Formidable

Details

FORMIDABLE
Aircraft carrier
(under construction)
Cdr. E.K. Le Mesurier,
M.V.O., R.N.
1st
Shown in D.R. as having taken part in
Operation Dynamo.
Cdr. Le Mesurier went to Dunkirk in
the tugs Sun and Sun IV. He sent in
2nd June
his report, giving as his address
"H.M.S. Formidable, c/o G.P.O. London".
It is thought that this accounts for a
vessel named the Formidable having
found its way into the list of ships.
No other Formidable can be traced.
1930
the
Cantain
from the R/C Paris,
Picked up wounded from wreated 11.00
Authority - R.O.II, p.418.
boats. Picked up 6
took in tow.
2005
Picked up another life boat, the
occupante of which Spanish.
2100
Engines overheating owing to
of tow.
2115
Transferred all survivors to
clsss $08.(1)
motor boat making water
rapidly; the tug took her in tow.
2130
The crew transferred to the tug which
continued to tow the bost,
3rd June
0415
Arrived pover in tow.
N11
Authority - R.O.II, p.612.
(1) Not
334

Details

FORMIDABLE
Aircraft carrier
(under construction)
Cdr. E.K. Le Mesurier,
M.V.O., R.N.
Shown in D.R. as having taken part in
Operation Dynamo.
Cdr. Le Mesurier went to Dunkirk in
the tugs Sun and Sun IV. He sent in
June
his report, giving as his address
"H.M.S. Formidable, c/o G.P.O. London".
It is thought that this accounts for a
vessel named the Formidable having
found its way into the list of ships.
No other Formidable can be traced.
1930
Authority - R.O.II, p.418.
2005
(1)
Not
334

Details

5926           SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941

 at the time they had nothing available save               their homes in northern France before the French
 the 68th Division and the regional troops,                Government put into operation the plans they
 they did not demur.                                       had made. The French organisations were not
   However, so far as I am aware, no action was            available and no British troops could be spared
 ever taken in this respect.                               to control the traffic. The refugee problem had
                                                           therefore become increasingly acute, and the
 Description of the Dunkirk Perimeter.                     tide which at first set westwards from Belgium
    48. The British sector of the Dunkirk peri-            had now met the enemy again in the
 meter had its right at Bergues, and thence                Somme area and had begun to turn back on
 followed the canals to Fumes and Nieuport.                itself. Scenes of misery were everywhere, and
 These places were old-fashioned fortified towns,          the distress of women, children and aged people
 easy to defend but affording good bombing                 was pitiable. Fortunately the fine weather
 targets. The destruction of the bridges pre-              and warm nights mitigated their plight to some
 sented no difficulty, and all were in fact blown          degree and though the outbreak of famine was
 in time by British or French troops except that           expected at any moment it did not actually
 at Nieuport which was wide and solid, and could           occur in the area of the B.E.F. Little, un-
 not be demolished before the arrival of the enemy.        fortunately, could be done to help the refugees,
 Two natural switch lines were available : the             since supplies for the troops were still seriously
 canal from Bergues to Dunkirk and the Canal               short. Moreover their presence on the roads
 des Moeres from Dunkirk south-east towards                was often a grave menace to our movement.
 Hondschoote.                                              It had been necessary to give Corps a free hand
    Immediately north of this line came the               in handling them*: on occasions it had been
inundations, extending from Bergiies over the              necessary to turn vehicles into the fields in
 district of the Moeres to a width varying from            order to keep the roads clear.
 one to three miles. Except in a few places,                  During the 27th May, troops and their trans-
they did not cover the roads but were designed            port began to withdraw into the perimeter on
to leave them clear, while preventing deploy-             the fronts of all three Corps; and where the
ment. They did, however, sometimes prevent                troops had received the necessary orders,
troops from digging themselves in. On the               ' vehicles were disabled and abandoned in the
Belgian side of the frontier the order to begin           assembly areas. The few troops who could be
the inundations was not given by Belgian G.Q.G.           spared for traffic control did not, however,
till the morning of 26th May and they never               prove sufficient for the purpose, and conse-
became effective.                                         quently a great number of British and French
   To the north of the inundations was more               vehicles entered the perimeter and the town,
low-lying land ; then came the Bergues-Furnes             of Dunkirk when they should have remained
Canal, and the main lateral road from Fumes               outside. There was inevitably a large number
to Dunkirk. Finally there was the narrow                  of vehicles which had become detached from
strip of dunes giving way to a wide, open beach           their units, and a number of cases also occurred
running the whole length of the position and              that day in which units became separated from
shelving very slowly to the sea. There were no            their formations and arrived within the peri-
quays or piers whatever except those at Dunkirk           meter without sufficiently clear orders. These
itself. At intervals of about a mile along the            were sent to reinforce the defence of the peri-
shore lay the seaside resorts of Coxyde, La               meter, or embarked, as seemed best to those in
Panne, Bray Dunes and Malo-les-Bains.                     control.
                                                             Next day (28th May) when Corps started to
 Layout of the Sector and Problem of Traffic Control.    take charge in their areas, the difficulties with
    49. Sir Ronald Adam, on leaving Cassel,              the British traffic were cleared up, only to be
 went at once to the headquarters of the 48th            replaced by difficulties with the French traffic.
 Division at Bergues to find out the latest situa-           The French 6oth Division .began to arrive
 tion and in particular what troops were imme-           from Belgium, and at the same time rearward^
 diately available either to hold the perimeter          elements of their light mechanised divisions"
 or to control the traffic. He learnt that the           appeared from the south-east and south. These
 enemy were advancing north eastwards from               were soon followed by the transport of the
 the.Forest of Clairmarais : there could therefore       French 3rd Corps, mainly horsed. None of
 be no question of using any of the reserves of          these appeared to have received orders to leave
 48th Division, and the only troops immediately          their transport outside the perimeter: seldom
 available were certain engineer units. General          did they do so unless compelled by British
Thome, however, lent his C.R.A. (Brigadier               traffic control posts.
 Hon. E. F. Lawson) who was instructed to lay                By the 28th, Brigadier Lawson, using the
 out the defence of the perimeter, and to use for        greatest energy, had succeeded in the urgent
the purpose such troops as were on the spot,             task of manning the perimeter from Bergues to
or were entering the perimeter.                          Nieuport with troops from a number of units,
    The position was then divided into three             chiefly artillery.
Corps areas, each including a collecting area
outside the perimeter, a sector of the canal line            50. The Admiralty had placed - the naval
and a sector of the beach.                               arrangements for embarkation in the hands of
    Already it was seen that the traffic problem        the Dover Command. A Senior Naval Officer
was going to assume formidable proportions.             had been sent to Dunkirk to work out detailed
Ever since the loth May it had been a potential         plans, and steps had been taken to collect a
source of trouble, but it had been kept in hand         large number of small ships, and of boats for
in the early stages by strict adherence to pre-         talcing troops from the beach out to the ships.
arranged plans and by the use of infantry for                On 27th May, however, these arrangements
traffic control. Once the withdrawal from the           had not had time to take effect, nor had it yet
Dyle began, the problem became acute in France          been possible to provide sufficient naval ratings
as well as in Belgium. Refugees began to leave          to man the beaches. Yet a start was made;


Details

3304          SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 JULY, 1947
outside of the entrance. She remained in sole          35. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded
occupation of the harbour until shortly after       from Dover in ESK at about 1900 for passage
midnight 2Qth/30th, when her Captain rightly        to HEBE off the coast where he was to carry
decided to take the ship out of harbour before      out the duties of S.N.O. Dunkirk in charge
she also was sunk, thus freeing the berth and       of all embarkation arrangements, taking over
safeguarding the channel from 'being blocked.       from Captain Bush who had been working in
   Little information of these disasters filtered   HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
through to Dover, except that it was known          He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
that Dunkirk was under heavy air bombard-              36. As a result of the heavy casualties and
ment and that the destroyers there were being       losses amongst the destroyer force, particularly
hit soon after 1600.                                the misfortunes which befell those of the larger
   31. At 1906 the Vice Admiral promulgated         and more modern types, a consultation was held
the plan for 'the night by signal as follows:       between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral
                                                    which led to a decision to withdraw destroyers
" Evacuation of British troops to continue at       of the " H ", " I " and " J " Classes from
maximum speed during the night. If adequate          " Dynamo ". All destroyers of the " G " Class
supply of personnel vessels cannot be main-         were already out of action.
tained to Dunkirk East Pier, destroyers will
be sent there as well. All other craft except          There remained available for " Dynamo "
hospital carriers to embark from beach which        15 destroyers: —
is extended from one mile East of Dunkirk                 ESK                   WORCESTER
to one mile East of La Panne. Whole length               EXPRESS                WINDSOR
is divided into three equal parts referred to            ANTHONY                 VERITY
as La Panne, Bray, Malo, from East to West                KEITH                 VANQUISHER
with a mile gap between each part. La Panne               CODRINGTON            SABRE
and Bray have troop concentration points each             MALCOLM                SCIMITAR
end and in middle, Malo at each end. These                WHITEHALL              SHIKARI
points should be tended by inshore craft. Pass            WINCHELSEA
the message by V/S to ships not equipped W/T        Excluding any casualties, this number of
as .opportunity offers."                             destroyers might be expected to maintain a
                                                    flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast
   32. About 1900 a telephone message was           and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
received from La Panne Military Headquarters           37. The day closed with a formidable list of
through the War Office and the Admiralty to         ships lost or damaged, a marked reduction in
the effect that Dunkirk Harbour was blocked         the number of destroyers available and with
by damaged ships, and that all evacuation           failure to achieve the high rate of evacuation
must therefore be effected from the beaches.        hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in Eng-
   About the same time a corrupt message from       land during the 24 hours, but the effect of the
 S.N.G. Dunkirk;, was receded stating con-          day's occurrences was to be more marked next
tinuous bombing, one destroyer sinking, one         day when instead of some 50,000 to 60,000
transport with troops on board damaged and          which had been calculated as the probable
impossible at present to embark- more troops,       achievement only 48,000 odd were in fac^ trans-
though pier undamaged.                              ported.
                                                    Thursday, ^oth May.
   33. In this confused situation the Vice
Admiral, Dover, at 2128, ordered all ships             38. As an example of the difficulty of any
approaching Dunkirk not to close the harbour,       one man appreciating the situation at Dunkirk
but instead to remain off the Eastern beach to      and the beaches during the night, at 0300/30
collect troops from the shore, and 'the drifters    the S.N.O. on the French Coast reported that
and minesweepers which were about to be             he had no destroyers. In fact, at that time,
despatched to Dunkirk Harbour were also             all available destroyers, namely 10, in the
diverted to the beaches.                            Dover Command, were either on, or on passage
                                                    to or from, the coast, and the remaining five
   It appeared, therefore, at this time that the    were at Dover discharging troops, embarking
use of Dunkirk Harbour would be denied to           ammunition, fuelling, etc. and were to sail
us except possibly to the small ships.              within the next four hours.
   Signals addressed to S.N.O. Dunkirk,                Simultaneously the V.C.I.G.S. reported that
HEBE, VERITY, who were known to be in               the beaches were well organised, the troops in
the vicinity of Dunkirk, „ were sent requiring      good heart, and there had been no bombing
information as to the accessibility of the          since dark, but that there was still a great
Eastern pier for personnel vessels. Admiral         shortage of small craft, urgently required. This
Nord was also informed that Dover was out           last fact was well known to the Vice Admiral,
of touch with Captain Tennant, and asked            Dover.
whether it was still possible for transports to        39. Commander-in-Chief, • Nore, was re-
enter the harbour and berth alongside.               quested to send as much towing hawser as
   No reply to these enquiries could be expected    possible to Ramsgate, as quickly as possible,
until after midnight.                               for supplying the skopts, to haul boats off
   34. In the event only four trawlers and a        the beaches, thus speeding up the boat work to
yacht entered Dunkirk during the hours of           compensate for the shortage of boats, which
darkness, and as enemy activity was much re-        would continue for at least another 24 hours.
duced only two bombing attacks being made,             40. At 0500 the seven modern destroyers
it subsequently transpired that a good oppor-       remaining with Vice Admiral, Dover—
tunity had been missed. It is probable that         ICARUS, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, IVAN-
ships to lift some 8,000 to 10,000 troops could     HOE,       HARVESTER,          HAVANT       and
have been made available for Dunkirk during         JAVELIN—sailed to Sheerness in accordance
the night at little loss to embarkation from the    with Admiralty instructions. The MONTROSE
beaches.                                            and MACKAY sailed for repairs.


Details

Details

Details

Details

137
nov STATE OV WE SEX
4 July 1940-
Mr dear Vaughan.
Here are some more papers
about Dunkark. I dont suppose
There is anything new TO you in
Them. but we Eant very well
deal with them in dependently
of your V.A. In afraid they are
a Git lare anyway but as we
shall inevitably take some time
considering V.A. Dovers recommendared
if there are any comments on these
papers They are sure co reach us
in zime.
were Garly goz rid q the
deferred Birchday honours in
Time To deal wich your formidable
Cost After that as one of
my Excellent gasts remarked,
there is The Invasion!
My Gest wishes
your Ever
Diok

Details

Details

404
(
382
TUGS
and
SUN N
C.11.
c.q.
FORMIDABLE.
Sr, CHEARS.
LADY GRASSEY
FOREMOST By
Sr. OLAP
T

Details

418
CONFIDENTIAL
394
The Formideble
, 12/6/40.
H.M.S.J "Formidable",
Carrer
030/48/40.
C/o G.P.O.)
Noh Dunknik
Sir,
Le mesures Jug SPOUL
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise 2 convoy of motor and nulling boats. tn he towed over
CONFIDENTIAL.
Jug
a
393
ats
F
mesurer Tui Sun
From...The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Formidable", C/o G.P.O.J
Date...12th. June, 1940.
Ref. No.030/48/40.
(d)
To.....The Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate, Kent.
as
J
Subject...Report of Minor Operations Carried Out Off Dunkirk.
r
VAL OFFICER 3207 IN CHARGE
to
15JUN1940
*
1 her
212
Submitted.
AMSGAT
Herewith are forwarded two copies of my
nt
report on Minor operations carried out off Dunkirk on 1st./2nd. last.
)
and 3rd. June, 1940.
ts
I understand that such reports are required and
à
2.
this is forwarded for transmission to the appropriate authority. ble 1
khurumia
rs,
igin-
ach
Commander.
2
The
ia
a
at

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formidable
9 12/6/40.
Carm
H.M.S.J "Formidable",
030/48/40.
Comherston
C/o G.P.O.
Noh
Sir,
Le mesures
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants JJVJ WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
le difficulty in obtaining
393A
CIA was quite evidently
is left behing, The tug
LER, R.N. sailed earlier
1.
18 boats were swamped -
3 in a hurry to get over to
red at Dunkirk at about
Forwarded in continuation of my 3172/212 of 11.6.40
Naval Officer in Charge.
ge; the tug "TANGA" with her
anchored at a point about
akirk, and sent in the
little further to the East.
CAPTAIN R.N.,
take off troops from the
nole joined; on the first
to the tug. While these
on an officer ina fast
proceed alongside the mole
fore they went in again,
r ships and that I would
eet them again. I then
about 50 French soldiers,
ii.
en and 4 English naval
then returned to the origin-
way. The boats returned
monstrance from the French
r about an hour. During
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
I (having done one or two
ad East by lighter guns. The
from the West by what
nearer G down the mole, At and a
be the mole, and towards
No. 3207/212.
to
appendix 3.
e
Ramsgate.
15.6.40.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formideble
D 12/6/40.
Graft
H.M.S.J "Formidable",
030/48/40.
Comherston
C/o GIP.O.)
Noh Dunknik
Sir,
Le mesures
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants J.V. WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N.: sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
3. On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a hurry to get over to
Dunkirk - and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
2330, after an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
1/2 % mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
4.
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
were being embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
motor boat (possibly Commander MAVND) to proceed alongside the mole
and embark troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
to carry on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
return to the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
subsequently embarking another 28 Frenchmen and 4 English naval
ratings from a broken down motor boat. I then returned to the origin-
al anchorage, and waited for the boats for about an hour. During
this time there was a slight amount of remonstrance from the French
troops on board who were anxious to get away. The boats returned
about 0300 with another 50 British troops (having done one or two
trips in the meantime to other ships.)
5.
During the night Dunkirk was being shelled from the West by what
seemed to be a heavy battery, and from the East by lighter guns. The
lighter shells appeared to be directed at the mole, and towards
0300 the shelling was coming nearer and nearer down the mole, and a
fire was started either on the mole or just to the Westward. At
about 0300 there was an outburst of rifle fire apparently just on
the mole where the boats had been embarking troops, and Lieutenant

Details

132
130
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst
the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell
those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was
held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already
out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be
expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the
coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst
the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell
those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was
held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already
out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be
expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the
coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst
the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell
those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was
held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already
out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be
expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the
coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

Details

Details

33
118
S.S.
STEAMSHIP
Dock or
LINE
Berth
Port of of
LIMITED
Day
Hours
a.m. Date
193
LESBROUGH
p.m.
above one lifeboak Sald the crw
tansas in through the away pick
then I have the boat back with
up as many men as they could and
the windlass. We continued daing
this smill the state of the tide
made it impossible to hold the
ship.
I anked the men to make
one last trip while I prepared
to get the weased off boat the beach
Unfertunity the & was
swamped in the surf but
managed to save all my men.
I gat the ship supely off, home the
beach and procedul to @
pari researed. with the broops / had
M. N.G for aphindid work his
May I recommend G. Height with
gun, m bringing down an every
plane and repelling raiders.
awamn from the beach
R. Moody firman) who to repeatedly the
lifebour with soldies who wore
deferred iscrehoay name
Time to deal with your formidable
Cost After that as one q
my Excellent goods remarked,
there is The Invasion!
My Gest wishes
your Ever
Due

Details

134
S.S.
119
TEAMSHIP
Dock or
LINE
Berth
LIMITED
Port of
Day
Hours
a.m. - Date
193
BROUGH
p.m.
los weak to help themselves
excellent has work in sepelling saiders.
my Bren gunners also did
from dawn
action Masli
from then
news cansed to
shipping all the
there. @ Rep) during
we maintained
aircraft within
our fine did
to low Plying
to one heaving
foying directly
which we miked
aft with a
of 303 in from
curred are gradually
untill it strick
200
We
Lb ydo was Elleous
away
TWIS
deferred
Time co deal with your formidable
Cost After that as one of
my Excellent goths remarked,
there is The Invasion!
My Gest wishes
your Ever
Diok
(39) (2884) Wt. 33110/0043 15M 11/80 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp- 01.

Details

35
S.S.
Lenensed
STEAMSHIP
119
LINE
Dock or)
LIMITED
Berth
Port of
Day
Hours
a.m.
Date
193
OLESBROUGH
p.m.
Beloir
We sailed at 0600 Rrs. from the
Downs We arrived at Dunkirk at
1130 has. We were standing by
from dawn and went into
action shortly after arriveing
from then onwards enemy aircraft
never ceased to horas the
shipping all the time we were
there (a has) during that time
we maintained rapid fire on
aircraft within range of out Gun
our five did considerable damage
to low flying aircraft and poolectionis
to one heavey enemy bomber
flying directly over the funell to
which we raiked from fore
aft with a full magaginep
Marlay
of 303 in from our bun. it
corraid gradually loving hights
untill on it struck the sea about
200 ydo We were quite confidents
it was away through our Gun five.
in
g unners. 3857271
& chl. Walky Robert
3857226
PTE Fee. James
deferred wrenomy
Time co deal with your formidable
Cost After that as one of
my Excellent goods remarked,
there is The Invasion!
My Gest wishes
Your Ever
Diok
(1880) Wt. 38119/0043 25M 11,89 SER Ltd. Go. gl.

Details

Referred
137
121
4 July 1940.
Commantican
Mr dear Vaughan.
Here are some more papers
Dunknk. I dont suppone in
about There is anything new TO well you
Them. with them independently
but we Eant very
deal V.A. I'm afraid as they we are
of Git your late anyway Gut time
a shall insuitably V.A. Dovers take on chese
considering any comments reach us
of papers there they are are sure 20 slie
in
zime. - Gardy goz rif q in
deferred were deal Birchday with honours your me formidable 2
Cost After goods
Time co that as remarked,
there my is 02 The
My Gent wishes
your wer
Drok

Details

16157
CONFIDENTIAL.
H.M.S. "Formidable",
e 12/6/40.
C/o G.P.O.
. 030/48/40.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
-
CONFIDENTIAL.
Dyram 30m.
156
ats
ry
From...The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Formidable", C/o G.P.O.
Date...12th. June, 1940.
Ref. No.030/48/40.
J)
Disponsis 30m 160 155
ng
y
T
11.
is 3207/212.
ag Officer Commanding Dover.
to
her
rwarded in continuation of my 3172/212 of 11.6.40
ut
pendix 3.
ast.
(Signed)
W.R. PHILLIMORE.
to
i.6.40. magate.
CAPTAIN Relley.
Naval Officer in Charge.
le
s,
gin-
*
*
ch
212
RAMSGAT
The
a

Details

/ 6157
CONFIDENTIAL.
H.M.S. "Formidable",
te 12/6/40.
C/o G.P.O.
:. 030/48/40.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
181
-
CONFIDENTIAL.
Dyram
30m.
156
uses
Dats
ary
From...The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Formidable", C/o G.P.O.
3
Date...12th. June, 1940.
Ref. No.030/48/40.
1.)
The Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate, Kent.
)
ing
Ly
ect...Report of Minor Operations Carried Out Off Dunkirk.
er
to
Submitted.
Herewith are forwarded two copies of my
] her
out
rt on Minor operations carried out off Dunkirk on 1st./2nd.
Sast.
3rd. June, 1940.
)
st
I underst nd that such reports are required and
)
is 2. forwarded for transmission to the repriate authority.
le
i
S,
3207 FICER IN CHARGE
gin-
Commander.
JUN1940
ch
*
212
ISGATE
The
a
10

Details

16157
CONFIDENTIAL.
H.M.S. "Formidable",
12/6/40.
C/o G.P.O.
030/48/40.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUII" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1750 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
I took with ne Lieutenants J.V. WILKINSON and R.E. LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R. sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N. sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped -
Dunkirk and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a burry to get over to
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
2330, after - an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
1 - of mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
motor being beat (possibly Commander MAVID) to proceed alongaide the mole
were embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
to embark on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
and troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
return carry the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded to alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
this anchorage, was a slight amount of The French
ratings al from a and waited for the boats remonstrance for about an hour. from the During
subsequently broken down motor boat. I origin-
embarking another 28 Frenchmen then and returned 4 English to naval the
troops about on with another 50 British troops or two
time board there who were anxious to get away. (having done boats one returned
trips in 0300 the meantime to other ships.)
During the night heavy battery, and from at the the mole, and towards guns. The
Dunkirk was being shelled East from by the lighter West by what
0300 lighter shells was coming nearer and just nearer to the Westward, mole, At and a
seemed to be a appeared to be directed down the
about fire was started was an outburst of troops, apparently and just on
the shelling either on the mole or rifle fire
the mole 0300 where there the boats had been embarking Lieutenant

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and returned to harbour; the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
Dutch eel-boats Johanna and Chantecler M.B. Golden Lily also The
and Ramsgate " compass at which 2200/29. was reached situated The the over beaches, the was engine. however, only capable revolved at 0900 of slowly 4 knots, round and and left her
she had no charts, lost way 30th Later darkness, and returned to
and brought back 30 troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
round"¹. She The Johanna did not on the 30th
Ramsgate on the morning of the May. on that day she was towed
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve
The 29th May closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
were in fact transported.²
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
21 times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers⁶
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
40,724. This figure probably puts does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
3 2 D.R., D.R. p.11, which para. incidentally 38. the total of troops and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Javelin, Malcolm, Express, Verity, Wolsey and Marmion
Royal 5 The Daffodil, Anthony, Royal Codrington, Sovereign, Esk, Scotia, and Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Worcester. Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess Sabre, of Scimitar, Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

Details

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Ramsgate at 2200/29. situated over the engine. capable of 4 knots, also and left
Dutch eel-boats Johanna The Chantecler was only M.B. Golden Lily The
and returned to harbour; and the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
and brought back lost troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
and round"¹. She 30 The Johanna did not on the 30th and
compass which was reached the beaches, however, revolved at 0900 slowly round her
Ramsgate on the morning on that day she was towed
she had no charts, of way the 30th May. Later darkness, and returned to
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers and with failure to
The 29th May closed with a formidable available list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences achieve
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
were in fact transported.²
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11/2 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
2½ times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers⁵
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers6
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
3 D.R., which incidentally puts the total of and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
2 D.R. p.11, para. 38.
40,724. This figure probably does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
4 The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George troops V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Royal Daffodil, Royal Sovereign, Scotia, and
Javelin, Malcolm, Sabre, Scimitar, Verity, Wolsey and Worcester. Marmion
5 The Anthony, Codrington, Esk, Express, Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess of Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

Details

Page 5.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY . 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
DOGGER BANK
HANDY BILLY
DORIA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
DREADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
DREADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
DUCHESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
DWARF
HYTHE (Coaster)
D.1 )
IOLANTHE
D.4
IOTE
D.7
(Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
D.9
Launches)
JABA
D.16
JACINTA (Trawler)
D.C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
D.G. 694
JANIS
D.G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
EASTBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
EDWARD NISSEN
JORDAN
EDWINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
ELIZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
E.M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
EMPRESS
KITCAT (M.B,)
EMPRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
ENDEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
ENTERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ERICA
LADY SHEILA
ESKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
FAIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
LANSDOWNE
FERVENT
LAROC
FISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
FOREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
FOREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
FORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
FORSA
MADAM SANSCENE
FOSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
FRIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
F.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
GALZAR
MARASOLE
GAY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
GLENWAY (Barge)
GLITTER II
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
GOLIATH
MARQUIS (Tug)
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
HAIG (W.D. Craft)
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
HALFWAY
M.F.H. (Lighter)
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

Details

Page 5.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
DOGGER BANK
HANDY BILLY
DORIA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
DREADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
DREADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
DUCHESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
DWARF
HYTHE (Coaster)
D.1)
IOLANTHE
D.4
)
IOTE
D.7
(Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
D.9
Launches)
JABA
D.16
JACINTA (Trawler)
D.C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
D.G. 694
JANIS
D.G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
EASTBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
EDWARD NISSEN
JORDAN
EDWINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
ELIZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
E.M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
EMPRESS
KITCAT (M.B,)
EMPRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
ENDEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
ENTERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ERICA
LADY SHEILA
ESKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
FAIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
LANSDOWNE
FERVENT
LAROC
FISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
FOREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
FOREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
FORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
FORSA
MADAM SANSGENE
FOSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
FRIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
F.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
GALZAR
MARASOLE
GAY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
GLENWAY (Barge)
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
GLITTER II
MARQUIS (Tug)
GOLIATH
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
HAIG (W.D. Craft)
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
M.F.H. (Lighter)
HALFWAY
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
Sunk
Continued)

Details

Details

404
(
382
TUGS
EL
SUN N
C.11.
c.9.
FORMIDABLE.
Sr, CHEARS.
LADY GRASSEY
FOREMOST BY
Sr. OLAP
T
(

Details

418
CONFIDENTIAL.
#
394
The Formideble
9 12/6/40.
H.M.S.J "Formidable",
Graft Carrer
030/48/40.
Construction
C/o G.P.O.
Noh 41 Dunknik
Sir,
mesuries Commanderm Jug SPINGE
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd, and
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise 2 convoy of motor and nulling hoats. tn he towed over
CONFIDENTIAL.
Jug
- 393 ats
ry
mesuries in Jug Sun
From...The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Formidable", C/o G.P.O.J
Date...12th. June, 1940.
Ref. No.030/48/40.
To.....The Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate, Kent.
ng
J
Subject...Report of Minor Operations Carried Out Off Dunkirk.
r
VAL OFFICER 3207 IN CHARGE
15JUN1940
to
*
212
AMSGAT
Submitted.
1 her
Herewith are forwarded two copies of my
nt
report on Minor operations carried out off Dunkirk on 1st./2nd. last.
and 3rd. June, 1940.
-
#
2.
I understand that such reports are required and
à
this is forwarded for transmission to the appropriate authority. ble
1
khurumis
rs,
igin-
Commander.
ach
2
The
1 a
a
at

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formideble
9 12/6/40.
Geft Carm
H.M.S.J "Formidable",
030/48/40.
Comherston
C/o G.P.O.
Noh
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants JIVI WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
e difficulty in obtaining
393A
CIA was quite evidently
A
IS left behing, The tug
LER, R.N.J sailed earlier
1.
18 boats were swamped -
3 in a hurry to get over to
red at Dunkirk at about
Forwarded in continuation of my 3172/212 of 11.6.40
Naval Officer in Charge.
ge; the tug "TANGA" with her
anchored at a point about
akirk, and sent in the
little further to the East.
CAPTAIN R.N.,.
take off troops from the
nole joined; on the first
to the tug. While these
om an officer ina fast
proceed alongside the mole
r ships and that I would
fore they went in again,
eet them again. I then
about 50 French soldiers,
ii.
en and 4 English naval
then returned to the origin-
monstrance r from the French
about an hour. During
No. 3207/212.
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
way. The boats returned
$ (having done one or two
ad East by lighter guns. The
from the West by what
nearer G down the mole, At and a
be the mole, and towards
to
appendix 3.
e
Ramsgate.
15.6.40.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formideble
D 12/6/40.
Graft
H.M.S. "Formidable",
030/48/40.
comherston
C/o GJP.O.)
Noh Dunknik
Sir,
Le mesures
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants J.VI WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N. sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
3. On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped -
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a hurry to get over to
Dunkirk - and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
2330, after an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
} % mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
4.
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
were being embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
motor boat (possibly Commander MAVND) to proceed alongside the mole
and embark troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
to carry on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
return to the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
subsequently embarking another 28 Frenchmen and 4 English naval
ratings from a broken down motor boat. I then returned to the origin-
al anchorage, and waited for the boats for about an hour. During
this time there was a slight amount of remonstrance from the French
troops on board who were anxious to get away. The boats returned
about 0300 with another 50 British troops (having done one or two
trips in the meantime to other ships.)
5.
During the night Dunkirk was being shelled from the West by what
seemed to be a heavy battery, and from the East by lighter guns. The
lighter shells appeared to be directed at the mole, and towards
0300 the shelling was coming nearer and nearer down the mole, and a
fire was started either on the mole or just to the Westward. At
about 0300 there was an outburst of rifle fire apparently just on
the mole where the boats had been embarking troops, and Lieutenant