The 5th Minesweeping Flotilla, comprising "Pangourne", "Ross", "Lydd", "Kellet" and "Albury" as well as the newer "Halcyon"-class "Gossamer" and "Leda" sailed from North Shields for Harwich late on 26 May 1940, reaching Harwich nearly 24 hours later. After coaling, the flotilla sailed for Dunkirk in the afternoon of 28 May, and was off the beach by about 21:30 hours the same day. At least two ships from the Flotilla ("Ross" and "Lydd") were detailed to collect troops from the harbour mole. "Ross" alone took on board 353 men and one dog on this first night. The ships of the flotilla made a further three trips to Dunkirk in the following days, working at battle-stations virtually round the clock and returning to Margate for the last time from Dunkirk on Saturday, 1 June 1940. "Sutton" was also present at Dunkirk.