Details

JABA(1)
Skoot
?
[There is no report of proceedings of this vessel.
The following account 18 compiled from the
reports of the Sk. Fredanja, the M/B Marsayru,
and the "Ramsgate report"].
30th May
0800
Left Dover for Dunkirk via route Z, in
company with the Sk. Fredanja.
1400
Both ships anchored as close to Dunkirk
beach as possible - about 1 mile east
of the east pier [i.e. off Malo beach]
The Fredanja transferred her stores
to the Jaba, which put her bows on to
the beach and landed the stores.
1900
The Jaba refloated [and apparently
sailed for Ramsgate].
31st May
0845
Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked 173
B.E.F.(2)
-
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2000ca
The M/B Marsayru ferried troops to "the
Jaba and other ships off Dunkirk."
1st June
a.m.
[The Jaba apparently sailed for
Ramsgate].
1250
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 95 B.E.F.
and 201 French troops. (2)
Total 469
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
(2) Ramsgate report erroneously attributes this disembarkation in Operation
the "Java". The Sk. Java took no part for this
Dynamo, to and the tug Java was not responsible
disembarkation.
70

Details

MARSAYRU
M/B (42 ft. 6 in.)
See also under
Hr. G.D. Olivier, Skipper,
Naval Steam Pinnace] S/Lt. T.E. Godman, 31st R.H.V.R., May
lat-2nd June
31st May
0530ca
Left Sheerness for Dunk1rk with a
whaler in ton. In company were the
motor lighters X.217 (s/Lt. R.A.W.
1600ca
Pool, R.N.), X.213 and X.149(1)
Arrived off Dunkirk beach. Marsayru
sent her whaler into the beach.
It vaB rushed by about 50 French troops
and capsized.
Mr. Olivier says: Withdrew my ship
to review the position..... Managed
to pick up a ..... naval cutter which
we ..... used a little further down
channel".
Mr. Olivier continues: "Took off
many boat loads for Bome 5 hours,
loading X.217, S.S. Roam Queen,
S.S. Jaba and BC on. on this first
day we also managed to pull Foam
Queen off the mud". [The captain of
the Roam Queen, a vessel of 1,000
tons, says that she "floated off at
high water".]
[2100ca]
S/Lt. Pool in the X.217 says: "Having
collected some 250 French troops
I took the motor boat [1.e. the
Marsayru] and cutter in tow and left
for home".
The Marcayru evidently broke away
from the tow shortly after starting,
because she was found by a Naval
lst June
1400ca
Steam Pinnace (s/Lt. Godman) at
about 1400 on lot June, off La Panne,
drifting with the tide and unoccupied;
she was seaworthy and her ongines
were in working order. S/Lt. Godman
took command of the Narsayru, put
a crew on board her, started up the
engine, embarked about 24 troops
("there was insufficient room for
more" he says) and proceeded to
2nd June
0800
Ramogate, which he reached at 0800
on 2nd June.
"Later", says S/Lt. Godman, "the
previous crew took the boat over
again, on instructions from N.O.I.C"
Mr. Oliviers' report differs
ammont
from
the foregoing account. After stating that the
Foam Queen was pulled off the mud on 31st May,
Dr. Olivier says:
"Throughout this day and the days and
nights that followed (its all a
complete jumble in my mind) we were
..... under constant fire ..... but
ship was not hit by anything.
on ..... one day - Sunday 2nd June I
think - we were singled out for
uttention (we were alone, nearest
ship being about miles away) by
Bays: "X.217 and two other drifters".
245

Details

2
MARSAYRU (continued)
4 brave Messerschmits who .....
machine gunned us for about 2 an
hour," from about "2,000 feet .....
I had given orders to hold our fire
to 1,000 feet range. After half
an hour of this, 3 Hurricanes hove
in sight and we saw no more of the
Messerschmits
"Another day we were bombed by a
large formation of Heinkels flying
miles up ..... unless [they were
after a ship] on the horizon".
"During the course of these operations
we took off from the beaches upwards
of 400 French soldiers. To our
bitter disappointment we could find
no British
.....
we also mislaid
our ship for a few hours - she was
on tow - having one propeller
completely tied up with bits of line
and the other engine knocking hard.
The tow rope broke and we could not
find her though we cast about for a
time. However she turned up again
next day
.....
My engineer, Mr.
Coggins is a wizard, he put the
engines of literally dozens of other
boats to rights, he should have a
shore job".
From the foregoing it seems clear that
Mr. Olivier made one trip to Dunkirk -
on 31st May. He left Dunkirk on
the night of 31st May in the lighter
X.217, and arrived at Ramsgate in
that lighter at 0800 on 1st June.
During the 2nd June, Mr. Olivier and
his crew returned to the Marsayru,
the instructions of the N.O.I.C.,
Ramsgate, on but there is no indication made
in any report that the Marsayru
another trip to Dunkirk.
Olivier says that during these
Mr. operations the Marsayru ferried
upwards of 400 French troops from
the shore to ships.
Total 19(1)
Authority - R.O.I. pp.182, 318.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Skipper G.D. Olivier
Mention in Despatches
Mr. C. Goggins, Engineer.
(1) See under Naval Steam Pinnace.
246

Details

EUJITUAN
Naval pontoon boat
You
T.B. Godern, R.N.V.R.
[0/20. Godman had been to Denkirk in
yay njës
the yeaht See under Portsdown he had
transferred to the yacht Noneta, in which he
took over the Naval Steam Pinnace.
returned to Remsgate. At 0530 on 1st June, he
1st June
0600
Left Hamegate with a crow of 5 and
0830
fuel for six hours steaming.
A passing trawler temporarily repaired
the Steam Pinnece's engine and
give her 3 sacks of coal. Bhe then
took the steam pinnace in ton.
1030
The tow rope broke for the third time.
The steam pinnace was taken in tow by
another trawler which had overtaken
her.
1200
Blipped the tow outside Dunkirk harbour
and proceeded towards La Panne.
Air attack on a sloop off the herbour
entrence [1t was the G/B Mosquito];
the sloop half submerged, consed fire
Just west of La Panne, picked up a
dinghy and making several tripe,
ferried 15 British troops to the
steam pinnace.
1400ca
Off La Penne, sighted the M/B Marsayru
drifting with the tide and unoccupie
[She had broken away on the previous
night when in tow of the lighter
X.217
The Mareayru was found to be in work-
ing order; the engine wes started
up, and an A.B. and a moldier were
taken as crew.
P.O. Morrison use loft to charge of
the steam pinnace, with orders to 1ay
off and wait for the return of the
Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow, the Marsayru
proceeded to the western end of the
besch and anchored; the dinguy
ferried about 24 troops to her.
There WES insufficient room in the
to take any more.
1700
The kareayro weighed anchor, cast the
disghy advist. and proceeded eastward
to pick up the steam pinnace. She
VILTORIA
was found anchored, near the harbour,
and deserted. It wes decided to
leave her there.
The Marasyni proceeded to Remagate.
1900
Closed the OF Decreasebank which gave
the MATURATH case Fuel and the
course for Desegate. It USD
observed that the stemp pinnes's
orew were ou board END
2330
usde fast to a contant risabing bucy
and unsted for anytight.
2nd June
0430
A travier truis the to tow
to
0800
Arrived CANADA 19
FORMA
325

Details

NAVAL STEAM PINNACE
M/B MARSAYRU
S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
[s/Lt. Godman had previously been to Dunkirk in
the yacht Seriola. While there, he had
transferred to the yacht Noneta, in which he
took over the Naval Steam Pinnace.
returned to Ramsgate. At 0530 on 1st June, he
1st June
0600
Left Ramagate with a crew of 5 and
0830
fuel for six hours steaming.
A passing trawler temporarily repaired
the Steam Pinnace's engine and
gave her 3 sacks of coal. She then
took the steam pinnace in tow.
1030
The tow rope broke for the third time.
The steam pinnace was taken in tow by
another trawler which had overtaken
her.
1200
Slipped the tow outside Dunkirk harbour
and proceeded towards La Panne.
Air attack on a sloop off the harbour
entrance it was the G/B Mosquito]
the sloop half submerged, ceased fire.
-
Just west of La Panne, picked up a
dinghy and making several trips,
ferried 15 British troops to the
steam pinnace.
1400ca
Off La Panne, sighted the M/B Marsayru,
drifting with the tide and unoccupied.
[She had broken away on the previous
night when in tow of the lighter
X.217].
The Marsayru was found to be in work-
ing order; the engine was started
up, and an A.B. and a soldier were
taken as crew.
P.O. Morrison was left in charge of
the steam pinnace, with orders to lay
off and wait for the return of the
Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow, the Marsayru
proceeded to the western end of the
beach and anchored; the dinghy
ferried about 24 troops to her.
There was insufficient room in the
Marsayru to take any more.
1700
The Marsayru weighed anchor, cast the
dinghy adrift, and proceeded eastwards
to pick up the steam pinnace. She
was found anchored, near the harbour,
and deserted. It was decided to
leave her there.
The Marsayru proceeded to Ramagate.
1900
Closed the sk. Doggersbank which gave
the Marsayru some fuel and the
course for Ramsgate. It was
observed that the steam pinnace's
crew were on board the Doggersbank.
2330
Made fast to a conical flashing buoy
and waited for daylight.
2nd June
0430
A trawler took the Marsayru in tow
to Ramsgate.
0800
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 19
troops.
326

Details

NAVAL STEAM PINNACE
M/B MARSAYRU
}
(continued)
2nd June
0800
(contd.)
(contd.)
The Marsayru was berthed.
Later, the previous crew took charge
enot
of the Marsayru, on instructions
362
from the N.O.I.C., but there is
no evidence to show that she went
across to Dunkirk again.
Total (Marsayru) 19
Authority - R.O.II, p.317.
For awards, Bee under Seriola
to DES
(1) Ramagate report.
327

Details

SERIOLA (continued)
Barrell,
The Seriola ferried about 900 troops
from shore to ships.
.)
29th Authority - R.O.II, p.308. Princess
May
Southend; in
ep-
ratings),
Queen (2 rating and
civilian), and Cocen
by 3 civilians).
r
The following awards were made: west of Dunkirk, the
or H.M.
D.S.C. Sub.Lieut. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
The
[See also Noneta, Naval Steam Pinnace and Marsayru]
der
Eay
Canvey Oncen's
was takon in by Shamrock.
0430ca
Donkirk.
Abamrock, Cenvey Queen and Princess
Hand ferried troops to
including the [1.0. the Anthony] I
Doring
the
Maud aground and had to
be abandened.
Shamrock's propeller become fouled
and she was towed by the Canvey Queen
31
to the "H-40" which embarked her crew.
The Susmrook was abandoned.
1645
The Carryey Queen at this time was able
to perform uneful service towing
boats for the drifter Fairbresse.
The Canvey queen fouled her propeller,
and was abandoped off Dunkirk, (4)
1)
Mr. Barrell estimates that about 1500
1
troops were ferried by the above
motor vessels.
Authority TO.9436,-
Owner W.H. Wilson.
According E. to Crouch. a report in TO.9144, this was the M/S "Tilly")
but WILD no of the
Tilly not the
by 15/6/40.
123

Details

Motor lighter
X.213
Pool,
31st
MAY
See X.217
The motor lighters X,217,
X.149, and the M/B 8,213.
Sheerness for Dunkirk beaches.
1.0. the Marsayrul Mansaymars* sailed from
Arrived Donkirk. During an sir
Bheerness about 0600 897 hame gate).
The motor lighter 3.225 also.left
1600cm
attack "2 lighters Beemed to
vanish" 1,213 and 3.1491.
X.217 was beached, and assisted by
the dinghy embarked about 50
French troops. These were transfer-
red to B. motor yacht [the Llenthony
which then left for Ramagate.
The X.217 continued to embark troops
using the Mareayru and a outter.
[2100ca]
With about 250 British and French
troops on board the X-217 left
for home, towing the Parzayru and
a cutter.
En route, the Marsayru broke adrift
from the tow and could not be found.
She was subsequently found by
S/Lt. T.E. Godman R.N.V.R. who vas
in a Naval Steam Pinnace, govel
1st June
0800
The X.217 with the outter 1a too
arrived at Remsgate. Disembarked
200 troops.(2)
Total 200
r
[8/Lt. Pool then transferred to
the W.D/M.L. Marlborough
Authority - R.O.III, p.305.
D.M.O. Sheerness, 0615/31.
"
L
$
S/Lt. Pool's dates bahind (DF
Wilson Lad
Estimated.
been
344

Details

Motor lighter
X.217(1)
0530
S/Lt. R.A.W. Pool, R.N.
31st May
The X.149, [i.e. motor and
Sheerness the sailed
Sheerness [The for Dunkirk beaches. from
motor lighter X.225
1600ca
Arrived Rams gate]. left
-
X.217 by
French attack vanish" the was dinghy Dunkirk. "2 troops. beached, X.213 about lighters embarked and During 0600 and X.149]. seemed about assisted for an also air 50 to
which then left for Ramsgate.
red to a motor yacht [the Llanthony
These were transfer-
-
The X.217 continued to embark troops
[2100ca]
using the Marsayru and a cutter.
With about 250 British and French
troops on board the X.217 left
for home, towing the Marsayru and
a cutter.
En route, the Marsayru broke adrift
from the tow and could not be found.
[She was subsequently found by
S/Lt. T.E. Godman R.N.V.R. who was
in a Naval Steam Pinnace, q.v.]
1st June
0800
The X.217 with the cutter in tow
arrived at Ramsgate. Disembarked
200 troops.(2)
Total 200
[s/Lt. Pool then transferred to
the W.D/M.L. Marlborough
Authority - R.O.III, p.305.
D.M.O. Sheerness, 0615/31.
(1) S/Lt. behind the actual dates
(2) Estimated. been

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Dynamo 312.
63
COPY.
Royal Naval Hospital,
57
Chatham.
To: Rear-Admiral Taylor, O.B.E..
13th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the narrative of
events whilst in command of m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES"
Bray. until she was believed sunk at 1415 at the beaches near
A.M. Wednesday 29th May I was ordered to proceed
to Sheerness to report to the Commodore at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE"
Arrived Sheerness about 1700 was ordered to proceed in
m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" leading flotilla of seven light
craft. Left camber at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE" proceeded to sea
through boom. Two boats appeared to be in difficulties
and did not leave the boom. I was met by escort yacht
and formed astern of her.
Had to slow down to keep boats in company. First
three boats astern kept good station, remaining one fell
astern but owing to urgency of getting boats to destination
flotilla did not decrease speed any further.
About 2200 yacht escort was challenged from shore.
She informed me an officer was required to go in to
Margate for orders, so proceeded myself in fast motor boat
"MARSAYRA". Established my identity and was told to
push on to Ramsgate. While away one boat "QUEEN
BOADACEA" broke down, after some delay she was taken in
tow by escort yacht. My port engine broke down, speed.
greatly reduced. One boat lost contact in darkness. I
went back to look for her off Longrose, search
unsuccessful, rejoined escort. Fog came down at dawn and
escort anchored with "NEW PRINCE OF WALES", "QUEEN BOADACEA"
and "MARSAYRA", off Ramsgate exact position uncertain.
After an hour fog cleared enough to show buoy ahead so
proceeded with "MARSAYRA" in company escort yacht following
with "QUEEN BOADACEA". Engines misfiring badly and
stopped just outside Ramsgate, anchored and proceeded into
harbour in "MARSAYRU". Reported to Naval Officer-in-
Charge Ramsgate received charts and orders to proceed to
beaches between Bray and La Panne and to carry on
ferrying troops from shore to ships until only enough fuel
remained to return. Boats were towed in, repairs started
on "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" immediately.
Engines ready for use at 1630 so proceeded to sea 30/5
at once by route 'X' for Dunkerque. Arrived off French
coast 2230 (Thursday 30th). Port engine failed again
shortly after turning parallel to coast. Dunkerque burning
fiercely and heavy pall of smoke covered the channel to the
borth. Endeavoured to find beach with boat hardly making
eny way through the water. Attempts to locate troops were
insuccessful and I was lost in smoke, saw green light buoy
ДРО established approximate position, immediately fterward
voptboard engine failed, had to drop anchor.
E.R.A. reported ammount of fuel remaining and I
we could not return to Ramsgate even if we did no
I. пливет BO determined to carry on until fuel ran out. The
& atco LETUS efforts of E.R.A. hite and the stoker assisting
commendable and before dawn both engines
though firing badly the boat was making three

Details

Dynamo 185.
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRO"
170
6th.June 1960
B14/0/1513
II.
Leading Seaman BROWN.
No.R.E.2/014.
Vice Admiral,
Dover.
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief,
that I took over dommand
The Nore.)
esday 29th.May 1940.
rt I tried to sort things
on, regarding any particular
Forwarded.
stremely hasty. I therefore
nga will suffice.
2.
Reports and recommendations
Friday 31st.May 1940 at
concerning the above named vessels
with X217 and 2 other
were forwarded by my Nos. M.I. 1/14/015
utenant POOL,R.N. We
and R.E. 2/014. of 8th and 9th
out 3 p.m. we came in sight
June, 1940.
moke and explosions as far
later we contacted the
3.
Of the vessels mentioned in the French soldiers from the
above reports only the "Royal Eagle", to the beach; it was
"Golden Eagle" and "Crested Eagle"
heen and capsized at once.
are specifically named in Appendix 1, it himself from being more
thdrew my ship to review
4.
In addition to the vessels
", stuff that looked like
named in Minute 1 above, the Yachts
iD devil as I know that
"Christobel II" "Caleta", "Glala"
our propellers in the way
"Amulree" and the tug "St Clears"
happen as soon as I had
were mentioned in my reports, and
each we managed to pick
are presumed to be included in the
captured and used a little
note to Appendix 1.
troops appeared to be a
>-loads for some 5 hours,
Jaba" and so on. On this
ADMIRAL
am Queen" (about 2000 tons
" she had put her nose.
30th JULINE, 1940
*
;ines of "Marsayru" and
1940.
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
ghout this day and the
SHEERNESS.
all a complete jumble in
stant fire of various kinds,
affird
the ship was not hit by
most
lune I think - we were
UMum
-done, nearest ship being
Marmay) by 4 brave Messershimi to who dived and
m. compair bell hadwith much vigour but exceedingly poor aim
tant fire 7 we messenour. We had a Bren and 2 rifles but did
the ship . are bus German pilots seemed disinolined to come
lune I thinwaleand 4 net and I had given orders to hold our fire
ar, nearechya pity.. A pity. After half an hour of this 3
rebbmit to worght and sight and we saw no more of the Messerschmits
and exceeding 2 rire bombed day we were bombed by a large formation of
d disinclleast I class up. At least I think it was our little
arders wer was one as. unless it was one on the horison, in
After half anre French soldienw . course of these operations we took off
iven calf an a these opeedirapd by miles.
we saw no more be British, others ads of 400 French soldiers. To our bitter
few hours - she and find no British, others ware luckier.
were bombed by aly a tied up with hingly for a few hours - she was on tow
At least I thinked. The sow rope rifompletely tied up with bits of line and
a it was one we cast about for a noling hard. The sow rope broke and we
iles. 80 of them tay evening having eaflecut day - faithruk thing. No arrived
day - faithruk thing. Hugh we cast about for a time. However
400 1 about
We borught back 2 preday evening having called from Ramagate
- faithruk
tip. We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice
evening h.s.
We borught

Details

Dynamo 18.5
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRU"
170
6th.June 1960
SKIPPER. G.D.OLIVIER.
SIGINEER
C.COGGINS.
CREW
Messrs.FORBES, HUMPHRIES and Leading Seaman BROWN.
I have the honour to report that I took over dommand
of the Motor Yacht "Marsayru" on Wednesday 29th.May 1940.
Before commencing this report I tried to sort things
out a bit but find that my recollection, regarding any particular
date on which incidents occurred, is extremely hazy. I therefore
hope that a general report on our doings will suffice.
We sailed from Sheerness on Friday 31st.May 1940 at
4 A.M., bound for Dunkirk, in company with X217 and 2 other
drifters under the comand of .Lieutenant POOL,R.N. We
steamed at 5 knots approximately. About 3 p.m. we came in sight
of the coast, a long line of fires, smoke and explosions as far
as the eye could see. About one hour later we contacted the
Naval forces engaged in evacuating the French soldiers from the
beaches. I had a whaler and sent it to the beach; it was
immediately stormed by about 50 Frenchmen and capsised at once.
My rating, Brown, had a job to prevent himself from being more
or less forcibly drowned. I then withdrew my ship to review
the position. Warps were everywhere, stuff that looked like
42", also smaller ropes which were the devil as I knew that
sooner or later we were bound to get our propellers in the way
of one of them. However this did not happen as soon as I had
feared. In our retreat p from the beach we managed to pick
up a very nice naval cutter which we captured and used a little
futther down channel where the French troops appeared to be a
little calmer. life took off many boat-loads for some 5 hours,
loading X217, S.S. "Foam Queen", S.S. "Jaba" and so on. On this
first day we also managed to pull "Foam Queen" (about 2000 tons
I should say) off the mud, into which she had put her nose.
I thought this spoke well for the engines of "Marsayru" and
Mr. Coggins who attended them. Throughout this day and the
days and nights that followed (it's all a complete jumble in
my mind) we were of course under constant fire of various kinds,
but I have the honour to report that the ship was not hit by
anything. On one day - Sunday 2nd.June I think - we were
singled out for attention (we were alone, nearest ship being
about 2½ miles away) by 4 brave Messershimits who dived and
machine-gunned us with much vigour but exceedingly poor aim
for about half an hour. We had a Bren and 2 rifles but did
not use them as the German pilots seemed disinolined to come
nearer than 2000 feet and I had given orders to hold our fire
Hurricanes have in sight and we saw no more of the Messerschmits
to 1000 feet range. A pity. After half an hour of this 3
after that.
Another day we were bombed by a large formation of
Heinkels flying miles up. At least I think it was our little in
ship they were after, unless it was one on the horison,
which case they missed by miles.
the course of these operations we took off
from the beaches During upwards of 400 French soldiers. To our luckier. bitter
disappointment we could find no British, others were tow -
He also mislaid out ship for a few hours - she was on
having propeller completely tied up with bits broke of and line we and
could not find engine her though we cast about for a time. arrived However
the other one knocking hard. The tow rope
back turned Sheerness up yesterday evening having called from Ramsgate - nice
she again next day - faithful thing. we
at 1200. at An eventful trip. We borught back 2 "prises" a
18ft

Details

183
1 . 171
Report of Motor Yacht "Marsayru" (contd)
We brought back 2 prizes - a nice
18ft.outter and a small 10ft.dinghy, both in good repair.
As regards my crew I cannot speak too highly
of the splendid work done by Mr.FORBES ( a fine old "shell-back")
who was certainly a father to me. Also by our rating BROWN,
My Engineer, .COGGINS, is a wisard, he put the engines of
literally dozens of other boats to rights, he should have a
SHORE Job. As regards Mr.HUMPHRIES I cannot recommend his
continuance in the Service, he is physically unfit.
Finally I would like to say how proud we all are to
have been given this opportunity of paaying a very small
part in these splendid operations. It is a thing I for one
will never forget.
(sd) G.D.OLIVIER.

Details

EPORT OF SUB. LIEUT. T.E. GODMAN, R.N.V.R. (Contd).
2.
318
297
objectives were to have bombed been and sunk. a trawler a few miles astern
12
ntinued S their operations Panne Dutch coaster throughout the the White day.
her also thought at intervals Enemy bombers and artillery
st West of La was in a attendance flying soldiers from Ensign
three motor boats embarking
th beach. As previous experience had already shown, the to craft
llect e the troops owing to the shallowness of the water boats and had the
e craft in use were unable to get closeenough in shore
with the result that two of the motor and
On the other hand, the coaster's
to do so and soon were left high two life dry
oats ship. Enquiries were made if any assistance further
had been and were successfully ferrying could the be troops to
endered he but, under the above conditions, nothing a could few
done. There were a number of deserted Thames the Barges, beach. A of
hich from one of these was taken and rowed ashore French
e were afloat but the rest of which were on while the
innace on the beach since yesterday and at on e a
inghy lay off in deep water. A great number of point soldiers were
inloading rider a rode up and enquired for what information purpose all on this the barges had
ad arrived barge which had a cargo of foodstuffs. Here, "rench
despatch brought. He was told that we had no had been
been After several trips in the dinghy the pinnace at
point. with about 15 men, all the British soldiers who made were if
filled on that part of the beach. Enquiries were be obtained the
that time to be evacuated but no information could left to
French whether were this was to be done or if they were circumstances, to be
as to evacuation of the B.E.F. Under these at the
cover the soldiers were taken on board. The trawler the view of
no French of the beach was then closed with but it
Eastern end the soldiers and of collecting more, did not wish was
found that she had The gone pinnace took a kedge anchor out assistance to
transferring aground and therefore seawards to
help her could A take if transfer motor any over, any the be auxiliary boat, more. rendered, the ship but soldiers. pull it "MARSAYRU", engine appeared herself it was A had floating endeavoured was that off was been then and, they closed, installed, Thames sighted as were to no found find all Barge further drifting with sailing to another was be a view in with closed barges working ship of the crew, taking to to only. see
tide and unoccupied. This One A.B. and soldier were taken of as the
order the and started up. and the P.O. left in charge
pinnace dinghy with taken orders in tow to lay off until the (Continued). motor boat returned.

Details

EPORT OF SUB.LIEUT.T.E.GODMAN, R.N.V.R. (Contd).
3.4
298
he information had been fre information had beend wh received that there were more British
"MARSAYRU" was then anchored off the Western end of the beach
12
the coaster was already at anchor.
t that this latter ship had also gone aground and
ufficient troops to fill the ship had already been taken on
oard. Approximately 24 men were then ferried to the motor
oat and there was insufficient room to take any more. Remaining
oldiers ashore were told to make for Dunkirk Harbour where
;roop carriers were still coming in, although few of the troops
ppeared to know of this. No assistance could be rendered to the
Paster which was waiting for the tide to float her and at 1700
e weighed anchor, cast the dinghy adrift and proceeded eastwards
to pick up the pinnace. This was found to be anchored near the
harbour, but had been deserted, together with the chart and
several items of gear. It was decidied to leave the pinnace there
in case it might be of use for further evacuation parties and we
started for Ramsgate.
A merchant vessel came out of the harbour astern of us and was
bombed but no hits were made on either of us. A deserted motor
boat was passed but as we were being bombed at the time it was
decided not to investigate. At 19.00 we closed the 'Dogger Bank'
a Dutch coaster flying the white ensign who gave us some fuel
and the courses required to reach Ramsgate. It was also observed
that the pinnace's crew were on board and the C.O. was requested to
detained the P.O. for questionong on arrival but as he was making
for Margate he did not consider it advisable to do this and the
matter was consequently dropped.
We then proceeded on our course but by 23.00 had not picked up
the N. Goodwin light vessel. A Belgian fishing fleet was closed
to enquire our position but they could not understand English,
also a passing vessel was called up by flashing the deckhouse
light but he evidently did not observe us as he did not stop.
A course was then set for a red, conical flashing bouy (R) S.E.
of us and at 23.30 we made fast to it and watches were detailed
till the morning.
June 2
04.00. A sloop sighted us and informed a trawler close by of our
position.
04.30. The trawler closed us and took us in tow to Ramsgate.
08.00. The soldiers were landed at the Town steps and the boat
was berthed. Later the previous crew took the boat over again on
instructions from N.O.i/C., the A.B. returned to his former ship
which was in the harbour and I reported back to H.M.Y.Seriola.
(Continued).

Details

KIL KVL
1'Nesse
REMARKS
Sn 2.0. If copy
OWNER
VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
MA JOIE
Mrs. L.Clarbour
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
N.S.C.O. Thames 27.7.40.
O.
RSOU
MAJOR
B.R.Bunn
Now A.P.S.
ROSA
MALDON ANNIE
Col. Lamount
T.98 No information of return
RUBY
from Dunkirk.
IVU
MALVINA
R.E. Cooper
To V.A. Dover
HAS
MOLLY
E.Thomas
Returned to owner
WOR
MARE NOSTRUM
B.C.Kirby
Returned to owners 19/6
KOU
MARCHIONESS
J.Mears
Returned to owners 11.6.40.
6.40.
SOU
MARGHERITA
J.Mears
No information of return from
er
OH
Dunkirk.
RO
MARINA
A.Jacobs
Returned to owners.
MARSAYRU
C.Wyatt
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RI
MARINA
J.T.Phelps
Returned to owner prepared did
MARICEL
not go.
.S.
a
C. Robinson
Repaired, fuelled, floated, but
MARY
not taken over.
to A.P.S.
Danish
ARY HOWARD
Mr.McKenzie
Survived. Returned to Weymouth
Dule from
ARY IRENE
Unable to sail
H.Cartridge
.P.S.
T.98. Returned to owners -
irk.
ARY ROSE
5.6.40.
Dives
S.
T.98. No report received from
RY SPEARING
W.G.S.Crouch
"Missing Vessels" List.
RY SPEARING II
If
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
ILDA
Chelsea Yachts &
Returned to owners.
ers
Boat Club Co.
BELLE
Returned to owners.
:0 Owners.
D.Robinson
LOWER
C.Adams
Returned to owners did not go.
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy.
Service (6A).
DER
H.Graham
Returned to owners
mers.
AIDEN
Lt.Com.P.M.Filleul,R.N.
Returned to owners
EY
R.H. Campbell
T.98. Returned to owner
ANT
Capt.E.B.Schermauley
Did not leave. No. Exam.Ser.
LICENT D.LEACH
Littlehampton.
ed to Owners
Harry Leach
(Released 3.6.40 Re-allocated
I
J.M.Wright
to Spl.Admiralty service (6A)
0SA
A.Gordon
Returned - unsuitable
Owners.,S.
IKOI
A.P.S.
Capt.Shelford
T.98 Sunk in collision with
ed or Dunkirk, ai
AURU II
M.T.B.
J.W.Cottrell
T.98. Re-allocated to Special
ned to Owners
D. OILTAUR ICX
Service.
19/
Mr.Towndrow
S.W.Wills
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
T.98. Returned to owners
1
SA
KLASOL
6.6.40.
JRIUS
R.C.Kyle
No report received from list
AURIUS
of Missing Vessels.
IS8 MISS MADGE
Vectis Shipping Co.
Returned to owner.
SS CMISS MING
S.W.Richardson
RETURNED - UNSUITABLE
ed but did not
Kriz Crusers
T.98 Now on Aux. Patrol
kirk.
W.S.Nott
A.P.S.
-do-
MIDD OIENA
J.Ovett
Returned to owner
88 MONARCH
c/o Wilsons
A.P.S.
ned -do- to Owners
SS MOSS ROSE
T.& G. Baker
Returned to owners 18/6
ased 1.6.40.
T.Adams
Did not return from Dynamo
Dover List 5.
D56' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
No report recd. from "Missing
Vessels" List.
30' Motor Boat
-do-
R.Hoyes
Stor Torpedo Boat
Thornycrofts
V.A.Dover
1.2
Returned to owners by N.O.I.C.
tor Ferries (2)
- Not used
Ramagate.
Returned
SME
C.Barber

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
Typical of the urge which characterised sailed from Ramsgate this movement at 0205 of small craft was
escorting the trawler motor Strathelliot, boats, 8 which of which were disabled and in tow of on various the 31st May
the M/B Skylark, disabled, was in tow of Strathelliot. At 0640 the Skylark's vessels
towing bollard tore away and she was taken the in tow stern first. Then the M/B
embarked the Skylark in also the in became Strathelliot. tow-and damaged, later Shortly taken after in tow this stern the first-and M/B Malden crew Annie Lad ber, IV
crew were transferred to the Strathelliot and she and was Mary sunk after Rose was her sunk. Her
Mary Rose, which had been in tow of M/B the Rapid I, was damaged.
had to be taken she arrived
water fast, and dritting on to the was She
Dunkirk beaches with her pumps beach choked, she bilge abandoned. full of rubbish fund making off
useful purpose, however, by being used as a pier.
It is impossible to give the story of every ship, although each ship has its
which went over on the 31st May in company with the lighters X. 217 (S/Lt.
story. Here, for instance, is the unvarnished history of the M/B Marsayru
R.A. W. Pool, R.N.) X. 213 and X. 149. They arrived off Malo beach at about
1600. During an air attack X. 213 and X. 149 were sunk. The Z. 217 was
beached and, assisted by the dinghy, embarked 95 troops which were transferred
to the yacht Llanthony. The X. 217 continued to embark troops using the
Marsayru and a cutter. At about 2100 that evening, with the Marsayru's
skipper and crew and about 200 British and French troops on board, the X. 217
left for home towing the Marsayru and a cutter.
Shortly after sailing the Marsayru broke adrift, and in darkness could not be
found. Next day, the 1st June, however, at 1400, S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
in a Naval steam pinnace, off La Panne, sighted the Marsayru drifting with the
tide and unoccupied. She was found to be in working order; the engine was
started up and Sub-Lieut. Godman took an A.B. and a soldier as crew. He
left Petty Officer Morrison in charge of the steam pinnace with orders to lay off
and wait for the return of the Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow the Marsayru proceeded to the western end of the
beach capacity. and anchored; the dinghy ferried 19 troops to her, which filled her to
In the meantime the crew of the steam pinnace had embarked in the skoot
Doggersbank and had left the steam pinnace anchored near Dunkirk harbour.
Sub-Lieut. Godman decided to leave her there and sailed in the Marsayru for
England; from her. he overtook the Doggersbank on the way and obtained some fuel
and in tow waited for daylight. At 0430 on the 2nd June a trawler a took the Marsayru
At 2330 on the Ist June the Marsayru made fast to conical flashing buoy
embarked. to Ramsgate, which was reached at 0800, and the 19 troops were dis-
the Queen's pleasure launches Enterprise and Wave Queen), the Foremost Southborough,
White Heather,Westeriey,A Lansdowne, hopper barge .26. The M/B's. Marsayru,
and the 101, Lady Minotaur,
The motor coaster Hythe. M/B, the Dolphin's Balquhain, power Tigris boat, I, Rapid the Nelson's I, picket
the motor X lighters launch 95, 149, 209 (towing a boat), 213, Sherfield,
motor launches Grouse, Nanette II the lighter Y.C.63. The and War 217. The motor barge seven 30 knot
eighth, The skoot the Pigeon, Hilda went Haig, over on Kestrel, 1st June. Marlborough, Swallow, Department's Wolfe and Vulture an
Gipsy Three King, more Golden of towed Spray over II the and motor two life-boats. boats Moss Rose, Rose Marie, Lady Haig, Britannic
and
the M.F.H. Pickford & Co. Ltd.'s motor vessels went over, viz the Chamois, Hound
72

Details

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
Later on 2nd June, on instructions from the N.O.I.C., the original crew took
charge of the Marsayru, but she did not, apparently, make a second trip to Dun-
kirk. Her skipper (G. D. Olivier) received the D.S.M. for his services, and her
engineer (C. Coggins) a mention in despatches.
The Cockle Bawley boats
Of the small craft that went over on this day, Admiral Ramsay speaks in
the following terms of the Cockle Bawley boats²:
"The conduct of the crews of these cockle boats was exemplary. They were all
volunteers who were rushed over to Dunkirk in one day, probably none of them
had been under gunfire before and certainly none of them under Naval discipline.
These boats were Thames estuary fishing boats which never left the estuary, and
only one of their crews had been further afield than Ramsgate before. In spite
of this fact perfect formation was maintained throughout the day and night under
the control of a Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R.³ in command of the Unit, and all orders
were carried out with great diligence even under actual shell fire and aircraft
attack."
One of these cockle boats, the Renown, was blown up by a mine while returning
to England disabled and in tow of the drifter Ben and Lucy. Her skipper,
W. H. Noakes, and his crew⁴ were killed. The Ben and Lucy had been towing
the drifter Feasible (disabled by a shell hit), 3 life-boats and the cockle boat
Letitia. At 0115 on the 1st June the Renown, by then disabled, attached
herself to this tow, but an hour later she was blown to pieces and a hail of wood
and splinters came down on the Letitia's deck. The Letitia's skipper (A. J.
Dench) says, In the pitch dark we could see nothing, and after the explosion
we hard nothing and we could do nothing, except pull in the tow rope, which
was just as we passed it to the Renown about 3 hour before.
French and Belgian ships arrive
Early on the 31st it became known that the Belgian Government were anxious
that several small Belgian fishing craft lying at Brixham should take part in
the evacuation and steps were taken to arrange this.
At 1335 the French destroyer Léopard routed from the Downs to Dunkirk
two French trawlers5, three French motor fishing vessels⁶, and ten Belgian
trawlers⁷.
The Belgian trawlers were under the orders of Pilote Malet; the remainder
of the ships under Lieutenant de vaisseau Drogou.
Other Allied ships that sailed for Dunkirk on this day were the French cargo
ships Ingénieur Cachin and Margaux, the trawlers Pierre et Marie, Emma and
Duperre, and the patrol vessel Diligente; the Belgian trawlers Lydie Suzanne
and Yvonne, and the drifters Gerard-Léon (H.64), Anne Marie and Thérèse
Compas. On her return journey the Pierre et Marie picked up 3 English sailors
from a drifting motor boat.
I The Marsayru's skipper says that throughout 31st May, and the days and nights that
followed (its all a complete jumble in my mind) we were
under constant fire
but
the
ship was not hit by anything." It seems, however, that Mr. Olivier was only in the evacu-
ation for 5 hours, i.e. from 1600 to 2100, 31st May.
2 Defender, Endeavour, Letitia, Reliance, Renown and Resolute.
3 S/Lt. M. H. B. Solomon, R.N.V.R.
4 L. V. Osborne, Mate, and F. W. Osborne, Engineer.
5 Chasse-Marée and Angèle Marie.
6 Margaux (D.692), Jeune France (Di.1213) and Du Guesclin (D.G.910).
7 Indépendence (0.308), Victor-Erna (H.63), Louise-Irène (H.80), Pharailde (H.42)
Raphael-Raymonde (H.43), O.L.V. Van Vlaandeven (N.49), John (O.210) Anna Marguerite
(Z.2), Buffalo Bill (Z.4) and the M.41.
73

Details

Details

INDEX
Lord Southborough, 60, 69, 83.
Lorina, sunk, 45.
Louise-Irene, 73n.
Louise Marie, 62n.
Lucian Gougy, 107n.
Lusyne, Capt. P., 116.
Lutteur, 62.
Lydd, 28n, 36-7, 44, 52, 100-1, 103.
Lydie-Susanne, 73.
M.41, 73n.
McClelland, Lt. Cdr. J. W., 59n, 75-7 (work at La Panne).
McCullough, Lt. Cdr., 59n.
Mackay, 20n, 27, 35-6 (put out of action).
MacKewn, Lt. A. R., R.N.R., takes over St. Seriol, 48.
McRea, Lt. H. C. J., 37.
Maid of Orleans, 16-17, 22n, 24, 31n, 54n, 87 (damaged), 127.
Mainwaring, Lt. A. H., killed, 93.
Ma Joie, 60n.
Malabar, 85.
Malcolm, 28n, 54n, 55, 62 (makes two trips on 30th May), 83 (collides with Dunkirk pier),
109 (sent back empty), 112n, 114n, 116, 118.
Malden Annie IV, abandoned, 72.
Malet, Pilote, 73.
Malines, 29n, 37.
Mallard, 34, 99, 104.
Mallow, 88.
Malo, see Beaches.
Manxman, 29n, 54n, 102, 114n.
March, Mr. F. J., 47.
Maréchal Foch, sunk, 116.
Maretta, damaged, 13.
Margaux, 73.
Marie, 74.
Marlborough, 72n.
Marmion, 28n, 54n, 100-1, 107n, 109.
Marrack, Capt. H. R., 74.
Marsayru, adventures of, 72-3.
Mary Rose, sunk, 72.
Mary Scott, 100.
M.A./S.B.6, 52 (sinks Minikoi), 66-7 (takes Lord Gort to Dover), 75.
M.A./S.B.7, 111-112 (in operation CK.).
LA./S.B,10, 101-2, 108, 119.
Massey Shaw, 119.
Maund, Cdr. G. O., speeds up embarkation, 63-64; leads ships into Dunkirk, 101.
Medical Parties, sent across, 49.
Medway Queen, 23n, 27, 31, 100-1, 105, 107n, 109, 114n.
Merchant Navy, see Civilians.
Mermaiden, 72n.
Meuse, 114n.
M.F.H., 72n.
Michael Stevens, 107n.
Midas, 23n, 107n.
Mines and mining, British, 34; German, 38, 93, 110; French, 62-3.
Minikoi, sunk 52.
Ministry of Sea Transport, 21.
Ministry of Shipping, 5.
Minotaur, 72n.
Mirasol, 53.
Mistral, 39, 40n, 41 (damaged), 43.
Monarda, 71n.
Mona's Isle, 16, 19.
Mona's Queen, 16, 28, 31n, 38 (sunk).
Montgomery, Maj.-Gen. B. L., 2, 75, 77 (embarks).
Morrison, P. O., 72.
Montrose, 20n, 27, 32n, 36 (put out of action).
202

Details

CHEK
SSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
MA JOIE
Mrs. L. Clarbour
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
N.S.C.O. Thames 27.7.40.
MAJOR
B.R.Bunn
Now A.P.S.
MALDON ANNIE
Col. Lamount
T.98 No information of return
from Dunkirk.
MALVINA
R.E. Cooper
To V.A. Dover
MOLLY
E.Thomas
Returned to owner
MARE NOSTRUM
B.C.Kirby
Returned to owners 19/6
MARCHIONESS
J.Mears
Returned to owners 11.6.40.
MARGHERITA
J.Mears
No information of return from
Dunkirk.
MARINA
A.Jacobs
Returned to owners.
MARSAYRU
C.Wyatt
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MARINA
J.T.Phelps
Returned to owner prepared did
not go.
MARICEL
C.Robinson
Repaired, fuelled, floated, but
not taken over.
MARY
Danish
Survived. Returned to Weymouth
MARY HOWARD
Mr.McKenzie
Unable to sail
MARY IRENE
H.Cartridge
T.98. Returned to owners -
5.6.40.
MARY ROSE
O.Dives
T.98. No report received from S.
"Missing Vessels" List.
MARY SPEARING
W.G.S.Crouch
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
MARY SPEARING II
"
Returned to owners.
MATILDA
Chelsea Yachts &
Boat Club Co.
Returned to owners.
MAYBELLE
D.Robinson
Returned to owners did not go.
MAYFLOWER
C.Adams
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy.
Service (6A).
MEANDER
H.Graham
Returned to owners
MERMAIDEN
Lt.Com.P.M.Filleul,R.N.
Returned to owners
MERSEY
R.H. Campbell
T.98. Returned to owner
MIGRANT
Capt. E. B. Schermauley
Did not leave. No. Exam.Ser.
Littlehampton.
MILLICENT D.LEACH
Harry Leach
(Released 3.6.40 Re-allocated
to Spl. Admiralty service (6A)
MIMI
J.M. Wright
Returned - unsuitable
MIMOSA
A.Gordon
A.P.S.
MINIKOI
Capt. Shelford
T.98 Sunk in collision with
M.T.B.
MINORU II
J.W. Cottrell
T.98. Re-allocated to Special
Service.
0.
MINOTAUR
Mr.Towndrow
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MINX
S.W. Wills
T.98. Returned to owners
a
6.6.40.
MIRASOL
R.C.Kyle
No report received from list
of Missing Vessels.
MURIUS
Vectis Shipping Co.
Returned to owner.
MISS MADGE
S.W.Richardson
RETURNED - UNSUITABLE
MISS MING
Kriz Cruisers
T.98 Now on Aux. Patrol
MISS MODESTY
W.S.Nott
A.P.S.
MIZPAH
J.Ovett
Returned to owner
MOIENA
c/o Wilsons
A.P.S.
MONARCH
T.& G. Baker
Returned to owners 18/6
MOSS ROSE
T.Adams
Did not return from Dynamo
Dover List 5.
36' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
No report recd. from "Missing
Vessels" List.
30' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
-do-
Motor Torpedo Boat
Thornycrofts
V.A.Dover
M.2
Motor Ferries (2)
- Not used
Returned to owners by N.O.I.C.
Ramsgate.
MOUSME
C.Barber
Returned to owners.
MUTT

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
M-
M
MA JOIE
Mrs. L. Clarbour
T.98 Abendoned off Dunkirk N.S.
M
Thames 27.7.40.
IV
M
MAJOR
B.R.Bunn
Now A.P.S.
R R R R R R R R S. R S R + S. S. S S S to
MALDON ANNIE
Col.Lemount
T.98 No information of retu
from Dunkirk.
aged
MALVINA
R.H. Cooper
To Dover
IV
MOLLY
E.Thomas
Returned to owner
Is
MARE NOSTRUM
B.C.Kirby
Returned to owners 19/6
A
MARCHIONESS
J.Mears
Returned to owners 11.6.40.
MARGHERITA
J.Mears
No information of return fr.
Dunkirk
IV
MARINA
A.Jacobs
Returned to owners
DNG
A
I
MARSAYRU
C.Wyatt
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
A
MARINA
J.T.Phelps
Returned to owner prepared di
go.
M
MARICEL
C.Robinson
Repaired, fuelled, floated,
not taken over
MARY
Danish
Survived Returned to Weymou
I
MARY HOWARD
Mr.McKenzie
Unable to sail
1
MARY IRENE
H.Cartridge
T.98. Returned to owners - 5.6
I
MARY ROSE
0.Dives
T.98. No report received from
N
"Missing Vessels" List.
N
MARY SPEARING
W.G.S.Crouch
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
IN
MARY SPEARING II
- 11 -
Returned to owners.
MATILDA
Chelsea Yachts &
Boat Club Co.
Returned to owners
A
RD BELLE
D.Robinson
Returned to owners did not go
I
I
MAYFLOWER
C.Adams
Re-allocated to Spl.Admy.Service
I
(6A)
I
MEANDER
H.Graham
Returned to owners
MERMAIDEN
Lt.Com.P.M.Filleul
Returned to owners
N
R.N.
I
MERSEY
R.H.Campbell
T.98. Returned to owner
MIGRANT
Capt. E.B.Schermauley
Did not leave. Now Exam.Ser.
Littlehsmpton
(
MILLICENT D.LEACH
Harry Leach
DNG
(Released 3.6.40 Re-allocated to
6
6
(Spl. Admiralty service
(6A)
MIMI
J.M. Wright
Returned - unsuitable
6
MIMOSA
%
C
A.Gordon
A.P.S.
Q
C
MINIKOI
Capt.Shelford
G
T.98 Sunk in collision with
c
M.T.B.
Q
(
MINORU II
J.W.Cottrell
T.98. Re-allocated to Sepcial
C
Service.
MINOTAUR
Mr.Towndrow
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MINX
S.W.Wills
MIRASOL
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
R
R.C.Kyle
No report received from list of
R
MURIUS
Missing Vessels.
R1C
Vectis Shipping Co.
MISS MADGE
Returned to owner
S.W.Richardson
RI
RETURNED - UNSUITABLE
MISS MING
R1
(
Kris Cruisers
MISS MODESTY
T.98 Now on Aux. Patrol
W.S.Nott
A.P.S.
Ric MIZPAH
J.Ovett
Returned to owner
RI
MOIENA
0/0 Wilsons
A.P.S.
RC
MONARCH
T.& G.Baker
MOSS ROSE
T.Adams
Returned to owners 18/6
Did not return from Dynamo Dover
RC
List 5.
36' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
No report recd.from "Missing
RO
Vessels" List.
30' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
- do -
RO
Motor Torpedo Boat
Thornycrofts
V.A.Dover
R
M.2
to Ow Jrs.
Motor Ferries (2)
- Mot-llacd
Returne d 1.6.40
MOUSME
C.Barber
Returne

Details

Date 7.6.40.
To: COMMODORE. SHEERNESS 642,
epeated: C IN C NORE 48,
P.O.LONDON.
LT.COMDR.DUSTING.SHEERNESS.
P/L BY T/F.
From: ADMIRALTY
The following requisitioned Motor Boats released from
Dynamo end now at Sheerness are required at Toughs Bros.Yard
Teddington for overhaul. Those Motor Boats not mentioned
should remain at Sheerness pending further instructions.
Tug will call Sheerness at low water to embark Lt.Comdr.Dusting
who is to see that Motor Boats in following list are sent to
Toughs. Vessels capable of steaming should accompany tug under
own power.
VIDETTE, MEANDER, SP INDRIFTER, SEASWALLOW, MOUSMN, WESTWARD,
SUNDOWNER, WAIRAKEI II, BARBARA, ELIZABE TH GREEN, QUICKSILVER,
DURCONIA, PANDORA, GAY CRUSADER, RAPID, DOLPHIN, athena,
RYEGATE II, LURLINE, BLUEBIRD, A 41.,BONNY HEATHER, NANETTE II,
SINGAPORE, SHOLT, LADY KAYE, NAUTILUS, ALONA, DIANTHUS, LATONA,
MARSAYRU, HAIAD ERRANT, DAB II, HILFRANOR, LIFEBOAT 626, REDA,
USANCO, MOTOYA, MOIENA, SURREY, Lieut. Commander Dusting should
report at Admiralty after boats have reached Teddington.
= 1725/7
for D.S.V.P.
D.of D.S.V.P.
T.S.D.(Capt.01iver)
M.O.S.I.(3)
S.C.W..
D.O.S.T.
D.P.S.(2)
Mr.D.H.Edwerds.
D.M.S.
Mr.J.D.Walker,
D.D.T.M.
Mr.A.L.Moore,
D.N.C.
Mr.Du Boisson,
Sub War Reg.Bath.
S.T.N.2.
D.N.C.Bath.
S.T.N.4 A
S.T.N.6 B
Capt.Rashleigh
Extra.

Details

SEAL
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
Likiggs (7040) STNble
9
of
MESSAGE. 1725/7th.June.
OUT
my
No. 328
or
To COMMODORE, 642,
DATE 7.6.40
Repeated:- C.IN 0. HORR, 48.
F.O.LONDON.
LT.COMDR. DUSTINO, SHEERWASS
TIME
SENT
P/L BY T/2
From:- ADMIRALTY.
The following requisitioned Motor Boats released from
Dynamo and now at Sheerness are required at Toughs Bros. Yard
Teddington for overhaul. Those Motor Boats not mentioned
should remain at Sheerness pending further instructions.
Tug will call Shoerness at low water to enbark Lt. Comdr. Busting
who 1a to see that Motor Boats in following list are sent to
Toughs. Vessels espable of steaming should accompany tug under
own power.
VIDETTE, MEANDER, SPINDRIFTER, SEASSALLON, mousax, WESTMARD,
SUNDOWNER, WAIRAKEI II, BARBARA, ELIZABETH GREAN, UICESILVER,
BURGONIA, PANDORA, GAY CHUSADER, RAPID, DOLPHIN, ATHSHA
(A92409) Wt 38636/439 2000 Pads 1/40 M.P.Ltd. 51-5912
HYBOATE II, LURLINE, BLUEBIRD A.41,, BONNY HEATHER,
MANSTTE II, SINGAPORE, SHOLT, LADY KAYE, HAUTILUS, ALOHA,
DIANTHUS, LATONA, MARSAYRU, HAIAD BRRANT, DAB II, HILFRANOR,
LIFEBOAT 626, REDA, USANCO, MOTOYA, NOISNA, SURREY. Lieut.
Commander Dusting should report at Admiralty after bonts
have reached Teddington.
1725/7
for D.O.V.P.
(3)
D.S.V.P.
T.S.D. (Capt.Oliver)
N.O.S.T.(3)
S.C.W.
D.O.S.T.
D.P.S.(2)
Mr. D.H.Kdwards.
D.N.S.
Mr. J.D. alker.
D.D.T.E.
Mr. A.L.Moore.
D.N.O.
Sub was Bath.
peo(s) Reg. the is atter at yinds put
quina lough's in
Mr. DU Boisson.
S.T.N.2.
D.N.C.Bath
S.T.N.44.
S.T.N.6B.
capt. Mashleigh.
Rxtra.
HM/-
can mbh item we

Details

Dynamo 185.
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRO"
170
6th.June 1960
B14/0/1513
II.
Leading Seaman BROWN.
No.R.E.2/014.
Vice Admiral,
Dover.
169
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief,
that I took over dommand
The Nore.)
esday 29th.May 1940.
rt I tried to sort things
on, regarding any particular
Forwarded.
stremely hasty. I therefore
nga will suffice.
2. Reports and recommendations
Friday 31st.May 1940 at
concerning the above named vessels
with X217 and 2 other
were forwarded by my Nos. I.1/14/015 utenant
POOL,R.N.
We
and R.E. 2/014. of 8th and 9th
out 3 p.m. we name in sight
June, 1940.
moke and explosions as far
later we contacted the
3.
Of the vessels mentioned in the French soldiers from the
above reports only the "Royal Eagle", to the beach; it was
"Golden Eagle" and "Crested Eagle"
imen and capsised at once.
are specifically named in Appendix 1, it himself from being more
thdrew my ship to review
4.
In addition to the vessels
" stuff that looked like
named in Minute 1 above, the Yachts
ID devil as I know that
"Christobel II" "Caleta"; "Glala"
our propellers in the way
"Amulree" and the tug "St Clears"
happen as soon as I had
were mentioned in my reports, and
each we managed to pick
are presumed to be included in the
captured and used a little
note to Appendix 1.
troops appeared to be a
>-loads for some 5 hours,
'Jaba" and so on. On this
ADMIRAL 1940
am Queen" (about 2000 tons
- she had put her nose.
*
30th JULINE,
;ines of "Marsayru" and
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
ce
ghout this day and the
Dover
HEERNESS.
all a complete jumble in
tant fire of various kinds,
the ship was not hit by
more
lune I think - we were
tion to -done, nearest ship being
te 1 above, by 4 brave Messershimits who dived and
"
"Caleta th much vigour but exceedingly poor aim
the tug our. No had a Bren and 2 rifles but did
in my German pilots seemed disinolined to come
reports 0 and I had given orders to hold our fire
on Eagle" casA pity. After half an hour of this 3
above arcifically aght and we saw no more of the Messerschmits
2/014. of my 8th in addition of we were bombed by a large formation of
arded by Nos.
40.
in Minute 1 all. At least I think it was our little
stobel II" "saless it was one on the horison, in
eports only the me mentioned solddimurse of these operations we took off
the vessels ree" and opamony miles.
Eagle" and "C presumed tax, ocumnof 400 French soldiers. To our bitter
cifically named to Appell
ad tind no British, others ware luckier.
Christrisor a few hours - she was on tow -
"Amulre" stely tied up with bits of line and
n addition to vive MI
were men tisard. The tow rope broke and we
n Minute 1 a had a
are presfroit cast about for a time. However
obel II" "( pilots Be
e" and the I had give
note to rises - faithruk thing. No arrived
ntioned in ty. After
ts, evening having called from Ramsgate
sumed to be and we saw
Appendix 1.
ICEADM in We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice
IRA

Details

Dynomo 185
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRU"
170
6th.June 1960
SKIPPER.
G.D.OLIVIER.
SIGINEER
C.COGGINS.
CREW
Messrs.FORBES, HUMPHRIES and Leading Seaman BROWN.
I have the honour to report that I took over dommand
of the Motor Yacht "Marsayru" on Wednesday 29th.May 1940.
Before commencing this report I tried to sort things
out a bit but find that my recollection, regarding any particular
date on which incidents occurred, is extremely hazy. I therefore
hope that a general report on our doings will suffice.
We sailed from Sheerness on Friday 31st.May 1940 at
4 A.M., bound for Dunkirk, in company with X217 and 2 other
drifters under the comand of ib.Lieutenant POOL,R.N. We
steamed at 5 knots approximately. About 3 p.m. we name in sight
of the coast, a long line of fires, smoke and explosions as far
as the eye could see. About one hour later we contacted the
Naval forces engaged in evacuating the French soldiers from the
beaches. I had a whaler and sent it to the beach; it was
immediately stormed by about 50 Frenchmen and capsised at once.
My rating, Brown, had a job to prevent himself from being more
or less forcibly drowned. I then withdrew my ship to review
the position. Warps were everywhere, stuff that looked like
42", also smaller ropes which were the devil as I know that
sooner or later we were bound to get our propellers in the way
of one of them. However this did not happen as soon as I had
feared. In our retreat p from the beach we managed to pick
up a very nice naval cutter which we captured and used a little
futther down channel where the French troops appeared to be a
little calmer. We took off many boat-loads for some 5 hours,
loading X217, S.S. "Foam Queen", S.S. "Jaba" and so on. On this
first day we also managed to pull "Foam Queen" (about 2000 tons
I should say) off the mud, into which she had put her nose.
I thought this spoke well for the engines of "Marsayru" and
Mr. Coggins who attended them. Throughout this day and the
days and nights that followed (it's all a complete jumble in
my mind) we were of course under constant fire of various kinds,
but I have the honour to report that the ship was not hit by
anything. On one day - Sunday 2nd.June I think - we were
singled out for attention (we were alone, nearest ship being
about 2½ miles away) by 4 brave Messershimits who dived and
machine-gunned us with much vigour but exceedingly poor aim
for about half an hour. We had a Bren and 2 rifles but did
not use them as the German pilots seemed disinolined to come
nearer than 2000 feet and I had given orders to hold our fire
to 1000 feet range. A pity. After half an hour of this 3
Hurricanes have in sight and we saw no more of the Messerschmits
after that.
Another day we were bombed by a large formation of
Heinkels flying miles up. At least I think it was our little
ship they were after, unless it was one on the horison, in
which case they missed by miles.
During the course of these operations we took off
from the beaches upwards of 400 French soldiers. To our bitter
disappointment we could find no British, others were luckier.
He also mislaid owe ship for a few hours - she was on tow -
having one propeller completely tied up with bits of line and
could not find her though we cast about for a time. However
the other engine knocking hard. The tow rope broke and we
back at Sheerness up yesterday evening having called from Ramsgate
she turned again next day - faithful thing. No arrived
at 1200. An eventful trip. We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice
18ft

Details

183
1 . 171
Report of Motor Yacht "Marsayru" (contd)
We brought back 2 prizes - a nice
18ft.outter and a small 10ft.dinghy, both in good repair.
As regards my crew I cannot speak too highly
of the splendid work done by Mr.FORBES ( a fine old "shell-back")
who was certainly a father to me. Also by our rating BROWN,
My Engineer, Mr.COGGINS, is a wisard, he put the engines of
literally dozens of other boats to rights, he should have a
SHORE Job. As regards Mr.HUMPHRIES I cannot recommend his
continuance in the Service, he is physically unfit.
Finally I would like to say how proud we all are to
have been given this opportunity of paaying a very small
part in these splendid operations. It is a thing I for one
will never forget.
(Sd) G.D.OLIVIER.

Details

EPORT OF SUB. LIEUT. T.E. GODMAN, R.N.V.R. (Contd).
2.
318
297
her objectives were to have bombed been and sunk. a trawler a few miles and astern
12
also thought Enemy bombers artillery
ntinued their operations at Dutch intervals coaster throughout the the White day.
st West of La Panne was a flying from Ensign
three motor boats in attendance embarking soldiers
th beach. As previous experience had already shown, the to craft
llect e the troops owing to the shallowness of the water boats and had the
e craft in use were unable to get closeenough in shore
with the result that two of the motor and
On the other hand, the coaster's two
to do so and soon were left high life dry
endered he but, under the above conditions, nothing a could few
oats ship. Enquiries were made if any assistance further
had been and were successfully ferrying could the be troops to
done. There were a number of deserted Thames the Barges, beach. A of
hich from one of these was taken and rowed ashore of French
e were afloat but the rest of which were on while the
innace arrived on the beach since yesterday and at on e a
inghy lay off in deep water. A great number point soldiers were
inloading rider a rode up and enquired for what purpose all on this barges had
ad barge which had a cargo of foodstuffs. Here, the rench
despatch brought. He was told that we had no information had been
been After several trips in the dinghy the pinnace who were at
point. with about 15 men, all the British soldiers made if
filled that part of the beach. Enquiries were be obtained the
that time on to be evacuated but no information could be left to
French whether were this was to be done or if they were circumstances, to
as to the evacuation of the B.E.F. Under these at the
cover French soldiers were taken on board. The trawler the view of
no end of the beach was then closed with but it
Eastern the soldiers and of collecting more, not wish was
found that The pinnace took a kedge anchor out assistance to
transferring she had gone aground and therefore did seawards to
help the ship it was endeavoured to find another closed to to
take any more. pull herself off and, as no further ship
could be rendered, A floating Thames Barge was view of taking see
if any auxiliary it appeared that they were all sailing with barges the
transfer the soldiers. engine had been installed, with a only.
her A over, but "MARSAYRU", was then sighted drifting in working
motor boat, This was closed, found to be
tide and unoccupied. One A.B. and soldier were taken of as the crew,
order the and started up. tow and the P.O. left in charge
pinnace dinghy with taken orders in to lay off until the motor boat returned.
(Continued).

Details

EPORT OF SUB.LIEUT.T.E.GODMAN, R.N.V.R. (Contd).
3.4
208
"MARSAYRU" was then anchored off the Western end of the beach
12
he information had been fre information had been received that there were more British
oldiers at found the coaster was already at anchor.
t that this latter ship had also gone aground and
fill the ship had already been taken on
24 men were then ferried to the motor
oat and there was insufficient room to take any more. Remaining
oldiers ashore were told to make for Dunkirk Harbour where
;roop carriers were still coming in, although few of the troops
ippeared to know of this. No assistance could be rendered to the
Paster which was waiting for the tide to float her and at 1700
e weighed anchor, cast the dinghy adrift and proceeded eastwards
to pick up the pinnace. This was found to be anchored near the
harbour, but had been deserted, together with the chart and
several items of gear. It was decidied to leave the pinnace there
in case it might be of use for further evacuation parties and we
started for Ramsgate.
A merchant vessel came out of the harbour astern of us and was
bombed but no hits were made on either of us. A deserted motor
boat was passed but as we were being bombed at the time it was
decided not to investigate. At 19.00 we closed the 'Dogger Bank'
a Dutch coaster flying the white ensign who gave us some fuel
and the courses required to reach Ramsgate. It was also observed
that the pinnace's crew were on board and the C.O. was requested to
detained the P.O. for questionong on arrival but as he was making
for Margate he did not consider it advisable to do this and the
matter was consequently dropped.
We then proceeded on our course but by 23.00 had not picked up
the .Goodwin light vessel. A Belgian fishing fleet was closed
to enquire our position but they could not understand English,
also a passing vessel was called up by flashing the deckhouse
light but he evidently did not observe us as he did not stop.
A course was then set for a red, conical flashing bouy (R) S.E.
of us and at 23.30 we made fast to it and watches were detailed
till the morning.
June 2
04.00. A sloop sighted us and informed a trawler close by of our
position. 04.30. The trawler closed us and took us in tow to Ramsgate.
08.00. The soldiers were landed at the Town steps and the boat
was berthed. Later the previous crew took the boat over again on
instructions from N.O.i/C., the A.B. returned to his former ship
which was in the harbour and I reported back to H.M.Y.Seriola.
(Continued).