Reliance

Details

CLYTHNESS Bawley Donts
COOKLE (See under Lord Grey)
Expre S.A. Turonidge)
Endenvour(Lo.ht)
(Skpr. P.C. Halla).
1011115(10-220)
Express A.J. Dench)
Reliance(L0.64)
(Skpr. to Legget)
truera(10.88)
LEXDIN W.H. Nonkes)
Resolute (L0.57)
(Skpr. H.D. Daborne)
31st my
1230
The flotills of 6 boats left Southerd for
1410
Denkirk, in company,
Passed Margnte roads. The flotilla
was ordered to proceed direct to
Dunkirs.
1620/
Air attacks. The flotills sonttered.
1640
1850
Spitfires drove off enemy A/C. At
least 5 Corman planes brashed into
the ECG,
1915
Denkirk rends.
1930
Pound 11 Improoticable for the bouts
to strik off the bench.
2130
The boets underked troops from outside
Dunkin: Jetty, transferring them
to the 06 Tilly and other shipe.
2250
The swell made the work difficult, 00
the formation, entered
the herbour.
2550
The flotilla ambarked about 200 troops,
1st June
01h5ca
3.00 of which ware transferred by 4
of the Bawler boats to the drfp.
"sarah mayes" 1.0. Barah Avdels
the remainder to other ships.
From now on the Bawley boats worked
independently. Endoevour's rodder
being smarted, she 908 taken in tow
by the Hereb Ryde, which proceeded.
LARISTO (%) transferred her troops
to, and wes taken in tow by, the
Art. Look (e.v.) which
proceeded. resolute in company, proseeded
option
cherying the Cole Comid & the
and officers of the
Compons, SUBTOTAL having broken down, made Cust
to Lbs and of Letitie's tow.
033000
NAME: th her orew yes blown
by a mine+
at Results 08
1930
Lo. 60) Reliance. 801
Total 100(2)
the clotilla Dad cerried
CANADA
(5) Ad 16 drops, Diesel engines,
193 recorts-

Details

Cockle Bawley Boats
THAMES ESTUARY COCKLE
BAWLEY BOATS (1)
S/Lt. in M.H.B. Solomon, R.N.V.R., S.O.
Defender.
Defender(L0.504)
(Skpr. E.A. Turnnidge)
Endeavour (L0.41)
(Skpr. F.C. Halls).
Letitia (LO. 220)
1
(Skpr. A.J. Dench)
Reliance(LO.64)
(Skpr. A. Legget)
Renown (LO.
Resolute (LO.57)
(Skpr. W.H. Noakes)
(Skpr. H.D. Osborne)
31st May
1230
The flotilla of 6 boats left Southend for
Dunkirk, in company.
1410
Passed Margate roads. The flotilla
was ordered to proceed direct to
Dunkirk.
1820/
Air attacks. The flotilla scattered.
1840
1850
Spitfires drove off enemy A/C. At
least 5 German planes crashed into
the sea.
1915
Dunkirk roads.
1930
Found it impracticable for the boats
to work off the beach.
2130
The boats embarked troops from outside
Dunkirk jetty, transferring them
to the Sk. Tilly and other ships.
2240
The swell made the work difficult, so
the flotilla,i formation, entered
the harbour.
2350
The flotilla embarked about 200 troops,
1st June
0145ca
100 of which were transferred by 4
of the Bawley boats to the drfr.
"Sarah Hayes" [1.e. Sarah Hyde];
the remainder to other ships.
From now on the Bawley boats worked
independently. Endeavour's rudder
being smashed, she was taken in tow
by the Sarah Hyde, which proceeded.
Letitia (q.v.) transferred her troops
to, and was taken in tow by, the
drfr. Ben and Lucy (q.v.) which
0300ca
Defender, proceeded. Resolute in company, proceeded
carrying the Col. Commdg. the
Worcesters, and officers of the
Camerons. Renown having broken down, made fast
to the end of Letitia's tow.
0330ca
Renown, with her crew of 3, was blown
to pieces by a mine.
0930
Troops were landed at Ramsgate as
Defender, follows: 60; Reliance, 80;
Resolute, 40.
Total 180(2)
In addition, the flotilla had ferried
about 1,000 men.
(1) 40 ft. long, 12 ft. beam, 2½ ft. draft, Diesel engines,
(2) Not 16-50 mentioned hp. in Dover or Ramsgate reports.

Details

LETITIA (L.0.220)
Cockle Bawley boat
A.J.Dench, Skipper
31st May
1045ca
Left Southend in company with the 5
other Bawley boats, Defender,
Resolute. Endeavour, Reliance, Renown and
-
At Reliance. the Nore L.V., taken in tow by
Defender toward Endeavour, and Renown
towed Resolute.
1410
On passing Margate received order
"proceed straight to Dunkirk".
Seeing hundreds of trawlers, etc.,
going to Dunkirk, we went with
them.
1900ca
Air attack. Made for Dunkirk beach.
Swell made beach work impossible.
-
Proceeded to Dunkirk je tty; embarked
2130
load of troops and transferred them
to the sk. Tilly. Ferried 3 more
-
loads, and towed a lifeboat full of
troops to a "trawler" [i.e. the drft.
Ben and Lucy]. The "trawler" was
towing another "trawler", [i.e. the
drft. Feasible] which in turn was
towing 2 lifeboats - one of them
being swamped and the other having
2 sailors on board.
1st June
0100ca
Letitia made fast to this tow.
0115ca
Shortly, the Renown made fast astern of
Letitia, the rope between the
2 cockle boats being about 3½ fathoms,
0330ca
An explosion took place and a hail of
wood splinters came down on Letitia's
deck.
"In the pitch dark we could see
nothing, and after the explosion we
heard nothing, and we could do
nothing, except pull in the tow rope
which was just as we passed it to the
Renown about KF. hour before...."
The Renown had been blown to pieces.
0830
Letitia left the tow and proceeded to
Ramsgate. Thence she sailed to
Southend.
Nil
Authority TO.9144.
168

Details

RELIANCE
L. Trawler
SKDER Blater
(DOYER M/G Command)
Carri
See "Cockle Bawley Boats"
Dover,
Authority - R.O.II, P+503
16

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

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 JULY, 1947                                                3307
would attempt to beach ship to form a lee to          the beach between Bray and one mile East of
try to improve conditions.                            La Panne and also advancing the commence-
   Simultaneously with this bad news the Vice-        ment of the operation by one hour. The risk
Admiral received a signal from S.N.O. Dunkirk         of this change of plan was obvious as the boat
to the effect that Dunkirk was being continu-         tows were not in communication with the Vice
ously and heavily bombarded and that the              Admiral, and reliance had to be placed on the
enemy artillery were gradually finding the range      Minesweepers to inform and see that the escort-
of the loading berth. He stated he wished only        ing M.A.S.B.s would shepherd the tows to the
to enter ships which were necessary for the flow      new positions. The minesweepers had anchored
of troops.                                            so as to serve as guiding marks, as had been
   This latter signal fortified the Vice-Admiral in   explained to the Naval Officers in each tow.
his decision to suspend the sailing of personnel         Apart from the special tow, a very large
vessels to Dunkirk until the accumulation of          number of small power boats despatched, in
those en route had been evened out.                   most cases direct, from the South East ports,
  55. One group of minesweepers who, up to this       Newhaven to Sheerness, were arriving off the
time had been working continuous round trips          beaches, and compensated in a large measure
between Sheerness and La Panne, were diverted         for the heavy losses that had occurred amongst
to round trips /between Dunkirk; beach and            the original towing boats, whalers, cutters, life-
Margate to compensate for the gradual drift of        boats and ships' boats, which had occured on
troops westward along the Coast, and to com-          the beaches during the preceding three days.
pensate for the reduced flow of troops off               On the La Panne beaches after 1600 very
Dunkirk Pier consequent on the artillery bom-         good progress was made. The piers of pontoons
bardment.       At the same time, by using            built by the Military the previous day were
Margate the duration of the round trip was            extremely useful, and were largely responsible
reduced. The Rear-Admiral, Dover, from off            for the rapid evacuation of troops.      All the
the coast was instructed to run a paddle mine-        troops that could be found were embarked by
sweeper bows ashore on rising tide to be used as      midnight and ferried off to the ships.       The
a bridge, deeper draught ships coming to her          local Beachmaster (Captain R. Pirn, R.N.V.R.)
stern, if conditions were suitable. It was not        searched the adjacent beaches for stragglers at
thought, however, that this would be an effec-        midnight, and was informed by a Staff Officer
tive measure of bridging the gap between water-       that no more troops would embark from the La
line and off shore ships, as "the length of a         Panne -beaches, but would march to Dunkirk,
paddle minesweeper was so small compared              as it was anticipated that these beaches would
with -the length of the shallow water to be           be shelled and probably be in German hands
traversed.                                            the following day. This, as it turned out, was
                                                      a correct forecast. The Beachmaster estimates
   56. During the forenoon beaches at La              that 5,000 men were lifted from the La Panne
Panne were subjected to heavy artillery fire.         beaches during the evening and up to midnight.
Action was taken with -the R.A.F. Commands to
locate batteries shelling the beaches and Dun-           59. At 1920 all ships in the fleets were in-
kirk pier and include air bombardment of these        formed by the Vice Admiral that the final
positions in the R.A.F. protective measures           evacuation of the B.E.F. was expected on the
undertaken during the operation.                      night ist/2nd June, and that the evacuation of
                                                      the French from Dunkirk and Malo beach
   57. During the afternoon additional beach          would continue from ist June by both British
parties were sent out, and barges with provi-         and French ships.
sions, ammunition and water arrived at the
beaches during the day, and were grounded.               60. General Lloyd informed the D.M.O. of
Two further drifters were despatched with             the new plan, stating that General Alexander
petrol, diesel oil and lubricants "to the beach       had been placed in command of the final phase
area to refuel the inshore craft.                     of the evacuation. Composition of force not
                                                      known. Further, that it was impossible now
   58. Arrangements were made to be ready to          to say how long the French evacuation would
embark Lord Gort and Staff from La Panne              take but that the Alexander force would remain
1800 or later, by M.T.B. After 1700 weather           till the last.    No firm information could be
conditions off the beaches improved, particu-         obtained from the French as regards: —
larly as the tide rose and it appeared once more             (i) The number of French troops to be
possible to take effective quantities direct from        evacuated.
the beaches, and to use the special tows, ships             (ii) The nature and extent of French sea-
lifeboats, power lifeboats and tugs, which were          borne transport.
on passage from Ramsgate and which had been                 (iii) The French military plan for the
earmarked for lifting the final covering force.           defence of the perimeter and the final with-
   In the afternoon, 'however, it was learned that       drawal of French troops.
the Military plan had been changed, and that it
was no longer possible for the original covering         61. General Remarks: The main features of
position, as planned, to >be held by 4,000 troops     the day were: —
who were then to withdraw to the beaches for                (a) The increased enemy artillety activity
embarkation by boat. Instead, it was learned              on Dunkirk and La Panne beach, and on the
that the Eastern-most Division was to be with-            approach channels.
drawn Westward from the La Panne area, and                  (b) The set-back to evacuation from the
that the special flight of boats was to be used          beaches that occurred during the choppy
to lift this force from the beaches. At the same         weather of the forenoon, followed by an
time, the troops in the Bray and Malo sectors             excellent recovery in the afternoon and even-
were being thinned out by movements West-                 ing when large numbers were lifted from the
ward towards Dunkirk itself. This change of               beaches.
plan involved concentrating the special tows                 (c) The change in the military plan as re-
and the minesweepers—to which they were                   gards the locality and time of lifting the final
to transfer the troops—into the stretch opposite          contingents of the B.E.F.


Details

Details

289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
31.5.40.
1230. In accordance from Southend, with Commander instead Boles' instructions, decided direct
closed up. us to our destination. although we had no charts, other traffic bound keep to France
Signalled Decided that to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to at Ramsgate. constantly
Dunkirk these instructions of closing the Examination Vessel to proceed
would lead
1410. Convoy of was 6 closed still up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler
ximately. us that Dunkirk open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 50° E. informed appro-
1820. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25
avoid bombardment.
enemy aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt to
1840. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in the neighbour-
hood subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near as fifteen yards
to the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance with instructions
they had received, skippers broke convoy formation and "starred".
1850. 3 or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the sea.
Identity of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably German.
1915. Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe bombardment
from shore batteries and aircraft.
1930. Attempted to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned idea - too much
ground swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and other equipment left,
destroyed by the B.E.F. on beach, endangered the safety of ships.
2130. Ordered ships to proceed to outside of jetty, instructing them to fill up
with soldiers and to ferry same to any larger ships unable to close harbour or beach.
Each ship was instructed to transport approximately 30 to 40 men (approximate total -
200) and they were transferred to H.V. Tilly and other ships cruising empty outside
harbour entrance.
2240. Instructed ships to keep permanently closed up and to return to inside of
harbour as swell made embarkation of troops from outside of jetty too difficult.
Contact between Bawley boats maintained by signal of one short flash every two
minutes. Formation preserved.
2310. Mole and harbour severely shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all occasions
I was there, was superb, and though exhausted and under constant fire, their only
thoughts were for the wounded among them, and of saving any equipment possible.
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; transferred same to the trawler Sarah Hayes
and various other craft returning to England not fully laden. Instructed convoy
to continue ferry work but if separated from me to return to Ramsgate laden with
soldiers.
1.6.40.
0140. Re-entered harbour; jetty crammed with British soldiers but no ships whatever
alongside. Started loading troops, sending back to shore two German prisoners
attempting to get to England, leaving them in charge of a Lance Corporal.
0200 - 0250. Jetty shelled, bombed and machine-gunned by enemy - very few casualties.
0300. Proceeded to Ramsgate fully laden with soldiers of 1st Division including the
Colonel in Charge of the Worcesters and Officers of the Camerons, accompanied by
Bawley boat Resolute. Arrived at Ramsgate 0930 approximately on 1.6.40.
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RAMSGATE.
DEFENDER.
Stem damaged. Returned with approximately 60 men.
RELIANCE.
Damaged side. Returned with 80 men.
LETITIA.
Undamaged. Returned towing Renown until latter was blown up.
(Troops transferred to trawler who took Bawleys in tow).
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering gear out of order; towed back by Sarah Hayes.
RESOLUTE.
Engine trouble. Returned with approximately 40 men.
RENOWN.
Mined and sunk off Dunkirk - all hands lost. (understand the 30
or 40 soldiers aboard were fortunately transferred to a trawler
before mining occurred).

Details

141
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page
20.
139
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
31/5
Friday, 31st May (continued).
effective quantities direct from the beaches, and to use the
special tows, ships lifeboats, power lifeboats and tugs, which
were on passage from Ramsgate, and which had been ear-marked
for lifting the final covering force.
In the afternoon, however, it was learned that the
Military plan had been changed, and that it was no longer
possible for the original covering position, as planned, to be
held by 4,000 troops who were then to withdraw to the beaches
for embarkation by boat. Instead, it was learned that the
Eastern-most Division was to be withdrawn Westward from the
La Panne area, and that the special flight of boats was to be
used to lift this force from the beaches. At the same time,
the troops in the Bray and Malo sectors were being thinned out
by movements Westward towards Dunkirk itself. This change of
plan involved concentrating the special tows and the mine-
sweepers - to which they were to transfer the troops - into
the stretch opposite the beach between Bray and one mile East
of La Panne, and also advancing the commencement of the
operation by one hour. The risk of this change of plan was
obvious as the boat tows were not in communication with the
Vice Admiral, and reliance had to be placed on the Minesweepers
to inform and see that the escorting M.A.S.B. would shepherd
the tows to the new positions. The minesweepers had anchored
so as to serve as guiding marks, as had been explained to the
Naval Officers in each tow.
Apart from the special tow, a very large number of
small power boats despatched, in most cases direct, from the
South East Ports, Newhaven to Sheerness, were arriving off the
beaches, and compensated in a large measure for the heavy
losses that had occurred amongst the original towing boats,
whalers, cutters, lifeboats and ships' boats, which had
31MM
occurred on the beaches during the preceding 3 days.
On the La Panne beaches after 1600 very good progress
was made. The piers of pontoons built by the Military the
previous day were extremely useful, and were largely respons-
ible for the rapid evacuation of troops. All the troops
that could be found were embarked by midnight and ferried off
to the ships. The local Beach-master (Captain R. Pim, R.N.V.R)
searched the adjacent beaches for stragglers at midnight, and
was informed by a Staff Officer that no more troops would
embark from the La Panne beaches, but would march to Dunkirk,
as it was anticipated that these beaches would be shelled and
probably be in German hands the following day. This, as it
turned out, was a correct forecast. The Beach-master
estimates that 5,000 men were lifted from the La Panne beaches
during the evening and up to midnight.
62. At 1920 all ships in the fleets were informed by
the Vice Admiral that the final evacuation of the B.E.F. was
expedted on the night lst/2nd June, and that the evacuation
of the French from Dunkirk and Malo beach would continue from
1st June by both British and French ships.
63/

Details

Page 20.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Friday, 31st May (continued).
effective quantities direct from the beaches, and to use the
special tows, ships lifeboats, power lifeboats and ear-marked tugs, which
were on passage from Ramsgate, and which had been
for lifting the final covering force.
In the afternoon, however, it was learned that the
Military plan had been changed, and that it was no longer
possible for the original covering position, as planned, to be
held by 4,000 troops who were then to withdraw to the beaches
for embarkation by boat. Instead, it was learned that the
Eastern-most Division was to be withdrawn Westward from the
La Panne area, and that the special flight of boats was to be
used to lift this force from the beaches. At the same time,
the troops in the Bray and Malo sectors were boing thinned out
by movements Westward towards Dunkirk itself. This change of
plan involved concentrating the special tows and the mine-
sweepers - to which they were to transfer the troops - into
the stretch opposite the beach between Bray and one mile East
of La Panne, and also advancing the commencement of the
operation by one hour. The risk of this change of plan was
obvious as the boat tows were not in communication with the
Vice Admiral, and reliance had to be placed on the Minesweepers
to inform and see that the escorting M.A.S.B.'s would shepherd
the tows to the new positions. The minesweepers had anchored
so as to serve as guiding marks, as had been explained to the
Naval Officers in each tow.
Apart from the special tow, a very large number of
small power boats despatched, in most cases direct, from the
South East Ports, Newhaven to Sheerness, were arriving off the
beaches, and compensated in a large measure for the heavy
losses that had occurred amongst the original towing boats,
whalers, outters, lifeboats and ships' boats, which had
occurred on the beaches during the preceding 3 days.
On the La Panne beaches after 1600 very good progress
was made. The piers of pontoons built by the Military the
previous day were extremely useful, and were largely respons-
ible for the rapid evacuation of troops. All the troops
that could be found were embarked by midnight and ferried off
to the ships. The local Beach-master (Captain R. Pim, R.N.V.R.)
searched the adjacent beaches for stragglers at midnight, and
was informed by a Starf Officer that no more troops would
embark from the La Panne beaches, but would march to Dunkirk,
as it was anticipated that these beaches would be shelled and
probably be in German hands the following day. This, as it
turned out, was a correct forecast. The Beach-master
estimates that 5,000 men were lifted from the La Panne beaches
during the evening and up to midnight.
62. At 1920 all ships in the fleets were informed by
the Vice Admiral that the final evacuation of the B.E.F. was
expedted on the night lst/2nd June, and that the evacuation
of the French from Dunkirk and Malo beach would continue from
1st June by both British and French ships.
63/

Details

C.W.19295
(Revised-June, 1983.)
D-51.
1940
FROM WHOM
DATE
Merchant Service Vessels employed in Operation "Dynamo".
/
(Extracted from Case 5458).
Personnel Ships
Case 5458 Vol. III. 7.)
29.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
"
III. 6.
sunk
1.
"
DORRIEN ROSE
"
1.
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
"
III. 6.)
sunk
1.
SCOTTISH CORPORATION
"
III. 6.)
1.
MASSEY SHAW
"
III. 6 & 8)
1.
LIGHTER X 209
"
III. 6.)
1.
C.E.in C. TUG PRIMA
)
"
III. 6.)
1.
"
HOPPER BARGE W.24)
1.
"
"
"
W.26)
1.
"
"
"
W.95)
1.
THYRA
1.
PUDGE
London and Rochester ( "
II.5.)
1.
CABBY
Trading Company,
1.
SEINE
)
Limited.
1.
BEFENDER
1.
RELIANCE
1.
LETITIA
Bawley Boats
III 8
1.
ENDEAVOUR
"
Civilian crews.
1.
RESOLUTE
1.
RENOWN (Sunk)
1.
QUEENSLAND,
Tilbury Dredging Company.
(Case 5458.Vol.III.8.)
1.
JOHANNA
"
(Dutch eel boat)
III.8. 1.
River M/L "MADAME SANS GENE" (sunk)
"
III.8.) 1.
M/V "SEA ROAMER"
"
III.8.) 1.
"FAAR BREEZE" Drifter
1.
Votor Boat "KIT CAT"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Southend Lifeboat "GREATER LONDON"
1.
Launch belonging to Skylark Shipbuilding
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Co. Poole.
opper " Barge "Lady Southborough"
1.
"
1.
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
"
"
GALLIONS RANCH
Tilbury
l.
"
(
"
"
FOREMOST 101.
Contracting
III.8.) 1.
"
"
FOREMOST 102.
& Dredging
1.
"
"
1.
JAMES 67.
Company.
Dutch eel boat "CHANTECLER"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Motor Life Boat unnamed,
#
(S.Lt.Amos, R.N.V.R.)
III.8.) 1.
Motor Yacht "RYGATE II"
"
III.8. 1.
M/B "QUICKSILVER"
"
III.8. 1.
Motor Cruiser "BOBELI"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "RAPIDE"
"
III.8.) 1.
"NAID ERRANT"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "THARK"
#
III.8.) 1.
Total. 71.
Mainly civilian crew, but R.N. or R.N.R.Officer in command.

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

289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
1.5.40.
230. In accordance with Commander Boles' instructions, decided to proceed direct
Dunkirk from Southend, instead of closing the Examination Vessel at Ramsgate.
Signalled o these instructions to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to keep constantly
:losed up. Decided that although we had no charts, other traffic bound to France
would lead us to our destination.
IS 410. that Dunkirk was still open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 3. appro-
Convoy of 6 closed up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler 50° informed
enemy 820. aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt
timately. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25 to
avoid bombardment. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in fifteen the neighbour- yards
to nood the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance "starred". with
1840. subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near instructions as
1850. 3 of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably bombardment
they or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the Cerman. sea.
had received, skippers broke convoy formation and
1915. Identity Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe
from shore to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned equipment idea - too left, much
batteries and aircraft.
ground B.E.F. beach, endangered the safety
1930. Attempted swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and of other ships.
destroyed by the to proceed on to outside of jetty, instructing to close them harbour to fill or up
with soldiers to transport approximately 30 to 40 empty outside -
2130. Ordered and ships to ferry same to any larger ships unable men (approximate total beach.
Each 200) ship and they was were instructed transferred to B.V. Tilly and other ships cruising
harbour entrance. keep permanently closed up and to return to difficult. inside of
2240. Instructed ships embarkation to of troops from outside of jetty flash too every two
harbour Contact between as swell Bawley made boats maintained by signal of one short
minutes. Formation preserved. shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all their occasions only
2310. I was there, Mole was and harbour superb, severely and though exhausted and of saving under constant any equipment fire, possible.
thoughts were for the wounded among them, transferred and same to the Instructed trawler Sarah convoy Hayes
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; to England not fully laden. laden with
and to continue various other ferry craft work but returning if separated from me to return to Ramagate
soldiers.
1.6.40. jetty crammed with British soldiers two Cerman but no prisoners ships whatever
0140. alongside. attempting Re-entered to Started get harbour; to loading England, troops, bombed leaving and sending them machine-gunned in back charge to shore of of by a Lance enemy 1st Division Corporal. - very few including casualties. the
0200 0300. - Proceeded 0250. Jetty to Ramsgate shelled, fully laden and Officers with soldiers of the Camerons, accompanied 1.6.40. by
Colonel Bawley boat in Charge Resolute. of the Arrived Worcesters at Ramagate 0930 approximately on
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RANSGATE.
damaged. Returned with approximately 80 men. 60 men.
DEFENDER.
RELIANCE.
Stem side. Returned towing with Renown until latter was in tow). blown up.
LETITIA.
to trawler who back took Bawleys by Sarah Hayes.
out order; towed 40 men.
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering trouble. gear Returned with all approximately hands lost. (understand
the
30
RESOLUTE.
RENOWN.
Engine Mined 40 soldiers and sunk off aboard Dunkirk were fortunately - transferred to a trawler
or before mining occurred).

Details

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
Later on 2nd June, on instructions from the N.O.I.C., the original crew took
charge of the Marsayru, but she did not, apparently, make a second trip to Dun-
kirk. Her skipper (G. D. Olivier) received the D.S.M. for his services, and her
engineer (C. Coggins) a mention in despatches.
The Cockle Bawley boats
Of the small craft that went over on this day, Admiral Ramsay speaks in
the following terms of the Cockle Bawley boats²:
"The conduct of the crews of these cockle boats was exemplary. They were all
volunteers who were rushed over to Dunkirk in one day, probably none of them
had been under gunfire before and certainly none of them under Naval discipline.
These boats were Thames estuary fishing boats which never left the estuary, and
only one of their crews had been further afield than Ramsgate before. In spite
of this fact perfect formation was maintained throughout the day and night under
the control of a Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R.³ in command of the Unit, and all orders
were carried out with great diligence even under actual shell fire and aircraft
attack."
One of these cockle boats, the Renown, was blown up by a mine while returning
to England disabled and in tow of the drifter Ben and Lucy. Her skipper,
W. H. Noakes, and his crew⁴ were killed. The Ben and Lucy had been towing
the drifter Feasible (disabled by a shell hit), 3 life-boats and the cockle boat
Letitia. At 0115 on the 1st June the Renown, by then disabled, attached
herself to this tow, but an hour later she was blown to pieces and a hail of wood
and splinters came down on the Letitia's deck. The Letitia's skipper (A. J.
Dench) says, In the pitch dark we could see nothing, and after the explosion
we hard nothing and we could do nothing, except pull in the tow rope, which
was just as we passed it to the Renown about 3 hour before.
French and Belgian ships arrive
Early on the 31st it became known that the Belgian Government were anxious
that several small Belgian fishing craft lying at Brixham should take part in
the evacuation and steps were taken to arrange this.
At 1335 the French destroyer Léopard routed from the Downs to Dunkirk
two French trawlers5, three French motor fishing vessels⁶, and ten Belgian
trawlers⁷.
The Belgian trawlers were under the orders of Pilote Malet; the remainder
of the ships under Lieutenant de vaisseau Drogou.
Other Allied ships that sailed for Dunkirk on this day were the French cargo
ships Ingénieur Cachin and Margaux, the trawlers Pierre et Marie, Emma and
Duperre, and the patrol vessel Diligente; the Belgian trawlers Lydie Suzanne
and Yvonne, and the drifters Gerard-Léon (H.64), Anne Marie and Thérèse
Compas. On her return journey the Pierre et Marie picked up 3 English sailors
from a drifting motor boat.
I The Marsayru's skipper says that throughout 31st May, and the days and nights that
followed (its all a complete jumble in my mind) we were
under constant fire
but
the
ship was not hit by anything." It seems, however, that Mr. Olivier was only in the evacu-
ation for 5 hours, i.e. from 1600 to 2100, 31st May.
2 Defender, Endeavour, Letitia, Reliance, Renown and Resolute.
3 S/Lt. M. H. B. Solomon, R.N.V.R.
4 L. V. Osborne, Mate, and F. W. Osborne, Engineer.
5 Chasse-Marée and Angèle Marie.
6 Margaux (D.692), Jeune France (Di.1213) and Du Guesclin (D.G.910).
7 Indépendence (0.308), Victor-Erna (H.63), Louise-Irène (H.80), Pharailde (H.42)
Raphael-Raymonde (H.43), O.L.V. Van Vlaandeven (N.49), John (O.210) Anna Marguerite
(Z.2), Buffalo Bill (Z.4) and the M.41.
73

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
M.F.H. (W. H. Smith, Capt.)
87
Minikoil (S/Lt. R. E. Blows, R.N.V.R.)
/
Minoru II'
/
Minotaur (T. Towndrow, Skipper)
/
Minwood
51
Mirasol
/
Moss Rose1
/
Murious
/
Naiad Errant
8
(A. B.S. Palmer, i/c)
Nanette II
30
Nayland
83
Nemo IV'
/
New Britannic
83
(W. Matthews, Cox.)
New Prince of Wales'
-
(S/Lt. P. H. E. Bennett, R.N.)
New White Heather
-
Offemia
50
Patricia (T.H.V.)
/
Pauleter
400
(Sto. D. T. Banks)
Peggy IV:
-
(S. H. Hughes, Skipper)
Pioneer¹
-
Princess Freda
-
(S/Lt. E.S. Forman, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Lily
-
(Prob. Ty. S/Lt. K. E.A. Bayley, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Maud
-
Provider
Not known
(F. Hannaford, Skipper)
Queen Boadicea II
-
(Lieut. J.S. Seal, R.N.R.) (Capt. J. Whittaker)
Queen of England'
-
Quest
-
Quicksilver
20
(S/Lt. D.L. Satterford. R.N.) (L/Sea. T. Phillips)
18
Quisisana
(S/Lt. A. J. Weaver, R.N.V.R.)
28
Rapid I
(S/Lt. J.C. Clarke, R.N.V.R.)
Reda
44
Reliance (S/Lt. P. Snow, R.N.) (P.O. R. W. Rawlings, Motorman)
80
(Skpr. A. Legget)
Renown'
-
Resolute (Skpr. W.H. Noakes)
40
Roberta (Skpr. H.D. Osborne)
-
Rocinante
-
Rosabelle
-
Rose Marie
Not known
St. Patrick1
-
Sambrez
Not known
Santosy
-
Saviour (Actg. S/Lt. J.M. Chappell, R.N.)
22
I Lost.
2 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
150

Details

INDEX
Phillips, Vice-Admiral T.S. V., 16.
Phipps, L/St. M., 81.
Pickford & Co., 72n.
Pierre, set on fire, 74.
Pierre et Marie, 73.
Piers (beach) built at La Panne, 47, 60, 76; of barges impracticable, 49; built at Bray,
59, 82.
Pigeon, 72n, 114n.
Pim, Capt. R., R.N.V.R., 78.
Playmates, 13n.
Polly Johnson, 13n, 39, 40 (damaged), 43, 44 (sunk).
Pool, S/Lt. R. A. W., 72.
Port of London Authority, 32.
Porter, Col., 47.
Portsdown, 100, 103.
Portsmouth, C. in C.: sends destroyers, 20; provision of boats, 51 Inner Patrol yachts,
71 A.S.'s. barge, 117 (abandoned).
Pownall, Lt. Gen. H. R., 4.
Prague, 29n, 54n, 64n, 91 (damaged).
Président Briand, 93.
Preston, Vice-Adm. Sir L. (D.S.V.P.), 21.
Princess Elizabeth, 47n, 89, 114n.
Princess Lily, 75n.
Princess Maud, 48n, 53 (goes aground), 62 (damaged), 114n, 118.
Prudential, 60.
Pudge, 71s.
Queen of England, sunk, 53.
Queen of Thanet, 91, 114m.
Queen of the Channel, 22, 24, 29 (sunk).
Queen's Channel, 72n.
Racia, 71n, 114я, 117.
R.A. Dover, see Wake-Walker, Rear Admiral W.F.
Ramsay, Vice-Adm. Sir B. (V.A. Dover) : to control evacuation, 4; to arrange air cover,
5 ; asks for more destroyers, 20; driving force, 23, 33 ; promulgates disembarkation
ports, 25 ; efforts to increase supply of small craft, 23, 32; plan for night 29/30th
May, 50; orders all ships to beaches, 51; concern at losses of destroyers, 94; calls
for volunteers, 105; reports exhaustion of crews, 113.
Ramsgate, N.O.I.C. Administers in shore flotilla, 21, 94; services skoots, 30.
Raphael-Raymonde, 73n.
Rapid I, 72, 92.
Reda, 53, 60n.
Reed, 7ln.
Refugees, 37, 100-1, 119.
Reiger, 32, 47m, 64, 101-2, 116.
Reine des Flots, 102, 107n, 109.
Reliance, 73n.
Renascent, 71n.
Renown, 73, 93 (sunk).
Resolute, 73n.
Revoir, Capt. de, 115.
Rewga, 71n.
Reynaud, M., 10, 11.
Richardson, Cdr. H. du P., 80n, 82, 83n.
Riggs, Mr. H. C., 21.
Rika, 41.
Rina, 117.
Robinson, Cdr. C. E. C., killed, 37.
Roebuck, in collision, 83.
Rope for towing, 61.
Rose Marie, 72n.
Ross, 28n, 44, 97.
Rouen, 94, 107n, 108 (goes aground), 109, 112n, 120 (aground).
Route, X prepared, 20; mined, 38; tested by destroyers, 39 taken into use, 48; last
route to come under fire, 96-7 ; traffic suspended, 98.
Route, Y adopted, 20, 29 ; under fire, 48; E-boats, on 85; in use, 93 ; mines on, 110.
Route, Z under fire, 20, 48; to be used in darkness, 29, 48.
204

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

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

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

MERHAIDEN
Telephone No.:
NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE.
MASSEY
RELiance 3811
SHOULD BEADDRESSED
London Fire Busigade, Forces,
Headquarters,
900
XXXXX QUOTING- M/RCC.
to the Chief Commander,
Albert Embankment, S.E.1
London Fire Forces.
STRay.
Entered in Day Book
1st December, 1941.
Dear Sir,
Evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
I understand that you have asked the owners of all boats
requisitioned in May, 1940, to assist in the evacuation of the B.E.F
from Dunkirk to forward to you the available particulars of the part
they played in the operations. You may, therefore, be interested
to receive a brief report of the activities of the fire boat,
"Massey Shaw", although the boat was not requisitioned by you.
On Thursday, 30th May, 1940, the Under Secretary of State,
Home Office, informed the Officer Commanding, London Fire Brigade,
that the assistance of a fire boat might be required at Dunkirk.
The Chairman of the Civil Defence Committee of the London
County Council gave his approval and it was decided that the "Massey
Shaw" should undertake the work. She is a 75 ft. steel fire boat,
constructed for fire-fighting in the River Thames with a beam of
13 ft. 6 ins. and a 3 ft. 9 ins. draft, equipped with Diesel engines
for propulsion and driving the fire pumps.
The "Massey Shaw" arrived at Ramsgate with a London Fire
Service volunteer crew on 31st May, but found that fire-fighting
operations at Dunkirk were impracticable. The fire boat was,
therefore, ordered to Dunkirk by a senior Naval officer at 1400 hour
to assist in the evacuation of troops. Between arrival at Dunkirk
at 1900 hours and the departure for Ramsgate at 0400 hours on
1st June, 60 troops were taken aboard from the beaches about 3 miles
east of the mole, and were safely disembarked at Ramsgate at 0645
hours. The crew consisted of 13 London Fire Service personnel and
Naval Sub-Lieutenant.
At 1820 hours on 1st June, the "Massey Shaw" again proceed d
from Ramsgate Harbour, this time with a landing party of 60 Naval
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of War Transport,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
W.1.
was preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard many planes
overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, while wj
still favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quit
close range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and
occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we cont
with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to bi
motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, SA
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong
and contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou
she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time
to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved
when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

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)