Pioneer

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

ARCTIC PIONEER (1)
Trawler (11th A/S
Group, Harwich).
Lt. R.A.D. Cambridge,
R.N.R. (2)
31st May
a.m.
On patrol in the vicinity of South
Falls buoy.
-
The tr. Sphene joined company.
1st June
1000
The tr. Cape Argona joined company.
1315
Between T buoy and Dunkirk, the 3
trawlers opened fire on a M.T.B.
which failed to reply to challenges;
a 4 inch shell from the Arctic Pioneer
struck her superstructure. The
M.T.B. then waved a white ensign.
Her casualties were taken off by the
Cape Argona and transferred to the
M/S Saltash (q.v.)
Nil
0250
The
Authority - R.O.II, p.401.
5
were
the
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
(2) According to June 1940, Navy List.
67

Details

CAPE ARGONA
Trawler Harwich). (12th A/S Group
Lt. K.J. Lee, R.N.V.R.
29th May
1530
Cast off from Parkeston Quay and pro-
ceeded to sea in company with the
2350
trs. St. Achillens and Sphene.
Arrived on patrol ground and commenced
patrolling between T buoy, West
Hinder and Kwinte buoy.
30th May
0025
Whilst steaming line ahead, the track
of a torpedo was observed going
between the St. Achilleus and the
Sphene.
All ships separated. No sign of
M.T.B. or submarine.
0045
A torpedo track passed ahead of the
Cape Argona. Still no sign of enemy
craft.
0125
Heard powerful motor engines behind a
smoke screen. Enemy M.T.B. believed
to be approaching through the screen;
fired depth charges.
On course for T buoy, fired at the
black shape of a M.T.B. The fire was
returned. No damage.
0430
joined company with St. Achilleus and
Sphene. The whole patrol ground was
littered with wreckage and with
either wholely or partly destroyed
boats.
-
Carried on with the patrol. German and
British planes passing continuously
overhead; no attacks made.
31st May
-
Ordered by "F.O.I.C. Dover" to patrol
near South Falls buoy. The Sphene
dropped out of the group and joined
with the tr. Arctic Pioneer.
0615
Ordered to resume original patrol.
1st June
0040
Lost contact with the St. Achilleus.
Explosions seemed to be going on all
around the Cape Argona; M.T.B.
tracks were observed all over the
place. Several flares dropped by
enemy aircraft working in conjunction
with M.T.B's.
0400
Received no answer to frequent calls to
the St. Achilleus. [she had been
sunk by a mine (see Sheldrake)]
1000
Concluded the St. Achilleus had gone.
Reported to the Arctic Pioneer and
joined her group.
1315
'Whilst heading from T buoy towards
Dunkirk, in answer to an 8 0 8 from
the 8.8. "pragg" [i.e. the P/V Prague],
the Arotic Pioneer signalled that a
M.T.B. was approaching. The Cape
Argona challenged the M.T.B. five
times but received no answer; the
MB275
M.T. B. continued to approach zig-
All three trawlers then opened
zagging, and showing no colours.
fire on the M.T.B.; a 4 inch shell
from the Arctic Pioneer struck her
A white ensign
wast then observed being waved.
160

Details

GAY CRUSADER
M/B (Owner
A. Foster)
S/Lt. T.H. Rodgers,
R.N.V.R. (1)
1st June
0800
Left Margate in tow of the skoot
"Oranje Vreeswijk" [this was the
skoot Oranje whose port of origin
was Vreeswijk]. Also in the tow
were the M/B's Silvery Breeze, Silver
Foam and one other.
-
Arrives off Dunkirk channel still in
tow.
1445/
Air attack by 3 dive bombers. All
1515
4 motor boats scattered. Three of
the M/B's proceeded to Margate under
their own power. The Gay Crusader
was again taken in tow by the Oranje,
which proceeded.
2200
The Oranje arrived at Margate with
the Gay Crusader in tow.
[Admiral Taylor says that S/Lt. Rodgers was towed
back "in company with the O.I.C. Pioneer and
Barl"(2)]
Authority - R.O.II, p.392.
(1) Shown 1940 Navy List as a June lieutenant, 1940
seniority in the 31/5/40. August Not shown in the Navy
(2) There List. is no other record of a vessel named "Barl" having
taken part in Dynamo.
364

Details

Details

M/B 275
R.N. Air Station,
Ford
C.P.O. Leighton.
A.B. L.F. Strand.
sto. A. Benham.
[The following report 1s by A.B. Strand and
Sto. Benham.
29th May
p.m.
Left Littlehampton and arrived Newhaven
the same evening.
30th May
a.m.
Left Newhaven for Ramagate.
p.m.
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May
0430
Ordered to sail for Dunkirk.
0730
Developed leak and returned to Ramsgate.
1st June
0430
Sailed for Dunkirk, having embarked 2
volunteer Sub-Lieutenants R.N.V.R.
and an extra able seaman.
-
When near Dunkirk, struck a submerged
object. No damage.
-
Just off shore at Dunkirk, all small
boats suddenly turned about and
left, as if ordered to do so.
Decided to do likewise, and on
turning, saw "two large ships"
packed with troops steaming away from
Dunkirk.
-
Suddenly a crowd of German bombers
came out of the clouds. Direct hits
were made on both the big ships which
sank within about 20 minutes.
[probably the P/V Scotia and the
P.M/S Brighton Queen].
-
All small boats went to the rescue.
M/B 275 picked up 10 survivors. A
destroyer which was being bombed,
kept the raiders off.
-
After about 3/4 hour, sighted 3 trawlers,
two on the starboard hand, one on the
port. [They were the Cape Argona
the Arctic Pioneer and the Sphene
One of them, the Cape Argona made
a signal in morse. A.B. Strand
shouted to C.P.O. Leighton to stop
engines, and he asked for a torch
to signal back with; but either he
"was not heard or was disregarded".
A shot was fired across M/B 275's
bows, but she still steamed fast
towards the trawlers.
1315ca
All three trawlers opened a heavy
fire at about 1,000 yards. A hit
wrecked the wheelhouse.
All hands except the R.N.V.R.
officers and A.B. Strand jumped over
the side. A.B. Strand seized the
wheel, and then waved an ensign;
the trawlers ceased fire.
One of the trawlers [the Cape
Argona] sent a boat to pick up the
in the water, and got the M/B 275
men alongside. Both officers, C.P.O.
wounded; one of the crew of
Leighton and several survivors the were
sunk transport was killed.
261

Details

I
M/B 275 - Continued
1st June
-
(contd.)
Later the trawler took M/B 275, "messed
up a bit", (1) in tow, and transferred
her (and her crew and casualties) to
1830ca
a minesweeper [the Saltash] which
towed her to Margate. (2)
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.210.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
A.B. L.F. Strand.
(1) A inch shell from the Arctic Pioneer had struck her
(2) A.B. superstructure. Strand mistakenly says "Ramagate".
262

Details

M/B (Owner, R.F. Ricketts)
PIONEER
Sailed for Sheerness.
30th May
The Pioneer was off the beaches in
company with the M/B Gay Crusader.
1st June
Her C.O. left Dunkirk in the
Gay Crusader (in ton of the Sk.
Oranje).
The Pioneer did not return.
Authority - TO.9144/40. TO.9436/40.
as ta Wilson Lul
Not mentioned in list of ships.

Details

SALTASH (N.62)
M/S (5th M.S.F.)
Lt.Cdr. T.R. Fowke, R.N.
30th May
2227
Left Harwich for La Panne.
31st May
-
1000
Arrived off La Panne.
Delayed by fog in Knock Deep channel.
Embarked 100 troops. Steamed to west
of Dunkirk, and back to La Panne.
Sighted the S.S. Clan Macalister,
troops. burning. Embarked a further 300
2300ca
Sailed for Margate.
1st June
0510
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 400
troops.
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0900ca
Passed the dr. Havant on fire, behind
the Dyck shoal. Took her in tow.
Frequent air attacks; about 40 A/C
overhead.
1000ca
Havant sinking. She was abandoned, and
Qt
the Saltash sank her. (1)
1020ca
The P/V Scotia (2) and the P.M/S
Brighton Queen were sunk.
Put the Saltash alongside the
Brighton Queen and partially on her
deck. Bumped a little on the
Brighton Queen's bilge. Took off her
troops, mostly colonial French.
-
With 350/400 survivors on board returned
=
to Margate.
1315ca
En route, closed 3 trawlers [i.e. the
Cape Argona, Sphene and Arctic
Pioneer], and took on, board the C.O.
[)rwas infact the m/B 275 ]
/
and crew of M. T. B. 175. L The M.T.B.
was taken in tow.
1835
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 400
troops. (3)
2200ca
Sailed for Dunkirk, towing a M/B and
)ᵃ
2 skiffs.
2nd June
0245
Off Dunkirk breakwater.
0300
Returned to Margate empty.
0800
Arrived Margate.
Total 800
Authority - R.O.I., p.359.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Sto. 1st Cl. B. Gaughan.
(1) The Havant does not reportthis, but states that she rolled
over and sank at 1015.
(2) (3) The Scotia reports sinking at about 1130.
D.R. Margate report states 350.
85

Details

V
SILVER FOAM
M/B (W.T. Cayton)
?
30th May
Sailed (in tow) for Sheerness.
2
0800
1st June
Towed M/B's over by the Sk. Oranje the
and Gay Crusader, Silvery with
-
Arrived Dive-bomb off Dunkirk channel still Pioneer]. tow.
one other probably the Breeze
p-
1445
The attack - the M/B's scattered. in
left Silver Foam and other motor boats
for home. (1)
The Oranje proceeded to Margate with
the Gay Crusader in tow.
Nil
Authority - TO. 9436/40.
R.O.II, p.392.
er
№
1)
(1) The C.O. of the Pioneer returned in the Gay Crusader. The
Pioneer did not return.
138

Details

SILVERY BREEZE
M/L (A. Verley)
0830
?
30th May
Arrived Sheerness.
2
0800
1st June
Sailed of the from Margate for Dunkirk in
and M/B's Gay Crusader, Silver were
the Sk. Oranje. Also in tow tow
one other probably the Pioneer] Foam
p-
1445
In Dunkirk Channel, attacked by dive
bombers. The M/B's scattered and
sailed for home. The Oranje returned
to tow. Margate with the Gay Crusader in
[The Pioneer did not return from Dunkirk
her Crusader]. C.O. returned in the Gay
The Silvery Breeze and Silver Foam
reached Margate.
er
Nil
Authority - T.0.9144/41.
R.O.II, p.392.
1
1)
141

Details

SPHENE( 1)
Trawler Harwich). (11th A/S Group
Skipper C.Pennington,
1530
R.N.R. (1)
29th May
Sailed the from
Argona. trs. the
2350
Commenced Hinder patrol between T buoy,
and Kwinte buoy. West
30th May
0025
A torpedo track from port, passed
ahead to of the Sphene. Sphene A/C a/c
0430
port and all ships separated.
Rejoined company with the St. Achilleus
and Cape Argona. Continued patrol.
31st May
a.m.
Sphene joined the tr. Arctic Pioneer's
group.
1st June
1000
1315
The Cape Argona joined company.
Between T buoy and Dunkirk, opened fire
on a M.T.B." which was zig-zagging
[ Has in fact the M/B
towards and had not replied to
challenges./ She received casualties
which were turned over to the M/S
Saltash.
2100
In company with the tr. Lord Melchett,
and under orders of the Cape Argona,
patrolled between S buoy and West
Hinder.
2nd June
0955
Air attack. The Cape Argona was
damaged, and was led in to Harwich
by the Sphene.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.401.
(1; Not mentioned in D.R.
168

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

12A
NORE COMMAND-continued.
13
(THE NORE AREA-continued.)
NORE COMMAND-continued.
CHATHAM.
SHEERNESS-continued.
(HARWICH AREA.)
Base Ship.-St. Tudno. D
HARWICH.
6th Minesweeping Flotilla.
Magnetic Ships.
[5] Halcyon X D
M.L. Training Boat.
[45] Corfield
Chatham.
Base Ship-Badger.
(S.O.)
ML 103A
.
-
Chatham.
[5] Speedwell X D
[3] Corbrae
Harwich.
[2] Springdale
Sheerness.
1st A/S Group (Trawlers.)
[5] Hussar X
-
SHEERNESS.
[10] D Springtide
Tyne.
[1] Sapphire A D
Harwich.
[5] Harrier X LL/D
Repairs.
Base Ship.-Wildfire.
24 July
Complete
(S.O.)
[1] Basset A
Sheerness.
M/S Yachts.
[45] Aronia D
[1] Tourmaline A
-
Paddle Minesweepers.
Harwich.
(Captain M/S).
*12th Minesweeping Flotilla.
[45] Sylph
Sheerness.
Experimental Flotilla.
[1] Turquoise A D
[62] C Queen Empress
(Fast Motor Boat).
Tugs.
XD (S.O.)
[2] Salvo X/L
[62] C Oriole x D
Lowestoft.
Paddle Minesweeper.
[62] P Duchess of Fife
City of Rochester
[2] Servitor X/L
3rd A/S Group (Trawlers).
XD
Chatham. Future under con-
Sheerness.
[11] Amethyst A D
[62] C Marmion X D
sideration. To be paid off.
Repairs. Date uncertain.
[2] Shako X/L
(S.O.)
[62] Lorna Doone X
f.o. Plymouth.
Danlayers (Trawlers).
[11] Agate A D
Harwich.
[2] Burnbanks
[2] Solitaire X/L D
* To Lowestoft temporarily.
-
[2] Dolores
Sheerness. Dockyard Control.
[11] Jasper AD
Defective. (To be used as
[2] Bracon Heath
Special Service.)
M/S Trawlers.
M/S Drifters.
Group 4.
M/S Trawlers.
[45] Boy Allen S
11th A/S Group (Trawlers).
[2] Corena X D
[45] Larch X D
Group 2.
[3] Artic Pioneer A D
[45] Devon County S
[2] Berberis x/s D
[45] Force X D
20 kw.
Sheerness.
[3] Drangey A D
Harwich.
[45] Forerunner S
Harwich.
[45] Tamarisk XD
Sheerness.
[2] Stella Leonis XD
20 kw.
[3] Sphene AD
[45] Pyrope X D
[45] Plumer S 22 kw.
Sheerness. Repairs. Date un-
[2] Fleming XD
[3] Viviana A D
I
certain.
[45] Bernard Shaw X D
Group 3.
Group 5.
[45] Milford Prince X D
Auxiliary Patrol Vessels.
Ex 19th A/S Group.
[2] Stella Rigel x
[45] Edwardian X D
Sheerness.
[45] Cervantes
[1] Lord Plender A
[2] Waveflower X D
[45] Tilburyness XD
Harwich.
Harwich.
[45] Elizabeth Green
[2] Green Fly A
[2] Lord Melchett X D
[45] Mary Jane
[8] Firefly X
Group 30.
Sheerness.
[2] WilliamWesney X D
[45] Silvery Breeze
[8] Peter Carey x/s D
[8] Wardour X/D
Sheerness.
[45] Shunesta
A/S Trawlers.
[8] Windward Ho X D
[45] Margaret Mary
[2] Lady Madeline A
Group 56.
Chatham. Repairs. Date un-
Harwich.
certain.
Lady Lilian A D
[24] Stour X D
Harwich.
[50] Arctic Hunter M/S Trawlers Sheerness. (Ungrouped).
[24] Tranio X
Sheerness.
[45] Darogah X/LL D
X/LL D
[24] Joseph Button x/s
Harwich.
[45] Norse X/LL D
Chatham. Repairs. Completes
Special Service Vessels.
D
27 July.
[45] Golden Eagle
M/S Yacht.
[2] River Clyde X
Harwich.
[45] Kennymore X/LL D
Chatham.
[2] London Pride
Harwich.
[45] Royal Eagle D
(Fast Motor Boat)
[8] Conquistador
Sheerness.
[45] Resolvo X/LL D
X/LL D
Sheerness.
Group 58.
[45] Sunlight X/LL D
[2] Edward Walmsley
Dan-laying Vessels.
XD
Fentonian LL D
Boom Defence Tugs.
[2] Tehana X D-
[45] Crevice
[2] Madeline
Harwich.
Harwich.
[2] Thomas Leeds X/SD
[45] Kelpy
Sheerness.
[2] Boy Pat
Approved suitable for Dan-
laying,
[15] Red Gauntlet x/s D

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

38
INDEX.
39
Page
Page
Blighty
15
Page
13
Avon Water
Page
Bluebell
Cape Baracouta
Page
Page
18
Cape Comorin
17A
Concordia
Arctic Pioneer
Bluebird
29
32
Ayrshire
20
Cape Finisterre
25
Conidaw
A.
Arctic Ranger
29
Boom Carriers
Cape Melville
36A
10
Azara
29
17
Conqueror
Arctic Trapper
25
Borde
9
13
28
Cape Nyemetski
15
19
Azur
Conquistador
28
Boscawen
15
36B
Argosy
9
Botanic
Cape Palliser
29
Consbro
25
37
Argyleshire
8
11
35
Bountiful
Cape Passaro
8
Consolation
8
26
29
24
Cape Portland
25
Arisio
Constant Friend
12
15
Bounty
8
25
22
Arkwright
Bouvet I
Cape Spartel
Constant Hope
12
Arlette II
2
35
8
Bouvet II
Cape Trafalgar
Consul
9
16
11
B.
35
19
Contender
27
Arley
Cape Warwick
15
17A
Bouvet III
35
25
Arnold Bennett
B.3
Capricornus
Controller
23
11
12A
Bouvet IV
35
35
Carbineer II
Convallaria
27
Lawford
29
Aronia
4
Bacchante
9
Bownet
29
7
Cardiff Castle
Conway Castle
29
9
Arsenal
Badger
25
Boy Alex
24
15
Carency
Copious
28
17A
Balmoral
13
Boy Allen
5
12A
Coral
32
5
A/S Groups-
Carina
Bankwood
16
Boy Andrew
19
Coral Bank
21
Carisbrook
18
27
1
25
Boy John
21
Bandolero
18
Corbrae
26
Caroline
17
36A
2
5
7
Banshee
32
Boyne
20
Corcyra
5
Caroline Moller
13
3
13
14
Cordela
Barbara Robb
5
Boy Pat
13
13
4-7
see P.L.
Caryanda
8
Cordelia II
35
Boy Philip
18
Barbarian
29
15
Carraig
18
18
4
Corena
8
Boy Roy
13
Barbican
18
10
Carry On
12
Corfield
10
12A
8
9 and 10
Barcombe
29
Boy Scout
12
Castle Bay
17
Coringa
36A
12
11
13
29
Boyne Water
2
Caswell
Barcroft
14
Cornelian
5,20
3
12
25
29
Boy's Own
17
Caterina
12
Coronet
9
21
Barfair
16
13
20
Brabant
26
Catherine
23
Cortina
16
28
Barfield
16
14
18
Bracendale
26
Caulonia
3
Coruscation
21
15-16
32
Barlow
2
29
Bracon Heath
12A
Cayrian
35
Cotsmuir
15
36
17
3
Barmouth
18
Braemar
19, 28
Cayton Wyke
10
Count
37
10
18
28
Barndale
29
Braemar (Trawler)
19
Cedar
24
Countess Betty
18
Barnehurst
Bramble
29
Cedric
15
19
20
36B
Courtier
25
3
Barnesness
Branch
28
Ceresio
2
29
26
20
Coventry City
25
3
16
21
Barnestone
Brecon Castle
2A
Ceto
2
29
Craig
22
10
Barnwell
Brecon Moor
16
Ceylonite
36
29
Craig Alvah
26
14
22
33
Barra
Breda
20
Chalcedony
17A
Craig Island
22
36A
23
26
18
Brenda
36A
Charde
8
Craig Roy
28
27
24
30
Barrage
9
Barranca
Brigand
29
Charles Doran
15
Cramond Island
22
16
25-26
33
29
Brighton Queen
21
Cherwell
8
Cranefly
22
17
27
8
Basset
25
Brimness
21
Chestnut
24
Crannock
28
19
28
see P.L.
Basuto
37
Brine
29
Chico
11
Creagh Mhor
17
15
29
19
Bay
22
Brinmaric
9
Chiltern
6
Crestflower
15
37
30
26
Beaumaris Castle
27
British
16
Chimaera
3
Cuirass
37
30
31
19
Beaver
16
British Guiana
7
Chorley
37
Curtana
15
14
32-34
33
Bedfordshire
3
British Honduras
7
Christiana T. Purdy
29
Cutty Sark
5
16
35
Beech
16
Britomart
29
Chrysea
36B
Cypress
24
7
24
36
Belle o' Moray
30
Broadland
23
Chrystobel II
12
Cysne II
6
33
2
37
Belle Vue
3
Brock
11
Citron
12
5
25
38
Belvoir Castle
23
Brontes
28
City of Rochester
12A
21
14
39
18
B.T.B.
35A
Clan McKay
21
33
Ben
Clarinet
37
5
40
Benarchie
17
Buckingham
12
9
71
Bunting
29
Claverhouse
20,21
5
Ben Bhrachie
14
D.
28
6
81
Ben Earn
14
Burke
11
Clavis
23
8
12
Burlington
29
Clevella
16
Dahinda II
2
82
19
Ben and Lucy
8
Burnbanks
12A
Clifton
23
Daisy Bank
26
5
83
Ben Dearg
24
Clio
6
Dale Castle
19
10
2
Burnhaven
18
84
Bengali
32
Clorinde
12
Dalmatia
15
19
Bush
5
32
85
Ben Glas
14
Clotilde
15
Damito
3
13
19
22
Bushwood
3
86
28
Dane
22
Benmore
Buttermere
25
Cloud
20
3
87
29
Ben Rossal
Cloughton Wyke
6
Dane Hill
23
36A
Bystander
11
3
21
Daneman
25
88
14
17
Ben Roy
Cloverdale
89
5
13
Daniel Clowden
29
Ben Tarbert
14
Clythness
9
6
Danube III
12
36
15
Cobbers
Ben Torc
19
Danube V
12
29
A/S Striking Forces—
2
C.
Coila
Ben Urie
28
Danube VI
12
4
10-12
13
Cacorina
5
Coldsnap
Berberis
12
Darnaway
26
16
14-17
25
36B
12
Colette
Berenga
Cadella
37
Darnett Ness
3
3
18
25
26
35
Collena
Berkshire
Cadorna
20
Darogah
15
25
19
25
12A
12
Colne
Caleta
12
Darthema
15
8
20
25
Bernard Shaw
14
37
Comely Bank
3
Bervie Braes
Caliban
2
Darwin
35
21
31
32
23
Comet
16
David Ogilvie
23
8
25
Beryl
Calliope
35
Comitatus
Davey
28
Asama
30
Beryl II
Calverton
4
3
4
3
Commander Horton
3
Dayspring
27
Ascona
12A
Beth
Calvinia
13
9
Commiles
Ash
14
27
17A
Dee
20
Betsy Slater
Cambrian
27
3
Commander Evans
15
Defiance
2
Astros
2
30
24
Bilsdean
Cambridgeshire
24
8
Commodator
9
De la Pole
36A
25
Athenian
37
Campeador V
Computator
35
Birch
Atmah
20
4
15
Delphinus
8
15
Bishopsgate
Compina
25
Concertator
27
Auld Reekie
36A
2
Black Arrow
Cape Argona
Aurilia
30
22
10
12A
Ave Maria
Blackburn Rovers
22
25
Avola
Blackfly
28
22
Blackthorn
35
20
Blackwater

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

32
33
AUXILIARY A/S VESSELS.
AUXILIARY A/S VESSELS continued
(Trawlers.)
(Trawlers.)
Summary of A/S Groups-continued.
Summary of A/S Groups.
Station.
Group.
Name of Ship.
Station.
Group.
Name of Ship.
Station.
Group.
Name of Ship.
Name of Ship.
Station.
Group.
Else Rykens A D (S.O.)
Neil Mackay A D
Lord Essenden A D (S.O.)
P Sapphire A D (S.O.).
Saon AD (S.O.).
18
Paul Rykens A D
Lincolnshire A D
Spurs A
Scapa
Ardrossan
29
D
Basset A.
Peter Hendriks A
Lord Austin A
Harwich
1
Dover
10
D Turquoise AD.
Grimsby Town A.
Lord Middleton A D
C Tourmaline A.
Lady Philomena A.
Lord Nuffield A D
Wolves A D.
Stella Pegasi A (S.O.)
C
Pearl A D (S.O.).
Aberdeen
Lord Lloyd A
Preston North End A D (S.O.)
Birkenhead
2
Cornelian A D.
Aberdeen
30
Leicester City A D
C
Lincoln City A D
C
Ruby A D.
Arctic Pioneer A D.
19
Stoke City AD
Harwich
11
Drangey A D.
Sphene AD.
Lord Plender A
C
Amethyst A D (S.O.).
Viviana A D.
Harwich
Greenfly A
Ardrossan
Harwich
3
Agate AD.
31
Notts County A D (S.O.)
C
Norwich City A
C
Jasper A D.
Lord Stanhope A D (S.O.)
-
32
C
Amber A.
Stella Capella AD.
Lord Snowdon A D
C
Beryl A.
Grimsby
12
Blackfly AD.
Plymouth
20
Lord Stamp A D
Alexandria
4
C
Coral A.
Cape Argona AD.
Lord Stonehaven A D
33
(see Pink
C
Jade A.
Lord Hailsham AD
List).
C
Moonstone A.
21
34
Bandolero A (S.O.).
Stafnes A D (S.O.).
22
-
-
Sindonis A.
Paynter AD (S.O.)
Reighton Wyke A D.
Alexandria
5
Loch Melfort A.
Victrix A D
Granton
13
Thornwick Bay A.
(see Pink
Lydiard A.
Larne
35
British Guiana A D
Vascama A.
British Honduras A D
List).
Victorian A.
Visenda A.
Indian Star A D (S.O.)
Guava A D
Plymouth
23
Berkshire A D
-
36
-
Kelt A (S.O.).
Spaniard A.
Freetown
6
Turcoman A.
Pentland Firth A D (S.O.)
(see Pink
Pict A.
Brontes A (S.O.).
Arctic Explorer A D
List).
Davy AD.
37
-
Bengali A.
Kirkwall
Scapa
24
14
Istria A D.
Hugh Walpole A D
Tekoura A D
Loch Tulla A D.
Scalby Wyke A D
Regal A D.
Stella Canopus A D (S.O.)
Arctic Ranger A (S.O.).
Granton
38
Lady Beryl A D
Leyland A.
Brimness A
Gibraltar
7
25
-
Lord Hotham A D.
(see Pink
Kingston Chrysolite A.
List).
Stella Sirius.
-
39
26
-
-
Kingston Cairngorm A (S.O.)
Portland
I
Huddersfield Town A D (S.O.).
15
Kingston Agate A D
(for Osprey
Hertfordshire AD
for In-
40
Kingston Amber A D
Olvina A D
Milford
Arsenal AD.
Ports-
structional
8
Derby County AD.
27
Kingston Ceylonite A D
Haven.
mouth
Leeds United A D.
Kingston Chrysoberyl A D
purposes)
York City AD.
Cape Palliser A
16
F.S. La Nantaise A
Campbel-
P Topaze A
town (for
Nimrod
Wolborough A (S.O.)
Lord Wakefield A (S.O.).
Alexandria
for In-
Kingston Alalite A.
Kingston Coral A
structional
Dover
9
(see Pink
28
Kingston Andalusite AD.
Bedfordshire A.
Kingston Crystal A D
Kingston Olivine AD.
Swansea
List)
purposes)
17
Cambridgeshire A.
Kingston Cyanite A
Kirkella A.
Warwick Deeping A.

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941                                 ^5901
was provided at these river crossings. The             certain French technical troops continued to
weather was fine throughout the whole period of        work in the sector under the command of the
the move.                                              French Commander of the Defensive Sector
   The first stage was one hundred and                 of Lille, Colonel (now General de Brigade)
twenty miles. An average of five hundred               Bertschi.
vehicles moved daily over each stage of the route,        While defences continued to develop on the
maintaining a distance of one hundred yards            lines of the original plan, based on the close
between each vehicle as a precaution against           defence of the frontier, it was also necessary to
air attack. A halt of one day for maintenance          organise the position.
purposes was made after the first day's move.             The priority of work envisaged the eventual
   In the initial stages of the move, the Provost      construction of three positions in the forward
service were responsible for the regulation of         area, and a Corps reserve position was sited
traffic, but on entering the French Zone des           across the base of the Lille salient formed by
Armees, columns came under the direction of            the frontier. Further in rear, a second position
the French road control (Regulatrice Routiere)         had been sited, following the line of the Haute
organisation, which gave valuable help in              Deule, Sense"e and La Basse"e canals.
marking detours and in directing traffic through          The whole scheme involved the immediate
towns. A French-speaking British officer was           construction of field defences and the duplica-
established in Amiens to ensure liaison between        tion of the anti-tank obstacle in the forward
my headquarters and the French authorities.            zone.
   Breakdowns and accidents were few, which               It was consequently necessary to construct
reflects great credit on the drivers, who were         at an early stage reinforced concrete " pill-
unaccustomed to long hours at the wheel and            boxes " to afford protection to those weapons
to driving on the right-hand side of the road.         which formed the backbone of the fire defence
Among the many important lessons which were            throughout the whole depth of the position.
learnt during the largest road movement ever           In order to save time standard designs were
undertaken with motor transport by any British         prepared to accommodate both British and
Army were the need for early reconnaissance of         French weapons.
staging areas, for control at the dispersal points,
and for allowance for unforeseen delays.                  13. Work on these " pill-boxes " was begun by
                                                       the Royal Engineers, assisted by other arms.
   11. The move forward continued without              Early in November a specially constituted force
incident or interruption, and on the agreed date,      composed of twelve field companies of the
3rd October, ist Corps took over from the              Royal Engineers drawn from Territorial Army.
French the sector Maulde-Gruson on the Belgian         Divisions at home, and known as " X Force,"
frontier. This sector lay between that of the          arrived in the British Expeditionary Force
 ist French Army and of the i6th French Corps,         area. This force had its own transport and
with 2nd Division (Major-General H. C. Loyd)           special plant for the construction of reinforced
on the right and ist Division (Major-General           concrete " pill-boxes" by mass production
Hon. H. R. L. G. Alexander) on the left.               methods. It was accompanied by companies of
   General Headquarters opened in and around           the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps.
Habarcq (8 miles west of Arras) on 2nd                    A special Excavator Company, equipped with
October.                                               mechanical excavators of various types, arrived
   On I2th October, 3rd Division of 2nd Corps          at the same time as X Force. It has been
 (Major-General B. L. Montgomery) moved                employed in digging anti-tank ditches, burying
into the line between Bouvines and Lannoy,             signal cables, constructing breastworks, and
relieving the left brigade of ist Corps and the        other tasks.
right regiment of the French 5ist Division.               A creation of such a defensive system
4th Division of the same Corps (Major-General          demanded a quantity and variety of engineer
D. G. Johnson, V.C.) was located in General            stores far exceeding pre-war anticipations.
Headquarters reserve.                                     Bad weather in October and November, and
   The initial occupation of the line by the British    a succession of frosts later, considerably delayed
Expeditionary Force was thus completed arid            the work, but by the end of the period covered
the organisation of the position was undertaken         by this despatch the position had been developed
at once.                                               in considerable depth. A large number of con-
                                                       crete " pill-boxes" had been completed and
The Organisation of the British Positions.             many others were under construction ; new wire
   12. In allotting sectors the geographical fea-      had been erected and existing wire strengthened,
tures of the pronounced salient occupied by the        buildings had been reinforced, and many miles
British Expeditionary Force had to be con-             of anti-tank ditch dug.
sidered. East of the Tournai-Orchies road
the country is flat, much wooded and inter-             The Saar Detachment.
sected by small streams. Further to the north             14. In November, 1939, I arranged with
lies open and undulating agricultural land which        General Georges that a British infantry brigade
lends itself to artillery observation and to the       should take its place in the line on the Saar
movement of armoured fighting vehicles.                front, under the command of a French Division.
Further north again the sector is for the most            The brigade took over the sector from the
part on the fringe of a highly industrial and          French 42nd Division on the 4th December
mining district.                                       without enemy interference and during the
   When ist Corps arrived in the sector assigned       period under review conditions were quiet.
to the British Expeditionary Force in the first           Since that date infantry brigades of the
week in October, an almost continuous anti-            British Expeditionary Force have successively
tank obstacle already existed in the form of a         completed short tours of duty in this sector, and
ditch covered by concrete blockhouses built to         junior leaders have thus had valuable training
mount anti-tank guns and machine guns. In              in their day to day duties when in contact with
accordance with plans prepared in peace time           the enemy.


Details

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941                                  5907

28th March; 44th Division, on disembarkation,         The sub-machine gun was taken into experi-
moved into 3rd Corps reserve in the St. Pol area,   mental use by patrols in the Saar front: its
and 50th Division into 2nd Corps reserve, south-    value had already been recognised and I trust
west of Lille ; 42nd Division, on arrival, moved    that a weapon of this type will be permanently
to the area south-west of Amiens, in G.H.Q.         included in the armament of the infantry.
reserve.
                                                    Preparation for Further Expansion.
   5. The German invasion of Denmark and               7. In the meantime I had been preparing for
Norway on gth April created a new situation;        the arrival of further troops, and, in particular,
leave was stopped in the British and French         for the formation of Army Headquarters which
Armies on loth April, and i5th Infantry Brigade     were due to arrive in the latter part of June.
of 5th Division was despatched to England,          On the assumption that the positions held by
en route for Norway, on I5th April; certain         the B.E.F. were to remain the same, a lay-out
units of 42nd Division were also retained at        had been prepared involving a move of G.H.Q.
home, but with a few exceptions despatched          The construction of the new G.H.Q. and of
later. The remainder of 5th Division was left       the two Army headquarters.was put in hand;
in France, but in War Office reserve, and was       this involved the laying of about 150 route
accordingly relieved in 3rd Corps by 42nd           miles of heavy armoured cable. Negotiations
Division. Reports of enemy intentions to invade     were in progress regarding the extension of the
Holland and Belgium were received from              front of the B.E.F. on arrival of a fourth Corps,
different sources and at different times, and       the French being anxious that this should
between the nth and 22nd April certain troops       be southwards rather than northwards.
were placed under short notice to move. Intensi-
fied air reconnaissance .was ordered in the zone    Development of the Defensive Positions..
allotted to the Air Component which included           8. The development of the successive defen-
part of the Ruhr and the area to the west of it,    sive positions and switch lines behind the
but apart from small bridging activity no           Belgian frontier was continued steadily till
positive results were observed.                     loth May. By this date over 400 concrete
       o
                                                    " pill-boxes " of varying size had been com-
The Soar Front.                                     pleted with over ibo more under construction,
   6. During this period the detachment of one      while work on the improvement of field defences,
infantry brigade on the Saar front was main-        wire and other obstacles proceeded continuously
tained ; at the outset the severe cold interfered   on the original front and in the sector north of
considerably with the work of improving the         Armentieres recently taken over from the
defences in the forward area. Much required to      French.
be done, as regards increased protection, pro-         Chiefly by the use of excavator machinery
vision of alternative fire positions, covered       over 40 miles of revetted anti-tank ditch had
approaches and improved communications ; the        been added to that prepared by the French
wire required thickening and its tactical lay-out   army in time of peace. Machines had also been
improving; the thaw, when it set in, was rapid      used to assist the troops in constructing earth-
and energetic steps had to be taken to maintain     work defences, mixing concrete and burying
a proper standard of sanitation.                    signal cables.
   The tour of duty of each infantry brigade was    Training.
raised in March to three weeks, and a pioneer
battalion was included in the detachment.              9. Training areas were being prepared to
                                                    accommodate the Armoured Division and other
   At the end of March it was decided to increase   formations; base reinforcement depdts were
the Saar force to a total of one division, with     rapidly taking shape in their new locations near
attached troops, including cavalry, machine         Rouen, and their training staffs had assembled.
guns, and pioneers. 5ist Division was selected.     Corps schools had been established, principally
The Division had concentrated in the Metz area      for the training of junior leaders, and a sniping
by 30th April and by 7th May had relieved           school had been set up. Practice camps, both
7th French Division, thus extending the             for field and anti-aircraft artillery had been
British front on the Saar on either side of the     developed with the help of the French and steps
front originally held to a total of 12,000 yards    taken to continue the weapon training of
from Guerstling exclusive to Remeling inclusive.    selected units.
   5ist Division remained in the Saar area and         The practice undertaken with anti-tank
took no part in the operations in Northern          weapons, to which special attention was given,
France. From loth May therefore, it ceased          was amply to prove its value when the time came.
to be under my effective command; the Saar
Force was later moved to the Rouen area,            The Equipment Situation.
where it took part in subsequent operations.           10. The situation as regards equipment,
   Patrolling, both by our own troops and by        though there was latterly some improvement in
the enemy, grew steadily more active during         certain directions, caused me serious misgivings,
this period; early on the morning of the 5th        even before men and material began to be
March, the enemy carried out a successful raid,     diverted by the needs of operations elsewhere.
supported with a box barrage of a type familiar     I had on several occasions called the attention
in the war of 1914-18, on one of our front line     of the War Office to the shortage of almost every
positions in a wood known as the Hartebusch,        nature of ammunition of which the stocks in
then held by a battalion of the 4th Division        France were not nearly large enough to permit
(2nd D.C.L.I.). In this and subsequent              of the rates of expenditure laid down for sus-
encounters the enemy regularly suffered casual-     tained operations before the War.
ties, many of them at the hands of battalions          There was a shortage of guns in some of the
of the I44th Infantry Brigade of the 48th           anti-tank regiments of the Royal Artillery,
Division, the first Territorial Army formation      while armour-piercing shells for field guns had
to meet the enemy in.this campaign.                 not, by loth May, been provided.


Details

SUPPLEMENT to THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941                                        5919
   On return from the meeting, orders were issued           evacuation was carrie.d out under the orders of
 to implement these decisions, and that evening            the War Office, being completed on the night
 I moved my command post to the Chateau de                 of 23/24th May.
 Premesques, midway between Armenti&res and
 Lille.                                                     The Administrative Situation.
                                                               37. During the whole of this period I had
 The final severance of the L. of C. and the invest-        been kept in the closest touch with the adminis-
     ment of Boulogne.                                      trative situation by the Quarter-Master-General
      36. During the gist May the enemy penetra-            (Lieutenant-General W. G. Lindsell). Up to
   tion into the rearward areas increased and com-          i6th May the administrative arrangements
  munication across the Somme was finally                  which formed part of Plan D had worked well,
   severed. Since the I7th May the Commander                and although enemy air action steadily intensified
   of the Lines of Communication Area (Major-               during the period, there was no serious inter-
   General P. de Fonblanque) had been taking               ference with the maintenance of the force.
   energetic steps for its defence, in so far as it was        On i7th May, however, the Quarter-Master-
  possible with the few and scattered troops                General decided, in view of the situation south
   available.                                              of Arras, to discontinue the use of the railway
      These consisted, apart from Armoured                 from the regulating station at Abancourt via
  Division and 5ist Division now returning                 Amiens and Arras, and to switch all traffic via
  from the Saar, of those portions of I2th and             Eu and Abbeville to Bethune. He also ordered
  46th Divisions (some nine battalions in all)             forward every available trainload of ammunition
   which could not be despatched forward, three            to the Hazebrouck area.
  unbrigaded infantry battalions and the contents              On igth May, directly after the C.G.S. had
  of the reinforcement depdts, together with               spoken to the War Office as to the possibility
  troops of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps           of enforced withdrawal, the Q.M.G. telephoned
   and of the administrative services.                     to the War Office to discuss the opening of new
      On '23rd May, however, the War Office                bases. On the same day, one of his staff officers
  appointed Lieutenant-General- Sir Henry                 .left for London to arrange an emergency ship-
  Karslake to command the defences on the Lines            ment programme for supplies and stores to
  of Communication and I was not concerned in              the ports of Boulogne, Calais and Dunkirk. It
  the operations which ensued. Nevertheless,               was to prove none too soon, for the railway
  I did not immediately abandon hope of the                at Abbeville was cut on 2ist May. A new plan
  Armoured Division breaking through, and I                had to be put into operation at once for the
  urged the War Office to use their best endeavours.       maintenance of the fcfrce north of the Somme,
  to this end and to prevent its being used piece-         estimated at 250,000 men and requiring a daily
  meal in local operations at the request of the           lift of ammunition, supplies and petrol, of some
  French Command.                                          2,000 tons.
      At about 3.30 p.m. on the 2ist May, I received          The petrol situation, fortunately, gave no cause
  information that an enemy column of all arms             for concern since, although the dumps forward
  was approaching Boulogne. The rear element               of the Somme had been destroyed on evacuation,
  of G.H.Q., consisting largely of the Adjutant-           together with a large civil storage plant near
  General's Branch and of headquarters of                  Douai, there still remained a large army bulk
  Services, which had been sent to that town on            filling station near Lille.
  I7th and i8th May, had been moved to Wimereux               The supply situation was however, bad, and
  on 20th May as a result of enemy bombing.                on 2ist May, Corps had only three days
  * All possible steps had been taken to put               R.A.S.C. supplies in the forward area. Matters
  Boulogne in a state of defence with the troops           might, at any time, have become serious had it
  available, consisting of labour units and the            not been for the success of the measures taken
  personnel of rest camps. On igth May, an                 between 23rd and 26th May, to organise the
  endeavour was made to bring up troops from               supplies in Lille belonging to the Expeditionary
  beyond the Somme, to hold the line of the Canche;        Force Institutes and to civilian firms.
  but the time for this was past and the troops               The decision to maintain the force through
  could not get beyond Abbeville. The hospitals            the northern ports was finally taken on 2ist
  in the Etaples area were now evacuated, and on           May and the headquarters of a Base Sub-Area
  2ist May a party of Engineers, supervised by             established at Dunkirk, together with a section
  my Director of Works, Brigadier W. Cave-                 of Q.M.G's staff, in close touch with the British
  Browne, demolished most of the bridges over              and French Naval authorities.
  the Canche.                                                 Rail communication in the area was by now
      As soon as the news of this new threat was           precarious, and plans were worked out on the
  received, the War Office was asked for bomber            basis of establishing dumps, one in each Corps
. support, which was at once forthcoming. Enemy            area, which could be wholly maintained by
  tanks were located and bombed at Hesdin and             road. The position was, by this time, greatly
  Fruges, but no good targets were obtained on            complicated by the numbers of improvised
  the coast road. The War Office was also asked           forces which the quickly changing situation
  to send a detachment of Royal Marines for the           had made necessary: most of these, like the
  defence of Boulogne but had already done                three divisions for pioneer duties, had no proper
  so. Early on the 22nd May, 2oth Guards                  administrative echelons. Some were within
 Brigade (Brigadier W. A. F.' L. Fox-Pitt) of             reach of Corps, but others were not and these
 two battalions with an anti-tank battery                 had to be dependent on fortuitous sources of
.landed, thus establishing the defence of the             supply, or else live for a time on the country.
 town and enabling those troops who were not                  The situation had" grown even worse by
  required for the defence to be evacuated in             22nd May, when the ports at both Boulogne
 good order.                                              and Calais were out of action, and the greater
     By the evening of 22nd May, the enemy                part of the Railhead Mechanical Transport
 armoured forces were within nine miles of Calais.        Companies had been captured. Furthermore
                                           if-g   final   a^ reconnaissance of Ostend had shewn that the


Details

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941                                    5923
   The remaining infantry brigade of 48th             Cavalry Corps for this attack. Therefore, even
Division (i43rd) was later placed under 2nd           if no British divisions could be made available,
Corps, and a pioneer battalion sent to begin          the possibility of carrying out the operation
preparations for the defence of Ypres in case         would not be entirely precluded. I did realise
Belgian measures for the purpose should prove         however that the French Were unlikely to take
inadequate.                                           the offensive unless British support was forth-
   The Belgians had at this time one division         coming.
in reserve between Menin and Ypres, and this             Even so, however, the situation on my northern
was ordered to counter-attack at 2 p.m. "How-         flank was deteriorating so rapidly that I was
ever it is doubtful whether it was found possible     convinced that there was no alternative but to
ever to launch this counter-attack. Orders were       occupy, as quickly as troops could be made
also issued for the Belgian ist Corps to come         available, the line of the Ypres-Comines canal
into line on the right of their 4th Corps between     and the positions covering Ypres. I therefore
Ghelewe and Ledeghem; this move was carried           issued orders to 5oth Division to join 2nd
out on the 26th May.                                  Corps at once, and shortly afterwards I ordered
   Sir John Dill (who had now become C.I.G.S.)        5th Division to follow. 2nd Corps placed
and whom I had asked to visit me, 'arrived on         5th Division on its left flank northwards
the morning of 25th May, and I explained the          from Halluin along the Ypres-Comines canal
position to him. He then telegraphed to the           with 5oth Division on its left around Ypres. At
Prime Minister and to the Secretary of State,         this time also, the greater part of the medium
that there could be no disguising the seriousness     and lieavy artillery of ist and 2nd Corps was
of the situation. He added that in his opinion        grouped under 2nd Corps, and the successful
the proposed counter-attack to the south could        defence of the positions on the Ypres-Comines
not be an important affair in view of the enemy       canal and around Ypres, which was maintained
attacks which had penetrated the Belgian              during the next three days; was greatly assisted
defences.                                             by these artillery units, which remained in
   General Blanchard arrived during Sir John          action till they had fired all their ammunition.
Dill's visit and took part in our discussions.            The Commander of 3rd Corps, who was no
   During the day the Belgians continued to           longer required to take part in the attack
withdraw in a north-westerly direction under           southwards, was now ordered to take over the
enemy pressure. Reports also indicated that a          command of the front from St. Omer to Raches
fresh enemy attack would take place next day           from Major-General Eastwood, whom he relieved
on the northern end of the Lys position.               on 26th May. .
                                                          I immediately communicated my decision to
                                                       the headquarters of the French First Group of
       OPERATIONS—THIRD PHASE                          Armies, but I was unable to get-into personal
                                                       touch with General Blanchard that evening as
                 26th-3ist MAY                         he was visiting the Belgian G.Q.G. at Bruges.
The decision taken, in agreement with the French,      However, I went to see General Blanchard at
  to withdraw behind the Lys. H.M. Covernment          his headquarters at Attiches early next morning
  authorises withdrawal to the coast. The Dunkirk      (26th May), at a moment when the enemy was
  perimeter organised by Sir Ronald Adam.              attacking at Carvin and had penetrated the
   The Belgians ask for an armistice. General          front of a North African Division near Bois
  Blanchard at first determines to remain in           d'Epinoy. I found that General Blanchard also
  position but later French yd and Cavalry Corps       feared the collapse of the Belgian Army and felt
  withdraw to Dunkirk. Occupation of perimeter         that the time for a counter attack southwards
  completed. Problems of embarkation of British        was past. Indeed he had already decided that
  and French troops. Withdrawal of 2nd and             the situation on both flanks made it necessary
  yd Corps. G.H.Q. closes and C.-in-C. embarks         to withdraw.
  for England.                                            After an hour's discussion, we arrived at a
                                                       joint plan for the withdrawal of the main bodies
The decision to Withdraw.                              behind the line of the Lys. These arrangements
  43. By 6 p.m. that night (25th May) I was            were subject to there being no further deteriora-
convinced that the steps I had taken to secure         tion in the Belgian situation.
my left flank would prove insufficient to meet            With this decision, there vanished the last
the growing danger in the north.                       opportunity for a sortie. The layout of the
  The pattern of the enemy pincer attack was           B.E.F. was now beginning to take its final
becoming clearer. One movement from the                shape. Starting from what could be described
south-west on Dunkirk had already developed            as a normal situation with Allied troops on
and was being held; the counterpart was now            the right and left, there had developed an
developing on the Belgian front.                       ever lengthening defensive right flank. This
   The gap between the British left and the            had then become a semi-circular line, with
Belgian right, which had been threatening the          both flanks resting on the sea, manned by
whole day, might at any time become impossible         British, French ' and Belgians. Later the
to close : were this to happen, my last hope of        position became, a corridor in shape. The
reaching the coast would be gone. At this              southern end of this corridor was blocked by
tune, it will be recalled, I had no reserves beyond    the French ist Army; and each side was
a single cavalry regiment, and the two divisions       manned, for the greater part of its length, by
(5th and 5oth) already earmarked for the attack        British troops. Next to the sea were French
southwards.                                            troops on the west, and French and Belgian
   The French ist Army, which was not                  troops on the eastern flank.
affected in the same way as the B.E.F.^                   The immediate problem was to shorten this
by the situation which was developing on               perimeter. British and French forces were
the Belgian front, had, it will be remembered,         together holding a front of 128 miles of which
agreed to provide three divisions and the               97 miles were held by British troops, though


Details

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941                                    5931
  SOME LESSONS OF THE CAMPAIGN                           Our anti-tank armament was more ample than
                                                      that of the French, but did not extend further
The importance oj equipment; the time factor;         back than the division. No guns were available
  liaison; dejence in depth; the employment           for the defence of Corps or rearward areas or for
  of air forces; river crossing and demolitions ;     the three " Pioneer " divisions, except by with-
  signal communications; traffic       control;       drawing weapons from the formations to which
  security; supply and transport; the behaviour       they had been allotted in War Establishments.
  of the troops.
                                                         These instances amongst many others which
   59. So ended a campaign of 22 days which           might be quoted serve-to indicate the vital
has proved that the offensive has once more           necessity for an expeditionary force, if it is to
gained ascendency in modern war when under-           be used in a first-class war, being equipped on a
taken with ah army equipped with greatty              scale commensurate with the task it is to be
superior material power in the shape of air           called upon to fulfil.
forces and armoured fighting vehicles.                   The days are past when armies can be hurriedly
   The British Expeditionary Force had advanced       raised, equipped and placed in the field, for
sixty-five miles from the frontier to the Dyle :      modern war demands the ever increasing use of
then the same distance back from the Dyle to          complicated material. Indeed the scientific side
the frontier : finally a further fifty miles to the   of warfare has been evolving at a very rapid rate
sea at Dunkirk. A frontal advance had become          even since the end of the war of 1914-18 and is
a flank defence ; a flank defence the defence of      continuing to do so. Modern equipment requires
a perimeter which at times exceeded one hundred       time to design and produce, and once it is pro-
miles, with my force of nine* divisions and parts     duced, further time is required- to train troops
of three semi-trained and partially equipped          in its technical and tactical uses. Improvised
divisions sent to France for labour duties.           arrangements, made at short notice, can only
Finally had come the witRdrawal to the sea            lead to the shortage of essential equipment, the
and the shrinkage of this wide front to the           production of inferior articles, and the unskilful
twenty-four miles of the Dunkirk bridgehead.          handling of weapons and vehicles on the battle-
   The series of situations which the B.E.F. had      field.
to face was not brought about by failure on their
part to withstand enemy attacks when holding           The Time Factor.
a position of their own choosing : it was caused.        61. The speed with which the enemy exploited
by the enemy breaking through completely on           his penetration of the French front, his willing-
a front many miles away from that held by the         ness to accept risks to further his aim, and his
B.E.F. Nevertheless this break through, once          exploitation of every success to the uttermost
it began, was destined to involve in its ill-fated    limits emphasised, even more fully than in the
consequences both the French ist Army and             campaigns of the past, the advantage which
the B.E.F. In the withdrawal which ensued              accrues to the commander who knows how best
both these armies lost the whole of their artillery   to use time to make time his servant and not
and transport.                                        his master.
   It would not be appropriate in -this Despatch         Again, the pace of operations has been so
to discuss questions affecting the higher com-        accelerated by the partnership between offensive
mand of the Allied forces : on these matters I        aircraft and modern mechanised forces that the
received orders from H.M. Government and              reserves available for the defence are of little
through the French commanders under whom              use unless they are fully mobile or already in
I was placed.                                         occupation of some reserve position.            For
   Nor is .this Despatch the place to deal at         instance, had it not been that eight Troop
length with the military lessons of the Cam-          Carrying Companies, R.A.S.C., weue available,
paign ; I have already conveyed my detailed           the attack south of Arras could never have been
views to the proper quarter.                          mounted, nor indeed could the flank defences on
   There are, however, certain matters which it       the canal have been organised in time to forestall
may be convenient to mention, in broad outline,       the enemy.
in this Despatch since they may serve in some            We had already foreseen, and taught at the
respects to amplify and to explain the narrative      Staff College, that the methods of staff duties
of events. They are dealt with in the paragraphs      in the past war would prove too slow for modern
which follow.                                         requirements.     Headquarters of formations
                                                      were so frequently on the move that confer-
 The paramount importance of equipment.               ences, supplemented by Operation Instructions
                                                      or messages, usually replaced the formal orders
  •60. It was clear from the outset that the ascen-   which had been the accepted procedure in past
dency in equipment which the enemy possessed          campaigns.
played" a great part in the operations. He was
able to place in the field and to concentrate no         Full use was also made of liaison officers of all
less than ten armoured divisions in the area          grades, who had been provided by the War
which he selected and later, to employ at least       Office on a generous scale. In the period before
five of these against the British rearward de-        active operations began, they were of real value
fences. On the other hand, the British armoured       in settling matters of detail and in reconciling
forces in the theatre of war amounted to seven        points of view which did not always at first
divisional cavalry regiments equipped with            coincide; during the fighting they were more
light tanks, one regiment of armoured cars of         often than not the actual bearers of Operation
an obsolete* pattern, and two battalions of           Instructions, and performed most valuable
infantry tanks, the latter, except for twenty-        service to their commanders in ascertaining the
three Mark II tanks, being armed each with one        exact state of affairs in forward or flank units.
machine-gun only.                                     The junior .liaison officers, known as Motor
                                                      Contact Officers, likewise showed determination
    * Excluding 51st Division on the Saar Front.      and resource in carrying out their duties.


Details

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941                                  5933
 creation of a road control organisation under                      APPRECIATIONS
 the Quarter-Master-General, on the linos of that           The Royal Navy; the Royal Air Force;
 in use in the French Army, had already been                       Commanders and Staffs
 submitted, but unfortunately too late for more
 than preliminary results to be achieved.               The Royal Navy.
                                                           70. I have already referred to the embarkation
 Security.                                              of the Force from Dunkirk and its transport to
    67. Akin to the foregoing problem is that of        England which evoked the wholehearted admira-
 security/ Until loth May the work of the               tion of the Army. The operation was carried out
 Intelligence Service in this respect had been          in accordance with the finest traditions of the
 heavy and constant, but when operations began,         Royal Navy. The plan involved the use of
 it 'assumed almost unmanageable proportions.           hundreds of privately-owned small craft, and
 This was due to the opening of the Belgian             was put into execution at short notice and at a
 frontier, the mass movement of refugees, and           time when Naval resources were severely
 the arrival of enemy saboteurs and agents by           strained by demands elsewhere. It was carried
 parachute/                                             through regardless of danger and loss by enemy
                                                        bombing. My deep gratitude is due -to all
    The troops, however, soon became aware of           concerned, particularly to Vice-Admiral Sir B. H.
 the danger and realised the importance, of             Ramsay, Vice-Admiral at Dover, Rear-Admiral
 security measures and the paramount need for           W. F. Wake Walker, who superintended the
 discretion.                                          • actual embarkation and Captain -W. G. Tennant,
                                                        R.N., the senior naval officer ashore. Nor can
 Supply and Transport.                                  the Army forget the sterling work of all those
    68. As has been already indicated in this           members of the Merchant Navy and the civilian
 Despatch, the operations showed clearly how            owners of small craft, in many instances
 complete reliance cannot be placed on any one          volunteers, who unhesitatingly and regardless of
 channel of movement or maintenance. Enemy              dangers gave their services to the British
 action by mobile forces or by air may put              Expeditionary Force.
 important road or railway routes out of action
 for hours or days at a time, or even completely       The Royal Air Force.
 sever communications with the bases.
                                                          71. Successful operations on land depend more
    The proportion of reserves held forward, and       than ever before on the closest co-operation
 under load, on rail or on lorry, must therefore be    between aircraft and troops on the ground, and
 high, despite the resultant extravagance in trans-    the B.E.F. owes a deep debt of gratitude to the
port. The War Office had provided Lines of             Royal Air Force for their work throughout the
Communication Railhead Companies, R.A.S.C.,            operations. Pilots returned to the air again and
to operate in the event of a railhead being out of     again to carry out essential tasks for both French
 action for a time, and these units fully justified    and British Armies, when they were long overdue
their existence.                                       for rest and sleep.
   During the final phases of the operations, the         The embarkation of the Force would have
civilian employees pf the French and Belgian           been well-nigh impossible but for the fighter
railways were often not to be found, and the           protection afforded. The toll taken* of the
 Railway Operating Companies, R.E., had to take        enemy aircraft on this and earlier occasions has
over the working of the trains at short notice.        once again established the individual superiority
   The change of bases made necessary after            of the British airman in the air.
20th May was a fine example of quick decision,            I wish specially to record my thanks to Air-
flexible administration, and the power of the          Marshal A. S. Barratt (now Sir Arthur Barratt),
administrative staffs at home and in France to         Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Air
improvise at short notice.                             Forces in France, and to the Air Officer- Com-
                                                       manding my Air Component, Air-Vice-Marshal
 The Behaviour of the Troops.                          C. H. B. Blount.
    69. Most important of all, the Campaign has
 proved beyond doubt that the British Soldier          Commanders and Staffs.
 has once again deserved well of his country.            72. The course of operations in May afforded
 The troops under my command, whatever their '        very unequal opportunities for the several
 category, displayed those virtues of steadiness,      branches of the Staff, Services and departments
patience, courage and endurance for which their        to show thek efficiency, and it would, therefore,
corps and regiments have.long been famous.            perhaps, be invidious to deal with their work in
    In addition to the fighting troops, the rear-      detail to a .greater extent than I have already
ward units, as well -as the three divisions sent to    done in this Despatch. Some, however, were
France for pioneer duties, all found themselves,      required with their Staffs to bear a specially
 at one time or another, engaged with the enemy       heavy and prolonged strain of responsibility
although often incompletely trained and short         and I wish to refer particularly to the valuable
of the proper complement of weapons.                  services of my Chief of the General Staff (Lieut.-
                                                      General H. R. Pownall), my Quarter-Master
   Time and again, the operations proved the.         ^General (Lieut.-General W. G. Lindsell), and my
vital importance of the good junior leader, who       Engineer-in-Chief (Major-General R. P. Paken-
has learned to encourage, by his example, the         ham Walsh), my Signal Officer-in-Chief (Major-
men whom he leads, and whose first care is the.       General R. Chenevix-Trench), and my Military
well-being of the troops placed under his com-        Secretary (Brigadier Sir Colin Jardine, Bart.).
mand. Firm discipline, physical fitness, efficiency      From the narrative of events, it will be evident
in marching and digging, and'skill at arms, old-      how great is the debt I owe to the Commanders
fashioned virtues though they may be, are as
important in modern warfare as ever they were            *On one day, 77 enemy machines were shot down at'
in -J-hp nact                                         the loss of only 16 of our own.


Details

5904          SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941

    The initial scheme provided for the formation    The Welfare of the Force
 of temporary maintenance dep&ts near the ports         23. The health of the Force has been good
 of Brest and Nantes, but it was soon evident        and the number of troops in the care of medical
that, with so long a line of communication,          units has never exceeded 2-8 per cent, of the
an advanced base was required.                       strength of the Force, despite the unusually
    The use of the port of Havre had at first        severe weather conditions in December and
 been considered undesirable owing to certain        January.
geographical and technical difficulties in the          I wish to express my appreciation of the work
 air defence of the docks. These were, however,      of the Royal Army Medical Corps under my
overcome in mid-November, and an Advanced            Director of Medical Services, Major General
 Base area is now being established near this        J. W. L. Scott.
 port with the co-operation of the French               The arrangements for leave came into force
 authorities, while Field Supply Depdts are being    on i8th December. The numbers permitted
set up further forward. By mid-December,            to be absent on leave at any one time are based
the staff of the Movement Control were working       on the percentage of strength which can be spared
some ninety stations, while fourteen ports were      from the Force. By the end of January ten
in use for landing personnel, animals and stores.   days' leave home had been granted to some sixty
Through these ports, a quarter of a million men,    thousand of all ranks and compassionate leave
forty-five thousand mechanical vehicles and a       had also been granted in deserving cases.
monthly tonnage varying from sixty to one
hundred thousand tons of stores of all kinds            The question of leave was worked out in
were imported and distributed to their various      great detail by the Adjutant General, Lieutenant
areas and reserve dep6ts.                           General Sir Douglas Brownrigg, and the members
                                                    of his staff.
    Works projects of great magnitude have been
in progress from the outset, and the problems           The Expeditionary Force Institutes have now
of accommodation have been many and complex.        established some ninety institutes open on the
An extensive programme of building and hutting      Lines of Communication and bulk stores have
for depdts, hospitals and reinforcement camps       been established in forward areas to enable units
was put in hand, together with installations for    to replenish their own canteens. The same
electric light and power, the bulk storage of       organisation is providing concert parties and
petrol and so on. A vast amount of minor            mobile cinemas, and a proportion of the troops
work in connection with accommodation has           are able to visit each week one of the enter-
been carried out by the Royal Engineers.            tainments provided by the Entertainments
                                                    National Services Association.
    Railway construction at depdts and aero-
dromes has been undertaken by the Trans-                I am likewise grateful to those organisations
portation Services under very adverse weather       which have co-operated so whole-heartedly with
conditions.                                         the Royal Army Chaplains Department in
                                                    attending to the welfare of the troops.
   The complicated nature of modern military
equipment has added greatly to the work of the         Amongst these are the Catholic Women's
Royal Army Ordnance Corps, as regards both          Guild, The Army Scripture Readers' Association,
storeholding and repair. Great difficulty has       The Church Army, The Church of Scotland,
been experienced in finding suitable accommo-       Toe H, The Salvation Army, The Young Men's
dation for depdts and workshops at the bases,       Christian Association, and the Young Women's
more especially since the whole of the resources    Christian Association.
of France are engaged at high pressure on her           The despatch and delivery of mails takes place
own war industries. New installations have          with regularity, and more than nine thousand
therefore been planned and are now under            bags of mail have been handled in one day by
construction.                                       the Postal Service. The necessity for censor-
   The maintenance of mechanical vehicles has       ship is fully realized, but there has been no
received constant attention and the number of       delay in the time taken in the transit of mail
road accidents, and consequently of repairs,        for an ever increasing force.
has been greatly reduced through measures              The great distances between forward troops
taken by the Provost Service to enforce road        and the base made it necessary to depart from
discipline.                                         the old established procedure whereby the 2nd
   The labour problem bids fair to become one       Echelon of the Adjutant General's Branch has
of great magnitude, and its solution may be         always been located in the theatre of war.
difficult. As no adequate labour force was          This office is now established in Margate,
available on mobilisation, the gap was filled       and the move has been fully justified by the
by the temporary use of cavalry and infantry        increased speed with which matters are now
reservists. Later, the Auxiliary Military Pioneer   handled.
Corps absorbed the various labour units already
in France. This Corps has carried out cheer-        Training and Organisation.
fully and efficiently the important, but often         24. The absence of fighting has -afforded
unexciting tasks allotted to its units.             opportunities to continue the training of the
    I am grateful to the Government of India        Force. Weapon training has been possible for
for the high standard of the animal transport       almost every unit, and thanks to the co-opera-
units sent to France, which have proved their       tion of the French Army, artillery practice
usefulness on many occasions.                       camps have been held and other training
   Major General P. de Fonblanque, General          facilities provided. Exercises with troops in-
Officer Commanding, Lines of Communication          volving road movement on a large scale have
Area, has under his command the greatest part       been held and much progress has been made
of the undertakings described above. They           in the technique of co-operation with the Royal
now cover almost one third of France, stretching    Air Force.
from Dunkirk to Brest and from Cherbourg to            About eight hundred and fifty officers and
Marseilles.                                         non-commissioned officers have been sent home


Details

5912          SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 OCTOBER, 1941

   I visited H.M. the King of the Belgians and          By the night of i5th May the movements
   General Van Overstraeten and reached agree-        envisaged in Plan D were all running ahead of
  ment that the Belgian ist Corps should be           schedule. 4th Division was moving into Corps
   withdrawn from the area of 2nd Corps and that      reserve behind 3rd Division; 5th Division was
  the left boundary of the B.E.F. should be           moving on to the Senne in place of 5oth Division
  adjusted so as to allow the Belgians the use of     as originally planned, and the latter was now
  the road Vilvorde-Alost for this purpose. I         moving to G.H.Q. reserve along the River
  also stressed the importance of having fresh        Dendre.
  Belgian troops established early in position
  north of Louvain to continue the British line
  covering Brussels.
     Further serious news came from the south                OPERATIONS—SECOND PHASE
  where the enemy had crossed the Meuse between                         (i7th-26th MAY)
  Sedan and Me"zieres, and further north he was
  reported to be surrounding the fortress of St.       Withdrawal to the Escaut decided on; the threat
  Heribert (4 miles S.S.W. of Namur).                    to Arras and to the right flank; formation of
     The French Cavalry Corps on my right had            Macforce and deployment of 2yd Division on
  on the previous day received orders to retire          the Canal du Nord. The enemy reaches the
  to the Perwez position whence they subsequently        Somme and cuts communications with the Base ;
  withdrew, according to plan, to the main position      Calais and Boulogne invested: the admini-
  running through Gembloux.                              strative position. The organisation of the Canal
                                                         line. Alternative lines discussed with French
     At the request of Air Marshal Barratt I             and Belgians, resulting in further withdrawal
  placed at his disposal for use on the French          from the Escaut to the Frontier defences and
 front three squadrons of fighters which I had          fresh plans for attacks southwards in conjunction
 only recently received in response to an urgent         with French main forces. $th and $oth Divisions
  appeal to the Secretary of State for War.             counter-attack on 21st May. A further attack
     23. On 15th May the Dutch Army laid down           in conjunction with French planned for
 its arms; the immediate effect of this on the           26th May: this plan is abandoned owing to
 operations of the B.E.F. was small, for the            penetration of Belgian line on the Lys.
 British forces operating in Holland had at no
 time been under my command. I anticipated,             The beginning of the withdrawal (ifith-T.'jth May)
 however, that this would come as a shock to              24. By i6th May, it became clear that a
 the Belgian Army.                                     prolonged defence of the Dyle position was
     The French 7th Army withdrew' its advanced        impracticable. The French ist Army on my
 formations to the neighbourhood of Antwerp            right were unlikely to make good the ground
 and on this day ordered divisions to move across      lost' on the previous day, notwithstanding the
 my rear to fill the gap created further south.        support I had given them in the air and on the
 This move, however, did not take place till           ground, and a further withdrawal seemed likely
 some three days later when it was accomplished,       to be forced on them by events in the south.
 thanks to efficient traffic control, with little         On the other hand there had been no serious
 delay to our own movements.                           attack on the Belgian positions on my left;
    On this day (i5th May) I established a             nevertheless, any withdrawal from our present
 command post at Lennick St. Quentin, 6 miles          positions would of necessity involve a withdrawal
 west of Brussels. On the British front, the day       by the Belgian Army in the course of which
 passed quietly on the whole, ist Corps was not        Brussels, and probably Antwerp also, would be
 attacked in strength ; 3rd Division of 2nd Corps     abandoned to the enemy.
 was attacked north-west of Louvain and its              Very early on i6th May therefore, I sent a
 forward positions were penetrated, but a counter-    representative to General Billotte who was
 attack successfully restored the original line.      co-ordinating the movements of the British,
 There was considerable enemy bombing of              French and Belgian Forces; I asked that, if
 rearward areas during the day, and the movement      he intended to withdraw, he should let me know
 of refugees became increasingly difficult to         the policy and the timings at once, especially
 control. This was, in part, due to the bombing       as the first bound back to the Senne canals
 of Tournai and other towns on the routes and         involved a march of some fifteen to twenty
to the French decision to close the frontier to       miles.
pedestrian and horsed traffic. Despite my                At about 10 a.m. I received from him orders
requests, made as early as loth May, the Belgian      for a withdrawal to the Escaut, and for the
authorities had done nothing to restrict the use      occupation of the positions along that fiver
of private motor cars or the sale of petrol.          originally planned. The operation was to begin
    During the day I received a request that I        that night (16/17 May), one day being spent on
should take over part of the front held by the        the Senne and one day on the Dendre positions ;
French division on my right. To meet this             thus the Escaut would be reached on the night
request I placed under the orders of this division    of 18/19 May, though the French orders did
a brigade of 48th Division ; this step proved         not rule out the possibility of staying for longer
necessary since at about 6 p.m. the enemy had         than one day on each bound.
penetrated the French front, thus threatening            That evening, I held a co-ordinating con-
the right of 2nd Division. By this tune, how-         ference at ist Corps Headquarters as a result
ever, 48th Division, less one brigade, was in         of which I ordered 5th Division, which was on
position in ist Corps reserve behind 2nd              the way to join 2nd Corps, to the line of the Senne
Division, and I agreed with the commander of          in ist Corps reserve. Two brigades of 46th
ist Corps that the withdrawal of his right            Division* which had been moved up from the
should take place to the River Lasne to join          Lines of Communication for the protection of
up with the French left. This movement was
carried out on the night of the 15/16 May,              * One of the three divisions sent to France for
closely followed by the enemy.                        pioneer duties.


Details

Details

Details

2.
corted Lieut. by J.C. "Stathelliot" Clark,R.N.V.R. - Went over in "Rapid 1" 369
/ from and ferried troops, who were
French, the beaches on Friday, May 31.
turday at about 0400 he was towing the "Skipjacks On
scued sailors from the wreck of a sunken destroyer.
aler with 3 Sub Lieut. Ruck in charge, when they
a was following her when she was hit by a bomb. he
transferred the ratings and troops to the "Mosquito"
lped rescue the survivors including Sub Lieut. Flint,
o had been wounded and finally left at 1330 being
wed part of the way to Margate by the "Anje
b Lieut. T.R. Rumbold, R.N.V.R. - in the motor barge
iking" from Burnham on Crouch he went to le Panne on
e 30th and ferried all the forenoon. He returned to
msgate and sailed again at noon on the 1st for Bray,
riving just after dark. He burnt out his clutches and
ached the "Viking" but managed to kedge off and was
wed to Dover.
b Lieut. P. Snow, R.N. - In the "Reda" he reached the
aches on Wednesday, May 29th and ferried B.E.F. till
30. He went again on the Friday and ferried Frenchmen.
Sunday, June 2nd, he went over in the "Advance" to
nkirk, when he sighted the "Biboli" on the beach.
b Lieut. R.A. Forbes - Reached the beaches on Friday
y 31st in "Mary Spearing II" after rrying he
turned to Ramsgate. He sighted the "Gavine"ashore.
t. W.G.M. Christian, R.N.V.R. - was in "Mary Spearing I"
t she was beached although she was sighted later being
wed by a tug. He sighted "Margerita" floating but
serted.
ipper G.W. Halladay, R.N.R. - Went over to Dunkirk
1 Sunday June 2nd, in "Meander".
1b Lieut. R.H. Wallace, R.N.V.R. - Towed over to the
eaches in an "Orient" line motor life boat on Sunday
ine 2nd. The engine failed and the boat was beached and
bandoned. He saw hardly any soldiers. He started
alling in a pulling life boat but was taken in tow by
rawler "Alcmaria", to which he now transferred. The
OW parted during the night and life boat was left
rifting.
ab Lieut. J.K. Blackmore, R.N.V.R. - In the "Lurlyne",
hich had a bad engine and so he never got over.
ab Lieut. C.E.S. Beale - In K.A. Dover's barge which
as finally left in Dunkirk.
r. S. beaches Burns at 0130 on Monday June 3rd. He picked
(From Southend) - Tokk over "Kayell" arriving
n the of the "Block Arrow" which was ashore. and fishing He
erried P the crew French troops to a French destroyer
mack. "Kayell" in now beached at Ramsgate.
ub Lieut. over by "Oranje Vreeswijk" with They boats were
T.H. Rodgers, R.N.V.R. - In "Gay Crusader" other
e was towed "Silvery Breeze" and "Silver Foam". reached beaches
ombed ut was and towed tow back was in company with O.I.C. and
neluding cut off. He never "Pioneer"
Barl"

Details

Dyrrang Diginal sent
D.Afs.W. --401
H.M.S. "CAPE ARGONA" howler.
379
5th June. 1940.
Report of Operations on Q.Z.X. 60 Patrol.
?9th.1530.
Cast off with from Parkeston Quay and proceeded to sea in
company St. Achilleus and Sphene.
2350.
between Arrived on Patrol ground and commenced patrolling
T.Buoy, West Hinder Buoy and Kwint Buoy.
30th.
0025.
Whilst steaming line ahead speed 8 knots "St.Achilleus"
leading "Sphene" centre and "Cape Argona" in the rear
observed track of torpedo approaching from Port side
and going between "St. Achilleus" and "Sphene".
"Sphene" altered course to Port and brought Lewis Guns
into action. All ships separated and rang Full Speed.
Still no sign of M.T.B. or Submarine.
0040.
Torpedo track passed ahead of "Cape Argona" from Port.
Altered course hard Port but still no sign of enemy
craft.
0125.
Observed smoke screen close to our Starboard Bow,
altered to Port brought smoke screen astern, distinctly
heard powerful motor engines behind screen and surmised
enemy M.T.B. was approaching through it so dropped
D/C. M.T.B. Engines had ceased after D/C explosion,
no vessel visible. Proceeded zig-zagging on course
for T Buoy and observed black shape of M.T.B. crossing
rapidly across our bow from Starboard to Port, when
she appeared on our Port Bow opened fire with all
Lewis Guns, couldn't get Pom Pom to bear as she was
too close. Firing was returned but no damage done.
M.T.B's engines were heard to miss-fire, stop, then
'on' again. We hung around, no further sign of
enemy craft, so carried on to Westward of Patrol.
0430.
Joined company with "St. Achilleus" and "Sphene" again.
The whole patrol ground was littered with wreckage and
either whole or partly destroyed boats, no sign of
survivors or dead.
Carried on Patrol, no contacts made, plenty of air
activity both German and British planes passing contin-
uously overhead, no attacks made.
y 31st.
Received instructions from F.O.I.C. Dover to patrol
under further notice near South Falls Bucy. "Sphene"
dropped out of group and joined with "Arotic Pioneer".
0615.
nothing to report during day, but towards midnight,
Instructions received to carry on original patrol,
there seemed to be great activity.
de
ne 1st.0040.
Investigated "St. Achilleus" so carried on with be going
contact, found to be non submarine, patrol, lost
track of increased, explosions seemed to all on
activity M.T.B. tracks were observed between over S the
place, had very could make nothing definite of that
all around us, anxious time. Zig-zagged all
and T buoys, around us, thought I observed this pinned searchlights us in
being played & T. Buoys, would from enemy
was happening across QZX60 at S Buoy not cross searchlight
area track. between Several S. star shells were dropped

Details

(2)
above aircraft, us at working one moment in conjunction but by with M.T.B's two right
3:22
we actually evidently observed. escaped torpedoing. twisting No surface and turning rapidly was
Daylight was welcomed by craft all.
400.
was Keep rather calling worried "St. Achilleus" by R/T and "W/T no
event of about her as we had arranged answer
at S. Buoy. losing each other during the night to rendezvous in the
.000.
Came to to conclusion "Arctic that "St. Achilleus" had gone,
been group mainly all because of W/T watches, our operator had already
gone Pioneer" and asked permission to join reported her
on night and couldn't carry on indefinitely.
315.
Whilst heading from T.Buoy towards Dunkirk in answer
to S.S. "Pragg's" S.O.S., received signal from Arctic
Pioneer that M.T.B. was approaching, we cleared for action
challenged her five times, no distinguishing mark or ensign
was shown, also she approached us zig-zagging. Fire was
opened with four inch, Pom Pom and Lewis guns, all three
ships heading straight for her firing; one four inch
from "Arctic Pioneer" struck her superstructure and she
then stopped and layto. On approach a white ensign was
observed being waved. Fire ceased and boats were lowered.
We went alongside M.T.B. took survivors and casualties off.
Report of action has been given to F.O.I.C. Harwich also
with report for Commanding Officer of M.T.B. Casualties
1 killed and five wounded. Transferred all to H.M.S.
"Saltash" who also took charge of M.T.B.
175
2100.
Received instructions to take charge of Group consisting
of "Sphene" and"Lord Melchett" and patrol between S.Buoy
and West Hinder.
e 2. 0509. Contacted "Lord Melchett" she joined us, proceeded
Eastward.
0711.
Stopped and Picked up 12 Refugees from small boat, boat
not worth keeping so cast it adrift and proceeded.
0729.
Signalled by aircraft (Hudson) piloted by Pilot Officer
Elworthy of Detling and asked to follow him. He
repeatedly circled around us and eventually said carry on
as you are going and you'll meet and open boat full of
people.
0740.
Met small boat, took refugees onboard, made boat fast
astern and proceeded on patrol.
0955.
Attacked by enemy dive bombers first one dived and
machine gunned us, the second one dropped bombs, not both
rame out on us. They dived to within a hundred exhausted, feet,
of sun, could be heard distinctly but seen
until almost fire was maintained until ammunition dropped
continual continuously. 15 bombs were Bombs
ship zig-zagged during the course of three attacks. thought
altogether 20 feet of ship both sides and setting one fire
fell within fell in bulwarks forward, also blew base
to be incendiary unprimed D/Cs and deck and bulwarks and
to two spare bar one arm supported, port by explosion but D.G.
of mast away Engines were stopped done to
gear dismantled. believed considerable numerous damage minor
carried on ship again, badly strained, deck besides hose.
engine defects. and Fire was put out by

Details

(1952) Wt. 20906/9711 40M 8/39 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671
107
Register No.
Minute Sheet No. 105
Page 6 is included in the ww.ord copies distributed.
Submitted, in the- first instance, whether any action
should be. taken with the Air Ministry as pupaned
m D.T.S.D.
Capits of the upot have not
been 25ml trAin Ministry or was office.
Prosine,
HW 7th
15-7-40
Had a combined staff been told to investigate the problem
of evacuating 300,000 men from a harbour and beaches under the
shadow of hostile shore based aircraft and in close contact
with the enemy's troops, it is probable that their appreciation
would have been very pessimistic. It is even possible that
by all known rules the operation could have been summed up as
impossible.
2. DYNAMO was carried out by impromptu measures, executed
with the greatest courage.
3. The lessons to be learned and it is hoped, applied to
future combined operations, can only be extracted by the most
carful analysis.
4. The portions of the Report which in any way reflect on
R.A.F. co-operation or on the conduct of troops have been
marginally lined in blue. There are some stronger criticisms
of the conduct of troops - particularly of the Pioneer Corps -
in V.A. Dover's letter of 6th July, B.14/0/1028/40, advance
copies of which have been circulated under M. Branch minute
M. 013316/40 of 14th July, but which has not yet come before
the Board.
5. Propose that the document complete be analysed by a
Committee of 3 Officers of the rank or equivalent rank of
Captain, R.N. One officer from
& Savie
A.C.N.S. (H).
22.7.40.

Details

Name of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
Approx.
ALBATROSS
31/5/40
ALJANOR
Abandoned off Dunkirk
approx. do.
LOST.
ALOA-OE
(Boat)
Did not return
do.
ASSUMED LOST
ANEE (Wherry)
do.
"
do.
Unknown
BLACK ARROW
"
LOST
BOBELI
Lost at Dunkirk
"
"
Did not return
BONNISBELL
"
ASSUMED LOST.
Did not return
BOAT (16')
"
do.
Unknown
BRITTANIC
LOST.
"
"
"
BULL PUP
"
11
"
BLUEJACKET (18'6")
"
If
"
CARAMA (15' Punt)
"
"
"
CLARA BELLE
"
"
"
COURT BELLE 2.
"
"
"
CYB
"
11
"
DEVILFISH
"
"
"
DINKY (10' boat)
"
11
"
DORIS (Wherry)
18
"
"
DREADNOUGHT 2.
11
"
"
=
3
"
n
11
DUMPLING (Boat)
"
"
11
EASTBOURNE QUEEN
"
Lost at Dunkirk
"
EDINA (Wherry)
11
Unknown
"
EMPRESS
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
11
EDITH DOROTHY (Boat)
If
Unknown
"
ENCHANTRESS
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
ENTERPRISE
"
Unknown
If
EX-SERVICE DINGHY
"
"
11
FAITH
"
"
ASSUMED LOST
GOLDEN SPRAY 2.
"
"
LOST
GOOD HOPE
31/5/40
11
"
Approx.
GWEN EAGLE
"
"
11
HANDY BILLY
"
11
If
HANORA
If
"
ASSUMED LOST
IOTE
If
Lost at Dunkirk
LOST
KATE (18' Boat)
If
Unknown
LOST
LANSDOWNE
"
"
"
LARK (Punt)
"
"
"
LILY (Rowboat)
"
"
"
LITTLE ANN
"
Sunk - Dunkirk
"
LETITIA
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
If
MADAME SANSGENE
If
Unknown
"
MARY ROSE
"
"
"
MAGNET (Rowboat)
"
If
"
MARGHERITA
"
"
"
MAID OF HONOUR
If
"
12
"
MA JOIE
Abandoned - Dunkirk
"
"
MALDON ANNIE
Unknown
"
MEDORA (Wherry)
If
"
"
If
MINIKOI
Sunk off Dunkirk
"
MIRANDA (Rowboat)
31/5/40
Unknown
LOST
Approx.
If
"
ASSUMED LOST
MIRASOL
"
"
"
MONTAGUE WHALER
11
"
"
MOSS ROSE
"
"
LOST
36' MOTOR BOAT
"
"
"
30'
DO.
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
If
NEMO IV.
"
11
Unknown
NEW WHITE HEATHER
"
12
Sunk off Dunkirk
PEGGY 4.
Unknown
ASSUMED LOST
"
PIONEER
Abandoned off Dunkirk
LOST
"
PRINCESS MAUD

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REM ARKS
PANDORA
A. E. Turner
Returned to Owners.
PANTO
Murray King
Repaired, Fuelled, Floated but not
00
taken over.
PAPILLION
C.P. Macenrot
Returned to Owners 19/6
PAPAKURA
R. Grayson
(Returned 1500 3.6.40
II
OJ
Re-allocated to A/P.
II
PAULETER
Mrs. D. Ashton
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
PEGGY IV
F. Bridge
Sunk off Dunkirk
PETRA
R.Lewis
Returned to Owner.
PIKE
Golding Bros.
Prepared did not go.
PIONEER
R.F.
Bicketts
No report received from list of
05
Missing Vessels.
POLLY
R. Hayes
T.98 Returned Owners 6.6.40
POMPADOUR
Mr. Ager
btb
Returned to Owners 19/6. Did not go
Dunkirk
PRINCE OF WALES E. Golding
Returned to Owners 19/6.
PRINCESS FREDA
G. Whatford & Son
Returned to Owner.
PRINCESS
LILY
C. Whatford & Son
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
PRINCESS MAUD
H. Wilson
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
PRIDE OF FOLKESTONE J. Brazier
Returned to Owner did not go.
PROVIDER
R19
Mr. Rowden
Returned to Owner.
PRINCE
S. Wiliams & Sons
Returned to Owners.
PRINCESS
Returned to Owners.
REARL
Cozens
Released 3. 6.40.
PILOT ME WY12
J.R. Storr to
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk.
PORTHLEVEN CORNWALL
14 Fishing Boats
Prepared did not go.
QUEEN
H. Hurrell
At Surrey Commercial Docks
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
Turmaine
&
Jones
Returned to Owners.
QUEEN BOADICEA
Mrs. Smith
Harbour Duties Sheerness.
QUEEN BOADICEA II
Mrs. Smith
Returned to Owner 20/6
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
E. Crouch
Sunk Collision with S.S. Tilly.
QUICKSILVER
F. Jones
Re-allocated to A. P.S.
Q.J.& J.
S. Cooper
Returned to Owners.
QUISISANA
S. Eldridge
A.P.S.
QUEST
H. BIDGOOD
Taken for Dynamo but did not go.
QUEST
C.L.
Hunt
Returned to Owners.
RAYON
R.L. Glover
T.98 A.P. S.
REDA
0. A. Reed
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RELIANCE
W. Meddle
Damaged - Returned to Owner.
REMEMBRANCE
F. Good
Returned to Owner.
RENOWN (Cockle Boat E.
Osbourne
Mined and sunk with all hands.
RESOLUTE
-do-
Damaged - returned to owner.
ROBERTA
R.B. Grey
No information of return from Dunkirk
ROBINA TENANT
H. Leach
(Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
Service (6A)
ROCINANTE
R.F. Fryers
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels presumed lost.
ROSE
0. Grime
To V.A. Dover
ROSIT YNE
Gapt.C. 8. Dines
Released 1.6.40
ROSE MARIE
нозда if
Returned to Owner
ROYAL THAMES
J. Mears
Returned to Owners
RUMMY II
A.G. Smith
A.P.S
RYEGATE II
A.E. E. Ryland
Re allocated to A.P.S. of
RAPID
P.G. Broom
Returned to Owners
RUBY
J.F. Caine
Prepared for Dynamo but aid not go.
ROSABELLE
J.O. Wood
No trace of return from Dynamo
ROSE
A. Large
Returned to Owner 7. 6.40.

Details

in its defences, had had no time to organize rearward
defences, nor any reserves with which to counter-attack.
It was forced back to the line of the river Bresle, the
next natural obstacle, 15 miles in rear.
5. Meanwhile the 1st Armoured Division was refitting
south of the Seine. Its tanks were in poor mechanical
condition, owing not only to battle casualties but also to
the long road distances they had been forced to cover,
and to the lack of opportunity for adequate maintenance.
It was in fact in no condition for offensive operations.
6. On the 7th June the Garmans out in & smashing attack
with their 5th and 7th Amoured Divisions on the point of
junction between the two Corps of the Tenth French Army.
This drive was directed from west of Amiens on Rouen and
the lower Seine, with the object of splitting the Tenth
Army and cutting off its IX Corps between the Saina
Estuary and Dieppe. The IX French Corps than comprised
the British 51st Division on the extrema left, and then
further east the 31st and 40th French Divisions and the
2nd and 5th Light Cavalry Divisions. The wh le of this
force was completely sundered from the X Corps on its
right by the penetration of the German tanks.
British base at Rouen, General Sir Henry Karslake, 0.0.0.
7. Meanwhile, owing to the threat developing to the
the Lines of Communication, had scraped together an
improvised force for its local defence. This force
comprised nine infantry battalions of a sort; they
out to France for pioneer duties and partly of composite
consisted partly of second line Territorial units sent
base. They had no war equipment except rifles and &
units made up from miscellaneous reinforcements at the
never fired before. guns They were without artillery, wans
few odd Bren and enti-tank weapons, which they had
District, units were of the formation, this transport command heterogeneous thus was Lines misled given complete of and Brigadier the of signal into Communication. collection with t tile thinking equipment. artillery Besuman, of had of Division; that untrained been in and Vary it They charge given was ancillary unfortunately were The $ and the of righting French the placed task ill-aquipped services. orth of under
Beauman's holding back so-called line along Division the Rivers Bethung and Andella the
covering a Rouen, and had done good work in organizing
defence of this position.
on While the Cerman of the 7th June, General Weygand personally impressed
8. armoured attack was at its height
visited the afternoon Headquarters east of Rouen and the
on Tenth Army and on General Evans commanding holding the
German attack Armoured on the Seine at all costs as this
British General Altmayer, Division, the necessity for was "the
decisive battle of the war.
/It

Details

Details

-2-
SOUTHERN COLLAND.
3 Division
4 Division
25 Division
WARMINSTER
44 Division
II Corps
-3-
French Troops
....
Area) Area)
WESTERN COMMAND,
Area) Command.
R.A.I.C.
46 Division
To LEEDS.
48 Division
MANCHESTER
50 Division
R.A.O.C.
III Corps
HEREFORD
To CHILWELL.
(iii) Reception tion Corps and G.H.Q. and Areas G.H.Q. Troops and Troops. It is that Command. -> Co
R.A.P.C.
R.A.C. Centres" in a
To LONDON AREA.
A.M.P.S.
and R.B
48, 49, 59, 62, 68, 102, 121, 122 and 123 Coys.,
to No.2 Training Centre CAISTE R, Northern Command.
Depot
VINCHESTER
Divisional Tank Bns, be Part sent are now there
40, 61, 78, 79, 81 and 500 Coys., to No.4 Training
Centre, CLACTON, Eastern Command.
LONDON
ReAs Horse Cavalry & Yeomanry. - BOVINGTON SOVINGTON Commani
44 and 45 Coys. to No.6 Training Centre, SKEGNESS.
Div
70 and 75 Coys., to UPPER NORWOOD Reception Depot.
conterbury
Remainder to No.1 Training Centre, WESTCLIFFE, Eastern Cmd.
Remainder A.A. Medium and and & S.L. Heave to Field TRANSFYDDYD. - Light SoL's. to Heavy Artillery LARKHILL, A.A. A.A. to to to Southern OKEHALPTON, Command. Southern Command, Command, Command
C.H. P.
to mytcheet.
P. O. W. Camps.
to HYTCHETT.
R.E.
(a)
Printing & Stationery.
(b)
Army
&
to LONDON ARE A.
(t) (g) (e) (a) (c) Miscellaneous Tunnelling Field Railway Fd. Survey to to THE Fd. to Command. Area,
Reception Camps.
THE
to LONDON AREA.
Graves and Enquiries.
to LONDON AREA.
Mobile Bath Units.
Corps G.H.Q. Signals Signals to to No.2 No.1 Signal Signal Training Training Centre, Centre, Tavistock CATTERICK. (N.C.) Command. Western Cd
to LONDON AREA.
Field Service Police.
to LIYTCHETT.
NON-DIVISIONAL Pioneer, INFANTRY.
PRESTATYN,
Salvage Corps.
(W.C.)
Overseas
to ALDERSHOT.
R.A.S.C. All Garrison & M/G. WESTERN
GENERAL.
Where there is a doubt as to the proper destination
of personnel, they should be sent to, or retained
by R.A.S.C., Southern of to Nos. Centres, Command.PAIGNTON.
AREA, Southern SOUTH
at, ALDERSHOT, and enquiries made of the War Office
(A.G.1. Branch).
Air
PHASE (3) Corps and G.H.Q. Troops after re-organisation in the various
Centres (PHASE II) will be despatched to the Corps Areas.
5./..

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
PANDORA
A. E. Turner
Returned to Owners.
PANTO
Murray King
Repaired, Fuelled, Floated but not
taken over.
PAPILLION
C. P. Macenrot
Returned to Owners 19/6
PAPAKURA
R. Grayson
(Returned 1500 3.6.40
(Re-allocated to A/P.
PAULETER
Mrs. D. Ashton
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
PEGGY IV
F. Bridge
Sunk off Dunkirk
PETRA
R. Lewis
Returned to Owner.
PIKE
Golding Bros.
Prepared did not go.
PIONEER
R.F. Bicketts
No report received from list of
Missing Vessels.
POLLY
R. Hayes
T.98 Returned Owners 6.6.40
POMPADOUR
Mr. Ager
Returned to Owners 19/6. Did not go
Dunkirk.
PRINCE OF WALES
E. Golding
Returned to Owners 19/6.
PRINCESS FREDA
C. Whatford & Son
Returned to Owner.
PRINCESS LILY
C. Whatford & Son
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
PRINCESS MAUD
W.H. Wilson
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
PRIDE OF FOLKESTONE
J. Brazier
Returned to Owner did not go.
PROVIDER R19
Mr. Rowden
Returned to Owner.
PRINCE
S. Wiliams & Sons
Returned to Owners.
PRINCESS
"
"
"
Returned to Owners.
PEARL
Cozens
Released 3. 6.40.
PILOT ME WY12
J.R. Storr
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk.
PORTHLEVEN CORNWALL
14 Fishing Boats
Prepared did not go.
QUEEN
H. Hurrell
At Surrey Commercial Docks
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
Turmaine & Jones
Returned to Owners.
QUEEN BOADICEA
Mrs. Smith
Harbour Duties Sheerness.
QUEEN BOADICEA II
Mrs. Smith
Returned to Owner 20/6
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
E. Crouch
Sunk Collision with S.S. Tilly.
QUICKSILVER
F. Jones
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
Q.J.& J.
S. Cooper
Returned to Owners.
QUISISANA
S. Eldridge
A.P.S.
QUEST
H. BIDGOOD
Taken for Dynamo but did not go.
QUEST
C.L. Hunt
Returned to Owners.
RAYON
R.L. Glover
T.98 A. P. S.
C.A. Reed
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
REDA
RELIANCE
W. Meddle
Damaged - Returned to Owner.
REMEMBRANCE
F. Good
Returned to Owner.
RENOWN (Cockle Boat)
E. Osbourne
Mined and sunk with all hands.
RESOLUTE
-do-
Damaged - returned to owner.
ROBERTA
R.B. Grey
No information of return from Dunkirk
ROBINA TENANT
H. Leach
(Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
Service (6A)
ROCINANTE
R.F. Fryers
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels presumed lost.
C. Grime
To V.A. Dover
ROSE
ROSELYNE
Capt.C. Dines
Released 1.6.40 1.
ROSE MARIE
F. Upton
Returned to Owner
ROYAL THAMES
J. Mears
Returned to Owners
RUMMY II
A.G. Smith
A.P.S.
RYEGATE II
A.E. Ryland
Re allocated to A.P.S.
P.G. Broom
Returned to Owners
RAPID
RUBY
J.D. ₽. Onine
Prepared for Dynamo but did not go.
ROSABELLE
J.O. Wood
No trace of return from Dynamo
ROSE
A. Large
Returned to Owner 7. 6.40.

Details

OPERATION DYNAMO.
MINISTRY Hotel OF SHIPPING, HOTEL
VESSEL
Motor Boats and Other Small Craft.
OWNER
DUNGENESS Lifeboat
Remarks
EASTBOURNE Lifeboat
of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
GREATER LONDON
R.N.L.I.
REMARKS
Approx.
LOST.
"G" Lifeboat Lifeboat
31/5/40
Abandoned off Dunkirk
TROSS
ASSUMED LOST
NOR
approx. do.
Did not return
do.
do.
do.
LOST
HYTHE HASTINGS Lifebost Lifeboat
-OE
P. & 0. S.N. Co.
"
(Wherry)
Unknown
"
"
Lost at Dunkirk
CK ARROW
ASSUMED LOST
LIFEBOATS (4)
Did not return
do.
ELI
LIFEBOATS (5)
Returned
"
Did not return
NISBELL
LOST.
"
Unknown
Blue Star Line
to
T (16')
"
"
"
"
"
LIFEROATS (15) LIEEBOATS
Royal Mail
Reported
LL PUP
"
ou
,UEJACKET (18'6")
"
"
"
ARAMA (15' Punt)
"
"
Canadian & 0. Pacific Lines
a No information
"
int
"
17
LARA BELLE
LIFEBOATS LIFEBOATS Motor)
LIFEBOAT
"
"
"
was
OURT BELLE 2.
"
"
"
Butchers S. Edam Dutch P. S.N. Co.
Returned returned) to damandevillfish
YB
"
"
"
"
"
DINKY (10' boat)
"
"
"
"
in
OWneyDORIS (Wherry)
"
"
"
PS
LOUISE LIPEBOATS vessels) STEVENS
DREADNOUGHT 2.
"
"
"
"
3
tisl
"
Ex ROSLIN CASTLE
DUMPLING (Boat)
"
"
"
Lost at Dunkirk
"
wiven
EASTBOURNE QUEEN
LUCY
"
EDINA (Wherry)
Unknown
British India Steam
"
1 LOWESTOPERS
No trece laced. to
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
EMPRESS
Gt. Ltd.
EDITH DOROTHY (Boat)
"
Unknown
"
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
ENCHANTRESS
"
"
Unknown
ENTERPRISE
"
"
"
Dunkirk. return
EX-SERVICE DINGHY
"
ASSUMED LOST
"
FAITH
"
"
LOST
GOLDEN SPRAY 2.
"
31/5/40
"
-do-
GOOD HOPE
Approx.
"
"
11
GRANGE
ex UPWEY
Ropnerdo- Shipping Co.
Dunkirk. No of
GWEN EAGLE
"
"
"
HANDY BILLY
"
ASSUMED LOST
HANORA
MARGATE Lifeboat
"Missing returned i return! return!
"
IOTE
Lost at Dunkirk
LOST
MICHAELY
Houlder Bros. & Co.
KATE (18' Boat)
"
Unknown
LOST
"
"
"
LANSDOWNE
LARK (Punt)
"
"
"
LILY (Rowboat)
"
"
11
Southwold lifebost
"
LITTLE ANN
Sunk Dunkirk
"
LETITIA
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
"
"
RAMSGATE POOLE LUNWOOD (Lifebost)LLIS Lifebost WRIGHT)
reported ed 3 lost. to Owner 1
"
MADAME SANSGENE
Unknown
"
"
MARY ROSE
"
KIRK
S. Simpson
MAGNET (Rowboat)
"
"
"
"
"
MARGHERITA
"
MAID OF HONOUR
"
"
"
MA JOIE
"
Abandoned - Dunkirk
"
ALMER LTON Lifeboat
MALDON ANNIE
"
Unknown
"
Returned did to Owner. not go.
MEDORA (Wherry)
"
"
"
"
MINIKOI
Sunk off Dunkirk
"
MIRANDA (Rowboat)
31/5/40
Unknown
LOST
Approx.
MIRASOL
"
"
MONTAGUE WHALER
"
"
ASSUMED LOST
"
MOSS ROSE
"
"
"
36' MOTOR BOAT
"
"
30'
DO.
"
"
LOST
"
NEMO IV.
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
NEW WHITE HEATHER
"
Unknown
"
PEGGY 4.
"
Sunk off Dunkirk
"
PIONEER
11
Unknown
PRINCESS MAUD
Abandoned off Dunkirk
ASSUMED LOST
LOST

Details

MINISTRY mire Hotel OF SHIPPING, Group,
HOTEL,
REMARKS
Motor Boats and Other Small Craft.
ame of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
Approx.
a
ALBATROSS
31/5/40
ALJANOR
Abandoned off Dunkirk
approx. do.
LOST.
ALOA-OE
Did not return
do.
ASSUMED LOST
ANEE (Wherry)
do.
"
do.
Unknown
BLACK ARROW
"
LOST
BOBELI
Lost at Dunkirk
"
"
BONNISBELL
Did not return
"
ASSUMED LOST
BOAT (16')
Did not return
"
do.
doned)
BRITTANIC
Unknown
"
LOST.
"
"
BULL PUP
"
"
"
BLUEJACKET (18'6")
"
"
"
CARAMA (15' Punt)
"
"
"
CLARA BELLE
"
"
oug
"
COURT BELLE 2.
"
"
"
CYB
"
mti
"
"
DEVILFISH
"
was
"
"
DINKY (10' boat)
"
"
"
DORIS (Wherry)
"
"
"
DREADNOUGHT 2.
"
"
"
"
3
"
in
"
"
DUMPLING (Boat)
"
"
"
EASTBOURNE QUEEN
"
08 tish as
Lost at Dunkirk
"
EDINA (Wherry)
"
Unknown
"
EMPRESS
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
EDITH DOROTHY (Boat)
"
Unknown
"
ENCHANTRESS
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
ENTERPRISE
"
Unknown
"
EX-SERVICE DINGHY
"
"
"
FAITH
"
"
GOLDEN SPRAY 2.
"
ASSUMED LOST
"
GOOD HOPE
LOST
31/5/40
"
"
Approx.
GWEN EAGLE
"
"
"
HANDY BILLY
"
"
"
HANORA
"
"
IOTE
"
ASSUMED LOST
KATE (18' Boat)
Lost at Dunkirk
11
Unknown
LOST
LANSDOWNE
"
"
LOST
LARK (Punt)
"
"
"
LILY (Rowboat)
"
"
"
LITTLE ANN
"
"
Sunk Dunkirk
LETITIA
"
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
MADAME SANSGENE
"
"
Unknown
MARY ROSE
"
"
"
MAGNET (Rowboat)
"
"
"
MARGHERITA
"
"
"
MAID OF HONOUR
"
"
"
MA JOIE
"
"
Abandoned Dunkirk
MALDON ANNIE
"
"
Unknown
MEDORA (Wherry)
If
"
"
MINIKOI
"
"
Sunk off Dunkirk
MIRANDA (Rowboat)
31/5/40
"
Unknown
Approx.
LOST
MIRASOL
"
"
MONTAGUE WHALER
"
11
ASSUMED LOST
MOSS ROSE
"
"
"
36' MOTOR BOAT
"
"
"
30'
DO.
11
"
LOST
NEMO IV.
"
"
Abandoned at Dunkirk
NEW WHITE HEATHER
"
"
Unknown
PEGGY 4.
11
"
Sunk off Dunkirk
PIONEER
11
"
Unknown
PRINCESS MAUD
"
Abandoned off Dunkirk
ASSUMED LOST
LOST

Details

Name of Vessel.
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
GOOD HOPE
31.5.40
Unknown
LOST.
Approx.
zh
GWEN EAGLE
"
"
do.
"
HANDY BILLY
"
"
S
"
ASSUMED LOST
HANORA
"
IOTE
Lost at Dunkirk
LOST
"
a
KATE (18' Boat)
"
Unknown
LOST.
S
"
LANSDOWNE
"
Unknown
#
LARK (punt)
"
"
"
"
LILY (Rowboat)
"
LITTLE ANN
Sufik Dunkirk
"
"
LETITIA
11
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
MADAME SANSGENE
"
Unknown
#
MARY ROSE
"
"
"
MAGNET (Rowboat)
"
"
#
"
"
"
MARGHERITA
"
11
"
MAID OF HONOUR
If
MA JOIE
Abandoned - Dunkirk
"
MALDON ANNIE
"
Unknown
"
MEDORA (wherry)
"
11
"
MINIKOI
"
Sunk off Dunkirk
"
MIRANDA (Rowboat)
31.5.40
Unknown
LOST
approx.
MIRASOL
11
11
ASSUMED LOST
MONTAGUE WHALER
"
"
do.
MOSS ROSE
"
11
"
36' MOTOR BOAT
"
11
LOST
DO.
11
=
30'
"
NEMO IV.
=
Abandoned at Dunkirk
11
NEW WHITE HEATHER
"
Unknown.
"
PEGGY 4.
11
Sunk off Dunkirk
"
PIONEER
"
Unknown
ASSUMED LOST
PRINCESS MAUD
11
Abandoned off Dunkirk
LOST
-6-

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
ANDORA (PUNT)
A.READ.
RETD To OWNER - DAMAGED.
ANDORA
A.E. Turner
Returned to Owners.
PANTO
Murray King
Repaired, Fuelled, Floated but
not taken over
PAPILLION
C.P. Macenrot
Returned to Owners 19/6
U. PAPAKURA
R.Grayson
(Returned 1500 3.6.40.D DNG
RY
(Re-allocsted to A/P.
RA PAULETER
Mrs. D.Ashton
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RU PEGGY IV
F.Bridge
Sunk off Dunkirk
PETRA
R.Lewis
Returned to Owner.
RO PIKE
Golding Bros.
Prepared did not go.
RO PIONEER
R.F.Ricketts
No report received from list of
SA
Missing Vessels.
SO POLLY
R.Hayes
T.98 Returned Owners 6.6.40.
V POMPADOUR
Mr.Ager
Returned to Owners 19/6. Did not go
Returned to Owners 19/6.
Lunk
SI PRINCE OF WALES
E.Golding
S! PRINCESS FREDA
C.Whatford & Son
Returned to Owner.
S! PRINCESS LILY
C.Whatford & Son
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
SJ PRINCESS MAUD
Wilson
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
S. PRIDE OF FOLKESTONE J.Brazier
Returned to Owner did not go.
$ P.L. 50
No information OF return from
S
Durkirk.
P.L. 60
Returned to Owner
S PROVIDER R19
Mr.Rowden
Returned to Owner.
S PRINCE
S.Williams & Sons
Returned to Owners.
NCESS
"
=
11
Returned to Owners.
tx
PEARL
Cozens
Released 3.6.40.
PILOT ME WY12
J.R.Storr
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk
PORTHLEVEN CORNWALL 14 Fishing Boats
Prepared did not go.
QUEEN
H.Murrell
At Surrey Commercial Docks.
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
Turmaine & Jones
Returned to Owners.
QUEEN BOADICEA
Mrs. Smith
Harbour Duties Sheerness.
QUEEN BOADICEA II
Mrs.Smith
Returned to Owner 20/6
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
E.Crouch
Sunk Collision with S.S. Tilly.
QUICKSILVER
F.Jones
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
Q.J.& J.
S.Cooper
Returned to Owners.
QUISISANA
S.Mdridge
A.P.S.
QUEST
H.BIDGOOD
Taken for Dynamo but did not go.
QUEST
C.L.Hunt
Returned to Owners.
E I
ROYAL LADY
Skegnon Pleasure Cruises
RAYON
Did not go
R.L. Glover
T.98 A.P.S.
REDA
C.A.Reed
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RELIANCE
W.Meddle
Damaged - Returned to Owner.
REMEMBRANCE
F.Good
Returned to Owner.
RENOWN (Cockle Boat) E.Osbourne
Mined and sunk with all hands.
RESOLUTE
- do -
Damaged - returned to owner.
ROBERTA
R.B.Grey
No information of return from
Dunkirk
ROBINA TENANT
H.Leach
DNG,
(Re-allocated to Special
Admirelty Service (6A)
ROCINANTE
R.F.Fryars
wn.
No report received from List of
ROSE Tfd. STN6A.
Missing Vessels presumed lost.
C.Grimes
ROSPLIE R (Proboat)
(MFB.)
To V.A. Dover
N.S. NW
Reiz.

Details

Details

Page 6.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
#
RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
PELLAG II
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL Renumed FRANCOLIN NOWJACKDAN
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN x
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
SUN XI
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
Renamed Wranglu.
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

P.
Pool.
SECRET.
FROM
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
DATE
6th AUGUST, 1940. No. A14/0/1190/40
th
to
Enclosure
TO
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
ANGH a AO 1940
AUG
as
and Inland
TERALTY ID ITRALTY
he rk "Dynamo"
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - RETURN OF SMALL CRAFT.
to Admiralty Letter M.011106/40 of 2nd July,
With addressed reference to the Commanders in Chief, The Nore craft and Portsmouth employed
1940, directing them to forward to me lists of small came,
and "Dynamo" which had not returned whence they from
SHES
01/00
Director correspondence of Sea Transport dated 20th July, 1940, T.09144/S.T.N.6B.
in Operation bearing on the same subject was received the
9
1941
that the latter correspondence, which The was-also Nore
2.- addressed It appears to the Commanders in Chief, Portsmouth and to
M.011106/40. besides This has been semi-officially confirmed telephone
other authorities, obviates the need for reply in
conversation with the Director of Small Vessels Pool.
30- submitted for the information of Their Lordships information as
The correspondence which has been received to date is
nevertheless the reports may be of value in providing a check on
already available.
LiewelllynNMorgan
CHIEF STAFF OFFICER
for VICE ADMIRAL.
A number or these to
Auxiliary Longshore Patrol.
le
Quest.
Nancebelle.
Leilah.
Gwenny.
Brenart.
Mary Spearing.
Mirasol.
Mary Spearing II.
Westwood.
Willie & Alice
Faith.
Francis.
Devil Fish.
Matilda. (Sank Embmain Cantre Dever
pun
3/7
Pioneer/

Details

ssels Pool.
SECRET.
1 is to th
*
FROM
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
Inz BITTO
6th AUGUST, 1940. No. A14/0/1190/40
ANGH 1940
DATE
and amo" and
TO
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
AUG
to THALTY
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - RETURN OF SMALL CRAFT
With reference to Admiralty Letter M.011106/40 of 2nd July,
a 10
1940, and directing them to forward to me lists of small craft
addressed to the Commanders in Chief, The Nore and Portsmouth employed
RECEIVED
in Operation "Dynamo" which had not returned whence they came,
bearing on the same subject was received from the
19 MAR A.M.
Director correspondence of Sea Transport dated 20th July, 1940, T.09144/S.T.N.6B.
21
2.- It appears that the latter correspondence, which was also
addressed to the Commanders in Chief, Portsmouth and The Nore
other authorities, obviates the need for reply to
M.011106/40. besides This has been semi-officially confirmed in telephone
conversation with the Director of Small Vessels Pool.
30- The correspondence which has been received to date is
nevertheless submitted for the information of Their Lordships as
the reports may be of value in providing a check on information
already available.
CHIEF STAFF OFFICER
for VICE ADMIRAL.
A number or these
Auxiliary Longshore Patrol.
Le
Quest.
Nancebelle.
Leilah.
Gwenny.
Brenart.
Mary Spearing.
Mirasol.
Mary Spearing II.
Westwood.
Willie & Alice
Faith.
Francis.
Devil Fish.
Matilda. (Sanka Submarin Cantr Dever
Run
3/7
Pioneer/

Details

SECRET.
SCHEDULE OF ENCLOSURES TO DOVER LETTER No. A14/0/1190/40
DATED 6th AUGUST, 1940.
From
Date
1. Flag Officer in Charge, London.
15th June, 1940.
(No. 414/15/40).
2. Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich.
15th June, 1940.
(No. (M) .J.60/40).
3. N.C.S.O., Thames.
15th June, 1940.
(No. TNC.146).
4. Admiral Superintendent, Chatham.
15th June, 1940.
(No. M.0673/40).
5. Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.
16th June, 1940.
(No. D.Y.1/01).
6. Flag Officer Humber.
21st June, 1940.
(No. 01286).
7. Commander in Chief, Portsmouth.
10th July, 1940.
(No. 0221/57).
8.
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
10th July, 1940.
(No. 3578/212).
9. Commanding Officer R.N. Air Station, 12th July, 1940.
Ford.
(No. 541).
10. Flag Officer in Charge, Southampton. 13th July, 1940.
(No. 00/5).
11.
Group Captain Commanding R.A.F.
15th July, 1940.
Station, Calshot.
(No. CAL/302/1/T.E).
12.
Flag Officer In Charge, Portland.
15th July, 1940.
(No. 2015/07).
13. Commander in Chief, Portsmouth.
21st July, 1940.
(No. 0221/40).
A number or these to
Le
Auxiliary Longshore Patrol.
Quest.
Leilah.
Nancebelle.
Brenart.
Gwenny.
Mirasol.
Mary Spearing.
Westwood.
Mary Spearing II.
Faith.
Willie & Alice
Devil Fish.
Francis.
Matilda. (Sanka Submarin Canter Do
X
pun
Pioneer/.....

Details

DE 6 and autu 1940
ENCLOSURE No
I
10 DOVER LETTER OF 6 ang,, 1940.
THE
Думамо 33H.
814/0/359
From
Flag Officer in Charge, London.
P.L.A. Building, E.C. 3.
To
Vice Admiral, Dover.
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
CSO
(Copy to:- Commander in Chief,
The Nore.)
15/5
Date
15th June 1940.
No. 414/15/40.
Subject
Operation "Dynamo".
In accordance with Message 1411 of 8th June
from Commander in Chief, The Nore, a list is forwarded
herewith of Vessels and small craft which were sailed
from London in connection with the evacuation of the
B.E.F. and which have not, at the present date, returned
to the Thames.
E.C.Broyee
VICE
18 JUN ADMIRAL 1940
Rear Admiral.
Flag Officer in Charge.
*
OVER
n
Lynano.
O
A number or these to
Le
Auxiliary Longshore Patrol.
Quest.
Leilah.
Nancebelle.
Brenart.
Gwenny.
Mirasol.
Mary Spearing.
Westwood.
Mary Spearing II.
Faith.
Willie & Alice
Devil Fish.
Francis.
Matilda. (Sank Submarin Centre Dive
pun 3/
Pioneer/

Details

ENCLOSURE No
TO DOVER LETTER OF. 6 am 1940
Enclosure to letter No. 414/15/40 dated 15th June 1940.
from: Flag Officer in Charge, London.
Operation "DYNAMO".
I Tugs.
above Neso
Fossa.
Abandoned on sandbanks at Dunkirk. Ger Cebter 19/5 Themes
II Dutch Coasters.
Brandaris.
Working somwhere with Royal Navy.
Lena.
Abandoned (Dunkirk?)
BRAY
III Power Driven Barges.
J.R.P.
Lewis Castle.
Fence.
Sent to Southampton.
Leonard Piper.
Ferrocrete.
Cabby.
Sent to Clyde.
Sway.
Serlo
}
On way to Glasgow.
IV Sailing Barges.
Duchess.
x Lady Roseberry.
Lark.
Ethel Everard.
Abandoned at Dunkirk.
XRoyalty.
Doris.
x
Barbara Jean.
>Aidie.
VH.A.C.
<Spurgeon.
At Dover being repaired.
Beatrice Maud.
At Sittingbourne being repaired.
Ena.
At Ipswich being repaired.
V Dumb Barges.
Sark.
These barges were on passage from London
VShetland.
to West Coast when they were diverted to
/F.23.
Dynamo operation.
VI Yachts and Pleasure Craft.
A number of these is believed to have been taken up for the
Auxiliary Longshore Patrol.
Quest.
Leilah.
Nancebelle.
Brenart.
Gwenny.
Mirasol.
Mary Spearing.
Westwood.
Mary Spearing II.
Faith.
Willie & Alice
Devil Fish.
Francis.
Matilda. (Sanka Submarine Cantre Dever ?
pun
3/7
Pioneer/

Details

1
TO DOVER LETTER OF 6 ans. 19to
ENCLOSURE No
- 2 -
VI Yachts and Small Craft. (Continued).
Pioneer.
Chelsea.
Two Rivers.
Charlotte.
Unique.
Diana Mary. - DOVER
Eothen.
Cuisisana.
Ramagete 18/6
Princess Lily.
/
The King.
Count Dracula.
Royal Thames.
Gayfly.
Formosa.
Sallyforth.
Margherita.
Kayell.
Maldon Annie.
Anthony.
Canvey Queen.
Imshi.
Miss Ming.
Sinbad II.
Princess Maud.
Curlew.
Empress.
Skylark.
Faversham.
Bream.
Queen Boadicea.
Pike.
Queen Boadicea. II.
Windsor Castle.
Vera.
Omega.
Daphne.
Tinker.
Kingwood.
Black Arrow.
Hurlingham.
Thetis.
The Viscount.
Aljanor.
His Majesty.
Silvery Breeze.
The Marchioness.
Rummy II.
Mutt.
Thark. ih,Dovier 18/6
Jeff.
Thurne.
Beverley.
Fleetwing.
St. Patrick.
Miss Modesty.
Skylark. (whech of may ?)
Gay Venture.
Spinaway.
Westerly.
Mary Rose.
Sylvia.
Advance.
Lorna Doone.
Hanora.
Hazard.
Maid of Honour.
Tigris I.
Cordelia.
Iote.
View Finder.
Shamrock.
Karina.
Queen of England.
Triton.
Wolsey.
Stonehaven.
X
Sceneshifter.
1 name unknown (Thames Conservancy).
1 Seaschool Yacht (Shipping Federation, Cmdr. Cavill).
VII Power Driven Lifeboats.
26 out of 27 have not been returned. It is
understood that 3 are still at Ramsgate.
VIII Ordinary Lifeboats.
34 out of 87 have not been returned.

Details

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE.
Meeting Ministry held of at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, 6th November, 1940 at the
Shipping in Room No. 8021a.
AGENDA
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 23rd October, 1940.
2. Matters Arising.
3. 4. Report of Payments for period ending 5th November, 1940.
Cases for discussion and settlement on the table:-
1. TOTAL LOSS
"MADAME SANSGENE"
-
E. Shelley,
"SUNSHINE"
-
A.J. Verrion.
"VIKING III =
-
J.S.Houlton.
"SOUTHERN QUEEN"
-
C.H.Harvey.
"PIONEER"
-
Ricketts Bros.
16ft. Boat
-
W.Robertson.
10ft.Boat "DINKEY" -
H.H. Miramo.
"NEW PRINCE OF WALES" -
Southend Motor Navigation
5. Any other business.
Co.Ltd.

Details

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE.
Meeting held at 11.a.m. on Wednesday, 6th November, 1940
at the Ministry of Shipping, Room No. 8021A.
Present:
MR. ALLEN
(Chairman)
" SIMMONS
" MOORE
" RIDDELL
" WAND
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 23rd October were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed:
(a) "Renown" Agreed to inform owner that the Department will pay
£500 on account if desired while arrangements are
made for a valuation.
(b) "Sceneshifter" Agreed to confirm verbal offer of £850.
(c) "Brywyn"
Agreed to wait reply to letter of 5.11.40 and
generally to adopt the principle that owner must
prove his claim.
(d) "Rosabelle"
Agreed to arrange for Mr. Wimpenny (Fisheries
Officer) to contact the owner and explain
Department's position and without committing
Department, unless it were apparent that claimant
would accept, offer settlement of £100.
(e)
"Moss
Rose"
Agreed to ask Mr.Wimpenny to obtain a comparison
of the Deal Boats lost.
(f) "Mare Nostrum" Agreed to inform owner that the Department is
not satisfied that evidence has been produced
to show that the articles covered by the claim
were on board.
3. Report of payments for period ending 5th November amounting to
£4,074.7.2a was presented and passed.
4. The following cases were discussed:-
TOTAL LOSS:
(a) "Madame Sansgene" Agreed to refer papers to Mr. Barnett
for a valuation in view of a possible
relationship between claimant and
builder;pointing this out and also
that had the relationship not been
apparent, Department would have paid
as claimed in all probability.
1
(b) "Sunshine"
Agreed to pay £203.10.0₫ as claimed.
(c) "Viking III"
"
"
"
£12
It
"
(a) "Southern Queen" " " pass to P.C.O. (S.T) to arrange
(for a valuer.
,
(e)
"Pioneer" Agreed to pay £400 as claimed.
D
(f) 16 ft Boat.
" " If £12 as claimed on
(completion of Letter of Abandonment.
(g) 10 ft. "Dinkey" Agreed to pay £12 as claimed on
(completion of Letter of Abandonment.
)
(h) "New Prince of Wales" Agreed to offer insured value
(£5,000.
of
fit Due
11
21/11/40

Details

Details

Page 6.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
# RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.)
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
#
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.)
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
in
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
)
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
#
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PELLAG II
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN X
SUN XI
~~~
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

2.
0 Lieut. J.O. Clark, - Went over in "Rapid I" 369
corted by "Stathelliot" and ferried troops, who were
/ French, from the beaches on Friday, May 31. On
turday at about 0400 he was towing the "Skipjacks
ler with Sub Lieut. Ruck in charge, when they
scued 3 sailors from the wreck of a sunken destroyer.
transferre the ratings and troops to the "Mosquito"
a was following her when she was hit by a bomb. he
lped rescue the survivors including Sub Lieut. Flint,
o had been wounded and finally left at 1330 being
wed part of the way to Margate by the "Anje"
b Lieut. T.R. Rumbold, R.N.V.R. - in the motor barge
iking" from Burnham on Crouch he went to le Panne on
e 30th and ferried all the forenoon. He returned to
msgate and sailed again at noon on the 1st for Bray,
riving just after dark. He burnt out his clutches and
ached the "Viking" but managed to kedge off and was
wed to Dover.
b Lieut. P. Snow, R.N. - In the "Reda" he reached the
aches on Wednesday, May 29th and ferried B.E.F. till
30. He went again on the Friday and ferried Frenchmen.
Sunday, June 2nd, he went over in the "Advance" to
nkirk, when he sighted the "Biboli" on the beach.
b Lieut. R.A. Forbes - Reached the beaches on Friday
y 31st in "Mary Spearing II" after rying he
turned to Ramsgate. He sighted the "Gavine 'ashore.
t. W.G.M. Christian, R.N.V.R. - was in "Mary Spearing I"
t she was beached although she was sighted later being
wed by a tug. He sighted "Margerita" floating but
serted.
ipper G.W. Halladay, R.N.R. - Went over to Dunkirk
1
Sunday June 2nd, in "Meander".
ab in an "Orient" line motor life boat on Sunday
Lieut. R.H. Wallace, R.N.V.R. - Towed over to the
ne He saw hardly any soldiers. He started
eaches 2nd. The engine failed and the boat was beached and
bandoned. in a pulling life boat but was taken in tow The by
alling "Alcmaria", to which he now transferred. left
OW rawler parted during the night and life boat was
rifting.
ib Lieut. J.K. Blackmore, R.N.V.R. - In the over. "Lurlyne",
hich had a bad engine and so he never got
ab Lieut. C.E.S. Beale - In K.A. Dover's barge which
as finally left in Dunkirk.
(From Southend) - Tokk over "Kayell" He picked arriving
n the beaches of the "Block Arrow" which was and fishing He
r. S. Burns at 0130 on Monday June 3rd. ashore.
P the crew French troops to a French destroyer
erried mack. "Kayell" in now beached at Ramsgate.
ub Lieut. T.H. over by "Oranje Vreeswijk" Foam". with They boats were
Rodgers, R.N.V.R. - In "Gay Crusader" other
e was towed 'Silvery Breeze" and "Silver reached beaches
ut ombed was and towed tow back was in company with O.I.C. and
neluding cut off. He never "Pioneer"
Barl"

Details

Dyrrang Diginal sent
A/s.W. --401
H.M.S. "CAPE ARGONA" howler.
379
5th June. 1940.
Report of Operations on Q.Z.X. 60 Patrol.
29th.1530.
Cast off with from Parkeston Quay and proceeded to sea in
company St. Achilleus and Sphene.
2350. Arrived between on Patrol ground and commenced patrolling
Buoy, West Hinder Buoy and Kwint Buoy.
30th.0025.
Whilst steaming line ahead speed 8 knots Achilleus"
leading "Sphene" centre and "Cape Argona" in the rear
observed track of torpedo approaching from Port side
and going between "St. Achilleus" and "Sphene".
"Sphene" altered course to Port and brought Lewis Guns
into action. All ships separated and rang Full Speed.
Still no sign of M.T.B. or Submarine.
0040.
Torpedo track passed ahead of "Cape Argona" from Port.
Altered craft. course hard Port but still no sign of enemy
0125. Observed smoke screen close to our Starboard Bow,
altered to Port brought smoke screen astern, distinctly
heard powerful motor engines behind screen and surmised
enemy M.T.B. was approaching through it so dropped
D/C. M.T.B. Engines had ceased after D/C explosion,
no vessel visible. Proceeded zig-zagging on course
for T Buoy and observed black shape of M.T.B. crossing
rapidly across our bow from Starboard to Port, when
she appeared on our Port Bow opened fire with all
Lewis Guns, couldn't get Pom Pom to bear as she was
too close. Firing was returned but no damage done.
M.T.B's engines were heard to miss-fire, stop, then
'on' again. We hung around, no further sign of
enemy craft, so carried on to Westward of Patrol.
0430.
Joined company with "St. Achilleus" and "Sphene" again.
The whole patrol ground was littered with wreckage and
either whole or partly destroyed boats, no sign of
survivors or dead.
Carried on Patrol, no contacts made, plenty of air
activity both German and British planes passing contin-
uously overhead, no attacks made.
y 31st.
Received instructions from F.O.I.C. Dover to patrol
under further notice near South Falls Bucy. "Sphene"
dropped out of group and joined with "Arotic Pioneer".
0615.
Instructions received to carry on original patrol,
nothing to report during day, but towards midnight,
there seemed to be great activity.
ne 1st.0040.
Investigated of "St. Achilleus" so carried on with be patrol,
contact, found to be non submarine, lost
track increased, explosions seemed to all going on
activity M.T.B. tracks were observed between over S the
place, had very could make nothing definite of that
all around us, anxious time. Zig-zagged all
was happening across QZX60 at S Buoy not cross searchlight
and T buoys, around us, thought I observed this pinned searchlights us in
being played S. & T. Buoys, would from enemy
area track. between Several star shells were dropped

Details

(2)
above aircraft, us at working in conjunction with M.T.B's
3892
we evidently observed. one escaped moment torpedoing. but by twisting No surface and turning two right was rapidly
actually Daylight was welcomed by craft all.
400.
Keep rather calling "St. Achilleus" by R/T and "W/T no
was of worried about her as we had arranged in answer
at event S. Buoy. losing each other during the night to rendezvous the
.000.
Came to to "Arctic conclusion that "St. Achilleus" had gone, reported
gone Pioneer" and asked permission to join her
been group mainly all because of W/T watches, our operator had already
on night and couldn't carry on indefinitely.
315.
Whilst heading from .Buoy towards Dunkirk in answer
to S.S. "Pragg's" S.O.S., received signal from Arctic
Pioneer that M.T.B. was approaching, we cleared for action
challenged her five times, no distinguishing mark or ensign
was shown, also she approached us zig-zagging. Fire was
opened with four inch, Pom Pom and Lewis guns, all three
ships heading straight for her firing; one four inch
from "Arctic Pioneer" struck her superstructure and she
then stopped and layto. On approach a white ensign was
observed being waved. Fire ceased and boats were lowered.
We went alongside M.T.B. took survivors and casualties off.
Report of action has been given to F.O.I.C. Harwich also
with report for Commanding Officer of M.T.B. Casualties
1 killed and five wounded. Transferred all to H.M.S.
"Saltash" who also took charge of M.T.B.
175
2100.
Received instructions to take charge of Group consisting
of "Sphene" and"Lord Melchett" and patrol between S.Buoy
and West Hinder.
2. 0509. Contacted "Lord Melchett" she joined us, proceeded
Eastward.
0711.
Stopped and Picked up 12 Refugees from small boat, boat
not worth keeping so cast it adrift and proceeded.
0729.
Signalled by aircraft (Hudson) piloted by Pilot Officer
Elworthy of Detling and asked to follow him. He
repeatedly circled around us and eventually said carry on
as you are going and you'll meet and open boat full of
people.
0740.
Met small boat, took refugees onboard, made boat fast
astern and proceeded on patrol.
0955.
Attacked by enemy dive bombers first one dived and
machine gunned us, the second one dropped bombs, both
rame out of sun, could be heard distinctly but not seen
until almost on us. They dived to within a hundred feet,
continual fire was maintained until ammunition exhausted,
ship zig-zagged continuously. 15 bombs were dropped
altogether during the course of three attacks. Bombs
fell within 20 feet of ship both sides and one thought
to be incendiary fell in bulwarks forward, setting fire
of mast away bar one arm supported, port bulwarks and but D.G.
to two spare unprimed D/Cs and deck and also blew base
gear carried on again, believed considerable damage minor
dismantled. Engines were stopped by explosion done to
engine and ship badly strained, besides numerous
defects. Fire was put out by deck hose.