TNA MT 40 66

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

STATE
/
//
Medical
B.D. STATE
(4)
is 1. Longue Allona
N
Hall
M.N.S.
Tacht
WOITHEN сацианирая
Devolane
/
It they
STARRATE" 18.8
STATE
reded yaH 1289
M.V. "LAROC"
Raymond Crane
Engineer Steward Deck Hand TCH
H. A. E. Frost
Leonard Lynn
Master
George B. Butler
Mate
Jack Lynn form
IGHTER X209
Acting Master
R. G. Banks
B.S. "LOCH GARRY"
Master
Ewen Mackinnon
DRIFTER "LORD RÓDNEY"
Master
Robert Durrent
MOTOR YACHT "MASAYRA"
Engineer
C. Coggins
FIREFLOAT "MASSEY SHAW"
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
E.J. Wright has
H. A. W. Day
E.S. "MEPHRITE"
Master
Cyril Gifford West
8.5. "NGAROMA"
Master
J. W. Dickinson
S.S. "PRINCESS MAUD"
Master
Herry Clark
Master
8.8. "ROEBUCK"
W. J. Larbalestier
8.5. "ROYAL DAFFODIL"
2nd Officer
2nd Engineer
J. B. Woodhouse
W. L. Evens
8.8. "ST. ANDREW
Master
Herbert C. Bond
TUG "ST. CLEARS"
Master
W. J. Penny
W. D. Launch "SWALLON"
A.B.
A.B.
H. Hey
F. Cherry
JARINIA EDIV

COPY.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.
52
Traffic & Marine Agent's Office,
WEYMOUTH QUAY.
10th June, 1940.
172
asea
My Ref. B.S.
Dear
Sir,
S.S. Helier" - Evacuation of Troops from
Dunkirk and Calais.
I can now give the story of the part played by the
S.S. "St.Helier" evacuating troops from Dunkirk and Calais.
On May 22nd the Helier" proceeded from Southampton to Folkestone for orders, and was then sent to Calais to embark
2,000 troops. The vessel arrived at Calais the same day at low water and found the harbour and quays deserted. While endeavouring to get alongside, the vessel was bombed by three enemy planes which were only about 1,000 feet up, one bomb fell on the port bow, one on the quays and some astern. The vessel was moored by some French soldiers who came out of adjacent ruined buildings and planes again came over dropping bonbs The Master found the Sea Transport Officer in a dug-out but the position of the troops which were to be embarked was not known and the "St.Helier" had orders to "Clear out" and return again at daylight as it was a night of full moon. As the bombing still continued the crew cut the mooring ropes and returned to
Dover, they being again followed by planes. At the Downs Guard
Ship the Master was instructed to proceed to Dover and there learned it was of no use to return to Calais.
11
On May 23rd the vessel went to Dunkirk and embarked approximately 1,500 English and French evacuees, returned to
Dover the same day and landed them at midnight without incident.
On May 24th the ship was engaged in bunkering.
May 25th the vessel proceeded to Dunkirk but was sent back before she reached there as ships were being sunk by heavy shelling from the coast. After anchoring in the Downs for two hours the "st.Helier" in company with the "St. Andrew" and
Julien" went again to Dunkirk, this time via Ostend. The vessels were bombed by two planes and the "St. Andrew" had a very narrow escape. The vessels arrived at Dunkirk at 5-0 pm when nineenemy planes came overhead and directed their attack on the
S.S. Helier", the Master avoiding the bombs by steering the ship for the spot'where the last lot fell. The Helier" did not enter the Harbour until the raid was finished to avoid being sunk and blocking the entrance. On attempting to go alongside the quay the Sea Transport Officer ordered the vessel away again wed immediately. After waiting some time off Dunkirk planes again g +
came over and in view of the orders received and as it seemed d
impossible to enter the ships returned to Dover arriving at o:
11-0 p.m.
CO
th
On May 27th/28th a considerable humber of the crew left raf the ship and the Master applied for a Naval crew. Naval ratings were supplied and twenty soldiers with Lewis guns. The vessel was unable to sail on May 28th as she had to oil fuel.
May 29th the vessel sailed for Dunkirk in dense fog, entered the harbour, embarked about 2,000 troops and came back again that night without incident as it was a bad day for flying.

THEREOF
51
COPY.
H.M.H.C. "st.Julien",
OUTS
Newhaven, as
13th June, 1940.
GREATE
175
D.G. Hoppins Esq.,
Weymouth Quay.
100%
Dear Sir,
TOTAL
I beg to report the following incidents which took place while the above was engaged as a Hospital Carrier.
We left Southampton on the 23rd May and proceeded to Dover for orders: on arrival we received orders to anchor in the Downs.
On the 24th we received orders to proceed to Dunkirk and when close to the Inner locks Dunkirk Harbour the ship was heavily bombed, bombs falling a matter of 20 feet away.
Fortunately the tide was low and apart from a shaking, the vessel was not damaged. As no people could be seen, I
hailed French Soldiers and asked where we had to berth, but things began to get hot, so I decided to back out and return to Dover. I counted 17 planes sowing destruction.
On arrival off Dover, I reported the incident to the examination boat and after a lapse of 2 hours I received orders to proceed to Dunkirk, "St. Andrew" following and Air escort provided. This was done without incident. On arrival, Crew assisted in loading patients and leaving, as the "St.Andrew" had no charts for the particular route,
I laid off and waited for her. On our return journey, when off Calais West we were shelled by Shore Batteries, the shells falling over us, the elevation being slightly too high. I sent a message to South Foreland and was answered.
We were ordered to Newhaven and landed Patients. The
Green Lights and Red Cross were plainly exhibited.
Temporary 3rd Officer Rowlands left on account of vessel not being armed.
25th. Left Newhaven and anchored in the Downs.
26th. Received orders to proceed to Dunkirk in company with the Andrew". When off Dyck Light Vessel Ualais, we met the "Maid of Orleans", and firing from Shore Batteries began on the three ships, and as it was not possible to pass this place without serious risk of damage, as I was in the lead
I swung round, and zigzagging the whole time until out of range, incident. I returned by an unauthorised route and reported the
27th. We left the Downs, receiving orders to proceed to
Dunkirk. Not having a Chart we followed the Helier", ed
"Royal Daffodil", and "St.Andrew" following in the rear. We et were attacked by bombs and aerial torpedoes when off
Middlekirk Bank Buoy. These fell very close to the ship of but no damage was done. When we arrived off Dunkirk it con was absolutely impossible to enter on account of the bombing th by relays. Even to remain in the vicinity as we were told af we were a good target, so all ships returned to the Downs.
28th. At anchor.

or
FROM STATES STATES
COPY.
50
ORES 10
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.
T10 bothe TUO is DAS
in
Chief Docks Manager's Dept.
of Marine Section, and FISHGUARD HARBOUR.
Dist
14th June, 1940.
Harbour entrance, became
CDM.C/30077/S.
B.25/272.
About to
Dear Sir,
Harbour, S.S. "ST. ANDREW".
EVACUATION OF TROOPS FROM FLANDERS.
Harbour
It is reported to me that on Monday, the 20 May, at
3.0a.m. the S.S. ANDREW" left Netley for Boulogne, which was reached without incident at 11.0a.m.; and almost as soon as the ship was moored the first air raid warnings were sounded, and continued at intervals throughout the day. Although During the early raids no enemy planes actually reached the docks, the crew were kept in readiness to deal with outbreaks of fire, etc., as required by A.R.P. Regulations; also to shift ship as required by the S.T.O.
to
At 10.0p.m. the first of the night raids commenced incendiary and explosive bombs were dropped on the town,quays, and harbour, while much shrapnel was falling from the antiaircraft fire.
on Tuesday, the 21st May, at 6.0a.m. wounded from the
Base Hospitals were embarked, and at 8.0a.m. the vessel left for Southampton, which was reached, without incident, at 4.30p.m.
The wounded were absonce disembarked, and the Ship se ciled, stored and watered and placed by the S.T.O. on one hour's g
notice. At 6.0p.m. orders were received to sail at 8.0p.m.
for Cherbourg.
on Wednesday, the 22 May, shortly after daybbeak
Cherbourg was reached, but owing to lack of quay space the vessel was put to anchor until about 4.p.m. at which time she proceeded to berth at the Quay Francais.
In the early evening patients were embarked, this being completed about 10.0p.m. when orders were received to sail about 5.0a.m. on the 23rd.
On Thursday, the 23 May, at 3.0a.m. air raid warnings were sounded, and the S.T.O. appeared, saying that the quay would nbe the centre of objective, and that the ship was to leave as soon wed as possible. All was in readiness, and at 3.30a.m. this order g the was executed - the vessel sailing for Southampton.
id
1 of
This Port was reached about noon, patients were at scort once disembarked, and the ship oiled and watered, and then placed the on one hour's notice. At 6.0p.m. orders were received to sail raft at 7.0p.m., and report to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
On Friday, the 24 May, the vessel arrived off Dover, and was ordered by the Examination Vessel to proceed to the Downs and anchor until daylight.
These were reached, and at 3.0a.m. enemy planes passed over, dropping bombs so close to the ship that we felt the

- 2 -
178
24/5
under water explosions. At 4.30a.m. ship again reported off
Dover, when orders were received to proceed to Calais.
Shortly after 6.0a.m. and when approaching the Port, much of it could be seen in smoke and flames, but the vessel continued, and when within two or three cables of the West Pier Head,
Shore Batteries opened fire and straddled both the ships and the
Harbour entrance, and many shells burst close alongside, and it became necessary to stand off.
Ised
About 7.9a.m. guns ceased fire, and the ship made emother attempt to enter the Port, and again batteries opened fire, although
Hospital Marks and Red Cross Flags must have been plainly seen. At this time a British Transport was seen working her way out of the
Harbour, also under heavy shell fire. At the same time guns concentrated on the ANDREW, evidently with intent to block the
Harbour entrance: so again the ship had to stand off.
Owing to the narrow channels and shoal water, no great alteration of course could be attempted, thus when the Transport and the "st. ANDREW were close together, the intensity of the gun fire was increased and directed at both ships; although these shells fell very. close, none actually found its target.
When the Transport was clear, the Harbour was again approached, and still gunfire made it impossible to enter; so the vessel returned to Dover for further orders. At 1.35p.m.
orders were received to proceed in company with the JULIEN"
to Dunkirk, which Port was reached about 4.0p.m. during a heavy air raid.
on this voyage the vessel was without charts, and navigation became difficult, although the "SI. JULIEN", who had some charts, offered every assistance possible.
Wounded were embarked between 5.30p.m. and 8.0p.m.
At this Port no provision had been made for the handling of wounded, hence there was no Medical Staff other than those carried by the g
ship to act as Stretcher Bearers.
In response to a call for volunteers, the entire crew responded. During the embarking several air raids took place and much shrapnel fell, but the job was completed without incident or injury.
At 9.5p.m., with much of the Port and town on fire, the vessel left for Dover, thence to Newhaven to disembark.
While passing Gravelines at 9.30p.m., again in company with the T.JULIEN", shore batteries opened fire. No alteration of course could be made to avoid the fire, owing to the narrow channels, thus the vessel proceeded, fortunately without damage, although the shots all fell very close on each side.
wed g the id
On Saturday, the 25 May, the wounded were disembarked at
Newhaven, the vessel was placed on short notice, and about 4.0p.m.
1
of again sailed for Dover, where, on arrival, she was ordered to the scort
Downs.
the raft on Sunday, the 26 May, at 3.25a.m. the vessel left the
Downs for Dunkirk, but shortly after 4.0a.m. she was ordered by the
Guard Ship to return to anchor. At lla.m. she was again ordered to proceed to Dunkirk, in company with the JULIEN". At 1.20p.m., when abeam of Gravelines, shore batteries again opened fire on both

DEPARTMENT SEAL
- 3 -
179
ships, while at the same time the Transport "SCOTIA", which was
20
overtaking, was attacked by small motor torpedo craft. On this
GREAT STATE
occasion, the tide being high, it was possible to make zig-zag courses, and return to Dover over the Banks.
Orders were to anchor in the Downs, which were reached at
6.30p.m.
On Monday, the 27th May, at 11.0a.m. left. Downs in convoy with "ST.HELIER", "KYNO", "ROYAL DAFFODIL", "ST.JULIEN", and two escorting Destroyers, this time by the North Sea route, making the coast in the vicinity of Ostend. While on passage, planes approached the convoy, and passed first over the "ST.ANDREW", releasing many bombs which fell very close, and off the port bow, and which subjected the ship to great shock from under-water explosions. Shortly after another salvo was dropped, which fell close to the "ST.JULIEN'S" starboard quarter. Shortly after 3.30p.m.
the French coast was sighted, and from then until our arrival off
Dunkirk Pier Heads enemy planes were constantly over head.
About 4.20p.m. the Port was reached, and the ST.HELIER"
and the "ROYAL DAFFODIL" entered; and this appeared to be the signal for enemy planes to heavily bomb the harbour, while another flight passed over us and the other ships that were waiting outside.
Countless bombs were dropped, and with such rapidity that it was impossible to take any action to avoid them. Later the "ST.
HELIER" came out of Harbour and informed the JULIEN" and the
"ST-ANDREW" that the S.T.O. had ordered that no ships should enter for fear of blocking the Harbour, the quay walls of which had already collapsed. Thus the convoy re-formed under a covering fire from the escorting Destroyers, and returned to the Downs, which were reached at 10.30p.m.
On Tuesday, the 28 May, at 11.50p.m. and while at anchor in the Downs, one or more enemy planes passed over the anchorage, and dropped several bombs all of which Dell clear.
At 3.30p.m. orders were received to proceed to
Southampton, which was reached at midnight.
On Wednesday, the 29th May, the vessel oiled and stored, while Harland & Wolffe commenced to put concrete shields on the navigation bridge. The ship was on short notice, and no liberty was given to the crew.
On Thursday, the 30th May, the ve sel sailed in the late afternoon for Dover, which was reached shortly after midnight, and vessel sailed shortly after mid-day for Dunkirk, this time alone, although the "ST. DAVID" was to follow shortly afterwards.
On the arrival of the "ST. ANDREW", a Destroyer instructed her to berth wherever she could find room, and this was done alongwe side the pier. At ordinary times this would have been considered
1g impossible, and at that time was doubly difficult owing to the ad
, large number of sunken vessels.
n esc
After berthing, which was done during a heavy air raid, t
the Authorities requested the ANDREW" to move to another part cra of the Harbour, where a portion of the quay was still standing.
When the vessel arrived at this berth, it was discovered that the ambulances had been bombed, and that they were either empty or contained dead men, while the quay was in such a state

STATE UNITED
G.W.R.
- 4 -
180
O.W.Mly Docks Manager's that it would have been impossible to load even had the occupants of the ambulances been alive. Again the ves el shifted to another
.0. 908, part of the Harbour. This also was done during 8. heavy raid.
CIM.C/3077/3.
In the new borth, impromptu gangways were rigged by the crew from planks, or any handy material which could be produced
BOOKS
from ship or store.
B.23/272.
2800
There again all hands assisted in carrying the stretchers, gas and carry was a. long one, and made more difficult by the large
091
number of Troops that were passing along to embark on other vessels;
and by bombs and shrapnel which were still falling.
Dear Sir, While this was in progress the tide was falling and the daylight going. This was important, as the ship would have been in danger of grounding or hitting submerged wreckage close under her stern when leaving. On these grounds the S.T.O. decided it would be better for the ANDREW" to leave, and instructed the "STDAVID", by morse, where to berth, in order that she may embark the remainder of the wounded and sailvat daylight. By this time the enemy was on the outskirts of the town and was bombarding the quay with shore batteries, but owing to large fires, clouds of dense smoke, and the confusion of shipping on the Pier Heads, it was impossible to say if the message was properly received.
On her way out, when passing along the Grawelines sho Navigat on the homeward passage was both difficult, and dangerous, as there were no aids to navigation, and the risk of over-running the hundreds of small craft, heavily laden with Troops, and which carried ordights, was very great. out of the Channel to avoid gan fure. Later on, air craft (apparently French)
escorted During these fourteen days, very little rest was had by any of the crew - double look-outs were kept, work as stated was done in the French Ports, and while atusea it yas too dangerous to allow the men to use the forecastles; but all carried on with 8. good will.
The next morning she proceeded to the Downs, and the day after It is evident from the foregoing that the fficers and men of sour ST. ANDREW" were exposed to great danger, and it was only g
due to their untiring devotion to duty that thousands of wounded were hurriedly evacuated from France, who otherwise would have been left on the piers to die. sok or the usual aids to navigation and the fact that many vessels had been sunk in the fair-ways since her last leaving that Port. At 8.00/0100k that evening she entered Dünkirk, where Yours faithfully, morning.
Duting the whole (SGD.) J.D. REED. town, quays, etc.
were subjected to terrific bombardment by air and Land, and It became necessary, owing to the laok of for the reamen, Fireman, Stewards etc. to load the wounded themselves.
I hope to be able to report on the Item DAVID" in the course on of ca few daysing the wounded and placing they in the nots etc.
to wed
This work was exceedingly difficult, as the whole area
1g the was in a bad condition, and there was not even any gangways available nd for passing the stretcher cases on board, However, the Ingineers n of whole time of the embarkation.
constructed & wide and useful gangway, which was used during the scor the
W.J. THOMAS, ESQ., craft
CARDIFF.

FOR
BAX 478 118
183
-3-
or no Ted 40 Briwo E.S.W
Later another magnetic mine droped only four feet away from the starboard quarter, but, fortunately, this time did not explode.
To revoceN
The splashes from the sea fell on the deck of the vessel as she mine entered the water. Other mines were dropped, but the vessel
Issuey 1008
apparantly avoided them all. At the same time the "St. David" was subjected to heavy machine gun fire.
At 10.p.m. the "St. Andrew" backed out from Dunkirk and stignalle d
FROM
to the "St. David" but owing to the fires and smoke in background the Andrew's swinging at that time it was not possible to get
?
the signal; so Captain Mendus went close in to Dunkirk and signal led ashore by morse and also hailed ashore by megaphone but receivedno reply.
The town had been subjected to heavy bombardment by field guns and enemy aeroplanes again attached the "st. David" dropping paracgute flares to enable them to see their target more clearly.
At about 1.0.p.m. on the 1st June Captain Mendus made one more attempt to get into Dunkirk but failed, and in the circumstances decided to return to Dover for further instructions.
The vessel was continually worried by air craft on her return passage and she anchored off Dover at 6 a.m. that day feeling that her troubles were over for the time being.
However half and hour later a terrific explosion occurred within
20 yeards of the Port Quarterm and it was subsequently discovered that the Port Engine Shaft and other machinery had received multiple damage and that the Compasses were more or less useless.
Captain Mendus made contact with the Naval Authorities, who ordered him to Southampton for repairs, but owing to great diffcutuly in navigating his vessel during hazy weather and without proper compasses or aid to navigation, he did not arrive at that port until the next dau, the 2nd June.
se g
Captain Mendus would like to mention that during the time his vessel was at sea, and at Dunkirk, the Navigating and Engine-
Room Officers, and Ratings, àlthough tired and weary, carried out their duties with great coolness and courage, particularly when loading wounded under fire in France.
Yours faithfully,
Sqd. J.D. Reid.
W.J. Thomas Esq.,
CARDIFF
wed g the
Lid in of escort f the craft