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Benlawers
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ORDE Registry
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Small Craft Service List
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Red List (1939–40) — OCR
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Ship Details
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- Ship type: Cargo Ship
Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939)
Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
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Document Collections — Tagged Pages
8 pagesImaged document collections containing pages whose OCR text or table data has been tagged with the name Benlawers. Open a collection to view the page images and transcriptions.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO" CHAP. II On the following day (24th May), however, the Prime Minister again con- ferred with M. Reynaud and General Weygand in Paris ; an extract is quoted below from the telegraphic report of this conference which Lord Gort received from the Secretary of State for War : "Both are convinced that Weygand's plan is still capable of execution and only in its execution has [?lies] hope. of restoring the situation. Weygand reports French VII Army is advancing successfully and has captured Péronne, Albert, and Amiens It is essential that you should make every endeavour to co-operate in this plan. Should however, situation on your communications make this at any time impossible you should inform us so that we can inform French and make Naval and Air arrangements to assist you should you have to withdraw on the north coast"¹. Lord Gort says that he fully appreciated the importance of attacking early, before the enemy could bring up his infantry in strength, but facts had to be faced "!. These were some of the facts :- (a) General Weygand's report of the recapture of Péronne, Albert and Amiens was, says Lord Gort, 'inaccurate None of these three towns on the line of the Somme had been recaptured. (b) Two British divisions were still closely engaged with the enemy, and three others were awaiting relief by the French and Belgians, and would not become available for a further 48 hours.¹ (c) Only about 300 rounds per gun were immediately available to the B.E.F., and with communications cut the prospect of further supply was remote.¹ (d) Serious losses in Allied tanks had already been suffered and could not be replaced.¹ (e) The Belgian cavalry was unlikely to be able to engage, at short notice, in a battle 40 miles away, and on French soil.¹ Nevertheless, after consultation with General Blanchard, Lord Gort agreed that in order to implement their share of the Weygand plan they should attack southwards with 2 British divisions, one French division and a French Cavalry Corps. The attack however, could not take place till the 26th May at the earliest, owing to the reliefs in progress and the need to assemble the 2 British divisions which were still closely engaged with the enemy.¹ Furthermore, Lord Gort emphasised, both to the Secretary of State and to General Blanchard, that the principal effort must come from the south, and that the operation of the northern forces could be nothing more than a sortie. It will be seen therefore that the British and the French Governments were both urging a counter offensive on a large scale, barely 48 hours before the Dunkirk evacuation became a desperately urgent necessity. 24TH MAY The Allied position on the canal line was considerably strengthened during the 24th May. On this day also Lord Gort prepared for the proposed counter- attack southwards on the 26th May, with the ultimate objective Plouvain - Marquion - Cambrai. In effect, this attack was never carried out. Fighting troops hold on at Calais In the meantime the evacuation of Boulogne was completed. At Calais evacuation was limited to non-fighting personnel. The fighting troops held on, and a supply ship [the Benlawers]² with stores and transport unloaded for them at Calais. 1 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 38. 2 T.M. 6213/40. 11
Details
INDEX await embarkation, 82; surf stops embarkation, 82; evacuation from beaches and harbour compared, 124; Bray, 23, 28, 29, 31 (bombed), 36, 42n (bombed), 50, 52, 58-60, 69, 71, 78-82. Coxyde, 26. doned), 83 (Devonia used as pier), 86. La Panne, 23, 26, 27-28, 30-32, 42n (bombed), 46-7, 50, 52, 58-60, 66, 70, 75-83 (aban- Malo, 23, 27, 31, 71-2, 84, 101. Zuydcoote, 27, 31. Beaching boats, See small craft. Beal, 47. Beatrice Maud, 60, 114n, 118 (towed to Dover), 120. Beckwith-Smith, Brig. M. B., 66. Belgium invaded, 1; Belgium Army bad news of, 1; withdraws 2, 12; collapses, 15 craft, 73, 86. Belgians, King of 6, 19 (surrenders); Belgian troops sink Viewfinder, 53; Belgian fishing Ben and Lucy, 71m, 73. Benlawers, 11. Ben-My-Chree, in collision, 110. Bennett, S/Lt. P. H.E. Wounded, 74. Bernadette, 92. Berthon, Capt. E. L. 90 (two ships sunk under him). Biarrits, 19, 28. Biddulph, Act. Com. M. A. 0., 101. Bideford: damaged, 45-6, 52; ashore off Bray, 58 calls for towing ropes, 61. Bill, Lt. R. 39, 44 (restores order). Billotte, General, 1, 3, 6. Black, Lt. Cdr. A. R. M., died of wounds, 10. Black Arrow, 60n. Blackburn Rovers, 34n, 38 (sinking of), 110 (sunk). Blanchard, General, 1, 11, 13, 14, 19, 26. Blount, Air V.M., C. H., 4. Blyskawica, 34, 42, 69. Board of Trade Officials, 94. Boatkeepers, lack of, 60, 81. Boats, See Small Craft. Bobeli, abandoned, 53 ; sunk, 55. Bonny Heather, 60n, 120. Bornrif, 20n, 24, 114n, 116-7. Botanic, 13. Bouclier, 62n, 69, 107n, 109. Boulogne, evacuated, 8-10. Bounty, 66, 71n, 83. Bourrasque, sunk, 62-3. Boy Roy, 23n, 31 (damaged). Boyle, Cdr. R. C., 44. Brandaris, 20n, 24. Branlebas, 62n, 63. Bray. See Beaches. Brighton Belle, 23n, 27, 31 (sunk). Brighton Queen, sunk, 92. Britannic, 72n. British Expeditionary Force ; movements 10th May-4th June, XIV ; reaches Dyle R., 1; withdraws, 2, 3, 6, 14, 15; communications cut, 3, 6 ; evacuation foreseen, 4, 14 put on half rations, 8; short of ammunition, 11; discipline, 36n, 58, 80, 127-8; in good heart, 57 evacuation of rearguard, 65, 70, 108; under Adm. Abrial's orders, 66 ; rearguard held up, 103; evacuation complete, 108. Brock, 13n, 39. Brooke, Lt. Gen. A. F., 2. Buchanan, Cdr. H. J., R.A.N., 118. Buffalo Bill, 73n. Bullfinch, 47. Bush, Capt. E. W., S.N.O. afloat off Beaches, 49, 50 ; hands over to R.A. Dover, 58 goes home to press for more boats, 58. Butler, Pay S/Lt., W. J., R.N.V.R., killed, 31. Buttercup Force, 8. Bystander, 51n. 196
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
THE BEN LINE STEAMERS LTD, 28 THE PETROGRAD STEAMERS LTD. WM. THOMSON & CO. MANAGERS — 28 Bernard Street, TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS: "THOMSON, LEITH." — Leith, 20th June, 1940. TELEPHONE: LEITH 35652-3-4 PARTNERS E. W. THOMSON. E. G. THOMSON. Sir J. D. W. THOMSON, Bart. A. M. MITCHELL The Private Secretary, Minister of Shipping, London. Dear Sir, "BENLAWERS" We have to thank you for your letter of yesterday. We will have great pleasure in sending on to the Master of our above vessel the Minister's letter, which we have not the least doubt all on board will greatly appreciate. Yours truly, Va. /LORINA WORTHING NORMANNI John " Stewart London, & Street, Co. D.V. Shipping Ltu., /CANTERBU 308 Clyde Capt R. MAID OR YEWDALE John stewart & CO. Street, Shipping Glasgow, C.1. Ltd., /BIARRITZ YEWGLEN 308, Clyde C.1. AUTOCARRI Glasgow, (4182) Wt.10
Details
-2- of Ship. Name & Address of Owners Name of Master. LAN MACALISTER Clan Line Steamers, Ltd. Capt. R.W. Mackie Tylney Hall, longuines are still learning Rotherwick, made as to whicher Near Basingstoke, Hants. office is still alive. KOHISTAN * F.C. Strick & Co. Ltd. Capt. W.C. Robertson 117-121, Leadenhall St. E.C.3. BENLAWERS * Petrograd Steamers Ltd., Capt. J.P. Drummond. 28, Bernard Street, Leith (Managers: Wm. Thompson & Co.) K L CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH Ellerman & Bucknall Capt. A.W. Wooster S.S. Co., Ltd. Tudor Court, Cobham, Surrey. K1 ROEBUCK c/o Chief Docks Manager, Capt. .Larbalestier. G.W. Railway Company, Cardiff. ST KITTY Basso & Company, Mr. W. McCondach, Weymouth. 13, Ox Street, Weymouth. ST SPINEL + William Robertson Ltd., Capt. R. Humphreys ST Glasgow, C.1. ST QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL The General Steam Capt. W.J. O'Dell PAR Navigation Co., Ltd., " ROYAL DAFFODIL G. Johnston ISL ROYAL SOVEREIGN 15, Trinity Square, " T. Aldis DIN E.C.3. WOR ISLI MONA'S QUEEN Isle of Man Steam Packet ~~ Capt. A. Holkham " R. Duggan $ FENELLA Company Limited, Capt. W. Cubbon MANXMAN x Imperial Buildings, If P.B. Cowley TYNWALD * Douglas, - qual & Isle of Man. Chief Officer J.Whiteway 0 BEN-MY-CHREE X Capt. G. Woods and Chief Officer T. Cain / LADY OF MANN Capt. T.C. Woods LORINA Southern Railway Co., Capt. A. Light. NORMANNIA Waterloo Station, Capt. M.C. Whiting CANTERBURY S.W.1. Captain C. Hancoc MAID OR ORLEANS 2 (Capt. A.E. Larki (Capt. G. Walker BIARRITZ Capt. M.H. Bake AUTOCARRIER Capt. C. Maste orized.
Details
MORT SEAL LINE STEAMERS 79 80 st, 1940. Director of Sea Transport, exten Ministry of Shipping, od. 25th August, 1940. London. mort Gentlemen, 129 and I have to acknowledge the receipt of RECEIVED rebiod 130 your letter of the 20th instant and to USA Area STATE thank you for the interesting report of 7th instant. the Master of the S.S. "BENLAWERS" on tain a report from the Master VIDAD the evacuation from France his experiences at Calais. I am, Gentlemen, 'S truly, gards Your obedient Servant, 902 JOP (Sgd.) b.y. Whyman S to proceed into harbour, for Director of Sea Transport. Pp on, and that things did Messrs. William Thomson & Co., breakwaters we picked up 28, Bernard Street, Leith. from the harbour, but rong tide and the space clearing the breakwater cort, and once more reaching the being apparently received the signal from within. instructed us out to sea, In the afternoon we managed in, mooring alongside that quay with our head out ready for any emergency, for it was the came Calais was not to be held long. Major Attway R.M., apparent for, who on board together with Officers of the unit our cargo D.S.T.O. was destined asked us to co-operate as much as possible to get the cargo der SINGLE The great majority of the buoys were unlit, TWI the a bi., were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead. (Continued)
Details
TROGRAD Telegraphic STEAMERS Address, LTD. LTD. STEAMERS "THOMSON, LEITH." Memorandum EPHONE 35652 LEITH 79 20th August, 1940. From William Thomson Ho To Director of Sea Transport, PARTNERS 28 Bernard Street, IOMSON. Ministry of Shipping, THOMSON J.D. THOMSON, Bart. Leithl. London. M.MITCHELL. M. Ref: T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6 Dear Sir, 130 "Benlawers" We refer to your letter of 7th instant. We have now been able to obtain a report from the Master of the above vessel in connection with the evacuation from France and this report is enclosed. Yours truly, ENCLOSURE N°295 that we were in for a hot reception, and that us to proceed into harbour, Many not look too well. As we headed between the things did this a available we message were was easier ordered "Keep for ship's said out", in again than of which "Benlawers" at done was once owing flashed by size. the to the O.C. to On us strong Escort, breakwaters clearing from tide the the and harbour, we breakwater picked the space but up "Benlawers" was put in a position to enter, on reaching and once the more breakwaters having however, Escort hailed us and instructed us out to sea, apparently received the signal from within. In the afternoon we managed in, mooring alongside quay that with our head out ready for any emergency, for it was apparent the Calais was not to be held long. Major Attway R.M., D.S.T.O. came for, on board together with Officers of the unit our cargo was destined who asked us to co-operate as much as possible to get the cargo der SINGLE The great majority of the buoys were unlit, the TWI a bi., Daige were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead. (Continued)
Details
78 STATEMENT FROM "BENLAWERS" ON EVACUATION FROM CALAIS. 131 On the 23rd. May 1940 "Benlawers" was instructed to proceed to sea from Southampton with her usual cargo of M.T!s, whi were mainly filled with ammunition and in addition about 30 tons of Petrol was stowed on the after main deck. 9060 On arrival off Dover on the morning of the 24th. May, orders were received to proceed in company with the "Kohistan" and a Destroyer Escort to Bologne, all going well till we headed down the French coast towards that port, when heavy gunfire broke out close ahead, and we were not surprised when the Escort ordered us to about ship and follow him. Off Calais the Escort ordered us to proceed into harbour, warning us that we were in for a hot reception, and that things did not look too well. As we headed between the breakwaters we picked up a message "Keep out", which was flashed to us from the harbour, but this was easier said than done owing to the strong tide and the space available for ship's of "Benlawers" size. On clearing the breakwater we were ordered in again at once by the 0.C.Escort, and once more "Benlawers" was put in a position to enter, on reaching the breakwaters, however, Escort hailed us and instructed us out to sea, having apparently received the signal from within. In the afternoon we managed in, mooring alongside the quay with our head out ready for any emergency, for it was apparent that Calais was not to be held long. Major Attway R.M., D.S.T.O. came on board together with Officers of the unit our cargo was destined for, who asked us to co-operate as much as possible to get the cargo der single the The great majority of the buoys were unlit, TWIS a bi., carge and were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead. (Continued)
Details
Loris orig on To redal ciler 900 Two (4) 134 to enter, I sent a message off stating the gravity of the situation, but after waiting off Dover for over five hours, we 108 THE 10 d behause to because no were ordered to Southampton, where we were all fast at about 5 a.m. on the 26th. May, all much relieved to see the wounded men safe in the hospital train, which was ready alongside waiting our 095 an anivis besings 1979 arrival. Under the circumstances it was fortunate that only one man died before our arrival. no eil WOID eviecer 919W of Master S.S. "Benlawers" of Issic 03 for Director (&/) of Sex - no Oa Hasd que Dete of Steam a MR Orfice. NEW OF ne der single line. The great majority of the buoys were unlit, and as remarked above the TWIS a bi., were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead. (Continued)
Operation Dynamo Map — Movement Logs
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