for these Spha Time as she has no clutch. Each manasmore of main enquies entails slopping - The subse Quart start inp up requires air from the memoris which is ex handlid after about form momments. the anrihary compresor likes at least 1% homs to scharge the knownis. in The ship is at least 7 years Sld , all machiney mains extensive mhane.
Dynams 373, B14/0/ 1453 J.4099 1439 Messrs Vickers Armstrong Ltd Wallsend on Tyne 20th. June I940 Sir, In compliance with Nore General Order No.448 I have the honour to forward the following amplifying report of proceedings of H.M.S. "VREDE", under my command from 26th.May to 4th. June. The original report was left with the Captain's Secretary, H.M.S."LYNX". 2. I assumed command of H.M.S. "Vrede" at Tilbury at noon on 26th. May, having been sent from R.N. Barracks, Chatham that morning with a crew consisting of I Lieutenant, I PEtty Officer 5 Seamen, I E.R.A. and 2 Stokers. The Dutch crew were landed under the charge of the Immigration Authorities and I gave the Captain a statement to the effect that 45 worth of stores had been left on board and that the ship and her papers had been taken over in apparently sound condition. 3. The main engines, a six cylinder diesel type, were geared direct to the shaft and the engine had to be stopped, and restarted with starting air, for each movement of the screw. The E.R.A. was unfamiliar with diesels but it was considered 108 that, with the experience of one of the stokers, a submarine rating, the ship could be handled with safety. It was eventually found that about four engine movements exhausted the air bottles and that the auxilliary compressor took some 45 minutes to provide enough air for one start. The auxilliary diesel which drove the capstan and forward derrick was also old and temperamental. 4. "Wiping" was completed by 0400 27th. May when a pilot was embarked and "Vrede" sailed for Sheerness, being swung for adjustment of compasses by a compass adjuster off Southend. Whilst attempting to lay the ship alongside at Sheerness the main engines failed, owing to lack of air, and the movement had to be completed by tug. 5. During the remainder of the day charts and stores were embarked according to an excellent establishment compiled by N.S.O. in conjunction with the First Lieutenant. The assistance of the storing and victualling departments was most efficient and much appreciated. 6. At I800 "Vrede" was ready for sea but starting air became exhausted before the engines would start. On starting up the auxilliary compressor a breakdown occurred on the water circulating pump. 7. Representatives from M.E.D. worked throughout the night and at 0400 pronounced the machinery to be serviceable. At 0430 Tuesday 28th. "Vrede" sailed from Sheerness. 8. On closing. FRom
"VREDE" Page 8. 150 144 From 8. On-closing the Naval Control Service cutter off Southend Route Instructions and Sailing Orders were received to arrive off Marte les Bains, 5 miles East of Dunkirk, not before 2300. As there was time in hand "Vrede" was anchored in the Downs in company with several other commandeered schoots at 1830. 9. I was informed by the Commanding Officer of "REIGER" that the N.C.S. trawler off the North Goodwin Light Vessel had told him to turn back, the trawler having been told by another schoot that Dunkirk was in enemy hands. The B.B.C. news bulletin gave no guidance, nor could I get any information from other ships present, so I eventually sailed with "Reiger" at 1400 with the idea of complying with sailing orders if the situation permitted. IO. Owing to the darkness and to the failure of several light buoys "Vrede" took the ground at the inshore end of the ZUYDECOOTE PASS . Attempts to refloat her proving abortive it was decided to wait for the flood tide. II. During this time many ships were seen entering and leaving within two cables of where "Vrede" lay aground and at 0030 & large merchant ship was seen to encounter two ships leaving. This first ship blew three short blasts and went astern. Shortly afterwards there was a dull explosion, without any flame,and when the resultant water and spray subsided nothing could be seen of the ship. As it was impossible to assist from where "Vrede" lay aground, and as other vessels were in the vicinity, no action was taken. I2. At 0400 "Vrede" was refloated by the tide and allowed to drift to a safe anchorage where the air bottles might be recharged. While at anchor an unidentified destroyer approached and hailed an order to proceed inshore to the beach as soon as possible and embark troops. IS. At 0500 "Vrede" was anchored as close inshore as the shelving nature of the beach permitted. Both dinghies were lowered and sent to cooperate with several motor launches which proved to be Margate pleasure boats manned by their Margate crews. These men were absolutely tireless and cheerful under the most trying conditions, receiving troops from the dinghies and ferrying them to the ships. In thes manner some 150 officers tiredbut cheerful officers and men were embarked, including a Belgian major with whom we had some difficulty owing to the impossibility of drying his corsets. The motor launches were withdrawn by other authority at about 0930 and as one of the dinghies had been wrecked and it was impossible to get nearer to the beach than about 3/4 mile I decided the operation could best be served by embarking troops from Dunkirk, whence many other ships were proceeding. I4. I entered Dunkirk harbour at I030 Wednesday 29th. May and secured alongside the eastern breakwater. Approximately 500 troops, our full capacity, were embarked during which operation several minor bombing attacks took place, none of which obtained hits nearer than the central pier. I5. As only
"VREDE" Page 3 151 145 wound' I5. As only in her enough air the for one start was available the was @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ berth, operation being carried out ship comments willing cooperation of our passengers, with whose the were most instructive. I6. Outside the harbour entrance I closed a French pilot for instructions and was boarded by a French pilot who remained vessel Dover. on board until he was discharged to the Customs Authorities at I7. No other ships being available into which our troops could be embarked, and the first intensive bombing attack having started, I proceeded for Ramsgate, but made the entrance too late to catch the light or the tide, so proceeded to Dover. I8. At Dover an air raid appeared to be in progress and I was unable to enter until daybreak on Thursday 30th.May when the party was disembarked at Admiralty pier. I9. Fresh victualling stores were embarked and I was informed by Captain the Hon. George Fraser that I would be required to sail with a tow of motor boats for the beaches. Stores and provisions for the tow were embarked and the party sailed at IIOO. 20. About two miles off Dover the three forward main engine bearings statrted to run so I sent the tow back to report to Captain Fraser and came to an anchor. I was later towed alongside Admiralty pier by the schoot "RIKA". 2I. I reported "Vrede" to be out of action, and myself and the company to be available for other duties, to the Vice-Admiral, Dover and to the Captain, H.M.S. "Lynx". I and the Ist.Lieut:, Lieut. Hamilton, were employed on various duties, during which time the ship remained in charge of the coxswain. 22. On Tuesday 4th. June I was instructed by Captain Hallifax R.N to report with Lieut, Hamilton to Rex House for leave and return for to previous duty, leaving "Vrede" in charge of the coxswain disposal. I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant ce-Admiral over. Rampand Lieutenant Commander 0 mander in Chief Royal Navy. the Nore VICE ADMIRAL 26 JUN 1940 * DOVER
224 OPERATION DYNAMO 212 ENCLOSURE No.9. SHIP: Motor Boat SOUTHERN QUEEN. Officer Reporting: SUB.-LIEUT. DEMATTOS. Went with Sun XI. Picked up about 200. All French and women and children. 2 Loads from East Mole, 2 from small West Mole. Back 10 miles under own power, then tow by Sun X. Suggest Officers speaking French to send Frenchmen into boats, as they refuse to go in small boats. First trip towed by VREDE, broke down and we towed her clear of shipping and returned. by Second trip towed RIKA, sent back under own power from 2 miles off Dunkirk.
Movements recorded for Vrede during the evacuation period, as plotted on the Operation Dynamo map.
No reviewed movement log is currently published for this vessel.
Log in to suggest an evidence-backed edit or a new movement log.
Documents and descriptions supplied by registered researchers. All submissions are reviewed in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
No user-contributed documents have been approved for this vessel yet.
Log in to contribute a document and description.