St. Julien

Details

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

Details

LEDA (N.93)
5th M.S.F.
Lt. Cdr. H. Unwin, R.N.
1200
28th May
Proceeded to Dunkirk beaches, in
company with the 5th M.S.F. On
2120
receiving the order to act indepen-
dently, anchored off Braye-Dunes.
4 whalers, a skiff and a motor boat
were lowered and sent in 1/c of
S/Lt. Jamieson, R.N.
29th May
0320
Hoisted all boats and proceeded via
Dyck buoy.
0917
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 301
troops. (1)
1015
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1445
Anchored off Braye-Dunes. Lowered
boats and embarked troops, assisted
by a large number of Army self-
propelled boats [1.e. A.L.C's].
1545
Engaged enemy bombers; one probably
damaged. Proceeded to Margate with
525 troops. The 3 whalers and the
M/B were left inshore 1/c of
S/Lt. Jamieson, with orders to assist
other ships.
1630ca
After passing Middelkerke buoy enemy
bombers were seen attacking a
hospital ship [the St. Julien] and
the M/S's Kellett and Pangbourne,
all outward bound.
2044
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 500
troops. (2)
2155
Proceeded towards the French coast by
the Dyck buoy. No ships were sighted
during this passage, so when off
30th May
0130
the Dyck buoy, decided to return to
the North Goodwin L.V., and proceed
by X route.
-
Arrived off Braye-Dunes, anchored and
embarked troops. A search was made
for S/Lt. Jamieson's party, but
without success.
1220
Proceeded towards Margate with 650
troops.
1815
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 537
troops. (3)
s/Lt. Jamieson returned on board and
reported that he had embarked troops
in the P.M/S Gracie Fields and the
G/B Locust until 0200/30, when only
the M/B was left, the whalers having
been sunk during an air raid the
previous afternoon. The M/B was
later abandoned because of engine
trouble and lack of fuel.
1955
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
3let May
0000ca
The enemy were now shelling Dunkirk
harbour. The Leda signalled
her arrival to the signal station
on Dunkirk east pier, and received
a general message to the effect that
(2) (1) Margate report. Leda gives 365.
(3) Margate Leda gives 525.
Margate report. report. Leda gives 650.
157

Details

LYDD
5th M/S Flotilla
Lt. Cdr. R.C.D. Haig, R.N.
28th May
1200
Sailed company. from Harwich, 5th U.S.F. in
2155ca
Arrived Dunkirk. off Braye-Dunes. Ordered to
Secured alongside eastern jetty.
2250
Proceeded. Embarked about 400 troops.
2318ca
When about 2 miles east of the harbour
entrance, collided with a drifter
[Girl Pamela]. Her crew was taken
on board "another drifter" [actually
the dfrs. Metsukis and Lord Howard
The Girl Pamela subsequently sank.
29th May
0200
off Kwinte Bank Buoy sighted (by the
light of an Aldis lamp) the bow and
stern portions of the dr. Wakeful
above water with men clinging to
them. Lowered a whaler and two
carley floats. The M/S Gossamer
ordered Lydd to put out her lamp and
drop a depth charge; the latter
order could not be carried out
because of the men in the water.
When 20 survivors had been picked up
the Dr. Grafton appeared and ordered
Lydd to circle round her.
0307ca
An explosion occurred at the Grafton's
stern she had been torpedoed].
Lydd sighted, nearly stern on,
an'M.T.B." about 50 yards away on the
starboard beam [it was in fact the
dfr. Comfort]; Lydd opened fire with
2 Lewis guns and raked her up the
stern.
Grafton was then closed, but as she
did not need immediate assistance,
Lydd circled round to finish off the
"M.T.B." A dark object was sighted
and Lydd opened fire with Lewis guns
and 4-inch; the Grafton also opened
fire. Lydd then rammed the supposed
"M.T.B."; as she was hit, figures
sprang at the ship and it was
thought that an attempt was being
made to board - fire was therefore
opened with rifles. Two men were
taken off the vessel, and it was
then learnt that she was the Comfort.
Grafton still needed no assistance,
80 Lydd proceeded to Ramsgate, where
-
she disembarked 300 troops.
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk by Y route.
-
1700
off Nieuport Bank buoy, air attacks
on ships, particularly the H/C
Arrived off Braye-Dunes. Sent boats
St. Julien.
1730
A call for assistance from the S.S.
inshore to embark troops.
1745
Macalister, which was on fire,
Clan was passed to the M/S Pangbourne
The which S/V Crested Eagle which on fire, had
had just arrived.
1800ca
Sp. bombed aft and was Lydd,
been beached herself close to
208

Details

(II)
PANGBOURNE - Continued.
1645/
(9th May
1715
some small ship, were picked up.
(contd.)
1730
BOODES
Several bombers appeared to be about
to attack Pangbourne, but they
passed overhead, and attacked, for
Date
a considerable period, a hospital
ship [the St. Julien] 1 mile on the
and
starboard beam, without registering
any direct hits.
Just before passing Nieuport Bank buoy,
picked up a large life-boat.
Transferred 30 Belgian troops from
her and took the L/B in tow.
1800ca
on closing the beach, was ordered
alongside the S.S. Clan Macalister,
to embark her crew. She was on fire
aft, and the ammunition round the
after gun was continually exploding.
The crew, including some 30 Lascars
and several naval ratings (crews of
M/B's) were all embarked.
Anchored about half a mile off the
beach, opposite the [Zuydcoote]
Sanatorium [about 4 miles east of
Dunkirk]. All available boats sent
inshore in charge of Lieut. W.K.
0800
Tadman, R.N.R., and Mr. S.S. Rabbitts,
Boatswain R.N.
1800/
Numerous air attacks. No direct hits,
1900
but near misses holed the ship on
both sides, above and below the
water line, and the D.G. coil was cut
in several places. 7 ratings and
6 Belgian soldiers were killed, 7
ratings and 2 officers, and 2 Belgian
soldiers were wounded; among the
casualties were the 12 pdr. gun's
crew. During a lull in the bombing
the cable was slipped, the capstan
being out of action, and the ship got
under way. Troops, then coming off
in boats, were picked up, and the
boats abandoned, as they were holed
and the boats' falls were shot away.
On clearing Nieuport Bank, the P.M/S
-
Gracie Fields asked for assistance.
Direct hits had put her out of contro
and she was steaming at about 6
knots with her helm jambed, with 15L
The Pangbourne went alongside Gracial
starboard wheel on.
Fields, took off about 80 British
The M/S Kellett, by request, led the
troops, and took her in tow.
2200
Pangbourne, whose compasses were
still dead.
30th May
0130
The Gracie Fields reported that she
sinking. Slipped her, took her off
her was ship's company, abandoned
By position this time Kellett was out sight
and (51° 20' N., 02° 05' of E.)
broadcast her approximate
10011 THE adv a
and visibility was poor.
E
377

Details

ROEBUCK( P/V G.W.R.Co.
Capt. W.Y.Larbalestier, Master.
31st May
0200
Left Dover for La Panne.
0705ca
In collision in Dunkirk channel with
a destroyer [1.e. the Wolsey].
Slight damage.
0811
Anchored off La Panne. Ordered to
Dunkirk.
0910
Arrived Dunkirk. Had to wait for a
berth.
1050
Occupied the berth just vacated by the
H/C St. Julien. Embarked 45 cot
cases, 70 wounded and about 385
troops.
1525
Proceeded.
2055
Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (1)
The ship was not allowed to do another
trip as she was not de-gaussed. (2).
Total 500
Authority - R.O.I. p.194.
R.O.III. p.185.
TM.6213/40.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches
Captain W.Y. Larbalestier, Master.
D.R. says 342.
R. gives a second disembarkation (408) on 1st June.
nnown in D.R. as a coastal steamer, under "Miscellaneous".
31

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. 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

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

WAVERLEY (J.51)
P.M/S (12th
M.S.F.)
Ty. Lieut. .F.Harmer-Ellictt
-
28th May
The
Actg. S.O., 12th M.S.F.V.R.R.
2345
off from La Harwich.
29th May
0400ca
The The "beach the Waverley ship's punts commenced boats; and later, embarkation assisted Panne, by by
1000ca
inshore, P.M/S Oriole which boats". had
off." (1) "found herself unable gone close to get
The Fife P.M/S's Marmion and Duchess
and embarked troops nearer of
about left 300. about mid-day, each Dunkirk taking
1500ca
Decided to sail with the 600 British
troops then on board. Signalled
Kellett. Outward bound from Margate,
the "destroyer N.05" [N.05 was the M/S
she was dive bombed off Nieuport
Bank buoy at 1530] to detail a ship
to tow off the Oriole; she signalled
I
Air attack.
a tug in the vicinity to stand by.
1540
Waverley weighed and proceeded via
Zuydecoote Pass towards Kwinte Bank
buoy.
1630
Bombing attacks continued, the
principal targets being transports
and a hospital ship [the St. Julien]
using the channel.
1700
The Waverely, now alone in the channel
was attacked with 4-bomb salvos by
12 Heinkels.
1725
A bomb entered the ship on the port
quarter and passed right through
her bottom leaving a hole about 6
feet in diameter. Four soldiers
killed and a number wounded.
The attack continued for 1/4 hour and
the deckswere also machine-gunned.
One Heinkel was shot down(2) and one
was visibly damaged.
1730
The ship became unmanageable and
would not answer the wheel; a list
Signalled 2 British destroyers but
to port developed.
signals. The W/T was damaged and
they apparently did not see the
The ship began to sink rapidly by
out of action.
the stern.
1745
1746
The "Abandon Waverley sank. The C.O. went down
ship" ordered.
holding on to the bridge of
with her, he kicked himself free over
obstructions "When I surfaced, a trying
rails; as she heeled number to
port. were swimming numbers or
to
the within
15/20 minutes".
(1) The he beached his ship at
(2)
No. the

Details

Details

Dynam
198
"St Anderw" Hospital Carrier No. 24.
181
Narrative of events , May 95th., to June 5th., 1940.
ay 25/1940.
1617. Left Newhaven and proceeded full speed to Dover for orders.
2020. Received orders at Dover to anchor at Downs.
2107. Anchored.
ay 26/1940.
0325. Anchor aweigh and proceed towards Dover for orders, and
when off South Foreland was orddred to roturn to anchorage
at Downs.
1054. Hove up and in company with H.C. "St Julien" proceeded to
Dunkirk via Calais and Gravelines. When in buoyed channel
abreast of Gravelines at 1320 was heavily shelled by
shore batteries, and mmorous shells fell on bothsides of
the vessel. Continued on course for some time, but the
shelling increased in intensity and I was forced off
shore, and puttung the vessels head to the Northward I had
no alternative but to cross the minefield to enable me
to pick up the Channel route and return to Dover.
1810. Received orders at Dover to 30 to anchorage.
1835. Anchored at Downs.
ay 27/1940.
1110. Hove up and proceeded towards Dunkirk (N.about passage)
in convoy of two destroyers-H.M.S. "Anthony and "Vority",
/vimy
and H.N.Transports-"st.Helier" "Royal Daffodil" and
eastward of N.Goodwin L.V., H.ll.Transport"Kyno" in
"Kyno", and "St. Julien".
When a for miles to the
company of one destroyer returned, the remainder of the
When in Lat.50-224' N. Long.2-39' E. an enery plane
convoy continuing on course to Dunkirk.
crossing from starboard to port of convoy's course,
dropped four bombs very close to the vessel's port Dow,
and "St.Julien"s" starboard quartor. The plane then continued
circling around dropped another four near the
1620. Arrived on off Dunkirk during continual heavy air raids.
its course towards the Bolgian coast.
The ordered out, signalling this vessel and the"st.Julion"
two leading ships entered port and were immediately
falling to fast all around the ships in the harbour and the
remain outside. During this manouyers bombs were
1744. Convoy reformed and returned to Dover in company of one
ships outside.
destroyer.
9239. Anchored at Downs.
May 28/1940.
1100. plane attackedand four bombs were dropped, ship.Plane and seen
Enemy fall midway between S.Goodwin.L.V.and vicinity. this
1500. was Received kept orders to proceed Southampton. Arrived Netley
to off by gunfire of destroyers in
May 29/1940. At Anchorage Southampton at 2359. under immediate orders.Ordinary ship's
repairs being dealt with during stay.
May 30/1940.
1705. Left Southampton for Dover for orders, Nothing eventful
during passage.
May 31/1940.
0035. Arrived off Dover.Receiving no orders dropped anchor off

Details

219
LETTER OF 6TH JUNE 1940 FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
PARTY R.N. BARRACKS, CHATHAM, to VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
II.
8. Hospital Ship "St. Julien". It was reported that the crew of this
ship were very tired and shaken and required assistance in working the ship.
A party of twenty-two hands under ub.Lieutenant Radoliffe, R.N.V.R. was sent
for this purpose, half of whom were to assist in the engine-room. The crew
were very willing and the Naval party lent practical and moral support. The
ship proceeded to Dunkirk on May 31st, where she arrived at 0850 and went
alongside the pier. She remained there until 1015 and was under heavy fire
during the whole of this time. All the Naval ratings except the Stokers on
watch were ashore bringing off stretcher cases. No casualties were sustained.
Licutenant Radeliffe was himself ashore carrying stretchers and was the
last man on board having Seen all his men had returned.
9.
FOLKESTONE. At 0500 on Sunday 2nd June, 1940, it was reported that three ships -
"Malines" S.S. "Ben-my-Chree" S.S. "Tynewald" - were giving trouble. An
armed S.S. party under Petty Officer Hollingsworth was sent over to take guard leave duties
these ships. The Patty Officer had instructions that no-one was to
the ships were sent out to anchorage. Nothing untoward occurred before
on these ships under any circumstances. Shortly after the arrival of this party 1400
when a relief party under Leading Stoker Booth took over duties.
At 1850 8.5. "Ben-my-Chree" came alongaide the jetty. Three sentries-
A.B. the remainder being posted at intervals along the ship. As the ship was leave
Clithero, 0.Smn. Tomlinson, As Cook Blackman - were placed on the ganguay, being
berthed the crew were demonstrating and shouting that they were going to their
the and on the brow. being run out they attempted to do so with the brow. Rits.
Leading The crew thereupon returned on board at once, where they remained
ship, Stoker Booth ordered his nen to come on guard and advance up until the
relief crew arrived.
to leave the 3.8. ship, but contented themselves with shouting abuse at the sentries. then
"Tynewald" came alongside at 1910. The orew did not attempt
Relief crews leave. Complete lists of their names and addresses were ordered.
for these two ships arrived at 1950, and the old crews were taken and
given allowed to to the S.T.O. Folkestone. These ships subsequently sailed as at about
9.9. "Malines", had left the harbour with no instructions
1600, and was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southempton.
rendered and sending out guards and Stoker parties with the utmost despatch, the
10. the The most invaluable service in the Transit Camp, not only by regulating
Chief Gunner's Mate of the Company - Chief Patty Officer Ward
but our own also party by keeping a complete record of all Naval ratings Parties passing etc. through
Camp. These included survivors, Lewis Gun parties, U.P.
The following ratings were also outstanding - Petty officer The Harding, whole
Petty party remained in good spirits throughout and were always cheerful cager for
11. Officer Burge, Petty Officer Willook, Leading Stoker Booth - and
any duties, that were to be performed.
12. Two of these were retained in Dover and I would like hour strongly of the
The party had proceeded to Dover in buses from Maidstone and District to
commend night to transport our various parties, so saving valuable time, also
'Bus Company. the Drivers, who were only too willing to turn out at any and
day turned or to themselves in shifting gear and stowing in the buses for transport
when necessary. A report to this effect has been sent to the Proprietors.
(Sgi)
COPIES TO
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
Commodore. P.S.T.O.
Commodore. R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
PARTY.
Captain (G) R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
Battalion Commander.
Company Commander.

Details

OPERATION "DYNAMO" IS COMMENCED
CHAP. III
and blazing lights made them an easy target. On the 26th May the hospital
carriers St. Andrew and St. Julien sailed at 1054 for Dunkirk, but coming under
fire from the guns of Gravelines, they returned to Dover in company with the
P/V Maid of Orleans.
The hospital carriers Isle of Guernsey and Worthing sailed from Dover at
noon and were bombed when off, Calais; nevertheless, that night, flood-lit by
the fires which raged in the docks and town of Dunkirk, they each embarked
about 300 stretcher cases.
Admiralty call for cutters and whalers
All these troops and casualties, it should be noted, were lifted from the quays
of Dunkirk harbour. Evacuation from the beaches did not commence until
24 hours later, and then only in a very small way, using ships' boats. On the
26th May, says Vice-Admiral Ramsay, the only inshore craft available
were
4 Belgian passenger launches and the naval small craft of the Dover Command
such as drifters, and motor boats from the Contraband Control Base at Rams-
gate; the only ones capable of lifting personnel direct from a beach being the
boats from Ramsgate." The Admiralty had been asked for a supply of small
boats, especially whalers and cutters, but there remained the difficulty of
arranging for the personnel to man them¹. This request led at 2028, on 26th
May, to an Admiralty signal to the Home Ports asking how many cutters and
whalers could be made available for immediate service under Vice-Admiral,
Dover.²
Sea and air patrols
Meanwhile, at 1937, C. in C. Nore had been requested to use all available
forces to cover Operation Dynamo that night.
In conformity with these directions Allied fighters maintained continuous
patrols, from 1700 to 2130, on the line Calais-Dunkirk.3.
Germans occupy Calais
That very night, however, the gallant defence of Calais came to an end.
The yacht Gulzar had gone there with water and stretchers, to bring back
wounded. She secured alongside the Gare Maritime and sent a party on shore
to investigate. The town was found to be in German hands, and the Gulzar
made a hasty departure under fire. On the way out, however, in response to
a hail, she stopped, and brought off 3 officers and 48 men from the end of the
breakwater.⁴
I D.R. p. 1, para. 2.
2 Appendix G. 1.
3 R.A.F. Narrative, p. 315.
4 R.O. II, p. 513.
B
17

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. VI
1650, she left the harbour, but soon after was damaged by a near miss. She
was able to reach Dover, but took no further part in "Dynamo." At 1720
the berth vacated by the Canterbury in Dunkirk harbour was taken by the
destroyer Verity.
Intrepid severely damaged
Meanwhile, at 1700, the Intrepid, hurrying back to Dunkirk from Dover
(where she had disembarked 661 troops), was bombed between Middelkerke
Bank and La Panne. A near miss caused severe damage, started fires, and
killed 2 and wounded 19. The Intrepid had to return to Dover, and took no
further part in Operation "Dynamo."
Hospital ship deliberately bombed
At 1700 also, the H/C St. Julien, en route for Dunkirk harbour, was de-
liberately bombed for a considerable period" in the vicinity of Nieuport
Bank buoy1; she was slightly damaged by near misses. The St. Julien lay
off Dunkirk harbour for about 1/2 an hour waiting for an opportunity to enter;
when air attacks recommenced, however, she sailed for Dover without having
entered the harbour.
At 1730 the Siroco sailed from Dunkirk harbour with 500 troops and a little
later was joined outside by the Mistral which had only embarked 4 troops.
Both the French destroyers proceeded to Dover. The Mistral took no further
part in "Dynamo."
Grenade hit, Calvi and Fenella sunk
At about 1750 the third air attack was made over Dunkirk harbour by waves
of bombers; some 100 bombs were dropped. Allied fighters, being engaged
by enemy fighters, were unable to interfere with the bombing². A near miss
blew a hole in the Grenade's side; the trawler Calvi, lying outside the John
Cattling, received a direct hit and sank immediately. Her masts and funnel
were above water, and her ensign remained flying from the foremast. The
personnel vessel Fenella, which by then had 650 troops on board, was hit on
the promenade deck; a second bomb hit the pier, and blew some concrete
through the Fenella's side below the waterline; a third bomb, falling between
the pier and the Fenella's side, wrecked the engine room. The Fenella's
troops were disembarked on to the pier and re-embarked in the Crested Eagle.
The Fenella was abandoned while sinking. The P/V St. Seiriol, which shortly
before had secured alongside the outer east pier, astern of the Crested Eagle,
cast off and shifted eastward to the beaches.
Grenade hit, set on fire, and abandoned
Then five minutes after the third air attack had begun the Grenade received
two direct hits; her engines were put out of action and she caught fire. As
she swung round, some of her ships company were able to step on board the
damaged trawler Polly Johnson. The Verity (which had been continuously
I Reports by Pangbourne and Lydd.
2 According to the R.A.F. Narrative, p.327, two Hurricane squadrons which arrived at
1710 were attacked by large numbers of Me. 109's ; one Spitfire squadron was attacked
from above and behind at 1715, and another was in combat with enemy fighters at 1740.
" None of our squadrons encountered enemy bombers, and the attacks on our shipping
between 1630 and 1745 hours (resulting, amongst other casualties, in the Crested Eagle
being hit and beached off Bray) can thus not have been interfered with by our patrols'
R.A.F. Narrative, p.327).
43

Details

SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
move westward with boats in tow in the direction of Dunkirk, towards which
the troops were now marching from La Panne.
The first loaded ship to leave Dunkirk seems to have been the Whippingham,
in time of peace an Isle of Wight paddle ferry boat belonging to the Southern
Railway. She had been embarking troops alongside the mole since 2200 on
the previous day, and when she cast off at 0130 on 1st with 2,700 troops on
board she was overladen and her sponsons were only about a foot above water.
Disaster nearly overwhelmed her at the start, when she was straddled by shell
fire and the troops rushed over to the port side, causing the ship to list 20°.
Fortunately, the sea was calm. The chief mechanician (Ch. Mech. 2nd C1.
F. A. Ford) checked the rush, moved the troops back to starboard, and thereby
probably saved the ship.
Another early sailer was the personnel vessel Lady of Mann, who proceeded
at 0430 for Dover, with 1500 casualties. The hospital carriers St. Andrew and
St. Julien disembarked in England this day 130 and 287 wounded, respectively,
after which no more hospital ships brought wounded from Dunkirk. Space
alongside the large-ship berths was too valuable to be occupied by hospital
ships, and walking wounded went with the troops, whilst those that could not
walk had to be left behind.
The personnel ship Maid of Orleans berthed at the East Mole at about 0330
and for 6 hours, most of the time under air attack, she acted as a floating
stage for the embarkation of troops on board the destroyers Icarus, Vanquisher
and Windsor, whose upper decks were far below the top of the mole. The
pier was crowded and as many troops as possible were embarked over mess
tables rigged across the "B" gun decks of inside ships to the outside vessel.
The Vanquisher was the first of the three to leave, at 0630 with 1200 troops.
An hour later the Icarus and Windsor sailed in company, with 1,114 and 493
troops respectively. Finally, at about 0900 the Maid of Orleans herself pro-
ceeded, during an air attack, with 1,856 troops, which, like the destroyers, she
disembarked at Dover. In six trips, once being diverted without completing
the trip and once returning on account of collision, the Maid of Orleans had
transported in all 5,461 men; but this was her last crossing, for when leaving
Dover again for Dunkirk at 2030 that day she was rammed amidships by the
destroyer Worcester returning from Dunkirk with manoeuvrability impaired
through damage to propellers and rudder, caused by air attack at 1630 in
which she had 6 men killed and 40 wounded, and shot down two enemy air-
craft. No lives were lost in the collision, but the Maid of Orleans was too
badly damaged to continue her voyage. For the Worcester, too, this was
the final crossing she had evacuated 4,545 troops in 6 trips.
Other destroyers were embarking troops at the same time alongside Dunkirk
pier. The Vivacious, after being dive-bombed whilst waiting to enter harbour,
went alongside at 0630, embarked 475 troops in a quarter of an hour, and
sailed again for Dover at 0645. The Winchelsea was bombed at 0745 and again
at 0830, but was not damaged, and she sailed at 0830 with 1150 troops on
board.
Despite vicious air attacks, the embarkation of troops continued. The
gunboat Locust, after embarking troops for four hours from Malo beach in her
whalers, having no power boat, moved to Dunkirk at 0415 and took on board
a further 500 at the east pier under air attack before sailing for Dover at 0610.
The corvette Kingfisher left the east pier at 1130 with 210 troops and some
wounded, embarked under almost continuous high level bombing.
There were times, however, during the day when the harbour was deserted.
87

Details

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

tothe
COPY.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.
benefits
Chief Docks Manager's Department,
Marine Section,
Weymouth.
of
B.S.28488.
5th June, 1940.
184
AA
Dear Sir,
"In
30%
BUS
S.S. "Roebuck".
ong
I confirm my telephone message of to-day informing
you this vessel arrived and b erked at Weymouth at 12-40 p.m.
The vessel left here for Dover on May 29th and on
arrival at that port was instructed to proceed to La Panne,
a small Belgian seaside resort nine miles east of Dunkirk.
the When approaching Dunkirk following the Channel in
accordance with instructions, the "Roebuck" was struck in the
0705/31
stern by a destroyer. The damage is fortunately slight, a
few plates being dented, a frame forced, the belting torn
and one of the deck leads snapped.
was
La Panne arrangements were being made to take
troops from the open beach when an urgent order was received
to proceed at once to Dunkirk.
On arrival off Dunkirk it was not possible to enter
at once as the "St. Julien" and another vessel were occupying
the available berths. When the "St. Julien" came out the
"Roebuck" went alongside and loaded 45 cot cases, 70 wounded
and about 385 troops making total of 500, nd conveyed these
safely to Dover.
The Authorities at Dover would not permit the vessel
to make another trip as the Master was given to understand he
was the only vessel engaged in the evacuati on work that had
not been degaussed.
Having regard to the fact that the whole of the crew
knew before departure from Weymouth the work on which they were
about to be engaged and the extra danger which they would run
that as the vessel had not been demagnetised, I report with pride
the whole of the crew were only too pleased to under take
the work, and they appear to have done remarkably well.
at are known asking if in view of the fact that magnetic mines
Portland I have to-day been in touch with the Degaussing Officer
bet to be in the vicinity of Weymouth the vessel could
now dealt with, and the Officer states that Portland is
be already dealt overloaded th work and the S.S. "Roebuck" could not
wed
Ministry of Shipping.
with unless a priority order is received from the
g
and
an o
Channel sail for Guernsey to take up their regular sailings on the
The Crew of the "Roebuck" are being rested and will
esco
ff the
Islands traffic tomorrow night.
rcra
Yours faithfully,
(sgd) D.G. HOPPINS.
W.J. Thomas Esq.,
CARDIFF.