TNA ADM 199 788 A

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From:- Sub/Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R.
Date:-
5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
27th May-
Assisted in collection and commissioning of
29th May pulling boats and motor boats for beach work;
later assisted Act. C.B.O. (Lt. de Mauny, R.N.).
30th May.
0700
Detailed to act as Lieut. to Lieut. McMullan, R.N.R.
in Dutch schoot "Twente". (Lieut. McMullan has reported separately on commissioning and voyage to Dunkirk and back).
1st June.
1100
Arrived back Ramsgate; stood by awaiting orders.
3rd June.
1100
Found 45 ft. river motor launch "Madame Sans
Gene" arrived in harbour with crew from River
Emergency Patrol - already detailed to proceed
Dunkirk p.m. same day. Requested permission assist equipping and victualling and command in operation. Permission granted by Cdr.
Duffett, R.N.
1700
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk being towed in company lifeboat and 3 other boats on tug "Tanga".
with warning, "Madame (a) a rope Sans fouling being Gene" streamed our was port disabled propeller, from tug en without route and, through on -
being hauled in by tug, either bending or stripping blades or bending shaft.
starboard engine becoming waterlogged
(b) apparently by suction through exhaust owing to speed of tow could (8 kts). be used for a short while entirely. but
Port engine its transmission gave could out still subsequently arrival Dunkirk suggested boat towed by be of Officer in charge of tug evidently
On use in transport of troops if approved lifeboat. order to lifeboat, which Remained did and gave and was not seen again. Gene"
not understand of tug after evacuating "Madame charge of Sans tug.
in to tow tug on orders of officer in

Report from Sub. Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R. (contd).
242
"Madame Sans Gene" eventually abandoned in
Dunkirk Channel near No. 14 buoy when winch to which towing hausers were secured pulled out of decking, and owing to length of tow being augmented by her anchor cable and amounting to about 194 cables length, she became a danger to other craft. Tow could not be shortened in time and she was cut loose at 0245/4/6.
4th June.
0800
Arrived Ramsgate in tug "Tanga".
Submit that in view of experience with "Madame
Sans Gene" (which could carry fuel for 20 hours and had speed of 12 knots) such craft can more safely cross North Sea under own power than in tow.