TNA ADM 199 788 B

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ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY.
Personnel Vessels.
These were MONA'S QUEEN, MANXMAN, TYNWALD,
MANX MAID, FENELLA, BEN MY CREE and LADY OF MAN.
of the 29 personnel vessels employed in the
MONA'S QUEEN was sunk by a mine on her second voyage
operation, none of these 7 came through with a clean so sheet.
excluded from the comments which follow. FENELLA
likewise is was sunk in Dunkirk harbour on her first voyage.
TYNWALD.
Transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages. Should
have completed 6 voyages. When due to commence her fourth
voyage at 1945/2, refused to sail and did not sail again
until 1945/2.
On 8 written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone,
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for
Dunkirk on if required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by
letter as follows:-
Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from the
master of the MALINES last night to say him and the
master of the BEN MY CREE had considered it hopeless
to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been continually
on their feet all the week and especially the deck
officers who have had to be on their feet for so long.
I myself have had 4 hours rest for the week and am
at present physically unfit for another trip like what
we have had. If it is absolutely necessary to go
I will abide with the masters of the other ships
decision.
P.S. There is two more of the crew going ashore now
absolutely nervous wrecks and certified by the
naval doctor.
Meantime relief crews had been sent for for the
TYNWALD and an armed naval guard was placed alongside at
Folkestone where the ship lay. The crew did not attempt
to leave the ship but contented themselves with shouting
abuses at the sentries. Relief crews arrived at 1950/2
and the old crew were then allowed to leave. Complete
list of their names and addresses were taken and given to
the S.T.O., Folkestone. Those who stayed of the old
crew were the Chief Officer as Master, Second Officer,
Purser, W/T Operator and Carpenter.
A naval officer and 10 naval ratings were put
on board as moral stiffeners and the ship sailed at 1945/2.
Completed a round trip which was repeated next day without
incident.
MANX MAID.
Never completed a trip. Should have sailed on
3 separate occasions. On the last occasion, at 1745/2, she
produced an engine breakdown as excuse.
Was given up
as hopeless and other ships made use of instead.