TNA ADM 199 788 B

213
"
S/Aen hey Chree
ISLE
Дулашь 27%
162
your
26th May to 4th June, 1940.
RRATIVE OF S.S. "MANXMAN"
146
I
Dunking beg to state
EVACUATION OF TROOPS FROM DUNKIRK.
that after our onday
1
my
27th June: Ship laying in Southampt Received orders to proceed to Dover- At 15.35 we sailed
Tuesday 28th June: 02.15 arrived off Dover- received orders to proceed sailed for Dunkirk: Grounded 22.50 on Bank to anchor at Downs and await instructions: Smal
18.35 with three other vessels; precarious position of in company of the early rising moon and the possibility buoys in view bombing planes. The cause of grounding- two (cause marked enemy "lighted" on charts, actually extinguished unknown)
by
Wednesday
29th:- 02.30- refloated - no apparent damage and proceeded Whilst there "MONA'S QUEEN" (same Company's feet to Dunkirk 06.00 - arrived off Dunkirk awaiting vessel)
berth. blown up by magnetic mine at approximately 1,000
was of us and sank in four minutes. Two destroyers to astern anchored close by sent two boats off very quickly the
We had previously passed over the same spot.
rescue. berthed at Dunkirk Mole. 10. 30. let go and whilst proceeded
08:40- for orders. Gunfire and bombing by enemy to Dover the Mole, which was replied to by our destroyers and A.A. had
Mondfire. at We had approximately 2,000 troops on board, as we disposed of all our lifebelts which number over 2,000.
Nothing to report on the passage. 16.15- arrived at Dover. at
Received orders proceed to Folkestone. 17.35- arrived
Folkestone and disembarked troops.
Thursday 30th:-
20.42- took our departure for Dunkirk. Nothing to report on the passage.
Friday 31st:-
05.14 berthed at Dunkirk Mole; embarked approximately hours at the Mole; whilst there, heavy bombing and shelling
1,700 troops of which 100 were stretcher cases. We were three by enemy ( we had three attacks in all) but our ship escaped damage, our Naval vessels having replied vigorously and driven off the aircraft. 08.15- sailed from Dunkirk - voyage without incident: 13.20 arrived at Folkestone and disembarked troops.
Saturday 1st June:-
07.06- backed out from Folkestone to anchor awaiting orders. Shortly after backing out, a sweeper exploded a magnetic mine not far from the Pier, and in the track which we had previously crossed. This and the "MONA'S QUEEN" incident evidently proved that our "WIPING" by the French at Cherbourg was effective. 19.05- Sailed for Dünkirk.
in
C separate occasions. on the 1886 occasion, as she produced an engine breakdown as excuse.
Was given up as hopeless and other ships made use of instead.

737
213
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.