May 1940 Transferred to More Command. Deployed for support of evacuation of allied troops and personnel. Pennant Number for visual signalling purposes changes to I53. 12th Escorted HM Destroyer CODRINGTON carrying Dutch Royal family with HM Destroyer VIVACIOUS from Hook of Holland (Operation J). 23rd Deployed with HM Destroyers WILD SWAN and VENOMOUS for evacuation of British troops from Boulogne On entry came under fire from French shore battery which had been taken over during German advance into port. Hit seven times and set on fire aft with additional casualties, including fatalities in forward part of ship. Ship grounded temporarily but able to come clear Passage to Dover with HM Destroyers WILD SWAN and VENOMOUS that had silenced fire from the shore battery. (Note: No troops were embarked.) http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-09VW-Venetia.htm Venetia, shore gunfire COMMONS, Henry E, Telegraphist, P/JX 125405, DOW http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1940-05MAY.htm COMMONS, HENRY EDWARD Rank: Telegraphist Service No: P/JX 125405 Date of Death: 25/05/1940 Age: 31 Regiment/Service: Royal Navy H.M.S. Venetia Grave Reference Sec. D. Cons. Joint grave 1. Cemetery WATFORD NORTH CEMETERY Additional Information: Son of Albert and Eliza Commons; husband of Kathleen Violet Commons, of Bittaford, Devon. Venetia, shore gunfire DUNDERDALE, John M, Signalman, D/SSX 17672, killed ELLIS, George H, Act/Leading Seaman, D/JX 132285, missing HORN, Ernest, Leading Telegraphist, D/J 106419, killed HUTCHINSON, Charles F, Able Seaman, RFR, D/J 77101 B 14364, killed JAMES, Edward W, Act/Leading Seaman, D/JX 141221, missing MACPHERSON, William S, Able Seaman, D/J 12561 Pens 2289, killed MAUNSELL, Marcus E L, Sub Lieutenant, killed WILLIS, William H, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 169041, MPK WRIGLEY, Harold W, Able Seaman, D/SSX 17687, killed