St. Helier

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ANTHONY (H.40) 16th Destroyer Flotilla Lt.Cdr. N.V. Thew R.N.
26th May
1523
Left Portsmouth, escorting the
S.S. Kyno 1)
27th May
1028
Left Dover for Dunkirk, leading the
Kyno, the P.V's Royal Daffodil and
St. Helier, the H.C's St. Andrew
and St. Julien and the dr. Vimy.
1220
Off "R" Buoy, ordered to return to
Downs with Kyno.
1440
Ordered to return to Portsmouth with
Kyno.
28th May
0333
Instructed Kyno to anchor in St.
Helen's roads. (2).
0704
Sailed for Dunkirk via Q.Z.S.80 and 60.
1005
Sighted floating French mine. Sunk it
and proceeded.
1125
Observed 40 to 50 planes in aerial
combat over Dunkirk.
1220
Secured alongside dr. Worcester inside
Dunkirk eastern pier.
1317
Proceeded via Y route with 533 troops
on board.
1400
drs. Sabre and Montrose 2½ miles ahead
proceeding to Dover, bombed by 15
Heinkels.
1408/
Attacked by 4 aircraft. Slight
1415
damage.
1730
Off Dover. Montrose and Sabre in
company.
1950
Disembarked 534 troops.
29th May
0645
The 1st Lieutenant, Lieut. R. de L.
Brooke, R.N., assumed command.
0714
Proceeded via Y route tc La Panne,
Worcester and Vimy in company.
1045
Anchored La Panne. Embarked troops
with M/B and whaler and the M.L. C.15.
1525
Proceeded by Y route to Dover with 540
troops.
1555
Attacked by Heinkel H/L bomber.
1645
Attacked by Heinkel dive bomber.
1905
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 550 troops.
30th May
0326
Proceeded via X route to Dunkirk, with
36 large cases of Army maps.
0400
Encountered thick fog.
0741
Anchored off Bray and landed one
Royal Marine Staff officer.
Embarked 620 troops brought off by
small craft of every kind.
1105
Transferred army maps to a M/Y.
Proceeded to Dover by X route.
1430
Dover. Disembarked 886 troops. (3)
1440
Lt. Cdr. Thew resumed command.
1623
To Dunkirk by X route.
1915
Secured alongside East pier, Dunkirk.
dr. Winchelsea embarking ahead.
(1) Ellerman Wilson Line Ltd.
(2) This apparently was the end of Kyno's participation in
Dynamo.
(3) D.R.
62

Details

FOREMOST 22
Tug (s. Ry. Co.)
C. Fieldgate, Master.
F.M. Holden, Actg.Master
29th May
1850
Left Newhaven for Dover.
Capt. Holden as Master.
30th May
0415
Arrived Dover.
1335
Left Dover for Dunkirk as leader of
5 small vessels.
2030
Arrived off Dunkirk. Separated from the
5 vessels after arrival: proceeded
eastward along the coast and then back
to the harbour entrance.
2300ca
The sound of a heavy collision in
Dunkirk roads was heard. The P/V
St. Helier had been in collision with
the M/S Sharpshooter.
2320ca
Foremost 22 took Sharpshooter in tow
and St. Helier backed away and carried
on.
Proceeded with Sharpshooter in tow
stern first.
31st May
1035
Arrived off Dover. Cast off the tow.
The tug Empire Henchman now assisted,
1320
and Sharpshooter was moored to a buoy.
1st June
1630
Captain Fieldgate rejoined the ship from
the sick list.
2030
Assisted 2 vessels in collision in the
outer basin. (2)
2nd June
1700
Left for Dunkirk.
2300
Dunkirk harbour entrance. Ordered into
harbour to assist the P/V Newhaven ?]
aground. The tug ran aground herself
but managed to refloat. A tug Sun X
and Sun XI both failed to re-float
her] /01 less draft was then sent in.
2400ca
off the harbour entrance, M/B's came
alongside and unloaded French troops.
0100
Proceeded.
0630
Dover. Disembarked
troops. (1)
(number not stated).
1430
Ordered to stand-by to leave for
1830
"Stand Dunkirk. by" order cancelled "owing to some
members of the crew being sick."
3rd June
Standing by.
4th June
1525
Left Dover for Newhaven.
Total 8
(1) (2) Not dr. mentioned Worcester was in D.R. in collision with P/V Maid of Orleans at
this time.
329

Details

Details

ICARUS (continued)
31st May
1100
x route to Dunkirk. Collided with dr.
(continued)
Scimitar in the Goodwin Channel.
Only slight damage.
1400
Lay off Dunkirk harbour.
1615
Secured alongside eastern arm. dr.
Windsor and an "S" class(1) destroyer
berthed outside Icarus. Embarked
troops during air raid.
1800
To Dover by X route. Dive bomb attack
(1 A/C) en route.
2045
Dover. Disembarked 682 troops.
1st June
0130
To Dunkirk.
0415
Secured alongside the P/V Maid of
Orleans. (2) Embarked troops during
an air raid.
0530
dr. Vanquisher berthed outside Icarus.
Shortly after, Windsor berthed outside
Vanquisher.
0730
Proceeded to Dover.
1015
Dover. Disembarked 1,114 troops.
2030
To Dunkirk, Windsor in company.
2300
Secured alongside eastern arm, Dunkirk.
2nd June
0001
To Dover by X route.
Collided with a small trawler in
Dunkirk Channel. Damage to trawler
not known.
0400
Dover Disembarked 677 troops.
1830
Sailing orders cancelled on account
of slight damage.
4th June
1145
To Portsmouth, under orders of dr.
Vivacious.
Total 4,704
Authority - R.O.I. p.60.
(1) This is incorrect. No "S" class destroyer was inside the
harbour at this period.
(2) Icarus says "St. Hillier", meaning St. Helier; but St.
Helier did not enter Dunkirk until 1530/1.
51

Details

MAID OF ORLEANS
S.Ry.Co.
Capt. A.E. Larkins, Master.
P/V Ts,
Capt. G.D. Walker, Master.
26th May
1100
Left Dover (Capt. Larkins 1/c), with
6,000 2-gallon cans of water,
stores and 250 troops.
-
Off Dunkirk. Air raid. "Unable to
effect an entrance and returned to
1503
p.m.
Dover 1) and created back to Dover.
Dover". was mer in mid Channel by the dr. wildSwan
1726
Proceeded to Dunkirk, escorted by dr.
W1ld Swan.
2000ca
Entered Dunkirk and berthed alongside
E
Mona's Queen, which was already loaded
with troops, at the Gare Maritime;
where the P/V Mona's Queen proceeded,
Maid of Orleans took her berth
alongside and landed water and stores.
Troops were then embarked.
2030
P/V Canterbury berthed outside Maid of
Orleans and embarked troops.
27th May
0020
Canterbury proceeded.
0300ca
Maid of Orleans proceeded.
0600
Dover. Disembarked 980 troops and 8
civillans.
p.m.
To Dunkirk.
-
Dunkirk roads. The P/V Canterbury
Captain Albert Edward Larkins, master
of the railway-owned cross-Channel vessels
signalled to Maid of Orleans the
for 20 years, died on Wednesday at Canter-
S.T.O. [?S.N.O.] Dunkirk's order not
bary at the age of 57. He was in command
to enter. Proceeded.
of the Maid of Orleans at the evacuation
of Dunkirk. Times 20.7.1956
28th May
-
Dover. Capt. Larkins reported sick.
Capt. Walker took command.
29th May
0437
To Dunkirk.
-
Berthed alongside Dunkirk East Mole.
Embarked troops. Alongside about
5 hours. Shifted berth 3 times as the
tide ebbed. Proceeded.
-
off Nieuport picked up 2 French officers
from a small open boat.
Dover. Disembarked 1372 troops.
-
30th May
2145
To Dunkirk.
31st May
0100ca
Berthed alongside East Mole. Embarked
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1253 troops
1253 troops.
a.m.
including 42 stretcher cases).
lst June
0030
To Dunkirk.
0330ca
Berthed at East Nole. Alongside about
6 embarked troops across the decks while
hours during which two destroyers (2)
Embarked 1,856 troops. Proceeded.
air attacks were in progress.
0900ca
Air attack; 4 bombs dropped.
(1) D.R. states 988 troops landed on 26th May. This appears
(2) Icarus to be incorrect. Icarus says she berthed arrive alongside at she
"Sto and Vanquisher. but the St. Helier did Vanquisher not says
Dunkirk secured Hillier", alongside on 1st June Icarus; until 1530. Windsor outside Vanquisher.
218

Details

ST. ANDREW
Hospital Carrier
Capt. H.C. Bond, Master.
No. 24 (G.W.R.Co.)
26th May
1054
Left the Downs for Dunkirk, the H/C
St. Julien in company.
1320
Shelled off Gravelines. Altered course
to the northward, crossed the
minefield and returned to Dover.
1835
Anchored in the Downs.
"
27th May
1045
Left for Dunkirk, St. Jelien in
company.
a
1140
Joined company with the P/V's St. Helier
and Royal Daffodil and the S.S. Kyno,
which were being escorted by the drs.
Anthony and Vimy.
1220
Off R buoy, the Anthony and the Kyno
were ordered to return to the Downs.
1445
Air attack on the St. Andrew and
St. Julien.
1620
Off Dunkirk. Air attacks. The St.
100
Helier and Royal Daffodil entered
the harbour.
1750
The St. Andrew, in company with the
St. Julien and St. Helier proceeded,
escorted by Vimy.
2220
Arrived in the Downs.
28th/30th
At Southampton. Sailed for Dover.
May
=
31st May
1544
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1855
Berthed at Dunkirk. Air attacks.
Embarked wounded.
2145
Proceeded.
d
1st June
0714
Newhaven. Disembarked 130 wounded.
Total 130
d
Authority - R.O.III p.198.
T.M. 6213/40.
The following awards were made;
Mention in Despatches.
Captain H.C. Bond, Master.
58

Details

(6)
ST. HELIER. P/V
G.W.Ry.Co.
Capt. R.R. Pitman, Master.
27th May
1030
Eleven of the crew having been replaced
by naval ratings, the St. Helier
sailed from Dover via X route, in
company with the H/C's St. Julien
1700ca
and St. Andrew (q.v.)
Off Dunkirk. Air attack.
1800ca
Entered the harbour, but was ordered not our by
pythes.T.O.
required. Proceeded.
2300ca
Arrived in the Downs.
30th May
1405
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
2000ca
Dunkirk harbour. Embarked French
troops.
2200ca
Left Dunkirk, fully loaded with about
2000 French troops.
2215ca
About 2 miles west of Dunkirk, collided
with the M/S Sharpshooter. The
St. Helier was kept going slow ahead
for about an hour, until the tug
170
Foremost 22 had taken Sharpshooter
in tow. St. Helier then withdrew
from the Sharpshooter, and taking the
lead, proceeded to escort her to
Dover.
(5)
/
2312
The P/V Princess Eleanor (collided with
the St. Helier. No damage.
St. Helier eventually lost sight of
the tow.
31st May
0330
Anchored in Downs.
-
Dover. (1) Disembarked 2,000 French
troops. (2).
p.m.
Sailed via x route to Dunkirk.
1830ca
Near V buoy, 3 planes attacked from
about 1,000 feet. 4 bombs dropped
ahead, 9 on port bow, 20 yards off.
One plane was shot down. (3)
-
Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
-
Proceeded.
1st June
a.m.
Dover. Disembarked 1,250 troops. (4).
0930ca
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1430
Off Dunkirk. 16 enemy planes in combat
with R.A.F.
1530
Entered harbour. Waited for stretcher
cases.
1830
Twice hit by shore batteries. Damage
and casualties. Berthed alongside.
Embarked wounded and troops.
2230
Proceeded.
2nd June
0330ca
Dover. Disembarked 1334 troops. 3
more of the crew left the ship.
1700ca
Left Dover.
2215
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked about 2,000
B.E.F.
(1) Surg.Lieut. Longmore R.N.V.R. cases] states were that landed at 0730/31, at Folkestone. Medical wounded
(2) D.R. [including states 500. 15 stretcher According to the Master and the
officer the number was 2,000.
(3) (4) Not D.R. recorded gives a in second D.R. disembarkation (of 659 troops) on 1st
June.
(The
(5) No vessel Known.
64
willenand
(6) Tworeparts one dated of of This proceedings were sent in signed dated June spigned by the
10

Details

- / -
ST. HELIER. (continued).
2nd June
2330
Proceeded.
(continued)
3rd June
0430
Arrived Folkestone. Disembarked 2,000
troops(1).
Total 6,584
Authority - R.O.III, pp.204, 250.
TM.6213/40.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Capt. R.R. Pitman, Master.
Mr. H.D. Freeman, First Officer.
Mr. F.E. Martin, Second Officer.
May
D.S.M.
Quartermaster C.J. Walkey.
Total 287
(1) D.R. states 500.
65

Details

ST. JULIEN
Hospital carrier
(G.W.Ry.)
Capt. L.T. Richardson,
Master.
26th May
1045
Left the Downs, the H/C St. Andrew in
company.
1300ca
Off Calais, met the P/V Maid of Orleans.
1830ca
The 3 ships were shelled by shore
batteries and all returned to Dover.
27th May
1112
Left the Downs, the P/V St. Helier
and the H/C St. Andrew in company.
1700ca
Air attack off Middelkerke Bank buoy.
-
Arrived off Dunkirk while an air attack
was in progress. Impossible to
remain in the vicinity, so the 3 ships
2200ca
returned to the Downs.
28th May
At anchor.
29th May
-
Sailed for Dunkirk escorted by a
£
destroyer.
1700
Air attack off Nieuport buoy. Damaged
by near misses. (1)
1800ca
Off Dunkirk. Air attacks continued;
impossible to enter the harbour or
remain in the vicinity.
Returned to the Downs.
30th May
At Dover.
31st May
0345
S/Lt. Radcliffe R.N.V.R. and 20 naval
ratings embarked.
0512
Left for Dunkirk.
0858
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked wounded.
1016
Proceeded.
1st June
-
Arrived Newhaven. Disembarked 287
wounded.
Total 287
Authority - - R.O.III p.212.
T.M. 6213/40.
(1, D.R. bomb damage as 30th May - but 29th the M/S
Lydd gives confirms date of that the date of the bombing was May.
66

Details

SHARPSHOOTER
(N.68)
lst M.S.F.
Lieut. A.E. Doran, R.N.
1730
28th May
1842
Arrived Hebe. Dover in company with the M/S
2
Ordered Panne. by V.A. Dover to proceed to La
1903
Proceeded via Route Y.
0115
p-
29th May
Arrived boats off the beaches. Lowered
0300
and embarked troops.
Only surf. to 30 the troops lack of had boats been and embarked, the inshore owing
0500
About 100 troops had been embarked.
1215
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 100
Proceeded to Dover by Route Y.
troops. (1)
1830
Sailed via Route X for the beaches.
er
P
0035
30th May
Anchored close inshore [presumably
off La Panne]. Embarked 260 troops,
assisted by 2 boats manned by
Royal Engineers.
0335
Proceeded to Dover by Route X.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 273
troops. (1)
1800
Sailed via Route X.
2210
While steaming down the southern side
of Dunkirk channel, Sharpshooter was
in collision with the P/V St. Helier
[The St. Helier reports that she
1
kept going slow ahead for about an
hour until the tug Foremost 22
had taken Sharpshooter in tow.
St. Helier then withdrew from the
Sharpshooter and escorted her to
Dover].
-
The Sharpshooter arrived at Dover in
tow of Foremost 22.(q.v.).
1)
Total 373
Authority R.O.I., p.369.
e
(1) D.R.
125

Details

VIKING III
Dinghy (Owner, J.S. Houlton)
Did not return from Dunkirk.
27th May
P/V's 01, Helier and
in caspany with the
via poute &
Ordered to return to Dover because or
Authority - TO.9144.
enemy batteries at Oravelines.
TO.9436.
Anchored in Dover.
Proceeded in company with the dr.
Anthony, the S.8. Kyno and the
and Royal Unfrodil
overtward through the Downe.
1140
The B/C's St. Andrew and 8t. Julien
joined company 0.0 they had no sharts
for route Y.
1230
The Anthony and the Kyno returned to
the Downg.
1445
Between West Winder and Kwinte Bank
booys, two bombing attacks were made
on the hospital carriers. Both
salvos missed.
1622
Joined the dr. Wolsey, which was lying
Dunkirk breakwater. 8t, Helier a
and Royal Deffodil proceeded inside
the herbour. The hospital ships
repained outside.
1740
Both transports left the harbour and
lay off outside. Royal Daffodil
ordered to remain off the harbour.
1750
The Viny in company with the St. Helier
and the 2 hospital ships proceeded
by route Y for Dover.
While the Visy was off Dunkirk the
town was continuously bombed by
high level humbers.
2200
The convoy anchored in the Downs.
2308
The Viary proceeded to Dunkirk.
2355ea
Lt. Car. Knowling left the bridge, and
was not seen again.
28th May
0300
Licot. A.P. Northly assumed command
of the Viny,
0320
Arrived off beach 3 miles east of
Dunkirk. The M/S Brighton Belle
was embarking troops from G French
canal boat and a small pulling boat.
The Vimy lowered her boats and sent
them to assist in rilling ep the
0445
Leoving her boats behind, the Viry went
Brighton Beller
alongside Dunkirk East pier and
embarked about 600 troops.
0545
Proceeded to Dover by poute Y.
1015
Arrived Dover, Disembarked 613 troops.
Bailed for Dunkirir via route 1.
1105
Between Kwinte Hank and Nivoport Bank
1415
bunys, about 20 Heinkele attacked
Vimy and your
in the vicinity. No damage.
1532
Entered Dunkirk and
1807
Proceeded for Dover by route ¥ with
the dr. Gronade at east pier
2250
Arrived 591
about 630
278 19

Details

VIMY (D.33)
Destroyer (Nore
Command)
Lt.Cdr. R.G. K. Knowling, R.N.
Lieut. A.P.W.Northey, R.N.
Lt.Cdr. M.W. E. Wentworth, R.N.
27th May
0630
Sailed from Dover in company with the
P/V's St. Helier and Royal Daffodil,
via route Z.
0710
Ordered to return to Dover because of
0810
enemy batteries at Gravelines.
Anchored in Dover.
1054
Proceeded in company with the dr.
Anthony, the S.S. Kyno and the
St. Helier and Royal Daffodil -
northward through the Downs.
1140
The H/C's St. Andrew and St. Julien
joined company as they had no charts
for route Y.
1230
The Anthony and the Kyno returned to
the Downs.
1445
Between West Hinder and Kwinte Bank
buoys, two bombing attacks were made
on the hospital carriers. Both
salvos missed.
1622
Joined the dr. Wolsey, which was lying
off Dunkirk breakwater. St. Helier
a
and Royal Daffodil proceeded inside
the harbour. The hospital ships
remained outside.
1740
Both transports left the harbour and
lay off outside. Royal Daffodil
ordered to remain off the harbour.
1750
The Vimy in company with the St. Helier
and the 2 hospital ships proceeded
by route Y for Dover.
While the Vimy was off Dunkirk the
town was continuously bombed by
high level bombers.
2200
The convoy anchored in the Downs.
2308
The Vimy proceeded to Dunkirk.
2355ca
Lt. Cdr. Knowling left the bridge, and
was not seen again.
28th May
0300
Lieut. A.P. Northey assumed command
of the Vimy.
0320
Arrived off beach 3 miles east of
Dunkirk. The M/S Brighton Belle
was embarking troops from a French
canal boat and a small pulling boat.
The Vimy lowered her boats and sent
them to assist in filling up the
Brighton Belle.
0445
Leaving her boats behind, the Vimy went
alongside Dunkirk East pier and
embarked about 600 troops.
0545
Proceeded to Dover by route Y.
1015
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 613 troops.
1105
Sailed for Dunkirk via route Y.
1415
Between Kwinte Bank and Nieuport Bank
buoys, about 20 Heinkels attacked
Vimy and four other destroyers
in the vicinity. No damage.
Entered Dunkirk and secured alongside
1532
the dr. Grenade at east pier
Proceeded for Dover by route Y with
1807
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 591 troops.
about 650 troops.
2250
279

Details

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 JULY, 1947
M.T.Bs. 16, 67, 68, ioo, 102 and 107.
M.A.S.Bs. 6, 7 and 10.
Personnel Ships
  FERRELLA                        (sunk 29th May)          NORMANIA         (sunk 29th May)
  LORINA                          ( „ „ „ )                QUEEN OF THE     ( „ 28th „ )
                                                                  CHANNEL
   MONA'S QUEEN ...               ( „     „      „ )       SCOTIA       ... ( „ ist June)


   BEN MY CHREE ...              (damaged 2nd June)        PRAGUE           (damaged ist June)
   BIARRITZ                      (    „ 27th May)          PRINCESS MAUD... (    „ aoth May)
   CANTERBURY   ...              (    „ 29th „ )           ROYAL DAFFODIL   (    „ 2nd June)
   MAID OF ORLEANS               (   „ ist June)           ST. SEIROL   ... (   „ 2gth May)


  ARCHANGEL                            LADY OF MAN                                    NEWHAVEN
  AUTOCARRIER                          LOCH GARRY                                     ROUEN
  COTE D'ARGENT                        MALINES                                        ROYAL SOVEREIGN
  KILLARNEY                            MANX MAID                                      ST. HELIER
  KING GEORGE V                         MANX MAN                                      TYNWALD
Total 29, of which 6 were sunk and 8 damaged.

Hospital Carriers
  PARIS                    ...   (sunk 2nd June)


  ISLE OF GUERNSEY (damaged 2gth May) ST. JULIAN                                              (damaged soth May)
  ISLE OF THANET   (   „ 27th „ ) WORTHING                                                    (    „ 2nd June)
  ST. DAVID        (    „    ist June)


  DINARD                               ST. ANDREW
Total 8, of which i was sunk and 5 damaged.
Note.—i. In addition some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and Yachts of the Nore Command assisted by taking
           one or more tows of boats to the French coast.
      2. A large number of skoots, launches, motor boats, ships' lifeboats, Naval cutters and whalers were
           wrecked or foundered during the operations.




                              APPENDIX II TO F.O. DOVER'S DESPATCH
                Daily List of Disembarkation in U.K. Ports, classified by types of ships
                                                                           Carriers




                                                                                       to
                       1
                                   ft
                                         0 <D                                                         •3
                                                                                                      |  CO

   Date                                                                                                  Total
                       !1
                                   0>                                                  I
                                   <0

                                         |l
                                                                   a       1
              I                   _p               1
                                                   (6
                                                           1
                                                                                                 0>
                                                                                                         8
                                                   £
              Q        £                 &                 %       «       a           §
                                                                                                        0

26th May             2,287        _        _       _       _
                                                                     24     ___       1,936
                                                                                                 ^        -
                                                                                                                 4,247
27th          —      3,168                 —                                —         2,550                      5,718
28th        ",327 2,161           —
                                  420    i,336     —
                                                   IOO            3,138     —       45           —       —
                                                                                                         —      18,527
29th        15,972 17.525        4,307   1,454    3,894     90    2,158     818 3,133            —
                                                                                                 460     520    50,331
30th        18,554 2,981         7,671   1,477    7.405   1,116   2,931     780 5,293           2,620   2,399   53,227
3ist        25,722 12,477        4,714   2,682    3,976   1,797   2,938     907 4,596           2,026   2,306   64,141
 ist June   14,440               7,594   9,148    2,762     647   1,797     130 10,803           651    2,271   6i,557
 2nd         5,649 4,977         1,842   2,075     900    1,975   2,632          2,649                    905   23,604
 3rd         6,432 7,477         2,552              50      418   2,526          3,oi8           —
                                                                                                 750    4,641   29,641
                                         1,777                              —
 4th         5,303 10,013        1,940   1,079    1,200     418   2,023     —    2,637          1,116   1,960   27,689
  Total... 103,399 74,380 31,040 21,028          20,287   6,461 20,167    2,635 36,660          7,623 15,002 338,682

Notes.—i. This list is not complete as a number of vessels did not record their totals.
       2. Evacuation after ist June was by night only.


Details

Page 132
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
ROYAL DAFFODIL (Continued).
Second Engineer William Leonard Evans.
to be kept and engines running.
Assisting the Chief Engineer and enabling steam
Recommended for mention.
W. C. E. Smith, 7520070, R.A.M.C.
This soldier was recommended by the Master for
excellent work which he did in tending the wounded
and sick through the voyage.
Recommended for mention.
ROYAL SOVEREIGN - Thomas Jeffrey Aldis, Master. (Decorated for
this operation in London Gazette 7th June,1940).
This ship completed seven trips, continually under
gunfire and bombing. Brought a very large number of
troops back to this country.
HOSPITAL CARRIER - ST. ANDREW - Herbert Cecil Bond, Master.
This ship completed two trips, and on the first she
was so heavily shelled off Calais, and had no alternative
but to escape the range of fire by crossing the minefields.
Again, on the second trip she was continually under raids
from aircraft.
Recommendation.
OFFICER.
Master, Herbert Cecil Bond.
Showed great skill in manoeuvring the ship into
Dunkirk, whilst under continued bombardment from the
air.
Recommended for mention.
ST. HELIER - Reginald Richard Pittman. Master.
This ship did five trips to Dunkirk, and in addition,
two trips bofore Dynamo started, to Calais and Boulogne.
On the first trip, whilst in Dunkirk, there was a very
heavy/

Details

Page 133
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
ST. HELIER (Continued).
heavy air raid. The Master had trouble with the
room her staff, but these were replaced and the ship continued engine
on work. On each trip made the ship was bombed and
one plane was shot down by the ship's gunners. On the
first shells. trip, while in Dunkirk, the ship was hit by two
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Master, Reginald Richard Pittman.
Through his initiative and seamanship brought the
ship into Dunkirk under many difficulties, not only
from gunfire and bombing, but also due to the lack of
people mooring the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
First Officer Hubert Donald Freeman.
Displayed courage after ship had been hit by shell,
and assisted in getting the ship properly moored
alongside, in addition was able to keep up the spirits
of the crew, this though they had been through a very
strenuous time.
Recommended for mention.
Second Officer Frank Edward Martin.
Showed courage and gallantry without any regard to
his own safety, having been wounded, thus enabling the
ship to get alongside without further damage. This
officer refused to give up after he had been wounded
and carried on, although obviously in pain.
Recommended for decoration.
TYNWAID as W. Qualtrough, Master. May 27th - June 1st.
J. H. Whiteway, Master. June 2nd - June 4th.
Ship did five trips. After the third trip, crew were
demoralised, but fifteen hands remained. A new Captain
was provided and naval officer and ratings put on as
stiffeners. Whilst in Dunkirk the ship was continuously
under fire, both from guns and from planes.
Recommendations.
The new Captain thoroughly recommends the crew
who remained, and in particular the Chief Officer.
OFFICER/

Details

Page 142
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
NAVAL MEDICAL PARTIES.
Naval Medical Officers and ratings were drafted from
H.M.S. PEMBROKE for work in Dunkirk harbour and in the
larger personnel vessels on the 29th of May and 4th June.
The work carried out by the whole party was most valuable
and efficient, consisting as it did of treating casualties,
and operating where possible under exciting and adverse
circumstances calling for initiative and improvisation.
It happened that the Medical party sent to personnel
vessels voyaged in those whose civilian crews were showing
signs of loss of morale, there being a disagreeable air
of apprehension amongst the ship's companies. These Medical
parties in the midst of their preparations did their
utmost to instil better feeling amongst the officers and
men of these vessels. Their conduct in all cases was in
accordance with the highest traditions of the Serivce and
their profession.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Surgeon-Commander William Gordon Fitzpatrick. R.N.
With his party worked on Dunkirk Mole, in the
ST. HELIER, MAID OF ORLEANS, MANX MAN and the
PRINCESS MAUD on successive days. He was the
Senior Medical Officer of the whole party from
PEMBROKE and showed high organising abilities
and leadership, in adition to his efficient
personal treatment of casualties.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
S.B.P.O. Harry Munro Hawkins C/M.37726.
S.B.P.O. (R) Rupert Arthur Lockwood, 49872.
S.B.P.O. (R) George Robert Wright, X.6227.
S.B.A. (R) Alfred Bassford. 8080.
Recommended for mention.
The above-mentioned ratings were conspicuous
for leadership, initiative and treatment of wounded.

Details

DSC.
Lieutenant Alexander Harper Turner,
Skipper George Hattan, W.S.3022, REED.
Skipper William Francis
L Sub-Lieutenant John Kenneth Barton
Miles, R. R.V.R.,
Sub-Lieutenant Robert Walter Timbrell, R.C.N., H.M.M.M.M.
Lieutenant Robert Hunter Irving, R.N.R., TRITON.
Sub-Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, E.M.B. R.N.,
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, R.N.R., VERNON Motor Boat I, etc.
BONNIE HEATHER.
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N., Motor Boat
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke, R.N.V.R., Etc. Motor
SWALLOW,
Captain Master, W. Thompson, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Boat RAPIDE.
Chief Engineer B. Murphy, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Ans kvimate, T.O. Hanlon S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Captana Master, J. Freyer Tug FOREMOST Thames 87. Cockle Boat Flotilla.
Sub-Lieutenant Michael Herbert Bernard Soloman, R.N.V.R.,
&
Lieutenant Commander Stratford Hercules Dennis, R.N.,
Lieutenant Christopher William Stuart Dreyer, Base, R.N.,
Commanding M.T.B. Dover.
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N., M..T.B. Dutch 102. Skoot
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing, H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK. Dutch Skoot
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, H.M.S. R.N.R., HILDA. Dutch Skoot
Engineer Mr. J. Crockett, - BIARRITZ.
H.M.S. HONDSRUG.
Captarize Master, Charles Archibald Hancock,
Captain Master, Ernest Leonard Hill, CANTERBURY.
Captain Master, Robert Mallum McLean, Hospital Personnel GUERNSEY. Carrier ISLE GEORGE OF
Captaus Master, Reginald Richard Pittman, Transport
Captained Master, William Oswald Young, H.M. Ship LEVENWOOD. KING
Second Second Officer Frank Edward Martin, - St. - ST. Helier. HELIER
xv Sub Acting Chief Able hightenant Seaman Engineer Officer Allan Seaman Watterson, Ronald Thirwall, - TYNWALD Medal. C/JX. H.M.S. - ROYAL 139421,
HARVESTER DAFFOD
(Cook) J.H. Elton, LT/JX.180250, H.M.S. MOSQUITO. R.N. Patro
Service,
H.M.Y. BYSTANDER

Details

Wt. 22622/4318 50M 9/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
09)
base 6801 Val 2
03VC
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
Naval of the Secretary. Merchant have been inserted on the instructions and men of
The following Navy additional names of officers
D.S.C.
Mr. David Douglas Robb, Chief Engineer, ISLE OF GUERNSEY.
Mr. William MacGregor, Chief Engineer, KING GEORGE V.
Mr. George Clifford Frederick Todley, Second Engineer, MAID OF ORLEANS.
Mr. Rowland Baxter, Master, PRAGUE.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxenham, Chief Engineer, PRAGUE.
Mr. A.Patterson, Chief Officer, ROYAL DAFFODIL.
Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Chief ineer, ROYAL SOVEREIGN.
Mr. A.B. Freeman, First Officer, ST. HELIER.
Mr. H.Whiteway, Master, TYNWALD.
Mr. Charles Mason, Radio Officer, TYNWALD.
D.S.M.
Quartermaster Henry Russell, MAID OF ORLEANS.
Donkeyman Albert Delamain, ROYAL DAFFODIL.
Chief Steward Thomas Edward Manser, ROYAL SOVEREIGN.
Quartermaster Clarence T. Walkey, ST.HELIER.
Mention in Despatches. (Posthumous)
Fireman A. Phillips, BIARRITZ.
Mention in Despatches.
Captain R.Hughes, Master, KILLARNEY.
Captain C.G. West, O.B.E., Master, NEPHRITE.
Captain H. Clarke, Master, PRINCESS MAUD.
Captain J.N. Larbalestier, Master, ROEBUCK.
Mr. W.Lister, Purser, TYNWALD.
Carpenter J.Garre, TYNWALD.
Donkeyman A.Allen, TYNWALD.
Jumph 25th July, 1940.
Naral Secretary.
Naval Secretary has given orders for the following further
names to be inserted:-
Mention in Despatches.
Captain Thomas C. Woods, Master, LADY OF MANN.
/Captain A.M. Poole, Master, LADY SOUTHBOROUGH. (Hopper Barge).
Captain Ewen Mackinnon, Master, LOCH GARRY.
Captain R.G. Banks, Acting Master, Lighter X.209.
Captain William Josiah Penny, Master, Tug St. Clears.
/Captain Robert Durrant, Master, Drifter LORD RODNEY.
/Captain John William Dickinson, Master, NGORAMA.
vMr. Victor Smith, Mate, Drifter JAVA.
/Mr. Raymond Crane, Engineer, M.V. LAROC.
Mr. Jack Lynn, Mate, M.V. LAROC.
Xxxx Steward H.A.E. Frost, M.V. LAROC.
Deckhand Leonard Lynn, M.V. LAROC.
deshington
for Naval Secretary
28th July, 1940.

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Dynamo 211. B46368
3741
H.M.S. "Sharpshooter",
8th. June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report
on the Evacuation of Allied Forces from DUNKIRK:-
"Sharpshooter" arrived at DOVER in company with
"Hebe" in accordance with previous instructions at 1730 on Tuesday,
28th. May, 1940.
2.
At 1842 on that day orders were received from
the Flag Officer Commanding DOVER to proceed to LA PANNE,
"Sharpshooter" slipped at 1903 and using Route "1" arrived off the
beaches at 0115, Wednesday 29th. May. Boats were lowered and
embarkation was proceeded with.
5.
Dy 0300 only 30 officers and nen had been
embarked. This was due to lack of boats and the surf encountered
inshore at the time. Difficulty was also experienced in locating
the troops when boats were first sent inshore.
acting in accordance 4. with orders received from "Hebe", "Sharpshooter"
By 0500 about 100 men had been embarked, and,
weighed and proceeded for DOVER using Route "Y", securing alongside
Admiralty Pier at 1215.
After disembarkation TBC completed ship secured
to 8. buoy at 5. 1315. Having drawn stores "Sharpshooter" slipped at
1830, and proceeded via Rouse "1", anchoring close inshore at 0035,
difficulty and much assistance from two boats manned by Royal
30th. May. 260 officers and men were taken off with little
Engineers.
"Sherpshoote" weighed 8% 0335 and returned to
DOVER using 6. Route PX". After disembarkation was complete, ship
secured to & buoy and took in stores.
"X" 7. At At 2210 while steaming down the southern collision
1800 30th. May, "Sharpsheoter" sailed via side Route
with the S.S. DUNKIRK #St. Helier", channel, sustaining damage casualties. which
of for the beaches. "charpshooter" usa involved necessitated in a &
return to DOVER under tow. There were no
all operations the ship's and company energy. as a
whole carried 8. out During their duties with tireless seal
1 have the honour to be,
Str,
VICE
11 JUN ADMIRAL 1940
Your obedient servant
Andrew &. Doran
Sintent
The Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
hery

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164
163
APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
181
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
FLARE BURNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
DRIFTER:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
GUARDSHIPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLA
KING ORRY
A.B.V's:
LLANTHONY
CORVETTES:
KINGFISHER
G
ILLEMOT
F.A.A.
AIR FORCE
GRIEVE
AMULREE
TRAINING VESSEL:
M.T.B's:
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
PERSONNEL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX- MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
PRAGUE
OSPITAL CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST DAVID
PARIS
ST JULIAN
WORTHING
OTE:
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
Yachts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
tows of boats to the coast.

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Details

APPENDIX
to
1st June
Page 7
Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events.
DESTROYERS
PERSONNEL SHIPS
MINESWEEPERS
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS
SKOOTS
FRENCH DESTROYERS
VANQUISHER (I)
640
ST. HELIER
659
GOSSAMER
845
QUEEN OF THANET 850
DEMOK
114
FLORE
351
HAVANT
882
LADY OF MANN
870
NIGER
310
SANDOWN
800
ORANJE
100
BOUCLIER
300
WHITEHALL (I)
871
MAID OF ORLEANS 1856
FITZROY
67
ORIOLE
470
HEBE
365
SCIMITAR (I)
584
TYNWALD
2000
LYDD
252
PRINCESS ELIZABETH 510
AEGIR
130
WOLSEY
533
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
47
LEDA
650
MEDWAY QUEEN
700
ANTJE
150
MALCOLM
1200
KING GEORGE V
700
DUCHESS OF
WESTWARD HO
918
PACIFICO
414
WORCESTER (I)
661
BEN-MY-CHREE
2080
FIFE
535
WIPPINGHAM
2500
AMAZONE
111
WINDSOR
493
ST. HELIER
1250
HALCYON
243
QUEEN OF THANET 1500
HILDA
530
VIVACIOUS
427
ROUEN
800
SALAMANDER
479
WESTWARD Ho
900
RIKA
200
Total 58,4
VANQUISHER (II)
1200
COTE D'ARGENT 1000
SPEEDWELL
972
FRISO
648
HARVESTER
576
SALTASH
400
ICARUS
1114
QUEEN OF THE
ROSS
260
CODRINGTON
746
CHANNEL
52
DUNDALK
280
SABRE
451
HALCYON
508
SHIKARI
623
SALTASH
400
DRIFTERS
MISCELLANEOUS
453
HOSPITAL SHIPS
FOREIGN VESSELS
WINCHELSEA
1150
SUTTON
SCIMITAR (II)
376
KELLETT
40
Miscellaneous 1110
FOREMOST
200
ESK (I)
979
WESTWARD Ho
900
ST. ANDREW 130
INCENIEUR CACHIN
1
GOLDEN GIFT
123
VINCIA
108
PATRIE
WHITEHALL
(II)
34
157
GRIEVE (F.A.A.
GASTON RIVER
120
WORCESTER
(II)
900
OCEAN BREEZE
TRAWLERS
Trg. vessel)
374
MISCELLANEOUS (Cont.)
MONIQUE CAMILLE
302
JACKETA
564.
MOSQUITO (Gunboat) 610
REINE DE FLOTS
62
LORD INCHCAPE 240
LOCUST
"
620
LADY
ANDRE LOUIS
317
17.97
SATURN
307
NEPHRITE
500
SOUTHBORO
350
CHALUTIER
100
D. TRAWLER
100
ESKBURNE
27
RAPID
25
CHASSEUR MARIE
117
GRIEVE (Yacht)
411
MAYSPEAR
15
NORMANVILLE
500
647
UNNAMED M.B.
23
TENIAS
100
ONDERS ONS
95
II's CHANNEL
108
GALLEON
FRANSAH
500
KINGFISHER (A/S Exp.
REACH
123
Ship) (I)
180
HOPPER 24
580
KINGFISHER
-do-
(II)210
LLANTHONY
90
IOLANTHE
35
(ex serv.vessel)
10593
173171
THREE KINGS
59
GOLDEN EAGLE
KINGSGATE
910
(sp.serv.) 1250
CHRISTOBEL II
33
ROYAL EAGLE
10503
OLIVIA
103
(AA Ships)1250
ATHOLA
6
ROEBUCK (Coastal steamer)408
Lifeboat
35
MINWOOD
=
51
509
MONA'S ISLE
(A.B.V.)
1500
FL
TB
S
3
e
S
d
it

Details

Details

Details

APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
URNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
IPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLE
KING ORRY
:
LLANTHONY
ES:
KINGFISHER
GUILLEMOT
CE
GRIEVE
G VESSEL:
i
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
EL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
P. LGUE
L CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST. DAVID
PARIS
ST. JULIAN
WORTHING
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
achts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
OWS of boats to the coast.

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Halcyon.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Princess
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R., Elizabeth. H.M.S.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. Fitzroy. Mosquito.
Midshipman Malcolm John Ball, R.N.R., H.M.S. Scimitar.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones, Royal Navy, H.M.S.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, Royal Sabre. Navy, H.M.S.
Gunner Frederick William Benoy, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Salamander. Wolsey.
Gunner (T) Reginald William Clare, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Grenade.
Skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter The Boys.
Skipper George Hattan, R.N.R.,
Reed.
Skipper Herbert Holden, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Midas.
Skipper William Francis Reynolds, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Dorienta.
Captain Clifford Rowland Baxter, Master, S.S. Prague.
e.
Captain John Fréyer, Master, Tug Foremost 87.
Captain Charles Archibald Hancock, Master, S.S. Canterbury.
or
Captain Ernest Leonard Hill, Master, Sx8x Hospital Carrier Isle
of Guernsey.
Captain William Henry Hughes, Master, S.S. Scotia.
C Captain Robert McCallum McLean, Master, H M.hanspat King yearge V.
Captain Reginald Richard Pitman, Master, S.S. St. Helier.
Captain William Thompson, Master, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Captain William Oswald Young, Master, H.M. Transport Levenwood.
Captain a ohn Henry Whiteway, Master, S.S. Tynwald.
Mr. Terence O'Hanlon, Mate, S.S. Dorrien Rose. S.S.
S.S.
Mr. Hubert Donald Freeman, First Officer, St. Helier. S.S.
Mr Arthur Patrick Joseph Paterson, Chief S.S. Officer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. Frank Edward Martin, Second Officer, 1/1 St. Helier.
SS.
15.5 Mr. Allan Watterson, Second Officer of Tynwald.
Mr. Joseph William fred Coulthard, Chief Engineer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. William MagGregor, Chief Engineer, H.M. Transport King George V
Mr. Bernard Murphy, Chief Engineer, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxenham, Chief Engineer S.S. Prague.
Mr. David Douglas Robb, Chief Engineer M.V. Hospital Guernsey. Carrier Isle of
Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Chief Engineer, S. Royal Sovereign.
D
Mr. George Frederick Todley, Second Engineer, S.S. Maid of Orleans.
all
MR. James Lang Crockart, Engineer S.S. Biarritz.
Mr. Charles/Mason, Radio Officer Tynwald.
Queen.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during
operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
Of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing
or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the
operation, and two were damaged in collision.
of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN,
BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS,
AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had
been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2 MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST.HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3
AUTO
CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of
these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo
started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour
in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the
situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, but discovered some
of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put
an officer and some seamen and stokers on board to augment and
stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed
and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing
troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an
armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and
did not sail again.
4.
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she
should have completed 0 voyages. When due to commence her
fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail
again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if
required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from
the master of the MALINES last night to say him and
the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it
hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been
continually on their feet all the week and especially
the deck officers who have had to be on their feet
for so long. I myself have had 4 hours rest for the
week and am at present physically unfit for another
trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely
necessary to go I will abide with the masters of the
other ships decision.
P.S. absolutely nervous wrecks and certified by the naval
There is two more of the crew going ashore now
doctor.
In/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 3.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
Personnel Vessels (continued).
remaining; she started a trip but failed to make Dunkirk. On
return, original Captain rejoined with some of the original
crew. She should then have sailed at 2010/3, but the Captain
reported 3 engineers short at the last minute. It was not
to wait for the engineers and the Master
and the new crew provided for the second
time. Before further use could be made of her, however, the
evacuation terminated.
9. The MONA'S QUEEN was sunk by a mine on her second
voyage to Dunkirk, and the FENELLA was bombed and sunk on her
first voyage.
10. The MALINES who had completed two trips, refused to
sail on the 1st, left Dover at 1600 on the 2nd without orders and
was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southampton.
11. It was felt that trouble might occur in the ST. HELIER
and PRINCESS MAUD, and accordingly a naval party was put on
board to supplement the ships crews, and in consequence no
trouble occurred,
12. The outstanding ships were the MAID OF ORLEANS 6 trips,
one being diverted without completing the trip, and once
returning due to collision. ROYAL DAFFODIL 7 trips, on one of
which she was turned back by a French destroyer -
ROYAL SOVEREIGN 6 trips
KING GEORGE V
5 trips
COTE a' ARGENT
5 trips
ST. HELIER
4 trips after having refused to
sail once.
PRAGUE
3 trips with full loads, bombed,
severely damaged and
beached on the last return
trip.
13. Eleven other ships were concerned in the Operation,
details of which are as follows:
27th May BIARRITZ
Damaged by shell fire and returned.
27th May
ARCHANGEL
Damaged by shell fire and returned.
27th May
QUEEN OF THE
Sunk by bombing attack.
CHANNEL
28th May LORINA
Sunk by bombing attack.
29th May
NORMANIA
Sunk by bombing attack.
28th May LOCH GARRY
One trip.
28th May SCOTIA
One trip.
2nd June
1111
Sunk by bombing attack.
28th May KILLARNEY
One trip.
2nd June ROUEN
One trip.
2nd and 3rd
June AUTO CARRIER Two trips.
2nd and 3rd
June
NEWHAVEN
Two trips.
ce
of
Enclosure:-
ER. Officer Commanding,
Details of Personnel
June, 1940.
Ships used.

Details

Details

Page 4.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
NEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
RCHANGEL
MANXMAN
UTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
EN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
IARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
ANTERBURY
NGAROMA
LAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
OTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
OTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
INARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
ORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
#
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
ENELLA
ROEBUCK
ОЛМ QUEEN
ROUEN
SLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
SLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
ILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
ING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
ADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
EVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
OCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
AID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
re
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BATL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
/
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
C. 9 } (Tugs)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
(Continued)
Sunk

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The
Do 122
Page 132
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
OYAL DAFFODIL (Continued).
30
Second Engineer William Leonard Evans.
Assisting the Chief Engineer and enabling steam
to be kept and engines running.
M
Recommended for mention.
W. C. E. Smith, 7520070, R.A.M.C.
This soldier was recommended by the Master for
excellent work which he did in tending the wounded
and sick through the voyage.
M
Recommended for mention.
OYAL SOVEREIGN - Thomas Jeffrey Aldis, Master. (Decorated for
this operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
is
This ship completed seven trips, continually under
gunfire and bombing. Brought a very large number of
troops back to this country.
IOSPITAL CARRIER - ST. ANDREW - Herbert Cecil Bond, Master.
so
Le
This ship completed two trips, and on the first she
was so heavily shelled off Calais, and had no alternative
but to escape the range of fire by crossing the minefields,
Again, on the second trip she was continually under raids
from aircraft.
Recommendation.
OFFICER.
Master, Herbert Cecil Bond.
Showed great skill in manoeuvring the ship into
M
Dunkirk, whilst under continued bombardment from the
air.
Recommended for mention.
ST. HELIER - Reginald Richard Pittman, Master.
This ship did five trips to Dunkirk, and in addition,
two trips bofore Dynamo started, to Calais and Boulogne.
On the first trip, whilst in Dunkirk, there was a very
heavy/

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Page 133
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
ST. HELIER (Continued).
heavy air raid. The Master had trouble with the engine
room staff, but these were replaced and the ship continued
on her work. On each trip made the ship was bombed and
one plane was shot down by the ship's gunners. On the
first trip, while in Dunkirk, the ship was hit by two
shells.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Master, Reginald Richard Pittman.
DSC
Through his initiative and seamanship brought the
ship into Dunkirk under many difficulties, not only
from gunfire and bombing, but also due to the lack of
people mooring the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
First Officer Hubert Donald Freeman.
Displayed courage after ship had been hit by shell
and assisted in getting the ship properly moored
M
alongside, in addition was able to keep up the spirits
of the crew, this though they had been through a very
strenuous time.
Recommended for mention.
Second Officer Frank Edward Martin.
Showed courage and gallantry without any regard to
his own safety, having been wounded, thus enabling the
ship to get alongside without further damage. This
officer refused to give up after he had been wounded
and carried on, although obviously in pain.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
TYNWALD - W. Qualtrough, Master. May 27th - June 1st.
J. H. Whiteway, Master. June 2nd - June 4th.
Ship did five trips. After the third trip, crew were
demoralised, but fifteen hands remained. A new Captain
was provided and naval officer and ratings put on as
stiffeners. Whilst in Dunkirk the ship was continuously
under fire, both from guns and from planes.
Recommendations.
The new Captain thoroughly recommends the crew
who remained, and in particular the Chief Officer.
OFFICER

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Page 143.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
VICE ADMIRAL'S STAFF. DOVER.
Page 142
Γo, Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
NAVAL MEDICAL PARTIES.
Naval Medical Officers and ratings were drafted from
H.M.S. PEMBROKE for work in Dunkirk harbour and in the
larger personnel vessels on the 29th of May and 4th June.
The work carried out by the whole party was most valuable
and efficient, consisting as it did of treating casualties,
and operating where possible under exciting and adverse
circumstances calling for initiative and improvisation.
It happened that the Medical party sent to personnel
vessels voyaged in those whose civilian crews were showing
signs of loss of morale, there being a disagreeable air
of apprehension amongst the ship's companies. These Medical
parties in the midst of their preparations did their
utmost to instil better feeling amongst the officers and
men of these vessels. Their conduct in all cases was in
accordance with the highest traditions of the Serivce and
their profession.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Surgeon-Commander William Gordon Fitzpatrick, R.N.
With his party worked on Dunkirk Mole, in the
ST. HELIER, MAID OF ORLEANS, MANX MAN and the
PRINCESS MAUD on successive days. He was the
Senior Medical Officer of the whole party from
PEMBROKE and showed high organising abilities
and leadership, in adition to his efficient
personal treatment of casualties.
M
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
M S.B.P.O. Harry Munro Hawkins, C/No 57726
M
S.B.P.O. (R) Rupert Arthur Lockwood, 49872.
S.B.P.O. (R) George Robert Wright, X.6227.
S.B.A. (R) Alfred Bassford, X.8080.
Recommended for mention.
.one
and
The above-mentioned ratings were conspicuous
for leadership, initiative and treatment of wounded.

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Page 132
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
ROYAL DAFFODIL (Continued).
Second Engineer William Leonard Evans.
Assisting the Chief Engineer and enabling steam
to be kept and engines running.
Recommended for mention.
W. C. E. Smith, 7520070, R.A.M.C.
This soldier was recommended by the Master for
excellent work which he did in tending the wounded
and sick through the voyage.
Recommended for mention.
OYAL SOVEREIGN - Thomas Jeffrey Aldie, Master. (Decorated for
this operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
This ship completed seven trips, continually under
gunfire and bombing. Brought a very large number of
troops back to this country.
HOSPITAL CARRIER - ST. ANDREW - Herbert Cecil Bond, Master.
This ship shelled off Calais, and had no the minefields.
completed two trips, and on the first alternative she
was so heavily the range of fire by crossing under raids
but Again, to escape on the second trip she was continually
from aircraft.
Recommendation.
OFFICER.
Master, Herbert Cecil Bond.
Dunkirk, Showed whilst great under skill continued in manoeuvring bombardment the ship from into the
air.
Recommended for mention.
ST. HELIER - Richard Pittman, Master.
Reginald did and and was in Boulogne. a addition, very
two the This trips first ship bofore trip, there heavy/
On

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during
operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
(i
Of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing
a:
or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the
operation, and two were damaged in collision.
er
Of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN,
nd
BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS,
le
AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had
been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2
MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST.HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3 AUTO CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
a
2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of
these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo
started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour
in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the
situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, out discovered some
of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put
os,
an officer and some set nen and stokers on board to augment and
stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed
and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing
troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an
armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and
did not sail again.
should 4. have completed 6 voyages. When due to commence her
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she
fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail
again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if
required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from
the master of the MALINES last night to say him and
the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it
hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been
continually on their feet all the week and especially
the deck officers who have had to be on their feet
for so long. I myself have had 4 hours rest for the
week and am at present physically unfit for another
necessary to jo I will abide with the masters of the
trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely
other ships decision.
P.S. absolutely There nervous wrecks and certiffed by the naval
is two more of the crew going ashore now
doctor.
In/

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416
390
APPENDIX 11. TO LETTER OF 6TH JUNE 1940, FROM THE OFFICER
IN CHARGE NO.3.PARTY: R.N.BARRACKS CHATHAM to VICE
ADMIRAL: dover.
Armed Guards had to be placed on the following
ships at various times during the operation.
S.S. "St. Helier"
S.S. "Manxman"
S.S. "Seiriol"
S.S. "Ben-my-Chree"
S.S. "Tynewald"
S.S. "Malines"
2.
A guard was sent to the Dutch boat *Ngaroma*
but she sailed on their arrival.
Parties to supplement ships' crews were also
lent 3. to the following ships, besides those mentioned
above.
S.S. "Canterbury"
S.S. "Lady of Mann*
S.S. *Princess Maud"
h.s. "St.Julien"
and various Drifters and Motor-boats.

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Dynam 248.
No duphine briesedings 554
SECRET.
From.....The Commanding Officer, H.M. of "Viny".
Date.
3rd June, 1940.
R et. No. 154/6/35.
To
The Vice Admiral, Dover.
Copies to :-
The Captain (D), Liveryool.
Subject.. Report of Proceedings.
The following reports of submitted. proceedings for the period
27th May to 20th May 1940.
Monday 87th May 1940.
Daffodil* 2. at 0630 and proceeded for Dunkirk via French Coast
Slipped in company with S.S. S, "St. Helier" and "Royal
Searched Channels (Route 3).
3. account of reported enemy batteries at Gravelines. Anchored
Orders to return to Dover were received at 0710 on
in Dover at 0810.
in 4. company with H.M.S. "Anthony", S.S. "Kyno" (10 knts), "St. Helier"
At 1054, having received verbal orders to proceed weighed
and "Royal Daffodil* and proceeded northward through B owns.
company 5. as they had no charts for Route ays.
At 1340 Hospital Ships St. Andrew and St. Julian joined
6.
At 1230 H.M. & "Anthony" and S& "Kyno" parted company to
return to the Downs.
7.
Convey then ipereased speed to 30 knots and proceeded to
Dunkirk via Route "Y".
8. two bombing attacks were made on the Hospital ships by two twin
At 1445 when between WBST HINDER and KWINTE BANK buoys
engined aircraft. Both salves missed.
9.
Joined "Wolsey" who was laying off Dunkirk Breakwater
at 1622.
hospital 10. ships remained outside.
Both transports then proceeded inside the harbour, the
lying 11. QIf outside. Royal Daffodil was then ordered to remain the off
By 1740 both transports had left the harbour and were
the harbour and we proceeded in company with St Helier and
two hospital ships for Dover by Route Bys at 1750.
was not attacked but several bombers passed nearby, and the A.A.
continuously 12. bombed by twin engined high level bombers. The ship
During the period the ship was off Dunkirk the town was
armaments were frequently in action.
"Vimy" 13. remained off the W.S.S. at South Foreland for orders.
On arrival in Downs at 2200 the convoy anchored and
14

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. IV
round trip from 80 to 172 miles, and the for route the had to be swept before it
and thence into the Dunkirk Impulsive, the THE
be used. Orders were therefore given the North Goodwin
route (the middle Route X), from road, and at 1140
commenced by the destroyer Vessel Patricia. This
advantage of shortening the round trip to 108 miles.
Halcyon, and the Trinity House from 172 route X had the great and
Helier¹ and Royal Daffodil, which left at 1054 under escort of the des- St.
Among the earliest ships to use the Dover northern Route Y were the P/V's
The convoy was joined en route by the hospital carriers St. Andrew and St.
troyer Vimy; in company was the destroyer Anthony, escorting the S.S. Kyno.2
Julien. Route Y was certainly, at that time, out of range of gunfire, but two
bombing attacks were made on the hospital carriers between the West Hinder
and Kwint Bank buoys, and when the convoy arrived off Dunkirk heavy air
attacks were in progress there. The Royal Daffodil and the St. Helier entered
the harbour, but the latter was ordered to withdraw, and she and the 2 hospital
carriers returned empty to the Downs under escort of the Vimy. The Royal
Daffodil embarked 840 troops before returning to Dover.
Sea and Air Patrols
The principal patrol line covered in the morning of the 27th May by Fighter
Command, was Calais-Dunkirk, as it was not known that the Calais garrison
had ceased fire. From 1450 onwards, however, Calais fell out of the picture,
and it became possible to concentrate fighter protection more exclusively on
the work of evacuation³. Sixteen squadrons, varying in strength from 9 to 20
aircraft, were engaged on these activities from 0500-2130; patrols were, how-
ever, limited to squadron strength. Most squadrons carried out 2 patrols,
and 287 sorties in all were flown during the day.4
To cover the passage of ships between Dunkirk and the Downs destroyer
patrols had been established to the northward during the forenoon, and Vice-
Admiral, Dover, asked for 6 additional destroyers to strengthen the Dover
forces. The Admiralty immediately ordered 4 destroyers from the Western
Approaches Command, and 2 from the Portsmouth Command, to proceed
to Dover.⁵
Ex-Dutch skoots for Dunkirk
Other vessels were on their way to Dunkirk during the day, among them
being 15 skoots⁶. Of these the Lena, Hebe II, and later the Oranje, arrived
off the beaches and embarked troops during the night of 27th/28th May the
Abel Tasman, Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with ammunition and food,
arrived off La Panne early in the morning of 28th May; the Hilda and Doggers-
bank reached Dunkirk by noon the 28th May, and were sent to the beaches;
while the remainder⁷, in error, returned to the Downs, after having got within
a few miles of Dunkirk.
2 Off R buoy the Anthony, with the Kyno, was ordered back to the Downs and sub-
I Eleven of the St. Helier's crew had been replaced by naval ratings.
sequently 3 to Portsmouth. The Kyno took no further part in Operation "Dynamo".
R.A.F. Narrative, p. 319.
5 4 R.A.F. Narrative, P. 320.
Scimitar were sent.
Appendices D. 1 and D. 2. The Wakeful, Mackay, Worcester, Montrose, Shikari and
6 7 See Appendix F.
The Bornrif, Brandaris, Hondsrug, Jutland, Patria, Tilly, and Twente.
20

Details

MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
beach evacuation impossible ; at no time did this happen, but it was not
until the fifth day of the operation (May 30th) that small power boats and beach
craft began to become available in adequate numbers.¹
The reason for this is to be sought mainly in the need for secrecy enjoined
by the British and French Governments, even after the operation had been
ordered. The necessity for avoiding any action that might have given rise to
talk rendered the collection of small craft slow. It was not until 31st May
that the British public learnt from the press that evacuation had begun.
Disembarkation ports designated
In these early days the limiting factors seemed likely to be the scale of enemy
attacks at Dunkirk and on the beaches, and the difficulty of concentrating the
ships and the troops at a common point or points².
Meanwhile, in order to ensure air protection, Blenheims maintained a patrol
by single aircraft over the Dunkirk area during the night.³
At 2330, the Vice-Admiral, Dover, promulgated the names of ports for the
disembarkation of troops in England as follows :-
The Calcutta at Sheerness;
destroyers at Dover ;
drifters, minesweepers,
skoots and coasters
}{
At Margate or Ramsgate as directed
by N.O.I.C. Ramsgate;
personnel vessels at Folkestone.
Throughout the whole course of the operation the despatch of troops from
the points of disembarkation in England was directed by the War Office Move-
ments Control Organisation, and proceeded with great smoothness⁴.
Summary of troops evacuated
The ships which had sailed for Dunkirk on the 26th May brought back
6,183 troops and 646 stretcher cases next day.
During the 27th May only two personnel vessels actually made the round
trip, viz. : the Royal Daffodil, which brought back 840 troops from Dunkirk,
and the St. Helier, which was ordered back before she could embark any troops.
The destroyers Wolsey and Wolfhound, which embarked 206 and 130 troops
respectively from Malo beach on the evening of 27th May, did not sail for
England until shortly after midnight.
Thus, the total number landed in England from the commencement of
Operation "Dynamo" to midnight 27th/28th May was :
26th May - Nil;
27th May - 7,669, all of whom were lifted direct from Dunkirk harbour.
I D.R. covering letter, No. A.14/0/876/40, page 2, paras. 3 and 5.
2 D.R. page 3, para. 11.
3 R.A.F. Narrative, p. 320.
4 D.R. covering letter No. A.14/0/876/40, page 2, para. 6.
25

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
thousands of troops, tired, depressed, for the and whole without food or water for
broke into a double and kept it up I length of the Eastern Arm days,
more than two hours. During that period estimate that more than 15,000 for
troops were embarked. The Army certainly responded splendidly".
about 2100, eight destroyers² embarked embarked east pier an aggregate and
Cdr. Maund's estimate was triumphantly from confirmed: the between 1802
and other vessels, including the skoots Reiger well and Doggersbank, also embarked
8,528 troops; four personnel vessels³ an aggregate of 5,694 troops of
number of wounded.
troops, while the hospital carrier Dinard, down the pier, embarked a
Anthony and Sabre damaged
to Dover was attacked by a single aircraft which dropped 5 when returnich
Of the eight destroyers referred to above, one, the Anthony,
extinguished her lights, stopped her engines, and put her compasses and W/T
and the Keith escorted her into Dover.
out of action. She was subsequently able to proceed, steering by her engines,
on her way to Dunkirk by Route Z, came under fire from shore batteries and
Earlier in the day another destroyer, the Sabre, when near No. 6 Calais buoy,
received several hits on the bridge and upper works. A shell went through the
gyro-compass, an oil fuel tank was pierced, the magnetic compass put out of
action, and she had to return to Dover for repairs.
The destroyer crews, who had hardly slept since the operation began, were
beginning to show signs of exhaustion, and at 2341 (May 30th) the Admiralty
ordered reliefs. a spare destroyer's crew to be sent to Dover to provide temporary
Air patrols
In the air low visibility checked the enemy's activity, but as on the previous
day patrols were again carried out by Fighter Command at three-or four-
squadron strength, the largest number of aircraft on the line at any one time
being 44, and the smallest 26. Sixteen squadrons again operated, the total
number of sorties amounting to 265. Small Coastal Command patrols operated
as before throughout the day along the line North Goodwins-Gravelines
Ostend, and at night the patrol over Dunkirk by single Blenheims continued
but the governing factor of the air operations over Dunkirk on the 30th May
was the low visibility, which restricted the enemy's activities.⁴
Summary of troops landed in England
Thus the day was one of reviving hope. It ended with the numbers going
up, and a record number were embarked from the beaches. (See table P. 65).
Arrangements for evacuation of B.E.F. rearguard
of the B.E.F. had attended a conference representatives with the Vice-Admiral, the Dover.
Meanwhile, during the forenoon, of Commander-in-Chief
to Ist hold the as the latest reasonable date to which the gave B.E.F. daylight on be expected
The June, Commander-in-Chief's plan was explained it Saturday,
eastern perimeter with an up available force of about might 4,000.
Keith 3 The (1200), Anthony Winchelsea (1137), (925) Codrington and (1100), Esk (1041), Vimy (948), Impulsive (1112),
2 I The Cdr. Maund's report (R.O.III, p.443).
4 R.A.F. Prague Narrative, (1039), P. Royal 331. Sovereign Wolsey (1502), (1065). St. Helier (2000) and Tynwald (1153).
64

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Loadings at Dunkirk during the day
In
the
space
of
a
few
hours
the
supply cerned to shipping at at any the as losses time, during of asked the destroyers, whole the of enemy a the type previous had of vessel caused 7 which days. almost was as much damage Noremase
and services carrying used of ing personnel attack. 6 only through of power; in no vessels positions In less serious the no than short was other where damage. 15 perhaps view, of vessels they them however, Admiralty equally could could had been manoeuvre the compare serious. to effect lost give to with on The orders the thigh speed under bor them. operation, that possessed Up 9 to by date the sinking great loss the
Dunkirk Nevertheless, through and the despite growing the number increasing of difficulty of threading
was throughout day, though not without a series of setbacks. vessels
maintained the wrecks, the supply of personnel a way into
The Côte d'Argent, a French mail boat transferred to the orders of
Admiral Dover, disembarked 1,000 troops from Dunkirk harbour on the Vice-
disembarked 1,250 troops at Dover in the morning and left again about 0930
June, the King George V 700, the French vessel Rouen 800. The St. Helier. 1st
At 1530 she entered Dunkirk harbour to embark wounded and troops, and was
twice hit by shore batteries before sailing for Dover once more at 2230 with
1,334 troops.
The controlling organisation
The organisation which controlled the supply of shipping functioned in a
room below Dover Castle, known as the Dynamo Room from the codeword
of the Dunkirk operation. In charge was Captain M. M. Denny, R.N. With
him there were 20 or more officers, soldiers, naval officers and Board of Trade
and Sea Transport officials, and the work they did was marvellous. They
were controlling, organizing, fuelling and supplying, not only men-of-war, but
a variety of merchant vessels. Sometimes a merchant vessel would need a
crew to take her over to Dunkirk again, but within a few hours the Sea the
new Transport Officer would get one and the ship would sail. At Ramsgate, collected
and various other places besides Dover, ships and boats were where
Nore, and organised, but the head and control of the whole was in this room,
they worked continuously and tirelessly against time day and night.¹
for the numerous small craft, working parties, and beach small parties craft were of
provided by the Chatham serviced and controlled by N.O.I.C. to assist
Crews Depot. The great majority of the Ramsgate. At
Harwich, which exceptional called there to make a quick turn round their by vessels.
the inshore an flotillas were Naval and Military system was organised relieving the
tired those ships' ships companies of the work of cleaning and clearing
NAVAL LOSSES OF THE DAY.
SUNK BY AIR ATTACK.
Destroyers-Basilisk, Havant, Keith, French Foudroyant.
Gunboat Mosquito.
Minesweepers French Minesweeping Brighton Trawlers Queen, Skipjack. Denis Papin, Moussaillon, Vénus.
Personnel vessel Scotia.
Tugs St. Abbs, St. Fagan.
Barges Lady Robinson, Doris.
I Report of R. A. Wake-Walker, M 017978/41, p.27.
94

Details

CHAP. x
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
of by the the French B.E.F. troops would also have on been lifted. night, by which time most
was consequently would be completed the following
in the late afternoon to of sail the during 1st June daylight with and General that Alexander's concurrence
that no ships were to cease at 0300 on 2nd. If the
0700 and, evacuation if necessary was then still possible. Only between June until dark to tine any of tontine any of
the three also from 1730 on the 2nd was to to tine any of
The Admiralty, channels however, during daylight decided hours, that, should evacuation it be possible
light there would be sailings. They intended to be 0700 and 1730
evacuation 2nd was possible no in daylight as late as 0700. the arbiters as to whether on the
Admiral to Ramsay casualties now being caused to all of therne instructions of therne Instructick Vice-
At 2114, an hour informed and a the half Admiralty after the and receipt
had owing ordered withdraw before shipping
followed been this signal to at 2329 by daylight on the
up situation he a knew message to the
detail Y the Z shipping under fire as of German it. All three channels to Dunkirk, some
maining which daylight route into X, action had that to be suspended on account of a new re-
X, and were now had batteries, for traffic on the last
battery Vice-Admiral came evening and was maintaining a enemy heavy
barrage¹. Ramsay's information (not altogether correct)
that a total of 16 transports (personnel vessels invaluable in the work of evacua- was
tion) were now out of action, 8 being lost and 8 disabled, and that two of the
sinkings had been caused by enemy shell fire on Route X. It was now difficult
to compel the crews of the remainder to face the conditions which existed.
This had been a day of very heavy naval sinkings coupled with losses of troops
from drowning. It is obvious that at some point losses incurred in continuing
daylight evacuation would more than counterbalance the gains it seems clear
that Vice-Admiral Ramsay considered that this point had now been reached,
and, in accordance with the Admiralty's own direction sent to him earlier in
the evening, he now informed them that any attempt to continue the evacuation
in daylight was unwise and he asked permission to withdraw all his forces at
0300 until the following night. In this, he told the admiralty, Major General
Alexander concurred.
The Admiralty, however, were unwilling that evacuation should cease alto-
gether at daylight and directed that it was to continue up to 0700, but only by
destroyers unless further experience showed that enemy gunfire was rendering
the channel prohibitively dangerous.
Danger to personnel ships
It is impossible to resist the conclusion that in the difficulty of obtaining
accurate reports of conditions on the routes and estimating the true causes of
the mounting losses of ships the danger from shell fire was magnified
in the minds of those at Dover. By some means enemy the planners had been in-
formed that two personnel ships had already been sunk by shell fire in the
fairway near No. 5 buoy. Not only was this but in point of fact no
ship of any kind was lost from gunfire the incorrect, routes the 1st June the
only sinking by shell fire on that day on during Lord Cavan, depot ship
of other S.N.O. Dunkirk hit as she quitted was the the drifter at Dunkirk, whilst the only
ship to be hit was the personnel vessel pier St. Helier. This ship arrived at
German
I The War guns." Office 1330/1 reported Only remaining channel now coming under fire of
98

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
Teteghem, the event this was postponed 2000 and when it took place some
on a front of two miles. The until French intended to counter-attack at
There was no movement in the port. Later Admiral
was in the hands of the enemy, but they had not
advanced beyond. Further attacks were expected by the French this day,
when the situation regarding munitions might become critical.
Sailing of the night flight from England
The movement from England towards Dunkirk commenced at 1700. The
armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers,
5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters,
6 skoots, 2 armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc.,
formed either in organised tows or proceeding individually. For various
reasons, however, not all of these ships evacuated troops.¹
The composition of the French contingent was not known at Dover. Actually,
3 French torpedo boats, two minesweeping trawlers, two patrol vessels, and
17 trawlers and motor fishing vessels landed troops in England on the 3rd June.
One Belgian patrol boat and 16 or 17 trawlers brought troops.
B.E.F. evacuated, 2330/2
The first destroyers to reach Dunkirk were the Sabre and Shikari, which
sailed together from Dover at 1845. As the latter ship rounded No. 6 W buoy
enemy shore batteries opened fire, but caused no damage. Berthing was
carried out by an officer with a loud speaker at the pier head. Both destroyers
sailed again at 2200, the Sabre with 500 and the Shikari with 700 troops. The
Venomous, which arrived at 2150, had difficulty in going alongside the East Pier.
This was not a solid jetty, but was built of concrete piles through which the
west-going tide set. This, coupled with a fresh easterly wind, made it very
I The following ships (other than those on patrol which picked up survivors and landed
them) landed troops in England on 3rd June, (numbers in brackets) :-
BRITISH Destroyers - Codrington (44), Esk (500), Sabre (500), Shikari (700), Vanquisher (37),
Venomous (1500), Whitshed (82), Winchelsea (152), Windsor (1022) ;
Gunboat Locust (800)
Minesweepers - Albury (200), Duchess of Fife (300), Dundalk (399), Gossamer (490),
Halcyon (416), Kellett (364), Marmion (198), Medway Queen (481), Niger (430),
Oriole (750), Pangbourne (47), Speedwell (300), Westward-Ho (48) ;
Special Service Ship Golden Eagle (1);
Drifters - Forecast (108), Golden Sunbeam (163), Lord Howard (100), Midas (43),
Netsukis (119), Starlight Rays (319), Ut Prosim (49), Yorkshire Lass (103)
Trawler Cayton Wyke (300) ;
Skoot Doggersbank (50) ;
Yacht Sargasso (252) ;
Personnel ships - Côte d'Argent (955), King George V (1460), Newhaven (396),
Lady of Mann (18), Rouen (1286), Royal Sovereign (1500), St. Helier (2000),
Tynwald (1200) H.M.S. Nelson's M.B. (27)
Tugs - St. Olaves (200), Sun X (211), Sun XI (188), War Dept. M.Ls. (69)
Sailing barge Glenway (213)
R.N.L.I. Lifeboats Cecil & Lilian Philpot (51), Michael Stephens (52) :
3 motor boats and launches (300).
FRENCH Torpedo boats - Bouclier (340), La Flore (410) ;
Destroyer Léopard (19) ;
S/M Chaser 6 (50, apparently disembarked at Havre) ;
M/S trawlers - Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes (79), Ste. Denise Louise (78) ;
Patrol vessels - Lucien Gougy (78), Reine des Flots (500) ;
17 trawlers and M.F.V's. (1663).
BELGIAN Patrol boat A.5 (229) ;
17 trawlers (1583).
107

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XI
difficult for ships to get alongside until the tide turned, about 2300. Rear-
Admiral Wake-Walker, who was afloat in M.A/S.B. 10 used the latter to
harbour was now filled with numbers of small French craft of every sort, size
the Venomous in and tried to get other small craft to do likewise. The narrow push
and description. At this moment a defect Venomous developed in the M.A /S.B's clutch,
apparently her from going as the astern result and of down pushing made on turning her the from a most both alongside, directions. hazardous which adventure prevented with
boats of all sorts bearing The
was away again in half an hour, with 1,500
Alexander and his staff who had been taken on
Admiral Wake-Walker and transferred to the
had difficulty in getting alongside but managed to clear the harbour with 1,022
troops, one minute before the next destroyer was due to enter. The stream of
British troops was evidently diminishing in volume now, for the Winchelsea,
which arrived at the pier at 2300, embarked only 152. The gunboat Locust,
however, which sailed two minutes later, carried 800 troops, a proportion of
whom were French.
Eight drifters disembarked 1,004 men in England, the Starlight Rays bringing
319 of these. The yacht Sargasso brought 252. Only two personnel vessels
lifted British troops from the East Pier; the King George V embarked 1,460
in 27 minutes and sailed at 2225 and the St. Helier embarked 2,000 and sailed
at 2330 for England.
This completed the evacuation of the British rearguard.
At 2330 Captain Tennant made the welcome signal "B.E.F. evacuated."
He embarked in M.T.B. 102, together with the demolition party and left for
Dover.
A pause in the embarkation
After the last of the B.E.F. were clear there was a long pause. French
troops should have followed the British rearguard on the East Pier, but they
did not appear. The West Quay, however, was crowded with French in their
distinctive helmets, though there seemed a scarcity of ships on that side of the
harbour. The personnel ship Royal Sovereign, which had been joined that
afternoon by Commander L.P. Skipwith as adviser to the Master, Captain T.
Aldis, went alongside the West Quay at 2130, handled magnificently, turning
and going alongside bows out", as Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker reported. She
embarked 1,500 French troops and sailed at 2205 for Margate. The Rear-
Admiral also sent the personnel ship Rouen, a French cross-channel steamer,
to the West Quay. In getting away she got broadside on to the wind and
grounded just to the westward of the quay, where she lay, on a falling tide,
showing up clearly against an oil fuel fire behind her. A tug was sent to help
her but drew too much water and could not get near. However, the ship
remained unhit throughout the shelling, and she floated off with the next tide
in daylight and reached England safely with 1,286 men.
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker was unable to discover the reason for the
cessation of the flow of French troops to the East Pier; it was apparently caused
make a counter-attack, for the counter-attack which was to have been made
by the necessity either of repelling a German attack or holding them up to
at 1500 to restore the line east of Bergues was postponed until 2000. With
destroyers waiting to be filled the situation was most exasperating. Five
destroyers had to be sent back to England for lack of to fill them. The
she Vanquisher was ordered to return to Dover to 0230, taking troops only 37 troops which
embarked from a small boat while lying off the harbour. The Codrington
108

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
also stopped off the harbour by entered orders at the 0050 harbour and had only 44 troops when
she devoid of troops and was by Whitshed found Wake-Walker to return to
was sailed at 0250. The Express ordered Rear-Admiral at 0200, found the pier
sailed at 0245 with 82 men collected small craft. Finally, the Malcolm
and Dover lay outside with orders to hail from stop other ships from entering. She
with the Codrington. The and no berth on arrival at 0030
was ordered back at 0248, empty. Thus five destroyer trips were wasted.
Only the minesweepers which berthed at the inner end of the East Pier after
the British rearguard had embarked, managed to collect normal quotas from
the trickle of French troops.
Dunkirk was the headquarters of a French Naval Command and there was
always a considerable number of French marines in evidence. But after the
British naval ratings left at 2300 there was difficulty in getting ships berthed,
as the French did not replace them.
The Albury embarked 200 French troops, the Duchess of Fife 300, the Dundalk
399, the Gossamer 490, the Halcyon 416, the Kellett 350 French and 14 British,
the Marmion 198, the Medway Queen 481, and the Speedwell 300. The Niger
slipped at 0120 with 430 French troops. While turning an unknown French
craft crossed her bows and was rammed, though apparently no damage was
done to her. A few minutes later the Frenchman returned and rammed the
Niger.
Personnel ships did well. The Royal Sovereign sailed at 2205 with 1500
troops, the King George V at 2225 with 1460, the St. Helier at 2330 with 2,000.
The Côte Argent took 955 men, the Newhaven 396 French, the Tynwald 1,200,
the Rouen 1,286; but the Lady of Mann was ordered back for lack of troops
and took only 18 French embarked from a small boat.
Amongst the French ships the torpedo-boat Bouclier embarked 340 men and
the La Flore 410. The patrol vessel Reine des Flots embarked 500 troops
during a violent bombardment" and also reported air attacks (from German
strays returning no doubt), en route to England, for which she sailed from
Dunkirk at 2300 on the 2nd. Seventeen French trawlers and motor fishing
vessels brought off 1,662 troops and a Belgian patrol boat 229.
Summary of troops evacuated, night 2nd-3rd June
To Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who had worked out a programme by
which 37,000 men could have been lifted, in addition to those that would get
off in small craft, this had been a most disappointing night's work, owing to
the long pause when the flow of men to the East Pier ceased for some hours
after the British rearguard completed its embarkation, and the difficulty of
getting ships berthed owing to the failure of the French to replace the British
naval parties after these left Dunkirk. Between midnight on 2nd-3rd and
0300 on the 3rd a lifting capacity of about 10,000 men was left empty.
There were disembarked in England on 3rd June 26,700 troops. Of these,
British ships lifted 21,671, French ships 3,216 and Belgian ships 1,812. The
great majority of these, namely 24,830, were embarked in Dunkirk harbour,
principally by ships berthed alongside, though a few were ferried to ships
waiting outside the port. Most of the remainder were taken out of small craft
by ships which were likely to reach England with greater expedition and
certainty many of these found in small craft had no doubt come off from
the beaches.
109

Details

Details

INDEX
Royal Air Command, 64, 83-4, 4, 88 (evacuated (fired from France), 17, 20, 30,
(attacks 38 all that was asked of them, concentrated 123. at dawn and dusk): 100,
(patrols Stren batteries) ; 99 (patrols on by own ships), 89, 93, 99
Royal Daffodil, 20, 25, 100-1. 29, 54n, 62, 102, 110 (damaged).
110-111, 115; did
Royal Royal Sovereign, 29n, 54n, 64n, 107n, 108-9, 114n, 115, 117.
Eagle, 42, 81,
95 (sunk).
Royally,114n,
Sabre, 23, 27, 44, 47n, 49 (takes across with beach parties), 53, 54n, 55, 62n, 64 (damaged), 86,
97, 101, 107, 114n, 118 (crosses compass damaged).
St. Abbs, 71n, 90 (sunk).
Achilleus, sunk, 93.
St. St. Andrew, Shelled, 18: bombed, 20 ; last trip, 87.
Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes, 107n.
St. Clears, 32, 46.
St. David, damaged, 38, 95.
Ste. Denise Louise, 107n.
St. Fagan, 71n, 88 (sunk).
St. Helier, 20, 25, 64n, 94, 98-9, 108-9.
Ste. Isabelle, 74.
St. Julien, shelled, 17 bombed, 20, 43; crew supplemented, 48n; last trip, 87.
St. Olaves, 107n.
St. Patrick, 75n.
St. Seiriol, 22, 24, 29, 43, 48 (damaged).
Saladin, 44-5 (damaged).
Salamander, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (damaged), 89-90.
Saltash, 91-2.
Sambre, 60.
Sandown, 23n, 27, 31, 42, 105 (forbidden to sail).
Santosy, lost, 117.
Saon, 34n, 110.
Sargasso, 60n, 107n, 108.
Sark, 60.
Saturn, 114n, 118.
S.C.6 (French), 107n.
Sceneshifter, rushed and sunk by French troops, 53.
Schuyts. see skoots.
Scimitar, 20n, 28n, 54n, 55, 62n, 91.
Scotia, 29n, 54n, 83 (in collision), 92 (sunk), 118 (record lift).
Scottish Co-operator, 60.
Sea Falcon, 75n.
Seaplane Tender 243, 71n, 75n, 110 (sunk).
Seaplane Tender 254, 71n.
Seaplane Tender 276, 71n, 110.
Seaplane Tender 291, 71n, 75 (damaged).
Seasalter, 60.
Sea Transport Officials, serve in personnel ships, 48; in Dynamo Room, 74.
Secrecy, effect on supply of small craft, 15.
Seine, 31n, 60, 102.
Sequacity, 19, 28.
Seriola, 71n.
Shamrock, lost, 53.
Sharpshooter, 28n, 54n, 97.
Shearwater, 34, 88, 99.
Sheldvake, 34, 37n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 93.
Shell fire (German) : causes serious interruption to shipping, 19; Route Y under fire, 48;
La Panne beach shelled, 60, 76; interrupts sailings of personal ships, 70; danger of,
magnified at Dover, 98.
Sherfield, 72n, 90.
Shelland, 60.
Shikari, 20n, 28n, 47n, 54n, 55, 97, 102, 107, 114n, 119-20 (in Operation CK), 127.
Shipmates, 23n.
Signalling, see Communications.
Silver Dawn, 32n, 51n.
205

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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brown
Laster
31

Details

Tune,
31 B
CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during
operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing
or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the
operation, and two were damaged in collision.
Of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN,
BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS,
AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had
been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2 MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST. HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3 AUTO CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of
these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo
started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour
in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the
situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, but discovered some
of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put
an officer and some seamen and stokers on board to augment and
stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed
and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing
troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an
armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and
did not sail again.
4.
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she
should have completed 6 voyages. When due to commence her
fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail
again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if
required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from
the master of the MALINES last night to say him and
the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it
apt R.
hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been
continually on their feet all the week and especially
the deck officers who have had to be on their feet
for 30 long. I myself have had 4. hours rest for th
week and am at present physically unfit for another
trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely
necessary to go I will abide with the masters of the
other ships decision.
i
P.S. There is two more of the crew going ashore now
g
absolutely nervous wrecks and certified By the naval
ER
doctor.
In/
rized.

Details

June,
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 3.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
Personnel Vessels (continued).
remaining; she started a trip but failed to make Dunkirk. On
return, the original Captain rejoined with some of the original
crew. She should then have sailed at 2010/3, but the Captain
reported 3 engineers short at the last minute. It was not
considered necessary to wait for the engineers and the Master
and crew disembarked and the new crew provided for the second
time. Before further use could be made of her, however, the
evacuation terminated.
9. The MONA'S QUEEN was sunk by a mine on her second
voyage to Dunkirk, and the FENELLA was bombed and sunk on her
first voyage.
10. The MALINES who had completed two trips, refused to
sail on the 1st, left Dover at 1600 on the 2nd without orders and
was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southampton.
11. It was felt that trouble might occur in the ST.HELIER
and PRINCESS MAUD, and accordingly a naval party was put on
board to supplement the ships crews, and in consequence no
trouble occurred.
12. The outstanding ships were the MAID OF ORLEANS 6 trips,
one being diverted without completing the trip, and once
returning due to collision. ROYAL DAFFODIL 7 trips, on one of
which she was turned back by a French destroyer -
ROYAL SOVEREIGN 6 trips
KING GEORGE V
5 trips
COTE d'ARGENT
5 trips
ST. HELIER
4 trips after having refused to
158 rgdl
sail once.
PRAGUE
3 trips with full loads, bombed,
85mght
severely damaged and
beached on the last return
trip.
13. Eleven other ships were concerned in the Operation,
details of which are as follows:
27th May BIARRITZ
27th May
Damaged by shell fire and returned.
ARCHANGEL
27th May
Damaged by shell fire and returned.
QUEEN OF THE
Sunk by bombing attack.
CHANNEL
28th May
LORINA
Sunk by bombing attack.
29th May
NORMANIA
Sunk by bombing attack.
28th May LOCH GARRY
One trip.
28th May SCOTIA
One trip.
2nd June
THE
28th May KILLARNEY
Sunk by bombing attack.
One trip.
2nd June ROUEN
One trip.
2nd and 3rd
Acapt R.
June AUTO CARRIER
Two trips.
2nd and 3rd
June NEWHAVEN
Two trips.
fice of
Enclosure:-
g Officer Commanding,
Details of Personnel
ER.
Ships used.
2 June, 1940.
authorized.

Details

Details

-3-
nip.
Name & Address of Owners
Name of Master.
SS MAUD
London Midland & Scottish
Capt. H. Clarke.
IA
Railway,
Capt. W.H. Hughes.
L.M.S. Railway Headquarters,
Watford, Herts.
ST. SEIRIOL
Liverpool & North Wales
Capt. R.D. Dobb
S.S. Co., Ltd.,
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool, 3.
/PRAGUE
London & North Eastern
Capt. C. Baxter.
Railway Company,
26, Glengall Road,
Woodford Green,
Essex.
KING GEORGE V
David MacBrayne Limited,
Capt. R.E. MacLean.
LOCHGARRY
44, Robertson Street,
Capt. E. MacKinnon.
Glasgow, C.2.
KILLARNEY
Coast Lines Limited,
Capt. R. Hughes.
2, Crescent Road,
Kingston-on-Thames,
Surrey.
ST. HELIER
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt. R. Pitman
c/o Chief Docks Manager,
Cardiff.
ST JULIEN
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt.L.S.Richard
ST ANDREW
Paddington Station, W. .2.
Capt. H.C. Bond
ST DAVID
Capt. C.Joy.
PARIS
Capt. E. Biles
ISLE OF GUERNSEY
Southern Railway Co.,
Capt. F.W. Hodges
DINARD
Waterloo Station,
Capt. P. Lewis
WORTHING
S.E.L.
Capt. C.J. Munton
ISLE OF THANET
>
Capt. A.J. Hammond
60
&
These Masters took over when original Masters were too exhausted to
carry on.
x Evacuation of Calais.
+ This vessel was ordered to Dunkerque laden with B.E.F. petrol and
did not actually evacuate, troops.
INED
orized.

Details

owned collision by I went the with Great to the spot and found that the
The H.M. been Helier" in
I
alo
wind, and The weather visibility was was fine, fairly sea smooth. good. There was very little
him isfa
very
Destroyer with "St. Helier" her stem. struck the starboard bow of the
until
vessels When The were I arrived together. at the sceme of the collision the two
and
th
me to take I Officer hold of in his charge vessel of as the quickly Destroyer as possible. hailed me, and asked
to
m
then
made at fast. once ordered my crew to get out the tow rope, and
and passed I backed the my end stern of the close wire up aboard. to the stern of the Destroyer
shackled The to tow 50 rope fathoms consisted of 5" wire. of 60 fathoms of 16" manilla rope,
Destroyer, The end and of the the manilla wire was was made on our fast towing to the hook. stern of the
her could stern. see the Destroyer had a number of tow depth rope charges because on
I had to use care in passing the I
backed As away I passed and carried the tow on rope with to her the business. Destroyer, the "St. Helier"
in a westerly
I made fast direction. at about 11.20 p.m. and at once commenced towing
her bows very severly damaged.
The were Destroyer had been hit just forward of her bridge, and
The bridge of the Destroyer was well forward.
and let go 10.35 a.m. on the 31st May.
I towed at the Destroyer stern first and arrived off Dover
He left the job of towing in my hands.
The Captain of the Destroyer did not use his engines.
and I asked her Master to hold the Destroyer's stern to the
The Tug "Empire Henchman" was following us into Dover,
tide so that I could get my tow rope in.
At 11.35 a.m. I moored alongside the starboard side of
the "Sharpshooter" and steered her to No. 10 buoy inside the
Eastern entrance to Dover Harbour.
The "Empire Henchman" had a short scope of rope to the
stern of the tow and assisted me to get the Destroyer through
the Eastern entrance.
We took the Destroyer in stern first.
We moored her to the buoy at 1.20 p.m. and then proceeded
alongside the Prince of Wales Pier.
/I
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Details

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