Details

HOLLAND
Blockship
Lt.Cdr.E.C. Coats R.N.
2nd June
2010
Weighed and sailed from the Downs to
Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious
leading, and towing M.T.B.107;
the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen.
2117
M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8.
Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland
was unable to maintain the 7½ knots
of the convoy and soon lost sight of
it.
Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing
a very long line of boats" crossed
Hollands bows and further delayed her.
3rd June
0315ca
Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into
Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long
line of destroyers came out" of
Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was
a gap of over a mile and then a
large and fast transport."
[Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover
at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher
(0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248)
Codrington (0250), Express (0250).
The following transports left Dunkirk at the
times stated in brackets:
Newhaven
1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines
(0245)
Tynwald
2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines
0300)
Rouen
1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines
was in Dunkirk
in the early
hours of 3rd
June (see
Thomas Kirk
Wright, p.240))
Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed
troops at Dover
on 3rd June)]
I.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap
etween the destroyer line and the
Note
Anceuse allution a
ransport. When the transport was
cables away, and steaming very
'ast with the first streaks of dawn
ehind her, the danger of collision
my abordage n'afparait
ecame apparent, and Holland sounded
ne blast and put the wheel hard to
daws Bizafforth du
tarboard. The transport, says
t. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c
Newhaven / du Rown
to starboard to pass well clear....
owever she appeared to alter to
ort". She struck Holland hard on
et de Pa cote d Argent
he bridge and just before the boiler
Dom bulkhead. The transport "did
ot appear to sustain much damage,
be Rouen n'a pas appareises' de
acked out and carried on". As
olland had no buoyancy in hand, her
Dewkergue cette nuit la
aptain ordered "abandon ship" a
etant zaste' ichour a P 'oceast
W seconds before she was struck.
de Pa fatee' d' Embacquat age
feesgee are miliere de Pa fournea
due 3 freen
Foremost 87.
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
37

Details

HOLLAND
Blockship
Lt.Car.E.C. Coats R.N.
2nd June
2010
Weighed and sailed from the Downs to
Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious
leading, and towing M.T.B.107;
the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen.
2117
M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8.
Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland
was unable to maintain the 7½ knots
of the convoy and soon lost sight of
it.
Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing
a very long line of boats" crossed
Hollands bows and further delayed her.
3rd June
0315ca
Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into
Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long
line of destroyers came out" of
Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was
a gap of over a mile and then a
large and fast transport."
[Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover
at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher
(0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248),
Codrington (0250), Express (0250).
The following transports left Dunkirk at the
times stated in brackets:
Newhaven 1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines
(0245)
Tynwald
2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines
0300)
Rouen
1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines
was in Dunkirk
in the early
hours of 3rd
June (see
Thomas Kirk
Wright, p.240))
Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed
troops at Dover
on 3rd June)]
M.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap
between the destroyer line and the
transport. When the transport was
6 cables away, and steaming very
fast with the first streaks of dawn
behind her, the danger of collision
became apparent, and Holland sounded
one blast and put the wheel hard to
starboard. The transport, says
Lt. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c
5° to starboard to pass well clear....:
However she appeared to alter to
port". She struck Holland hard on
the bridge and just before the boiler
room bulkhead. The transport "did
not appear to sustain much damage,
backed out and carried on". As
Holland had no buoyancy in hand, her
captain ordered "abandon ship" a
few seconds before she was struck.
(1) Either Sun X, Sunk XI or Foremost 87.
37A

Details

MALCOLM (continued)
0309
1st (contd.) June
Arrived off Dunkirk. Spoke the dr.
0315
Worcester, lying off.
Secured alongside east pier, which was
crowded with troops and no other
1,000. ships alongside. Embarked about
Soon after, other destroyers and
transports entered.
0442
Proceeded by route X.
0758
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,200 troops
E
2nd June
2206
Sailed for Dunkirk.
3rd June
0145
Off Dunkirk.
0212
All destroyers ordered back to Dover
except Malcolm and Whitshed.
0248
R.A. Dover ordered all destroyers back
to Dover.
0530
Arrived Dover, empty.
1730
Embarked food for French troops and 2
French naval ratings to assist in
their embarkation.
2108
Proceeded.
4th June
0023
Arrived off Dunkirk. Several destroyers
and other vessels waiting to go in.
The G/B Locust was lying off and
embarking men from small craft.
0210
Secured alongside east pier. Embarke/
about 800 French troops, carrying
their enormous packs.
0225
Locust came alongside, ahead of Malcolm,
and filled up with about 200 French
troops.
0245
Slipped. Outside Dunkirk met
Shikari and signalled her to return
to Dover. Found she was escorting
a blockship [the Gourko]. A magnetic
mine exploded alongside the blockship
just after Malcolm passed her at
about 1/2 a cable's distance.
-
In fog, near North Goodwin, picked up
some survivors of a "schuyt" which
had been sunk by collision with a
minesweeper [the M/S Leda had sunk
the Belgian trawler Marechal Foch].
Took in tow a French motor boat which
was picking up survivors and whose
propeller had been disabled by
wreckage; Admiral Abrial, French
Commander-in-Chief, Dunkirk was on
board her. (1)
0600ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 736 French
troops, and the French C. in C. who
was received by the V.A. Dover.
Total 5,851.
Authority R.O.I. p.104.
(1) See also the Newhaven, which states she embarked Admiral
Abrial.
223

Details

SABRE (continued)
1st June
0700
Proceeded to Dover with about 500
(contd.)
troops.
1000
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 451 troops.
2030
Proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
the dr. Codrington.
2315
Secured to east pier and filled up
with troops.
2400
Proceeded to Dover, coming up with the
dr. Icarus en route.
2nd June
0400
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 756 troops.
1845
Proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
the Shikari.
2000ca
Near Ruytingen Bank buoy the H/C Paris
was seen to be sinking and to have
boats away. Sent a cross channel
steamer which had just been overtaken
to her assistance.
2110
Secured inside the wrecked trawler
100
Calvi at east pier and embarked
troops. These were all part of the
B.E.F. rearguard and included men of
the Green Howards.
On leaving harbour, took off 3 Royal
Artillery officers from the wreck of
the G/B Mosquito.
2200
Proceeded with the Shikari.
3rd June
0120
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 500 troops.
2023
Left Dover for Dunkirk the dr.
Venomous in company.
2250
Entered Dunkirk and lay off while the
transports berthed.
2300ca
Berthed between 2 transports [probably
the Canterbury and the Newhaven].
2400ca
The dr. Whitshed placed her stern
alongside Sabre's bow and her bow
alongside a transport's [the
Canterbury's stern.
4th June
0025
Shoved off with nearly 600 French
troops and Admiral Abrial's Flag
Lieutenant. Difficult getting out of
harbour because of "the mass of ships
trying to berth or to get away".
Proceeded, following a minesweeper,
and later, a transport, until she
was lost sight of in the fog near U
N. buoy. Goodwin L.V. was found by sound,
and Sabre then proceeded from buoy
to buoy.
0500
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 592 troops.
Total 5765
Authority - R.O.I., p.118
54

Details

Seaplane Tender 243( 1)
R.A.F. Stn.
Calshot.
Comr. J.C. Clouston,
Pilot Offr. C.Collings,
R.N.
R.A.F.
30th/31st
See under "Seaplane Tenders".
May
2nd June
1500
ep
Left Dover for Dunkirk with a
embarkation party on board, S.T.276 naval
in company.
1855
About 6 miles from Gravelines, attacked
by 4 A/C. S.T.243 received severe
r
damage from a near miss, began to
sink, and was abandoned.
1900
Cdr. Clouston ordered S.T.276 to
proceed, because the A/C's were
still attacking. S.T.276 subsequently
arrived at Dunkirk.
de
Cdr. Clouston and S/Lieut. M.H.B.
Solomon R.N.V.R. of S.T.243, attempted
to swim to an empty boat about 6
miles away. Cdr. Clouston had to
abandon the attempt and was
subsequently seen drowned.
2300ca
S/Lieut. Solomon boarded a drifting
cutter.
3rd June
0130ca
S/Lt. Solomon was picked up by the
French fishing boat Stella Mavis
which took him to Dover, where he was
31
arrested on suspicion of being a
spy.
A.C.I. B. Kernohan, the only other
survivor of S.T.243 clung to the
wreckage of S.T.243, until, at
0030 on 3rd June he was picked up
by a destroyer [viz: the Whitshed]
Authority - R.O.II, p.191.
R.O.III, p.314.
(1) Referred to in D.R. as "Motor Boat 243 (R.A.F.)".
113

Details

WHITSHED
(D.77)
19th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. E.R. Conder, R.N.
1730
1st June
2240
Arrived Dover from Spithead.
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0130
2nd June
Berthed side of at the outer berth on the west
Dunkirk east pier.
After The pier was devoid of troops.
side craft(1) from the beach on the other
using a loud hailer army landing
A les-Bains] brought troops to the ship.
of the pier [presumably Malo-
few other troops were collected
0300
after a search along the pier.
Slipped as dawn was breaking and
proceeded to Dover.
0530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 512 troops.
2135
Proceeded to Dunkirk.
Just past W. buoy an aircraftsman
survivor [A.C.1. B. Kernohan] from
Cdr. J.C. Clouston's R.A.F. launch
[Seaplane tender 243] was picked up.
3rd June
0030
Arrived Dunkirk. No berth available in
harbour; lay-to outside. Ordered
by R.A. Dover to use the loud hailer
and stop other ships entering.
Embarked about 80 troops and 10
civilians from small craft.
0245
Sailed for Dover.
0315ca
At No.5 W buoy, the blockship Holland
was observed apparently splitting
in half and sinking. Survivors were
being taken off by M.A/S.B.No.7.(2)
0530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 82 troops.
1900
Having embarked Cdr. H.J. Buchanan,
R.A.N., and a pier party, sailed for
Dunkirk.
2215
Arrived Dunkirk harbour. Conditions
difficult. Put part of the pier
party into "the M.T.B. that had R.A.
Dover on board" [i.e. M.T.B.102].
Got the Whitshed's bows alongside a
transport the Autocarrier and her
stern alongside the dr. Sabre and
embarked about 200 troops.
-4th June
0025
The Sabre left harbour and the transport
left at about the same time. The
Whitshed then went alongside and
embarked a further 400/500 troops.
0245
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 444
Sailed for Dover.
0530
troops. (3)
Total 1,038
Authority - R.O.I., p.175.
& It is not craft these were.
this
shipped
Cdr. Condor known says which this was the M.T.B.102;
(3) D.R. however at Dover at that time.
317

Details

WINCHELSEA (D.46) 11th Destroyer Flotilla Lt. Cdr. W.A.F.
2200
29th May
Arrived Sailed for off Dover from Plymouth.
Hawkins, R.N.
2300
0211
30th May
Sent Detailed survivors away the a of whaler the and picked up 4
0315
Arrived to pick up trawler inder. Lord Orry. Grey]
0515
0630
Sailed One Allied ship's aircraft for Bray. boats. Dover driven Embarked with off 480 by troops gunfire. by
route troops on board. British Delayed and on
1040
by fog.
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 458 British,
1415
French and Belgian troops.
To Dunkirk by X route, the dr.
1800
Codrington in company.
1940
Alongside Dunkirk pier. Embarked troops
Sailed for Dover.
31st May
0015
Dover. Disembarked 925 troops.
0730
To Bray beach.
1000ca
Arrived off Bray. Embarkation slow
1645
owing to lack of boats. (see Two Rivers)
1832
Attack by 40 dive bombers. No damage.
Secured alongside Dunkirk pier.
1930
50 bombers attack. Winchelsea left
the jetty when raid commenced and
secured alongside on its completion.
No damage.
2345
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,172
British and French troops.
1st June
0130
To Dunkirk.
0630
Alongside Dunkirk pier. Embarked troops
0745
Heavily dive bombed. The dr. Ivanhoe
seen to be hit.
0830
Bombed again; Winchelsea still un-
damaged. Proceeded.
1100ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,150 troops
2240
To Dunkirk, in company with dr.
Whitshed.
2nd June
0230
Secured Dunkirk pier. Embarked troops.
0300
-
Arrived To Dover. Dover. Disembarked 1,100 troops
-
Arrived Dunkirk pier. Embarked troops.
To Dunkirk.
2300
3rd June
2341
To Dover.
-
Dover. Disembarked 152 troops.
1330
Left Dover for Portsmouth.
Total 4,957.
Authority - R.O.I., p.177.
322

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. CODRINGTON. - Captain George Frederick Stevens-Guille.D.S.O.
O.B.E., R.N. (Decorated for this operation
in London Gazette 7/6/40).
During the period 28th May - 3rd June CODRINGTON made
7 trips to Dunkirk, 5 being to the beaches, and brought
home a total of about 6175 troops.
Although several times attacked by aircraft and on
several occasions under gun fire from shore batteries,
CODRINGTON was not hit and suffered no damage.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard, R.N.
In charge of CODRINGTON's beach parties on each
occasion of embarking troops from La Panne and Bray.
Performed this duty, often under fire and in trying
and difficult circumstances, with great skill, setting
an excellent example to his men.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant-Commander Peter Charles Oswald Moseley, R.N.
Carried out his duties as Navigating Officer with
conspicuous skill and ability under conditions of
exceptional difficulty.
Recommended for mention.
Lieutenant-Commander Hugh Charles Bainbridge Coleridge, D.S.O.,
R.N.
As executive officer of the ship organised and
led the ship's company throughout the period. He
showed an excellent example of continuous cheerful
leadership.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. Bernard Evelyn Chitty. Commissioned Gunner (T), R.N.
Displayed excellent seamanship and leadership in
charge of boats evacuating troops from La Panne and
Bray beaches often under fire. This was often carried
out under adverse weather conditions calling for skill
and endurance.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
The Beach parties and boats' crews performed
arduous services under fire and under trying physical
conditions.
The efficiency of the A/A guns' crews prevented
the ship being damaged in the numerous air attacks.
The conduct of the whole ship's company was
excellent throughout, and the good spirit with which
all concerned accepted the filling of all the living
spaces with troops, with consequent litter, not to say
dirt, was cemarkable. Everyone did his best at all

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
DESTROYERS (continued).
H.M.S. WAKEFUL.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant John Septimus Percival-Jones, R.N.
H.M.S. WHITSHED.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Edward Reignier Conder, R.N.
H.M.S. WINCHELSEA.
Officers.
Lieutenant Roland Chirwell Watkin, R.N.
Lieutenant (E) Richard William George Logg, R.N.
Ratings.
Chief Stoker Edward Graimes, P/K.46095.
Stoker 2nd Class Albert Norman Griffiths, P/KX.103743.
George Spencer Sutcliff, Canteen Manager.
H.M.S. WINDSOR.
Officers.
Lieutenant Cyril George Hart Brown, R.N.
Sub. -Lieutenant Michael Harvey Collar, R.N.
Commanding Engineer Robert Arthur Marsh, R.N.
Ratings:
C.E.R.A.2Frederick Edward Standing, P/M.39535.
Chief Stoker Bernard Gillam, P/K.56298.
E.R.A.3 Reginald Bone, P/MX.52059.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer Stanley Thomas Rosser, P/KX.
75570.
Acting Leading Stoker George Alexander Langlands, P/KX.
77751.
Stoker 1st Class Robert Shields, P/K.17772.
Chief Petty Officer Frederick Charles Hallett, P/J.33846
Petty Officer Stanley Gordon Renouf, P/J.108703.
Able Seaman Jack Lamb Ritchie, ESDX,1805.
Able Seaman Reginald William Buckle, P/JX.158915.
Ordinary Seaman James Seivwright, ESDX.1956.
Leading Seaman Thomas Reginald Dibble, W.65216.
Leading Telegraphist David Ballard, P/J.30932.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant Philip Roger Canning Higham, R.N.

Details

recommendation, they following awards as each
For the rest, submit after the a careful review of
appropriate:-
CBE. (Military)
To be Additional Excellent Commanders Order of of the the Military Division
of the Most British
X
Captain William Raigersfeld de Styrap Phillimore, R.N.
x
Commodore Edward Glyn O.B.E. (Military) Jukes-Hughes, (Retired) (Reta.
To be an Additional Excellent Officer Order of of the the Military Division
of the Most British Empire:
Commander Robert Gordon Hood Linzee, R.N. (Retd.)
M.B.E. (Military)
To be an Additional Member of the Military Division
of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:
Inspector of Shipwrights D.S.O. F.H. Harvey (ex Chatham Dockyard)
To be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order:
Captain Jack Grant Bickford, D.S.C., R.N., H.M.S. EXPRESS.
Captain Eric Wheler Bush, D.S.C., R.N.,
Commander Eric Percival Hinton, R.N., H.M.S. HALCYON
Commander Reginald Wastell English, Group Officer, Dover
Commander Edward Cawdron Cordeaux, M.B., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P., R.N., (Retd. .) H.M.S. ROYAL
Commander Jeffery Elliott, R.N.R., H.M.S. KING ORRY
Commander John Charles Keith Dowding, R.D., R.N.R.,
H.M.S. MONA'S ISLE
Commander Edward Reginald Lewis, R.N.
Commander Michael Oliver Dundas Ellwood, R.N., (Retd.),
(Beach Organisation)
Commander Hector du Plessis Richardson, R.N.,
(Beach Organisation)
Acting Commander Grenville Mathias Temple, R.N.,
H.M.S. SUTTON
Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, R.N.,
H.M.S. SALAMANDER
Lieutenant-Commander Humphrey Gilbert Boys-Smith, R.N.R.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. TWENTE.
Lieutenant Robert Bill, R.N., Dover Minesweeping
Trawlers,
Lieutenant Archibald Gray, R.N., Dutch Skoot
H.M.S. HILDA
Surgeon Lieutenant John Jordan, M.B., B.Ch., R.N.,
H.M.S. BIDEFORD
2sc
The Distinguished Service Cross:
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard, R.N., H.M.S.
Lieutenant-Commander Richard John
Hullis Couch, R.N.,
ESK.
Lieutenant Clifford Woodreiff Carter, R.N., H.M.S. H.M.S.
Lieutenant David Hugh R.N.
ESK.
Surgeon Lieutenant
Mr. Reginald William Clare, wishart Shield, M.S.ORATO Gunner (T), R.N.,
Lieutenant Francis Bruen, R.N., H.M.S. GRENADE. JAGUAR.
Lieutenant Adams, R.N., H.M.S. KETTH.
Lieutenant Derek Peel Willan, R.N., H.M.S. H.M.S. ICARUS ICARUS
Gregson Roper, R.M.,
Captain W.H. Hughes, Master, S.S. SCOTIA.

Details

196
211
5.
cortly assist after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with him
tack on the way. I then embarked General Alexander and transferred
these on the pler and in the control and berthing of shipping had been parties over
dly damaged to be of use. She was sent back to England.
sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine out of action and was too
were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Commander Clouston sent
by by 2200. There was a fresh Northerly breese and this, coupled with the
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
Road tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in berthing until the
haft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
de turned and the breeze dropped. Large numbers of French fishing and other
230 the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Captain Tennant and the rest of the
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to berth by pushing them. By
lival party left in M.T.B. 102. The absence of the naval borthing parties,
abarked with the last of the B.E.F., was much felt, and the French did nothing
replace them.
There was then a very long pause before any French troops
Roaded. name down to the East pier. One ship was alongside * hours before she was
B°
There were large numbers of French troops at the West Quay and
wo Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the ROUSE, went
ground when clearing and I was reluctant to risk any more. Also this plar
as supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did go there.
OUEN refoated at High tide next day and returned safely.
9.
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the ships
vailable could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
several Fleet Sweepers empty and also at least two Personnel Ships.
50.
This was a disappointing night. For scose reason the French did not
some down and did not appear in any numbers until about half an hoghe before dam.
The reason given was that a dounter-attack had to be made. At 0300 there were
three Personnel Ships alongaide and I had to order then to leave at 0310. The
Slockships arrived at 0310 and I laft for Dover shortly aftermatis.
Light 3/4 June.
51.
For this night the time available for embarkation, 2230 to 0230, was
reduced by an hour, and it was planned to use both Bast and West piers in addition
from small boats. For upper the West pier schools, minesweepars, and two correttes
to small craft at the quays of the harbour. Vessels also lay off for loading
were detailed. East pier was to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, and 4 Paddlers.
WEITSHED was to land berthing parties at 2200.
52.
I want over in M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to find the harbour
swarming with French fishing boats on their way in and the piers full of troops.
very 53. was tide turned at 2330. WHITSHED and three Ships
There again a fresh Northerly wind and berthing conditions Personnel were
and later difficult until the for over an hour to get alongaide, and finally I took in
some of SABRE were trying off WEITSHED and landed them. No ship succeeding
berthing the berthing party until 2330 so that only three hours was available for
at the It East is pier remarkable that in spite of this only case paddler was unable
the East pier.
54. continual Owing to fresh ships, the harbour entrance got very which
the delay in borthing, the mmbers of small craft congested and and the
the ships there were handled no collisions in these constricted waters. Time and again feared
that arrival of is ude solely to the magnificent way in I
a ship would were go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

Details

- 325
- 6 -
Processings by H.H.S. SADRE for the period 37th May to 5th June.
her assistance, and a report sent by W/I. It is not known whether
"Páris" was bombed, or minetyl; but a drifting nine was
signted not DE away.
Shortly afterwards, the ship came under fire ( which
was returned ) in the Vicinity of No. 5W buoy: smoke was nade and no
damage was suffered.
At 2110 secured instite the wrecked trawler at East Pier
and embarked troops. These were all part of the rearguard of the B.E.F.
and included men or the Green Howards. Only 15 case on board in
stretchers, but a further 50 001 were carried by thair conrades and
the seamen: nost of these collapsed on arrival, an. over 50 had to be
hoisted out on stretchers at Dover. Their courage was mynificent and
I never heard a complaint and hardly ever a groan.
On leaving the harbour, Clashing signals ware observed
from the wreck of the "Nosquito:"the bow was placed alongaide har, and
three men taken off. They turned out to be Royal Artillery Officers
who had evaded capture by paddling off in a small boat. The boat had
evidently been made fast with a "Soldiers hitch and had drifted away
leaving them stranded: they were fortunate in finiting a signal lantern
and so being able to attract attention. Proceeded with *Shikari* at
2200 and arrived at Dover at 0120/3.
Left Dover at 8020/3 for the [un] trip. "Yenemous"
who was in company, had been delayed, but caught to with "SABRE"
near Ruytinguen bank buoy. Entered Dunkirk harbour at 2250 and lay
off while the transports berthed: /"SABRE" then berthed between two
transports where there would not have been room for & larger destroyer.
"Whitshed" had arrived ear lier but had not yet barthed: her starn
was Placed alongside "SABRE's" DOW and troops ware passed over to
her until there was room for her to barth at the pier. By this time
"SABRES" was full up, having embarked nearly 600 French troops and
T

Details

APPENDIX I.
160
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
162
-
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
A.A. CRUISER:
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VIMY
(40)
SLOOPS:
BIDEFORD
GUNBOATS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
UNESWEEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
EL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGO
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO
A/S VESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SANGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
re
SPECIAL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
ESSELS:
"LL" TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
it
A/S TRAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
ore
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WESTELLA
an
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
ue
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
all
INE RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
SILVER DAWN
RIFTERS:
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

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Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
APPENDIX. VI.
179
to
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
177
5
Enemy aircraft destroyed by ships' fire.
Ship.
Locality.
Time.
Polish T.B.D. BLYSKAWICA
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
0315/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
1130/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND
1140/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.P.M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
1500/27
North Goodwin.
HcM.Sc MONTROSE
Dawn/28
Near Kwinte Buoy.
M.T.B. 16
1500/28
Bray.
1530/28
H.M.S. SABRE and other ships
Dunkirk Harbour.
1630/29
H.M.S. BIDEFORD
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. EXPRESS
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
Bray.
1900/29
S.S. LEVENWOOD (Store ship}
Bray.
S.S. LEVENWOOD ( - do
1210/31
Bray.
1220/31
H.M. Skoot AMAZONE
Dunkirk Roads.
1440/31
H.M.S. HEBE
La Panne.
1700/31
af
H.M.S. SCIMITAR and other
ships
Bray.
1700/31
S.S. LADY OF MAN (Trassport) Dunkirk Roads.
1700/31
nd
H.M.Y. ARONIA
La Panne.
1830/31
H.M.S. WHITSHED
Dunkirk Roads.
1930/31
H.M.S. SALTASH
Bray.
2000/31
S.S. NEPHRITE (Store ship)
On Route X.
2030/31
H.M.Y. GRIVE
Dunkirk Roads.
2030/31
H.M.Y. ARONIA
Dunkirk Harbour.
0500/1
H.M.S. IVANHOE
La Panne.
0530/1
is
H.M.S. LYDD
Bray.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER
Dunkirk Harbour.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER and
other ships
Dunkirk Roads.
0610/1
H.M.Ships CODRINGTON,
3
HARVESTER and others
Off Gravelines.
0750/1
S
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
La Panne.
0900/1
H.M.S. MALLARD
On Route X.
1015/1
H.M.S. CALCUTTA
Between W and Y Buoys.
1020/1
H.M.P. M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
West of Dunkirk.
1600/1
H.M.Y. ALOUETTE
Off Gravelines.
1700/1
H.M.Y. CRISTOBEL II and
other ships
La Panne.
1730/1.
H.M.S. WORCESTER
Dunkirk Roads.
2000/1
TOTAL: 35 enemy aircraft definitely destroyed by ships'
gun fire between 0300/27 and 2000/1.
ery
In addition over the same period 21 others were heavily
damaged by ships' fire (and seen in distress but
NOT seen to crash definitely) of H.M. Ships HARVESTI
IVANHOE, VIVACIOUS, WINCHELSEA, WOLFHOUND, SABRE,
LOCUST, FITZROY, LYDD, MALLARD, MOSQUITO, WOLSEY,
EXPRESS, JAGUAR, GLEN AVON, ORIOLE, H.N.Y. ARONIA,
as
Storeship NEPHRITE and French M.T.B.24.
)p]
Note: On 30th May flying conditions were bad and few
enemy aircraft operated. After the 1st June
operations proceeded only between dusk and day.
i

Details

14
For 2230 this and night the time was cut down by
306 303
destroyers docks of the inner harbour; the go right up
quays and 0230. The small craft were to an hour to between to the
and the and paddle sweepers were to use the transports, East
to remainder the West Quay. Arrangements Pier, made
bring off the French Admiral in MA/SB 7, as his were own
MTBs were said to be out of action.
Naval pier and berthing parties for the East Pier, under
Cdr. Buchanan, were to go over early in WHITSHED. I went
over in MTB 102 which had a cruising engine - very useful
inside the crowded harbour. On the way over we passed
other ships which had started earlier, and in the distance
they seemed to be having a hot time from an air attack.
2220
I got over at 2220 to find the harbour swarming with French
fishing craft and vessels of all sorts. They were yelling
and crowding alongside the East Pier which was already
thick with French troops. Managed to get them out of the
way of transports and destroyers in time and go on up the
inner harbour.
WHITSHED also arrived at 2220, but owing to fresh easterly
wind and west-going tide she could not get alongside pier
where there was no one who would take a line. She was
soon followed by SABRE and KINGFISHER. KINGFISHER was
sent to the West Quay, but the others were backing and
filling in the narrow harbour trying to get alongside and
(38)
being continually set off. Situation was not made easier
by the stream of French craft coming in or leaving harbour;
seamanship displayed was really magnificent. A small hand:
handy tug to push them in would have been invaluable.
Could not use the MTB for this as a similar attempt on the
previous night had put the MA/SB's engine out of action.
2300
Took some of the berthing party from WHITSHED to land them
on the pier, but had great difficulty in getting alongside,
2330
even in the MTB. Finally got them ashore, and by 2330
WHITSHED, SABRE and 3 personnel ships were alongside.
Note.- There was a wreck alongside the pier itself, a
wrecked trawler off the end of the piling on the west side
of the up-harbour channel and blockships sunk in the
channel: task of these ships in getting alongside against
wind and tide could hardly have been more difficult.
Luckily tide was high. Meanwhile, schuyts, Fleet sweepers
and French TBs had been making their way into the West Quay
where embarkation was going well.
The hold up at the East Pier had thrown out the programme
tion in the entrance. At times had to stop ships coming
of ships entering the harbour and there was great conges-
in the move and the handling of them was
to let others out in safety, but ships seemed marvellous. always to
be Collisions on were inevitable: KINGFISHER was badly holed trawler by
a her D.G. cable had been cut and there were plenty to Dover.
French trawler. She transferred her troops to a of
magnetic of 6 E-boats proceeding S. W. from off the
as mines about. Then she was sent off back Ostende.
4th June.
0100
Report (Several ships of all sizes lying stopped harbour
KELLETT breakwater. A lifeboat towed her to risk keep- and
entrance.) aground on a falling tide, right up stern against clear the
0140
western refloated. Was then too near daylight have been
she her: West Quay was occupied and it would then so slow
ing time before she could be loaded. By her return, as a
some would be exposed to great danger on our fighter
(39)
ship might not be able to get back while empty.
she were operating. Sent her back
Flow bad pauses. The first group quickly personnel
patrols of men on the East Pier was better this night, of but
there were and destroyers some got away by 0100 there and were were crowds
replaced by West Quay where more ships could be know so the at
ships others. All the time used, of
men on the led a large personnel ship, which did clear, not another
0145
0145 I this berth. As soon as she was till 0330,
way, - ROYAL into SOVEREIGN - went in and stayed there At
i.e. half an hour after the time intended.

Details

345
342
- 37 -
3/6
had been thought to be the last and thon each day the chigo had been enked
for one EOYO offort, By this time many of the Commanding Officers and in
were at the limit of their endurance and the Vice Admiral did not Sool to
could order ships to go over. Accordingly D. signal was made solding that
ships would be ready and able to go, and finally 10 transports, G destroyers,
8 mineswoopers, 4 paddle sweepers, 2 corvottes, 2 yachts, ]. gunboat, 10
drifters, 5 scoots and 1 this were collected. Bosides these there was a
large number of small craft and hoats 0.5 before.
For this night the time was cut down by an hour to between 2230 and
0230. The small craft were to go right up to the quays and docks of the
innor harbour, the transports, destroyers and 4. paddle sycopers MCIC to use
the East Pier and the remainder the West Quay. irvangoments were also made
to bring off the Fronch Admiral in MASB.No. 7 as his own M.T.B.S vote soid
to bo out of action.
Naval pier and borthing partion for the East Piar under Commender
Buchanan were to go over early in H.M.S. "WHITSHED." I went over in M.S.B.
102, the same that had brought ne away from the "KEITH." This boat had a
cruising ongine which was very usoful when we were noving about incide in
the confined waters of the harbour, which were crowded with smill creft. On
the way we passed other ships who had started carlier, and in the distance
they seemed to be having a hot time from an air attack,
I got over tvt 2200 to find the harhour with French fishing
craft and vessels of all sorts. They were yelling and crowding alongside
the East Pier which was alroady thick with French troops. At one time 11
100ked as if they would get in the way of the Transports and destroyers which
were on their way, but I managed to get them to [0 on w the innor herbour
and out of the way in time.
"WHITSHED" arrived at 2220, but owing to a fresh Easterly wind and the
Westgoing tide she could not get alongside the pier where there VOD no one
who could be persuaded to assist by taking a lina. She was soon followed
"SABRE" and "KINGFISHER." The "KINGPISHER" was sont into the Wont to may got
by the others were backing and filling in the narrow harbour buying easter
but alongaide and being continually net off. The situation was not made

Details

346
343
- 38
3/6,
by the stream of French craft coming in or loaving the harbour and the
scamanship displayed was really magnificent. A small handy tug to push them
in would have been invaluable. I could not use the M.T.B. for this as a
similar attempt on a previous night had put the M.S.A.B.'s ongine out of
action.
About 2300 I took some of the borthing party from the "WHITSHED" to
land them on the pier but had great difficulty in getting alongsido even in
the M.T.B. Finally, however, they got ashore, and by 2330 three personnel
ships, "WHITSHED" and "SABRE" were alongsido. When 10 is remombered that there
was a wrock alongside the pier itself, a wrecked trawler off the and of the
piling on the West side of the up harbour channel and block ships sunl: to this
channel, the task of these ships manocuvring to get alongside against the
wind and tide could hardly have been more difficult. Luckily the tido was
high. In the meantime, Scoots, French T.B.S and Floot sweepers had been
making their way into the West Quay and the embarkation from there was going
well.
The hold up at the East Pier had however thrown out the programme of
ships entering the harbour and there WOR great congestion in the entrance,
I had to stop ships coming in at times so that other chips could get out in
safety, but there seemed never a moment when ships were not on the movein the
dark, in waters that were alive with small craft, and the handling of the
ships in these congested waters Was marvellous, It was hardly to be expected
however that there would be 110 collisions, and "KTNOFTSHSR" was hit and badly
holed by a French trawler. She transferrod her troops to a traviler 88 her D.C.
cable was outland there wore plenty of magnetic mines about. Then she was
sent back to Dover.
At 0100 there came a report of 6 enemy H.T.B.S proceeding South Weet
4/6
from off Ostend. This was rather disconcerting news with soverel transports,
destroyers and other craft lying stopped off the entrance to the harbour.
There were other troubles as well, for the "KELLET" reported at 0240 that
she was aground. The tide was falling and she could be seen right up against
the Western breakwater. Luckily a lifeboat managed to tow her storn clear and
she got afloat again. It was then too near daylight to risk keeping her. The
West quay was occupied and it would be some time before she could be loaded.

Details

APPENDIX I.
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
RUISER:
CALCUTTA
YERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VILY
BIDEFORD
TS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
EEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
EL
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WESTWARD HO
ESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SARGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
AL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
LS:
ROYAL EAGLE
TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
RAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WISTELLA
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
ERS:
SILVER DAWN
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

Details

Details

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recomme ations of Personnel - List 'B
DESTROYERS (continued).
I.M.S. WAKEFUL.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant John Septimus Percival-Jones, R.N.
H.M.S. WHITSHED.
Commanding Officer.
DSC
Commander Edward Reignier Conder, R.N.
H.M.S. WINCHELSEA.
Officers.
Lieutenant Roland Chirwell Watkin, R.N.
Lieutenant (E) Richard William George Logg, R.N.
Ratings.
Chief Stoker Edward Graimes, P/K.46095.
Stoker 2nd Class Albert Norman Griffiths, P/KX.103743.
George Spencer Sutaliff, Canteen Manager.
H.M.S. WINDSOR.
Officers.
Lieutenant Cyril George Hart Brown, R.N.
Sub. -Lieutenant Michael Harvey Collar, R.N.
Commanding Engineer Robert Arthur Marsh, R.N.
Ratings:
C.E.R.A.2Frederick Edward Standing, P/M.39535.
Chief Stoker Bernard Gillam, P/K.56298.
E.R.A.3 Reginald Bone, P/MX.52059.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer Stanley Thomas Rosser,P/KX.
75570.
Acting Leading Stoker George Alexander Langlands, P/KX.
77751.
Stoker 1st Class Robert Shields, P/K.17772.
Chief Petty Officer Frederick Charles Hallett, P/J.33846.
Petty Officer Stanley Gordon Renouf, P/J.108703.
Able Seaman Jack Lamb Ritchie, ESDX.1805.
Able Seaman Reginald William Buckle, P/JX.158915.
Ordinary Seaman James Seivwright, ESDX.1956.
Leading Seaman Thomas Reginald Dibble, 1.65216.
Leading Telegraphist David Ballard, P/J.30932.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant Philip Roger Canning Higham, R.N.

Details

Lieutenant Derek Peel Willan. Rovel
H
:
you publication in next
authorised for press
H.I
Landa Subtemant
3
he admiralty
REGIST
15, Sunningdale Drive
which
S.W.1. 1.
Oakwood
August,
The Sicretary of the Admirally.
Sun. Salford. Oct13/40
I that
Dear Sir
I big to acknowledge receive with
Ks, for the Copy of The Second supplement to The
insus /40 m
9 of my award-
8th October,
0
CW.19295/40
edging same as I
Sir,
rs Daythfully
I am commanded by My Lords
b. . mason
Commissioners of the Admiralty to thank
you for your letter WHC/EF/JS 10607 of
the 14th June, 1940, concerning the
Radio offices
services of Captain Mallory, Master of
the S.S. MALINES in the Dunkirk with-
drawal, and I am to say that Their
Lordships have given full consideration
to all reports that have been received
of the Services of Officers in this
operation.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
rean Cowley not only
It is hoped that
"Iuence in the Isle
good name.
The General Secretary,
The Officers (Merchant
Navy) Federation,
23 Leadenhall Street,
London, E.C.3.
retry
AD
S AXOMENT ALLEEMO 77239
BICO DIO SEX Group n
Lieutenant Artnur Alan whitshed POLICE TEEMS go CAHOJ 0 LEARTS (1) RESEER
Captain
Roval Navy, H.M.S. Codrington.
YES
Transport Levenwood.

Details

ieutenant Derek Peel Willan
you publication in next
authorised for press
ant
H
1
H
/
Cn
admiralty
REGISTRY
15, Sunningdale Drive, whic
S.W.1. 1.
Oakwood
h Aug
he Scretamy of the admirally.
Sun. Salford Oct13/40
Dear Sir
I big to acknowledge receive with
thanks, for the Copy of The Incond supplement to The
which I am listed for The granting of my award-
don Mazette of Fruday the 16 angus /40 m
Opologismi for the delay in acknowledging same as I
have only just returned from sea.
fours Raythfully
b. Imason
Radio officer
LATHON
not
only
his employment but also his reputation. It is hoped that
Lord Granville will now use his great influence in the Isle
of Man to help restore Captain Cowley's good name.
12th May, 1941.
Captain
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard,
Transport
Levenwood. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Codrington.

Details

Lieutenant Derek Peel Willan
H.M.S.
you publication in
next
authorised for press
eutenant
Navy, H
Lieut
London gayelte Supplement
H
Me
wahicdrow
čorrectionsindicated below are made in the notification which
appeared The in Supplementary London Gazette No 34925, dated 16th August, 19
1940:-
0
Page 5064.
the heading To be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order.
I Hall
Havy
should
3
Second Sea Lord.
On reading F.O.C.Dover's report quoted in the letter from
the Governor of the Isle of Man, the Admiralty shared the
view of the Governor and no award was made to "Manxman" at
the time (Gasette 16.8.40). Early in January however the
abbed X.
Admirality received from the Ministry of Shipping a copy of a
letter addressed to the Ministry, on 31st December 194.0, by
the Mercantile Marine Service Association. In the light
of this letter it appeared that an injustice might have
been done, possibly through misunderstanding on the part of
the Sea Transport Officer, and F. O.C. Dover was asked to
abbed T.
enquire and report.
abbed 2.
His reply exonerated Captain Cowley and he was avarded a
Mention in Despatches and sent a letter informing him of this
and expressing regret at the misunderstanding. A certificate
of his Mention WD.S also sent to him.
For come months the mistake cost Cantain Cowley not only
his employment but also his reputation. It is hoped that
Lord Granville will now use his great influence in the Isle
of Man to help restore Captain Cowley's good name.
12th May, 1941.
Captain
Transport LevenwoRd.val Navy, H.M.S. Codrington.
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard,

Details

Page 2.
HICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
CRUISER.
TTTA
ROYERS.
ONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
LISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
INGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
ESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
ANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
TON
MALCOIM
WHITSHED
ADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
HOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
ESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
NT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
US
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
LSIVE
VANQUISHER
P.
EFORD
VETTES.
LLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
GFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
BOATS.
UST
#
MOSQUITO
ESWEEPERS.
ROSS
URY
HEBE
SALAMANDER
GHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALTASH
GHTON QUEEN
LEDA
SANDOWN
ONIA
LYDD
SHARPSHOOTER
HESS OF FIFE
MARMION
MEDWAY QUEEN
SKIPJACK
DALK
SNAEFELL
PEROR OF INDIA
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
CZROY
ORIOLE
SUTTON
ENAVON
PANGBOURNE
WAVERLEY
ENGOWER
PLINLIMMON
WESTWARD HO
SSAMER
PORTSDOWN
CIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
LCYON
QUEEN OF THANET
(Continued)
Sunk.

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
CODRINGTON.
-
Captain
H.M.S.
in
home a 6175 troops.
7 trips total of about being to the beaches, CODRINGTON and brought
During to Dunkirk, the period 5 28th May - 3rd June made
CODRINGTON several was not under hit gun fire from shore batteries, and
Although occasions several times attacked by aircraft on
and suffered no damage.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard, R.N.
In charge of CODRINGTON's beach parties
D.S.C
Performed this duty, often under fire and in trying
occasion of embarking troops from La Panne and on Bray. each
and difficult circumstances, with great skill, setting
an excellent example to his men.
Recommended for decoration.
X
Lieutenant-Commander Peter Charles Oswald Moseley, R.N.
Carried out his duties as Navigating Officer with
M
conspicuous skill and ability under conditions of
exceptional difficulty.
Recommended for mention.
Lieutenant-Commander Hugh Charles Bainbridge Coleridge, D.S.O.,
R.N.
As executive officer of the ship organised and
led the ship's company throughout the period. He
M
showed an excellent example of continuous cheerful
leadership.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. Bernard Evelyn Chitty, Commissioned Gunner (T), R.N.
Displayed excellent seamanship and leadership in
M
charge of boats evacuating troops from La Panne and
Bray beaches often under fire. This was often carried
JD.S.C
out under adverse weather conditions calling for skill
and endurance.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
arduous The services under fire and under trying physical
Beach parties and boats' crews performed
conditions. efficiency of the A/A guns' crews prevented attacks.
the ship The being damaged in the numerous air was
The conduct and the good spirit the living which
of the whole ship's company with
excellent throughout, accepted the filling of all not to
all concerned troops, with consequent litter, his heat. at. all say
spaces dirt, was with remarkable. Everyone

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
STROYERS (continued).
M.S. WAKEFUL.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant John Septimus Percival-Jones, R.N.
M.S. WHITSHED.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Edward Reignier Conder, R.N.
.M.S. WINCHELSEA.
Officers.
Lieutenant Roland Chirwell Watkin, R.N.
Lieutenant (E) Richard William George Logg, R.N.
Ratings.
Chief Stoker Edward Graimes, P/K.46095.
Stoker 2nd Class Albert Norman Griffiths, P/KX.103743.
George Spencer Sutaliff, Canteen Manager.
I.M.S. WINDSOR.
Officers.
Lieutenant Cyril George Hart Brown, R.N.
Sub. Lieutenant Michael Harvey Collar, R.N.
Commanding Engineer Robert Arthur Marsh, R.N.
Ratings:
C.E.R.A.2Frederick Edward Standing, P/M.39535.
Chief Stoker Bernard Gillam, P/K.56298.
E.R.A.3 Reginald Bone, P/MX.52059.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer Stanley Thomas Rosser, P/KX.
75570.
Acting Leading Stoker George Alexander Langlands, P/KX.
77751.
Stoker 1st Class Robert Shields, P/K.17772.
Chief Petty Officer Frederick Charles Hallett, P/J.33846.
Petty Officer Stanley Gordon Renouf, P/J.108703.
Able Seaman Jack Lamb Ritchie, ESDX.1805.
Able Seaman Reginald William Buckle, P/JX.158915.
Ordinary Seaman James Seivwright, ESDX.1956.
Leading Seaman Thomas Reginald Dibble, .65216.
Leading Telegraphist David Ballard, P/J.30932.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant Philip Roger Canning Higham, R.N.

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
.S. CODRINGTON. - Captain George Frederick Stevens-Guille.D.
O.B.E.. R.N. (Decorated for this operation
in London Gazette 7/6/40).
During the period 28th May - 3rd June CODRINGTON made
7 trips to Dunkirk, 5 being to the beaches, and brought
home a total of about 6175 troops.
Although several times attacked by aircraft and on
several occasions under gun fire from shore batteries,
CODRINGTON was not hit and suffered no damage.
Recommendations.
'ICERS:
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard, R.N.
In charge of CODRINGTON's beach parties on each
occasion of embarking troops from La Panne and Bray.
DSC
Performed this duty, often under fire and in trying
and difficult circumstances, with great skill, setting
an excellent example to his men.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant-Commander Peter Charles Oswald Moseley, R.N.
Carried out his duties as Navigating Officer with
conspicuous skill and ability under conditions of
exceptional difficulty.
Recommended for mention.
Eaeutenant-Commander Hugh Charles Bainbridge Coleridge, D.S.O.,
R.N.
As executive officer of the ship organised and
led the ship's company throughout the period. He
showed an excellent example of continuous cheerful
Conadership.
Recommended for mention.
Chitty. Commissioned Gunner (T), R.N.
Brissand Gruded excellent seamanship and leadership in
a
hoishAoss. wot ats evacuating troops from La Panne and
Bor chitain derutten under fire. This was often carried
NEW nenisure weather conditions calling for skill
10001 Raded for decoration.
WINZO
and boats' crews performed
Vieranang THE altherer fire and under trying physical
instragtif the A/A guns' crews prevented
in the numerous air attacks.
sporvivte whole ship's company was
audres termarle sibnaditistand the good spirit with which
16:11:00 the filling of all the living
UNITED Deroh consequent litter, not to say
wone aid his heat at all

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. CODRINGTON. - Captain George Frederick Stevens-Guille, D.S.O.,
O.B.E., R.N. (Decorated for this operation
in London Gazette 7/6/40).
During the period 28th May - 3rd June CODRINGTON made
7 trips to Dunkirk, 5 being to the beaches, and brought
home a total of about 6175 troops.
Although several times attacked by aircraft and on
several occasions under gun fire from shore batteries,
CODRINGTON was not hit and suffered no damage.
Recommendations.
FFICERS:
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard, R.N.
In charge of CODRINGTON's beach parties on each
occasion of embarking troops from La Panne and Bray.
DSC
Performed this duty, often under fire and in trying
and difficult circumstances, with great skill, setting
an excellent example to his men.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant-Commander Peter Charles Oswald Moseley, R.N.
Carried out his duties as Navigating Officer with
conspicuous skill and ability under conditions of
exceptional difficulty.
Recommended for mention.
Lieutenant-Commander Hugh Charles Bainbridge Coleridge, D.S.O.,
R.N.
As executive officer of the ship organised and
led the ship's company throughout the period. He
showed an excellent example of continuous cheerful
leadership.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. Bernard Evelyn Chitty. Commissioned Gunner (T), R.N.
Displayed excellent seamanship and leadership in
charge of boats evacuating troops from La Panne and
Bray beaches often under fire. This was often carried
out under adverse weather conditions calling for skill
and endurance.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
The Beach parties and boats' crews performed
arduous services under fire and under trying physical
conditions.
The efficiency of the A/A guns' crews prevented
the ship being damaged in the numerous air attacks.
The conduct of the whole ship's company was
excellent throughout, and the good spirit with which
all concerned accepted the filling of all the living
spaces with troops, with consequent litter, not to say
dirt, was emarkable aid his best at all

Details

377
351
5.
2/3/6
attack on the way. I then embarked General Alexander and transferred him
shortly after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with parties
to assist on the pier and in the control and berthing of shipping had been sent over
but these were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Commander Clouston
was sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine cut of action and was too
badly damaged to be of use. She was sent back to England.
46.
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
away by 2200. There was a fresh Northerly breeze and this, coupled with the
flood tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in berthing until the
tide turned and the breeze dropped. Large mmbers of French fishing and other
craft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
2230 7. the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Captain Tennant and the rest of the
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to berth by pushing them.in. by
Naval party left in M.T.B. 102, The absence of the naval berthing parties,
embarked with the last of the B.E.F., was much folt, and the French did nothing
to replace them. There was then & very long pause before any French troops
came down to the East pier. One ship was alongside 20 hours before she vas
loaded.
TWO 8. Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the 300321, went
There were large mmbers of French troops at the Test Quar and
ground when clearing and I was reluctant to risk any more. Also this ydar
ras supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did & there.
OUEN refloated High tide next day and returned safely.
vailable 9. could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the alige
several Fleet Sweepers empty and also at least two Personnel Ships.
cme 0. down and did was not & appear in any mumbers until about half an hour before there were dam.
This disappointing night. For some reason the French did not
he was that a counter-attack had to be made. At 0300 The
hree reason Personnel given Ships alongside and I had to order then to leave at 0310.
lockships arrived at 0310 and I left for Dover shortly afterwants.
1ght 3/4 June.
educed by an hour, quays of the harbour. Teasels and lay two correttes
1. For this and night it was planned to use both East and West also piers off for addition loading
the time available for embartation, 2230 to 0230, in YES
rom ere detailed. small boats. East For pier was to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, Padilers.
0 small creft at the upper the West pier schoots, minesweepers, and s
HITSHED was to land berthing parties at 2200.
M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to find full the harbour of
warming 2. with I went French over fishing in boats on their way in and the piers troops.
There was again a fresh Northerly wind WHITSHED and berthing and three conditions Personnel were Ships
ary 3. difficult until the tide for turned over an at hour 2330. to get them. alongaide, No ship and succeeding finally I took in
nd later SABRE were trying WHITSHED and landed available for
abarkation. erthing at the It is remarkable pier that in spite of
one of the berthing East party until off 2330 so that only this three only hours one was paddler was unable
load from the East pier.
Owing to ships, the harbour entrance got in which
the delay in berthing, the numbers of mall very craft congested and and the
hat he there were handled no in these constricted waters. feared
ontinual arrival of collisions fresh is usle solely to the magnificent Time and way again I
ship ships would were go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

Details

MR
11
4 -
0442 Slipped and proceeded to Dover via route X.
0758 Secured alongside "Anthony" at Admiralty Pier.
Disembarked approximately 1000 soldiers.
0850 Secured alongside "Sandhurst" for distilled
water and repairs.
1318 Blipped from "Sandhurst" (no tugs were
available) and proceeded although unable to
obtain permission from Vice-Admiral, Dover.
At the Eastern entrance was ordered by Vice-Admiral,
Dover to return. Secured to
No.9 buoy and subsequently reverted to one
hour and then 21 hours notice to steam.
Whilst alongside "Sandhurst" ship's company
were very exhausted and, but for the fine
example of Officers and Petty Officers, might
have given way. It was perhaps fortunate
that Vice Admiral, Dover shortly after this
put the ship at longer notice and gave them
a nights rest. The spirit of the ship's
company the next day was immensely improved.
1930
Fuelled from "War Sepoy".
2215
Secured to No.11 buoy.
In harbour. During forenoon diving party
examined propellers, ship's company cleaned
up ship and mess decks and piped down at 1050.
2000
Embarked scaling ladders.
2206 Slipped and proceeded to be off Dunkirk at
0200 in accordance with Vice-Admiral, Dover's
1715 and 1740/2/6.
145 Arrived off Dunkirk. Several destroyers and
small vessels were lying off awaiting their
turn to proceed alongside.
212 Ordered by R.A.D. via D.1 that all destroyers
were to return to Dover except two detailed by
me. "Malcolm" and "whitshed" were detailed,
the remainder sailed.
248 R.A.D. ordered all destroyers return to Dover
which we did empty, to our sorrow.
530 Secured alongside "Codrington" at Eastern Arm.
600
Embarked new A.S.dome.
730
Embarked victuals for French troops and 2
French Naval ratings to assist in their
embarkation.
108
Slipped so as to be off Dunkirk in accordance
with Vice- Admiral, Dover's 1224/3/6.
023 Arrived off Dunkirk. Found several destroyers
and other vessels waiting their turn to go in

Details

24
the
27
- 4 -
0442 Slipped and proceeded to Dover via route X.
0758
Secured alongside "Anthony" at Admiralty Pier.
Disembarked approximately 1000 soldiers.
0850 Secured alongside "Sandhurst" for distilled
water and repairs.
1318
slipped from "Sandhurst" (no tugs were
available) and procesded although unable to
At the Eastern entrance was ordered by Vice-Admiral,
obtain cermission from Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Dover to return. Secured to
No.9 buoy and subsequently reverted to one
hour and then 2/2 hours notice to steam.
Whilst alongside "Sandhurst" ship's company
were very exhausted and, but for the fine
example of Officers and Petty Officers, might
have given way. It was perhaps fortunate
that Vice Admiral, Dover shortly after this
put the ship at longer notice and gave them
a nights rest. The spirit of the ship's
company the next day was immensely improved.
1930 Fuelled from "War Sepoy".
2215
Secured to No.11 buoy.
2nd June
In harbour. During forenoon diving party
up ship and mess decks and piped down at 1050.
examined propellers, ship's company cleaned
2000
Embarked scaling ladders.
2206
0200 in accordance with Vice-Admiral, Dover's
Slipped and proceeded to be off Dunkirk at
1715 and 1740/2/6.
3rd
June
0145
Arrived off Dunkirk. Several destroyers and
small vessels were lying off awaiting their
turn to proceed alongside.
0212 Ordered by R.A.D. via D.1 that all destroyers
were to return to Dover except two detailed by
me. "Halcolm" and "whitshed" were detailed,
the remainder sailed.
0248 R.A.D. ordered all destroyers return to Dover
which we did empty, to our sorrow.
0530 Secured alongside "Codrington" at Eastern Arm.
1600 Embarked new A.S.dome.
1730
Embarked victuals for French troops and 2
French Naval ratings to assist in their
embarkation.
2108
with Vice- Admiral, Dover's 1224/3/6.
Slipped so as to be off Dunkirk in accordance
0023 Arrived off Dunkirk. Found several destroyers in
and other vessels waiting their turn to go

Details

Department 324
23230
CONFIDENTIAL
LETTER OF PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. WHITSHED.
Portsmouth.
5th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that in accordance
with your instructions Ship under my command was
expeditiously repaired, guns being lifted and roller paths
cleaned and adjusted. The Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth
also authorised the removal of the after set of triple
torpedo tubes and the fitting of a twelve pounder H.A. gun
in this place and the conversion of the warhead magazine for
H.A. ammunition stowage. Ship also received a lot of plating
as splinter protection. Boilers were cleaned and repairs
made to engines and hull.
New officers and ratings joined and ship proceeded
at 2000 Friday, 51st May to Spithead. Ship's company were
drilled that evening and the Pollowing forenoon until the
magnetic mines in the entrance had been exploded and the
port re-opened to traffic when ship at once sailed for Dover,
arriving there at 1750.
1/6
there at 0130 and berthing at the outer berth on the western 2/6
Ship sailed at 2240, 1st June for Dunkirk arriving
side of the Eastern arm. On passage an aircraft which
dropped a large object ahead of the ship was fired at.
French destroyers off Dunkirk were frequently firing at
heard aircraft and & signal was sent asking whether these
were friendly or not, as if so it was most desirable that
firing should cease. No reply was received.
The jetty was empty and no troops could be found.
However by using the loud hailer army landing craft from the
beach on the other side of the pier started to bring troops
up the pier until I had collected enough troops English and
to the ship, while I landed and finding a bicycle proceeded
French to fill the ship. The bicycle also provided useful in
berthing two other destroyers and directing troops to board
transport for two wounded men, and I was able to help
them.
proceeded without inoident to Dover arriving at 0530.
I slipped at 0500 as dawn was breaking and
2/6
arriving there I found one airoraftsman had from
Ship at 0050. Just past W. buoy whistling survivor
left Dover at 2135 and proceeded to Dunkirk was
3/6
got Commander heard them and Clouston's eventually and R.A.F. Commander launch. Clouston A messerschmit had refused into to be
They by machine their gunned in the water. The with many
rescued about 1850 consort and had ordered it away conjestion Dunkirk. in
the harbour were made berthing impossible and together
other craft ship lay to outside.
The/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Part
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. WHITSHED.
The Rear Admiral (D) gave me orders to II
loud hailer and stop other ships entering and this
Some 80 troops and 10 civilians and others were en
from small craft. Orders were received to return
as no more troops were available and ship proceede
0245, When at No. 5 W. buoy H.M.S. HOLLAND was obs
apparently splitting in half and sinking. I stood
but survivors were taken off by M.T.B. 102 so I pr
arriving Dover at 0530.
A Dutch scoot flying the white ensign he
me in Dover harbour the previous afternoon piercin
oil tank. While off Dunkirk with H.M.S. MALCOLM 1:
across my bows an unknown paddle minesweeper rammed
stern and carried away part of the depth charge ra
Ship accordingly proceeded alongside Sandhurst when
damaged stern was made watertight.
although lying at one time alongside H. HEBE we
My ship's company were in very good heart
unaffected by their hysteria.
pier party ship sailed at 1900 for Dunkirk with the
Embarking Commander Buchanan, R.A.N. and
harmonica band playing.
jammed me in the entrance and and tide we
Ship arrived Dunkirk at 2215, 3rd June.
berth and a wire out but this got my I put part 0
ships off the Eastern arm. I the wind bows alongside
party into the M. T.B. that had parted. (D) abc
my and wires. The harbour was now French full of troops ships of all
again went alongside, but the Rear Asmiral would I
brow SABRE who had slipped and my me. I gave 8
alongside M. a transport's stern stern alon
sizes backing and filling. Eventually I got II
as to the transport to assist in inside them in embarking to
one the very tide was small narrow brow. or She, four however, decided th
they only had some three hundred on boar
more board. and about I or that ens fell can troops the Perforce same use M.T.B'S in falling sight time. I were of I she By sailed this again must now down at number I at and leave high had the 0245 embarked nn harbour about speed and board having H.M.S. 200 and with a and been furthe troops salvo SABRE so my the WI V
manoeuvring uncomfortably of to the ship One while
passage made in dense from fog. within a mile arrived of the Dover breakwa at
of After making of arrangements which about the was admin th
sailed at 1315 for a
I have the honour to be, Sir
Your obedient Servanys
The (Copies Vice (Sga.) E.R. CONDER
CANADA

Details

Dynamo 336.
2979
SECRET.
WAR. DIARIES.
DOVER
In compliance with Memo No. A14/0/330/40 dated 5th
February, the following record of the part played by the Dock-
yard Departments at Dover in the events which took place between 10th
May 1940 and 5th June, 1940 is forwarded.
ON MAY 10TH, at 0400 the German invesion of Holland, Belgium
and Luxemburg began.
In accordance with previous orders the operation XD was commenced
at about 0630 May 10th, and by 0830 over 20 tons of explosives had
been placed on board "Falconet", "Lady Brassey", "Gondia" and
"Simla". These stores and & Naval Demolition Party of 300 men
were then embarked in H.M.S. "Whitshed" "Wild Swan" "Verity" and
"Brillient" who sailed at noon for Dutch and Belgian ports.
ON MAY 11th. H.M.S. "Whitshed" arrived with several easualties
H.M.S. "Sandhurst" and at once taken in hand for repairs.
and damage caused by heavy air attacks. She was placed alongside At
2030 H.M.S. "Venimous" and "Verity" each embarked a Royal Marine
detachment with stores and ammunition and proceeded at midnight
for the Hook of Holland.
FROM TO MAY 22ND the principle activities in the Some Dockyard
were MAY 11TH with repairs to ships damaged by bombs.
destroyers concerned had between 50 and 80 holes caused by bomb splinters or or
aircraft patching. cannon, Damage to electrical circuits was also by
repairs to which were affected by welding sustained
nearly all
Belgian coast became expended and the difficulty of for the sole duty
The supply urgent owing to the large embarking number this rounds at of
ships. of ammunition to vessels operating of on the
A.A. ammunition Some destroyers were detailed coast. A
any of other port. to the vessels on the Belgian for them where
berth crane and at West reilway Pier, facilities are available. also
carrying ammunition Submarine Basin was reserved Ammunition was
sent off to ships in harbour tugs.
AT of to H.M.S. 0900 explosives ON "wild MAY were 23RD Swan", loaded operation "Venimous" in "Falconet" XDI were and was "Viay". carried also and embarked. "Simla" out, About about and 470 Commander taken 26 Royal tons off
Marines and details of the landing party. sailed for Boulogne.
from the Army At 1230 the
Welman, operation R.N. was was completed in charge and the destroyers of
ON MAY 24TH "Wolsey" and "windsor" and sailed embarked with at severe 0945. 6 tons damage in H.M.S.
"Wild explosive, the and at embarked and 80 were Royal taken Marines hand and
sustained for in action 1600 H.M.S. "verity"
ON H.M.S. "Wolsey" and Calais. "Wolfhound" embarked Military used for stores
ammunition repairs. and sailed for Calais.
The Prince ammunition of Wales Pier and stores from now in lighters and barges and for Dunkirk. small
and MAY 25TH and sailed for on was extensively for
The craft Submarine requiring repairs. "Burza" The in The ship's bottom in the
embarkation of Basin water was used for tugs a the had sailed
with been the Polish destroyer by air shattered attack. but temporary the night repairs the enemy had
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< certain the During aress Harbour, in of it and had several the been Harbour mine swel,
No outside seen and reported. and exploded. being laid.
was carried mines closed out were to 8 found in until Harbour but These the lgying positions One mine were exploded plott
and actually the mines had in been the later Western were Entrance swept within an hour of
damage was sustained.

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
Communication with England was cut, and all messages had to be sent by des-
troyers.
By 1530 the Germans had occupied the whole of Boulogne except a bridge-
head, all anti-tank guns were out of action, and half of Major Holford's force
were estimated to be casualties. The destroyers Keith (D. (19), Captain D. J.R.
Simson) and Whitshed went over to Boulogne during the afternoon, and were
followed later by the Venetia, Venomous, Vimiera, Wild Swan and Windsor.
The arrival of the first two destroyers was followed by an enemy air attack,
together with close range mortar, machine gun and rifle fire, which caused
damage and casualties, including Captain D. (19) who was killed, and necessi-
tated breaking off, the work of evacuating wounded and withdrawing tem-
porarily from the port. Fortunately, No. 92 Squadron of the R.A.F. (12
Spitfires) soon encountered the large enemy formation and, with some loss to
themselves and much to the enemy, gained a measure of control of the situation;
and by 1955 the destroyers were back in harbour and carrying out the evacua-
tion of the Welsh Guards. The Keith had received a signal at 1749 ordering
all troops to be evacuated.
About 2000, while Lieut.-Comdr. Welman was on the point of firing the last
of the demolition charges, German tanks towing field guns appeared over the
hill north of the harbour and opened heavy fire at the three destroyers coming
in to take off Force Buttercup." An amazing engagement, described by
eye-witnesses as magnificent, ensued between the German field guns and the
destroyers. The Venetia was hit while in mid-channel, but she was got under
control and out of the harbour, thus avoiding blocking in the Venomous and Wild
who were embarking " Force Buttercup" and the Irish Guards while engaging
the enemy tanks and field guns with every gun they had.
It was low water when the destroyers eventually backed out of harbour,
loaded down with troops. When the Venomous backed out her wheel jammed
and she had to steer with her engines; the Wild Swan, following her, grounded
for a moment, but both ships got off and both reached Dover safely. When,
at 2234 some 3,000 troops had been brought off, the Wild Swan reported that
although a considerable number remained further evacuation was impracticable.
The Windsor, however, which had been ordered at about 2030 to help in the
evacuation, arrived after the rest of the destroyers had left; she entered the
harbour after dark, filled to capacity and sailed again without damage or much
difficulty. On clearing the harbour, the Windsor informed V.-A. Dover that
further evacuation under cover of darkness was still possible and that two more
destroyers could lift all the soldiers still left at Boulogne.
Vice-Admiral, Dover, therefore, despatched the Vimiera at 0015 on the 24th
to try to bring off the remaining troops. She arrived at Boulogne at 0130,
and found all silent. At length the Commanding Officer's hail was answered,
and it was found that there were more than 1000 troops waiting for a ship.
Going alongside the jetty, the destroyer was crowded to the tiller flat by 0230,
the only space left being round the guns; and when she slipped at 0245 she
was compelled to leave some 200 men behind. Five minutes later shore batteries
opened fire on the jetty, and at 0255 a bomber passed close and a bomb ex-
ploded 20 yards away. The Vimiera was so over-loaded that even five degrees
of helm made the ship list unpleasantly. She reached Dover safely at 0355
and landed some 1400 men, including Belgian and French troops and some
I The Whitshed had been at Boulogne helping to evacuate wounded from 0630 to 1045
when she left with two transports for Calais.
9

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. II
refugees who got on board. The numbers evacuated by the destroyers con-
cerned were approximately :-
Keith
180
Vimy
...
...
150
Whitshed
...
...
580
Vimiera
...
...
Wild Swan
1955 403 (in two trips)
...
...
Windsor
...
600
Venomous
...
500
Total
...
4368
The Venetia, damaged, did not get alongside a quay. During the night
22 23rd May, before the evacuation under fire, the Verity took off two General
Officers and some 150 troops.
In addition to the Venetia, the Wild Swan, Whitshed, Keith and Venomous
all received damage during the evacuation. The Keith lost Captain D. (19) and
7 ratings killed, and had 28 wounded; the Vimy had one officer killed and her
Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Comdr. C. G. W. Donald R.N. was seriously
wounded and died subsequently ; the Whitshed lost one officer killed and had
12 ratings wounded; the Venetia had 20 ratings killed or missing and 11
wounded; the Commanding Officer of the Verity, Lt. Cdr. A. R. M. Black R.N.
was wounded and subsequently died.
23RD 24TH MAY
The "Weygand" Plan
In the midst of this changing panorama of events, on the 23rd May, General
Weygand became Commander-in-Chief in all theatres of war". He had,
however, previously formulated the ' Weygand plan". This plan contem-
plated a counter-offensive on a large scale¹ and, briefly, it consisted of 3
operations:- :-
(a) An attack south-westward from the north, by the French 1st Army
and the B.E.F., with the Belgian Cavalry Corps supporting the
British right.
(b) An attack northward from the line of the Somme, which line the newly
formed Third French Army Group was reported to be organising.
(c) Operations on the line of the Somme west of Amiens, by a new Cavalry
Corps which was assembling south of the river near Neufchatel.
On the 23rd May Lord Gort received a telegram from the British Prime Minister
to extract:- the French Prime Minister, M. Reynaud, of which the following is an
"Strong Salvation enemy armoured forces have cut Armies.
gand's plan. of these I Armies can only be obtained communications by immediate of execution Northern of Wey-
north Not could feeling sure that the situation armies in the
to General be accurately appreciated developing for the Lord Allied Gort telegraphed
I Sir John Dill asking him to except fly over on the that spot, day.
Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 38
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DUSK TO DUSK, 1ST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. X
number and 8 destroyers were to enter Dunkirk harbour and go alongside the
East Pier, where British troops were. Only by using this pier would it be
possible to evacuate large numbers, and there was considerable apprehension
lest the Germans should shell it heavily and damage it or render it impossible
for ships to lie alongside. The pier had already been damaged by the armed
boarding vessel King Orry when she secured alongside at 1730 on 29th May
with her steering gear out of order and all instruments shattered by air attack,
but the gap had been bridged. Drifters and other small craft were to be sent
into the inner harbour at Dunkirk, to lift troops from the Quay Félix Faure,
in the Tidal Harbour, the North Quay, in the shipyard, and the quay in the
new outer harbour.
The French troops assembled on the west side of the harbour, and it was
intended that French vessels, including torpedo boats, should serve the West
Quay in the new outer harbour, whilst private small boats used the Quay Félix
Faure.
Assembly of shipping
Early in the afternoon of the 1st June Vice-Admiral Dover recalled all des-
troyers to harbour and minesweepers of the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th M/S Flotillas
were warned for duty only ships having degaussing equipment were to sail.
Five vessels, the Sharpshooter, Albury, Kellett, Ross, and Leda were unable to
comply; the compasses of another the Pangbourne, were unreliable, though
her D.G. gear was functioning ; and in the event, she sailed, led by a Dutch
skoot, though she was too late to go to the beaches, and accordingly proceeded
along Route Y as far as T buoy, looking for any ships in need of assistance.
The destroyers designated Force K, were to proceed in pairs at hourly intervals
to berth at the East Pier in Dunkirk harbour, returning to Dover when loaded.
If there was no vacant berth at the pier when a pair of destroyers arrived,
they were to assist at the beach instead. Four pairs were detailed, viz. the
Windsor and Icarus, Codrington and Sabre, Shikari and Esk, Winchelsea and
Whitshed. The Esk, however, which had been running almost continuously
since 27th May, was unable to sail and was given 24 hours stand off.
Preparations to assemble the requisite small craft for working off the beach
commenced early in the forenoon of 1st June, when a number of Senior Officers
were despatched from Dover in fast motor boats to round up all stray motor
boats in the Downs and along the routes, and direct them back in the evening
to the beach 11 miles east of Dunkirk. A flight of 30 motor boats and 34 life-
boats with 3 tugs, the last three large tugs left in London, was sent during the
early hours of 1st June from London to Ramsgate where they were prepared
for beach work, naval crews being placed in the lifeboats that lacked crews and
extra towage provided. Motor boats were also sent from Harwich and Sheer-
ness. A number of flotillas under Commodore A. H. Taylor and Captain the
Hon. G. Frazer were re-organised for the night's effort.
Abandonment of daylight evacuations (Appendix R)
It was decided to abandon daylight evacuation after 1st June, because the
scale of enemy air attack experienced on that day, and the fact that the Germans
could by now command the newly swept central route at its point of junction
with Dunkirk Roads by gunfire from the shore, rendered it too costly.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay, when drawing up the plan for the night, intended
sailings to cease at 0300 or 0330; and Captain Tennant at Dunkirk, who did
not yet know of the plan arranged for the night, independently gave orders,
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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. X
The Windsor did some quick turns round. From the present night's work she
returned to Dover with 493 troops, sailed again for Dunkirk and lifted a further
was out, she was once more alongside Dunkirk East Pier embarking troops,
624 men which she disembarked at Dover, leaving about 1900. Before the day
and she sailed at 0100 on 3rd June, loaded with 1,022 men.
As the Esk was unable to sail owing to exhaustion of her crew the Shikari
proceeded alone. She berthed at Dunkirk at 0125 and left again at 0200 with
470 troops. When the first vessel of the last pair of destroyers, the Whitshed
and Winchelsea, arrived at Dunkirk the East Pier was bare of troops; but by
using a loud hailer and making a search a total of 512 were collected. The
Winchelsea disembarked 1,100 men at Dover.
On this night personnel vessels were not much in evidence at Dunkirk. The
Côte Argent disembarked 1,250 troops in England on 2nd June, the Newhaven
716 at Dover at 1030. The Royal Daffodil, after bring turned back earlier in
the day by a French destroyer, left Margate again at 2200 on the 1st and was
back at 0600 on the 2nd with 1,500 troops. The Manxman did not arrive at
Dunkirk until 0506 on the 2nd, long after daylight; she brought back 177 troops
and disembarked them at Dover at 1043. The only other considerable lift
from Dunkirk pier by a British ship on this night was by the 220 ton coaster
Seine, which arrived at Dunkirk about 2000 and, after an air attack lasting
about an hour, went alongside the pier and embarked 250 troops. After land-
ing these at Ramsgate the crew, who had worked continuously for four days
and nights, had their first night's sleep.
In addition to the large ships, tugs, skoots, drifters and all manner of small
craft evacuated troops on this night. Some lay off and were loaded by smaller
boats ferrying troops out to them, others went up harbour, past the large ship
berths. Over 4,000 men were brought to England on the 2nd June in this
way. Of these the skoot Hondsrug took 421 French and the skoot Reiger
330 French.
French embarkations
During the early part of the night 1st-2nd June French troops embarked as
arranged at the West Pier, though none of the French torpedo boats which it
was intended to employ disembarked troops in England.¹ Looking shoreward
from the sea, the characteristic helmets of the endless line of French troops on
the West Pier showed up against the glare of fires inland. The town and har-
bour lay under a pall of smoke. The minesweeping trawler Chasse-Marée
lifted from the harbour 391 troops, the patrol vessel Reine des Flots 350, the
cargo ship Cap Antifer 291, and trawlers and motor fishing vessels a further
548; all these were landed in England.
June. Four Belgian trawlers brought over 313 troops from Dunkirk on the 2nd
British Naval base party embarks, 0245/2
the The shore end of the East Pier at Dunkirk, to embark the base party as arranged.
At 0200 on the 2nd Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker in M.A/S.B.10 went up to
party arrived and the M. A/S.B. sailed at 0245.
had been haze which had prevented some ships from arriving the morning was
By this time it was beginning to get light, and although at one time there
T.B's. on this night alongside the West quay.
I Rear-Admiral loaded Wake-Walker in his Report M.017978/41 p.32 says, however, French
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DUSK TO DUSK, 1ST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. X
very clear and the Rear-Admiral decided to get the ships away at 0300
now of 0330 as originally planned. The Admiralty orders that evacuation
Dunkirk Pier was to continue until 0700 did not
apparently Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker not receive the orders which went
by Dunkirk (Appendix did R.20, 23) ; and it is to be pre-
out from the Admiralty at 0115/2, that destroyers were to continue the evacua-
tion until 0700 (Appendix R.21). Although men were still coming down the
the Rear-Admiral was unwilling to run the risk of having ships sunk
alongside pier, and blocking the pier and harbour. Accordingly he told the ships
to leave and himself followed out of harbour the last of them, apparently the
destroyers Winchelsea and Whitshed about 0300.
British rearguard held up
Meanwhile, a most disquieting message had been received at Dover. At
0040 on the 2nd the Lydd, while embarking troops off Malo beach, was requested
by the Brigadier of the brigade then embarking to transmit to Rear-Admiral
Wake-Walker a message from Major General Alexander reporting that on
account of French congestion on the mole at Dunkirk a considerable number
of British troops were held up and further arrivals were still expected. It was
essential that the rearguard of the B.E.F. should embark from the beaches east
of the mole, where they were expected to arrive by 0230.
What had happened was, that French troops had cut into the flow of British
making their way along the road to the East Pier, by a converging route; and both
British and French troops were now being embarked at the pier.
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker apparently never received the message and
knew nothing of the state of affairs at the East Pier until he arrived there at
0200.
Vice-Admiral Dover, who received the message at 02001, at once sent orders
to all destroyers of Force K still on the coast, the minesweepers, and the gun-
boat Locust which was off Bray supporting the evacuation by covering fire, to
endeavour to embark the British rearguard from the beach, remaining after 0300
if necessary. The coding and transmission of the message took some time,
and the orders apparently went out too late; all ships had sailed, and the rear-
guard could not get away that night. Only the personnel vessel Portsdown
was left on the coast. This was an undegaussed ship manned by a naval crew,
which had anchored off Malo at 2205/1. After running to death her own two
dinghies ferrying troops she got hold of a large motor boat, and she sailed
about 0400. On the way home the ship collected further troops from a French
vessel aground off Dunkirk, and from two further vessels encountered, and she
eventually disembarked at Dover 168 British and 450 French.
Bombing of the hospital ships Worthing and Paris. (App. S)
There was a large number of wounded in Dunkirk because no hospital ships
had sailed for 24 hours, orders having been given to evacuate fit men in prefer-
ence, since, other considerations apart, embarking wounded would have taken
up too much valuable time. The cessation of daylight sailings rendered it
possible for hospital ships to occupy berths alongside, without detriment to
the operation, and jt was decided to get some of the wounded away in daytime
in hospital ships, in the hope that the Germans would respect them.
In order to afford the enemy no excuse to attack a warning signal was sent
0120. I Dover Report, p.27. The time of receipt on the flimsy of the decypher appears to be
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THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
Teteghem, the event this was postponed 2000 and when it took place some
on a front of two miles. The until French intended to counter-attack at
There was no movement in the port. Later Admiral
was in the hands of the enemy, but they had not
advanced beyond. Further attacks were expected by the French this day,
when the situation regarding munitions might become critical.
Sailing of the night flight from England
The movement from England towards Dunkirk commenced at 1700. The
armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers,
5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters,
6 skoots, 2 armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc.,
formed either in organised tows or proceeding individually. For various
reasons, however, not all of these ships evacuated troops.¹
The composition of the French contingent was not known at Dover. Actually,
3 French torpedo boats, two minesweeping trawlers, two patrol vessels, and
17 trawlers and motor fishing vessels landed troops in England on the 3rd June.
One Belgian patrol boat and 16 or 17 trawlers brought troops.
B.E.F. evacuated, 2330/2
The first destroyers to reach Dunkirk were the Sabre and Shikari, which
sailed together from Dover at 1845. As the latter ship rounded No. 6 W buoy
enemy shore batteries opened fire, but caused no damage. Berthing was
carried out by an officer with a loud speaker at the pier head. Both destroyers
sailed again at 2200, the Sabre with 500 and the Shikari with 700 troops. The
Venomous, which arrived at 2150, had difficulty in going alongside the East Pier.
This was not a solid jetty, but was built of concrete piles through which the
west-going tide set. This, coupled with a fresh easterly wind, made it very
I The following ships (other than those on patrol which picked up survivors and landed
them) landed troops in England on 3rd June, (numbers in brackets) :-
BRITISH Destroyers - Codrington (44), Esk (500), Sabre (500), Shikari (700), Vanquisher (37),
Venomous (1500), Whitshed (82), Winchelsea (152), Windsor (1022) ;
Gunboat Locust (800)
Minesweepers - Albury (200), Duchess of Fife (300), Dundalk (399), Gossamer (490),
Halcyon (416), Kellett (364), Marmion (198), Medway Queen (481), Niger (430),
Oriole (750), Pangbourne (47), Speedwell (300), Westward-Ho (48) ;
Special Service Ship Golden Eagle (1);
Drifters - Forecast (108), Golden Sunbeam (163), Lord Howard (100), Midas (43),
Netsukis (119), Starlight Rays (319), Ut Prosim (49), Yorkshire Lass (103)
Trawler Cayton Wyke (300) ;
Skoot Doggersbank (50) ;
Yacht Sargasso (252) ;
Personnel ships - Côte d'Argent (955), King George V (1460), Newhaven (396),
Lady of Mann (18), Rouen (1286), Royal Sovereign (1500), St. Helier (2000),
Tynwald (1200) H.M.S. Nelson's M.B. (27)
Tugs - St. Olaves (200), Sun X (211), Sun XI (188), War Dept. M.Ls. (69)
Sailing barge Glenway (213)
R.N.L.I. Lifeboats Cecil & Lilian Philpot (51), Michael Stephens (52) :
3 motor boats and launches (300).
FRENCH Torpedo boats - Bouclier (340), La Flore (410) ;
Destroyer Léopard (19) ;
S/M Chaser 6 (50, apparently disembarked at Havre) ;
M/S trawlers - Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes (79), Ste. Denise Louise (78) ;
Patrol vessels - Lucien Gougy (78), Reine des Flots (500) ;
17 trawlers and M.F.V's. (1663).
BELGIAN Patrol boat A.5 (229) ;
17 trawlers (1583).
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THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
also stopped off the harbour by entered orders at the 0050 harbour and had only 44 troops when
she devoid of troops and was by Whitshed found Wake-Walker to return to
was sailed at 0250. The Express ordered Rear-Admiral at 0200, found the pier
sailed at 0245 with 82 men collected small craft. Finally, the Malcolm
and Dover lay outside with orders to hail from stop other ships from entering. She
with the Codrington. The and no berth on arrival at 0030
was ordered back at 0248, empty. Thus five destroyer trips were wasted.
Only the minesweepers which berthed at the inner end of the East Pier after
the British rearguard had embarked, managed to collect normal quotas from
the trickle of French troops.
Dunkirk was the headquarters of a French Naval Command and there was
always a considerable number of French marines in evidence. But after the
British naval ratings left at 2300 there was difficulty in getting ships berthed,
as the French did not replace them.
The Albury embarked 200 French troops, the Duchess of Fife 300, the Dundalk
399, the Gossamer 490, the Halcyon 416, the Kellett 350 French and 14 British,
the Marmion 198, the Medway Queen 481, and the Speedwell 300. The Niger
slipped at 0120 with 430 French troops. While turning an unknown French
craft crossed her bows and was rammed, though apparently no damage was
done to her. A few minutes later the Frenchman returned and rammed the
Niger.
Personnel ships did well. The Royal Sovereign sailed at 2205 with 1500
troops, the King George V at 2225 with 1460, the St. Helier at 2330 with 2,000.
The Côte Argent took 955 men, the Newhaven 396 French, the Tynwald 1,200,
the Rouen 1,286; but the Lady of Mann was ordered back for lack of troops
and took only 18 French embarked from a small boat.
Amongst the French ships the torpedo-boat Bouclier embarked 340 men and
the La Flore 410. The patrol vessel Reine des Flots embarked 500 troops
during a violent bombardment" and also reported air attacks (from German
strays returning no doubt), en route to England, for which she sailed from
Dunkirk at 2300 on the 2nd. Seventeen French trawlers and motor fishing
vessels brought off 1,662 troops and a Belgian patrol boat 229.
Summary of troops evacuated, night 2nd-3rd June
To Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who had worked out a programme by
which 37,000 men could have been lifted, in addition to those that would get
off in small craft, this had been a most disappointing night's work, owing to
the long pause when the flow of men to the East Pier ceased for some hours
after the British rearguard completed its embarkation, and the difficulty of
getting ships berthed owing to the failure of the French to replace the British
naval parties after these left Dunkirk. Between midnight on 2nd-3rd and
0300 on the 3rd a lifting capacity of about 10,000 men was left empty.
There were disembarked in England on 3rd June 26,700 troops. Of these,
British ships lifted 21,671, French ships 3,216 and Belgian ships 1,812. The
great majority of these, namely 24,830, were embarked in Dunkirk harbour,
principally by ships berthed alongside, though a few were ferried to ships
waiting outside the port. Most of the remainder were taken out of small craft
by ships which were likely to reach England with greater expedition and
certainty many of these found in small craft had no doubt come off from
the beaches.
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CHAP. XI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
quarter of an hour later they all three proceeded, with the Holland last in the
line, to carry out their part in blocking the port. As they neared Dunkirk a
"long line of destroyers came out of the harbour. " Astern of them", stated
the Holland, there was a gap of over a mile and then a large and fast trans-
port". M.A/S.B. 7 led the Holland through the gap between the destroyer
line and the transport. When the latter was 6 cables away, and steaming very
fast with the first streaks of dawn behind her, the danger of collision became
apparent, SO the Holland sounded one blast and put her wheel hard astarboard.
Lieutenant-Commander E. C. Coats, R.N., captain of the blockship, reported
that the transport had then only to alter course 5° to starboard to pass well
clear. However, she appeared to alter to port", with the result that she struck
the Holland hard on the bridge and just before the boiler room bulkhead. The
transport, which did not appear to have sustained much damage, backed out
and carried on her way. The Holland had no buoyancy in hand, and, a few
seconds before she was struck, her captain ordered abandon ship", seeing
that it was inevitable she would be rammed. The bows sunk at once and rested
on the bottom, there being apparently only 8 feet of water under her keel;
the stern remained above water. Two seamen were crushed and seriously
injured in the collision. M.A/S.B.7 took off the crew and transferred them to
the Vivacious. The wreck of the Holland came within an ace of being rammed
a second time, for two more ships, reported to be destroyers, passed and missed
the Holland's stern by no more than a few feet.
At 0300 the blockship Westcove entered Dunkirk, followed ten minutes later
by the Edvard Nissen. Both ships proceeded into the channel leading to the
inner harbour. When in her allotted position the Westcove put her wheel hard
astarboard to ram the Inner Western Jetty, but her bows struck mud about
50 feet from the pier, with the ship at an angle of about 30° across the channel.
By going full speed ahead on the engines, the athwartship's angle was increased
to 50°.
As the Edvard Nissen came in with the intention of ramming the East Pier
she endeavoured to strike the Westcove's stern a glancing blow in order to in-
crease her angle to the channel before scuttling herself; but underestimating
the strength of the ebb stream she passed close under the Westcove's stern, and
rammed the East Pier abreast of the latter. Letting go an anchor, she applied
full port helm with all engine power to increase the blocking angle. The
Westcove now fired her scuttling charges, which probably owing to coal gas in
the bunkers, caused a large column of flame and smoke to envelop the ship's
stern. When this had dissipated, the crew, who had pulled clear in their boat,
saw that the Westcove had slid off the sloping bank of the channel and was
lying on an even keel in the line of the piers, almost in mid stream, thus causing
a minimum of obstruction. Between the sterns of the two ships there was
now a gap of 80 feet which was reduced to 50 feet by heaving on a hawser run
by the Edvard Nissen's motor boat from the ship's stern to the Westcove. No
more could be done and the Edvard Nissen abandoned ship and fired her
scuttling charges from the boat. M.A/S.B. 7 took out both ship's crews to
the Vivacious.
1 No transport reported being in collision at this time and it has not been possible to
identify any of the vessels concerned. The following destroyers and transports sailed from
Dunkirk at the times given destroyers - Vanquisher 0230, Whitshed 2045, Malcolm 0248,
Codrington 0250 and Express 0250; transports Newhaven (French 1,888 tons) 0245,
Tynwald (British 2,376 tons) 0300, Rouen (French, 1,882 tons time not known but ship
was in Dunkirk in the early hours of 3rd June), and Côte Argent (French 3,047 tons, time
not known but ship landed troops at Dover on 3rd June.)
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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XI
The Admiralty had already continued (2312/2) for the undertaken evacuation that ships would be
night the evacuation 3rd to 4th on June, this and night. they To this the French agreed. complete on the
vided and air protection now urged the French of Admiralty trops pro-
Plan for the night
embarkation, the hours of 2230/3 and with such ships for
For this last and night the maximum it was decided effort to was cut to down be made, by one hour the time
mained available, between to be made by personnel 0230/4. From the as re-
Pier, liftings were to be sent to the entire vessels, destroyers, and East
minesweepers; be ships received, were and it was estimated that length of the pier as paddle
as they could Drifters and fast
thus be provided and for docks 14,000 of men. the inner harbour. small craft were to go would
up to the quays be French ships, for which right
latter pier the remaining would also lift ships (minesweepers the other than paddle, the
beach, the Quai Félix Faure, British Avant Port (West Pier) ; from
numbers could be estimated, were and the to New responsible for evacuation from Malo no
boats. Locust was to remain loads ferried out to her by small
vettes and skoots) outside and troops, receive to number of 5,000. The gunboat cor-
It was intended to employ on the work a force of 9 personnel vessels, 9
destroyers (all that were available), 4 paddle minesweepers, 7 fleet minesweepers,
9 drifters, the Locust, 2 corvettes, 4 French torpedo boats, and a number of
organised motor boats flotillas including lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover,
together with a large number of French and Belgian fishing vessels. Eleven
small French ships and 3 small tugs left Cherbourg for Dover on the night
2nd-3rd June ; Le Havre was scheduled to send 8 trawlers, 2 minesweepers,
1 tug, and 20 small dinghies ; and Fécamp sent 14 trawlers.
During the afternoon of the 3rd the French authorities transmitted the figure
of French troops still remaining in Dunkirk. This was about 30,000, a pro-
portion of whom belonged to other than combatant units. The total capacity
of the lifting force, if used to the full, was 30,000, but this was about 5,000 more
than the facilities within the port would permit of being embarked in 4 hours,
even if the French troops moved with the greatest rapidity at all points of
embarkation. On previous occasions there had been some instances of difficulty
in persuading French troops to embark otherwise than as complete units.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay consequently impressed on the French liaison officers
the necessity of speed, and he added a number of French officers and ratings
to the augmented pier parties which were despatched to Dunkirk at 2200, in
I The following ships landed troops in England on 4th June (numbers landed in brackets)
British - destroyers Express (611), Malcolm (736), Sabre (592), Shikari (383), Vanquisher
Minesweepers Albury (400), Halcyon (501), Kellett (30), Leda (500), Medway Queen (266),
ferred to trawler off Dunkirk on account of collision damage) Gunboat Locust (196)
(414), Venomous (1200), Whitshed (444); Corvettes Guillemot (460), Kingfisher (200, trans-
Princess Elizabeth (329), Queen of Thanet (150), Speedwell (396) Trawler Saturn (418)
Drifters Forecast (123), "L.H.W.D." (90) Skoots Bornrif (96), Hondsrug (308), Pascholl
(255), Ruja (300) ; Yacht Gulzar (140) ; Personnel vessels Autocarrier (712), Canterbury
Princess (659), Côte d'Argent (1349), King George V (817), Lady of Mann (1244), Newhaven (729),
(1350), Tynwald (3000) ; Tugs Racia (123), Sun XV (37) War Dept. M.Ls.
Maud (1270), Royal Sovereign (took the place of Manxman which refused to sail)
Pigeon (23), Swallow (23) ; Sailing Barge Beatrice Maud (31), Tanga not reach England until 5th
and June) launches (260) ; R.N.L.I. lifeboats Edward Z. Dresden (50), Greater (did London (48) ; Motor boats
Nayland Bonny Heather (210), Diana Mary (28), Elizabeth Green (10), Meuse (50),
Coliath trawlers (355), 3 patrol vessels (836), 13 trawlers and M.F.Vs. (1416), 1104. Belgian Tug
3 M/S (55), Walker II (76). French 5 Torpedo boats 2 S/M chasers (127),
(183), 5 trawlers (554).
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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
were the trawler Saturn which An brought unknown 418 drifter troops to England, and the
Gulzar which brought 140. Maud, while brought 90, and
abandoned Dover by a destroyer by her crew, on the and 5th were June. up mid-Channel and towed to
boarded the sailing barge Beatrice picked in she was lying at
the staff of Rear-Admiral Pier at 2230, Maintenance on
Pier for the embarkation on A. H. Taylor, "Dynamo" R.N., West
The Leda paid tribute in her this report night. to the Commander excellent arrangements at
him assumed number of charge men they at the could Centre take quickly. and then Commander getting making the Troup ships French fast, officers finding to out Officer, assist the
embarked at least 10,000 troops.
to embark the troops estimated that he
Embarkations at the East Pier
despite a hold up which threw out the programme of ships entering the harbour
Meanwhile, there had been some heavy liftings of troops from the East Pier
and caused great congestion in the entrance. The flow of French troops to
the East Pier was better than on the preceding night, though there were some
bad pauses.
The first ship to arrive off the pier was the destroyer Whitshed at 2215, with
Commander H. J. Buchanan, R.A.N. and pier party on board. In consequence
of the fresh easterly wind and the westgoing tide the ship could not get alongside
the East Pier, where there was nobody who could be persuaded to take a line.
However, after disembarking part of her pier party into Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker's M.T.B. for transfer to the pier, she got her bows alongside the per-
sonnel ship Autocarrier and her stern alongside the Sabre and commenced
embarking troops. The Sabre had been working since 30th May with a com-
pass damaged and rendered unreliable by a shell splinter, and had been led
across by the Venomous. She got away from the East Pier at 0025 with 592
troops and followed other ships towards England until they were lost to sight
near U buoy at the south end of the South Falls. This was within hearing of
the North Goodwin Light Vessel, which the Sabre located by sound, subse-
quently proceeding from buoy to buoy until she reached Dover at 0500.
When the Autocarrier left in her turn at 0035 she carried 712 French troops.
The Canterbury left ten minutes later with 659, while the Côte Argent had
shoved off from the pier five minutes earlier with 1,349 troops. After these
three practically simultaneous sailings of personnel ships some time elapsed
before another bunch got away. The Princess Maud had berthed at the
extreme end of the pier, and sailed at 0150 with 1,270 troops and dogs of all
kinds" that managed to get aboard. The Lady of Mann which berthed about
the time when the first three personnel vessels left, took 1,244 troops at 0200.
The Tynwald seems to have been the last to leave the East Pier. She sailed
at 0305 with the record lift, only equalled by the Scotia on 29th May, of 3,000
French troops : in 4 trips she had evacuated 8,953 men. With a single ex-
ception all destroyers had now gone; the Malcolm went at 0245 with 736
troops, Vanquisher at 0240 with 414, and the Venomous, which had arrived at
0245 to find the harbour very congested and ordered to wait outside until
0130, 5 took out no less than 1,200 troops. In four was days the Venomous had made
trips, evacuating 4,410 men in all,
to fog, did not arrive at Dunkirk until 0230 on the 4th. She left half an hour
The British pier party was taken off by the destroyer Express which, owing
later, having embarked 611 troops.
118

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Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX R
All naval personnel are to be withdrawn this Saturday night.
Reference (B), time of termination of this evacuation may be extended and will
be signalled.
1609/1
9. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS
Following destroyers are required for duty tonight.
Remainder revert to 21 hours notice for steam
Esk, Codrington, Icarus, Windsor, Venomous, Winchelsea, Whitshed, Sabre, Shikari.
1711/1
and later
10. Destroyers named in my 1711 will be addressed Force K.
1745/1
SIGNALS RE EVACUATION ON 1ST JUNE AND NIGHT OF 1ST/2ND JUNE
11. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Things are getting very hot for ships. Over 100 bombers on ships near here
since 0530. Many casualties.
Have directed that no ships sail during daylight. Evacuation by transports
therefore ceases at 0300. If perimeter holds, will complete evacuation tomorrow
Sunday night, including most French. General concurs.
1754/1
12. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to FORCE K (R) R.A. Dover
Destroyers are to proceed in pairs at hourly intervals to berth on east pier Dunkirk
harbour, returning to Dover when loaded.
If no vacant berth, V.A. Dover and next pair to be informed, and the destroyers
to assist at beach instead.
The personnel vessels will also be berthing at east pier and have priority.
Destroyers to leave Dunkirk vicinity not later than 0300/2, Route X. Route Z
may be used during dark.
First pair to arrive Dunkirk 2200.
Pairs : Windsor, Icarus.
Codrington, Sabre.
Shikari, Esk.
Winchelsea, Whitshed.
Caution is necessary owing to wrecks in Dunkirk harbour.
1810/1
13. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) S.N.O. Dunkirk
Enemy action bombing and shell fire make it impossible for personnel ships enter
harbour in daylight.
1859/1
14. AIR MINISTRY to FIGHTER COMMAND, BOMBER COMMAND, COASTAL COMMAND, BACK C.
B.E.F., WAR OFFICE, ADMIRALTY, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Confirming conversation between C.-in-C. and D.H.O.X. 153 1/6.
Situation at Dunkirk.
Two divisions French territorials reduced strength still to be evacuated. Evac-
uation will continue in any event until tomorrow morning. Strong continuous
patrols should therefore be carried out over Dunkirk and beaches from 0430 to 0830
hours 2/6.
183

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SIGNALS
APPENDIX T
3. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS AND MINESWEEPERS
The final evacuation is staged for tonight, and the Nation looks to the Navy to
see this through.
I want every ship to report as soon as possible whether she is fit to meet the call
which has been made on our courage and endurance.
1052/2
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS, PADDLE SWEEPERS, PERSONNEL VESSELS (R)
S.N.O. Dunkirk
Evacuation tonight 2nd June will be from Dunkirk harbour, ships berthing on
east pier.
Following berths established if required (?) from north to south:
Berth A : from lighthouse to trawler wreck.
B: from wreck to gap in pier.
"
C : from gap in wall to hut at end of pier.
"
Berths
D&E: smaller berths extending to the inner end of pier.
In addition, berth on east side of east pier. This berth will not normally be used
unless all inside berths are occupied.
Pier master will direct berthing from cast pier, and ships entering will be guided
by a motor boat.
Ships are to work special brows and ladders which will be supplied at Dover, and
have boxes ready to form steps
Intention is to keep berths A to E constantly
filled.
1430/2
5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS
My 1430/2. Destroyers are to sail to arrive at Dunkirk as follows:
2100-Shikari and Sabre.
2130-Venomous.
2200-Windsor.
2230-Icarus.
2300-Winchelsea.
2330-Esk.
2400-Vanquisher.
0030-Codrington.
0100-Express.
0130-Vivacious¹.
0200-Whitshed.
0230-Malcolm.
Acknowledge.
1715/2
SIGNALS RE THE EVACUATION OF THE BRITISH REAR GUARD ON NIGHT
2ND/3RD JUNE
Sunday, 2nd June-contd.
6. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to MINESWEEPERS (R) C.-in-C. Nore, F.O.I.C. Harwich, Cdre.
i/c Sheerness
Ships evacuating tonight Sunday are to sail to arrive off Dunkirk as follows:
From Margate: 2100 to 2230.
From Sheerness 2230 to 2359.
From Dover : 0001 to 0130.
From Harwich 0130 to 0200.
I Vivacious had, however, been detailed to take part in a blocking operation.
187

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INDEX
Whitshed : at Boulogne, 9-10; in Dynamo, 97, 102-3, 107, 109 (sent back almost empty),
112n, 114n, 118 (takes over pier party).
Whittle, Lieut. L. C., R.N.R., 13n.
Widgeon, 34, 69.
Wilcoxon, S.Lt. R. O., R.N.V.R., mortally wounded, 52.
Wild Swan, at Boulogne, 9-10; at Dunkirk, 16.
Willing Boys, 13n.
Winche sea, 55, 64n, 70, 87, 97, 102-3, 107-8.
Windsor : at Boulogne, 9-10; at Calais, 13; in Dynamo, 16, 23, 24n, 30 (damaged), 55,
58 (hoists flag of R.A. Dover), 81, 97, 101-2 (quick turn round), 107-8, 127.
Wise, Lt. J. N., R.N.V.R., 115.
Wolfe, 72n.
Wolfhound, 21, 22 (damaged), 23-5, 27.
Wolsey, 16, 21, 67 (W/T. link), 23-5, 27, 54n, 61 (reports on conditions), 62 (makes two
trips on 30th May), 64n, 83 (in collision).
Wolves, 69.
Worcester, 20n, 27, 54n, 55, 58 (hoists flag of R.A. Dover), 60, 74, 76n, 79 (takes out beach
parties), 87-9, (damaged), 92.
Worthing, 17, 22n, 24, 104 (attacked).
Wounded, see Casualties.
Wrecks, growing number, 94: at Dunkirk, 115.
Wynne-Edwards, Lt. Cdr. C.J., 67, 71, 75.
X.95, 72m.
X.149, sunk, 72.
X.209, 72n.
X.213, sunk, 72.
X.217, 72.
Yarmouth base, drifters, 71n.
Y.C.63, 72n.
Yewdale, 19, 28, 47.
Yorkshire Lass, 23n, 62, 63, 107n.
Young Mun, 23n.
Yser, 27, 31.
Yvonne, 73.
Zuydcoote, see Beaches.
208

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Details

LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
BRIGHTON QUEEN
LEDA
SALTASH
DEVONIA
LYDD
SANDOWN
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SHARPSHOOTER
DUNDALK
MEDWAY QUEEN
SKIPJACK
EMPEROR OF INDIA
NIGER
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
ORIOLE
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
PANGBOURNE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PLINLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GOSSAMER
PORTSDOWN
WESTWARD HO
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
HALCYON
QUEEN OF THANET
Sunk.
(Continued)

Details

ST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
f
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
BRIGHTON BELLE
ROSS
KELLETT
BRIGHTON QUEEN
SALAMANDER
LEDA
DEVONIA
SALTASH
LYDD
DUCHESS OF FIFE
SANDOWN
MARMION
DUNDALK
SHARPSHOOTER
MEDWAY QUENEN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
SKIPJACK
NIGER
FITZROY
SNAEFELL
ORIOLE
GLENAVON
SPEEDWELL
PANGBOURNE
GLENGOWER
SUTTON
PLINLIMMON
GOSSAMER
WAVERLEY
PORTSDOWN
GRACIE FIELDS
WESTWARD Ho
HALCYON
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
QUENN OF THANET
Sunk.
Conti