TNA ADM 199 790

606
570
ch other by single planks. shorthy before midnight we ade our last trip. The Princess Elizabeth was full up nd the object of much shell-fire; our We-boat was lowly breaking up and the cnew were exhausted fter a day of fairly continuous fire from land nd bombing and machine gun attacks from the air.
They could not have carried on any longer. We were iken onboard the Princess Eligabeth and arrived it mangate next morning. I reported with my cnew it
Dover and on being informed that we would not enle required any further, returned to H.M.S. Excellent.
I have the honome to be
Sir, w
Your absectent servant.
13 JUN 1940
WHALE ISLAND
Q.W. m. Matthew.
(sub heat. R.N)
2A
he Captain life
H.M.S. Excellent.
own

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Wednesday, possible route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my dailed dommand for arrived at Dover p.m.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 feet. Low water Dunkirs approximately by shortest
Flag Dover Officer-in-Charge, on board). Dover and Lieut. (Commander Candr. Dennis Canalet. staff of
Cleared ORRY. Fouled perews on submerged up 11
from H.M.S. KING 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked S.O.N.T.B's, survisors
0300. from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine Thursday, towed in 30th, and started.
accepted screws. tow Engines wouldwetart. 0200, wreekage.
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk hardour. 0100. Completed bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunision
Engines most unsatisfactory
Tel. Hii. 3211 306 Broan Rill Road 7
Calford, 571
X
12-6-40
London S.E.G.
Dear Sity Herewite a rough report of part them by "ot Fagur in evacuating time of Dunkish not much I'm afraid but you will note that had did bring back the Company
1- think this is what in callul for by
C.P.G.O. 1700 Could you please have + typet and made to look presentable
EXCELLENT
your
JUN 1940
NHALE IRLAND
It. Ch.

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
6
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, possible route H.M. 29th D/C May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived at Dover p.m.
0100, least depth over over shallow mines minefield. 6 feet. (Commander Low water Dunkirk approximately by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis Casalet, S.O.M.T.B's, staff of
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing
Engines most ungeti
H. M.S. EXCELLENT 608
PORTSMOUTH
12-6-40572
REPORT ON EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
have the know to render the following report, in accurdance with Confidential Portsmouth General Order ho.1700, of first taken by H.h. Tug "SiFagan" in evacuation of BEF.
0708 (APPROX) FRIDAY "MAY - Orders received from P.A. Donn to take from Dunkish.
three Thomes Saiting Barges in togo and proceed a to Duratish stretch of heach east of Sunkirk where Barges were to he beached to act as embarRation Pontouns for BEF.
Two suffied these Darges undere filted with ausectling engines.
taking they in low.
instructed to proceed actside Harbuur to facilitate
I them them with necessary towing Rawson and this
0830 (APPROX.) the 1 Procuded outside hurhum and took Banges in third tow length of tow from how of stragan" to stery to the Bange being approve 200 fathous, 1 Rausess of Rad
1000 Sands. an Processed speed with tow vip channel through Gooduria not (APRROX) strong secured enough to for masts towing of Banges as other fittings were
1115 channel opprose. by as (APPROX.) tar Destroyers at Rad average arrived to. and to 12 be W then at Bary nursed "w" vissels of Bury as 5 constantly Kurts instructed passing and mg Course at through a Could high was 4 speed. the set made wash to good enter caused the some the essential, marks mumeries mish Hrikension after High that dark, sandbanks faccepted Water sheed draught was Junkiok an felt north it of of was en ship of not this being date affreace. was distance and that at the 14feet, 2105 on of luck 7₫ one and meles but of of
300 directive owing (APPROX) to turnerds - amind Dumkish in was Channel reduced / could and recognised, on proceeded nearing proced in the an at stad Easterly was defficulty of avoiding the memoran only whichs slow with sheed the

CONFIDENCIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
$
H.M. D/C motor OPERATIONAL boat under DYNAMO.
Wednesday, possible route 29th over May, shallow 1940. At 2100 my sailed dommand for arrived at Dover p.m.
0100, least depth over mines minefield. 6 feet. Low water Dunkir's approximately by shortest
Flag Dover Officer-in-Charge, on board). Dover and Lieut. (Commander Commar. Casalet. staff of from H.M.S. KING 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked Dennis 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors
Cleared screws. ORRY. Fouled porews on submerged up accepted tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, weekage. 30th,
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed In and started.
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots the to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat of Flag Officer, Dover for
Engines most
609
lay withs tow were and fould the in numerous the 2 darkness Jush on having three in occasions, the Channel, and 573
the must of third lighter was camisdaway.
30 Saturday "June- Harbour alroam, further Cantine Rad to be exercised as no chart uses mailable for Channel East of Dunkink, direction being obtained by haiting following passing Vessels.
(affrom) Received
0230 (approse.) 1 my Coeswain Petty officer BASTABLE- volunteered to take the shiff ashare, taking ABLE SEAMAN NEALE, to this I shiff was lumored and sent in.
investigate suitable hosition for hearting the Banges, and
0300 Capture.) - Received signal from Beach requesting boat to take off British Soldiers, and decided to heart the &
Barger using one with awaithing enginer to fatch of the to Lightermen and as many troops as we Could camey and small engines- - the Lighterman to return in own on finally its own beach third tighter Barge by sending it in was Thingly my estimated position at this time
3 mids East of Dunkish.
Banges to the were Lightermen. hanled claim to shih and instructions given
0340 without (apparme) - Barger slipped, and am with took the are bow engain in - heard tow and went a head engines to hass rund
1355 (approse.) sunk I with Aircraft in a By very ese plasion short and hund, occurred / found and the myself ship callupsed in the water and mg one of which my and Telegraph near the two
P.H& was and suring the sinday slowly, Barge 1 these out were reached Barges with contacted my Criswain in the skiff Rad adrift landed officer sent a party two of British Trans whose and
Corporals with him Quanding to organing

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
8
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my dailed dommand for arrived Dunkirk at Dover Deme possible least depth over shallow minefield. Low water by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Commdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
0100, over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, approximately staff of
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled porews on suimerged wreokage.
Cleared screws. Engines Wouldwetart. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towad In and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk hardour. ohoo. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing
574610 610
Engines most thin disposition and 3 to me guide that the he Banges. had amroal occumed, appose. also of Operamin later informed the ship when the explosion and that that bout eschlosion affeared to 8° drawn the Funnel of shih.
venty yards from was Caused by a bouth from aircraft, He then of woulded the twenty. officir and Ships Company, two officis and to pick up survivors, the ratings were saved, one officer - the D.G. Brown Boats:
and an stoker were wounded.
In addition to the seventeen maral ratings lat them was one initian who had Come on board from one of the Barges.
a complete list of survivors and ratings lost, including this when together with the two Antorals, were later friked hh
Civilians, was given to the Captain in Charge at Ramsgoste by I & passing hig filled with troops and landed at Ramsgutes
Bastable Consider the murked zeal and initiating of Patty officer worthy of special commundation
I have the hunnur * h your Obedint Servant il Coptain
H.m.S Emallent
Luit. Canth
Portsmonth

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
H.M. D/C motor boat under
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
8
Wednesday, possible route 29th May, 1940. At 2100 my sailed command arrived at Dover p.m.
0100, least depth over over shallow minefield. Low for Dunkirk by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, mines 6 feet. (Commander water approximately
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dover and Dunkirk. Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis Casalet, S.O.M.T.B's, staff or from Cleared H.M.S. screws. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged Picked up 11 survisors accepted tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. in Completed and started.
Proceeded H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed 30th, reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low bombing casualties. attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, level defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff
0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due no to engine of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunsire
Engines most unsatisfactory.
LD
574 610
thin disposition and 3 to guide the Banges.
of Occarin later informed me that he had amount approve.
venty yards from the ship when the exchlosion occurred. also that escplosion was Caused by a bouth from aircraft and that the brub affeared to 80 down the Funnel of shih. He then worlded to pick up survivors, of the twenty-f officis and Ships Company, two offices and bese ratings were saved, one officer - the D.G. Brown and are stoker were wounded.
In initian addition to the seventeen maral ratings last them was one a who had Come on board from one of the Banges.
whom, together with the two Cartorals, were later fried hh
Civilians, was given to the Captain in Charge at Ramsgoste complete list of surverois and ratings lost, including this by & passing tig filled with troops and landed at Ramsynts
Bastable worthy of special commundation
I Consider the musked zeal and initiation of Patty officer
I have the honour * &
your Obedint Servant
The Captain
Luit. Cand ces
H.m.S Emallent
Portsmouth

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Page 1 of
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover p.m.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest over shallow minefield. Low water approximately over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
CONFIDENTIAL.
575
Subject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
From.
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
Date.
14th June, 1940.
as
To
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
a
In accordance with C.P.G.O. 1700, the report on operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
)
lle)
Lieutenant in Command.
ted utes ans ficer from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 lifeboats survivors spoke tow.
(hospital ship). Picked up wounded and took men in from wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow.
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued.
)
psh.

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived at Dover p.m.
possible 0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 Low water Dunkirk by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, feet. (Commander approximately
Cleared screws. Fouled screws on submerged from Dover H.M.S. KING ORRY. Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors on board). 2300 Dover and Lieut. Crundr. Dennis Casalet, staff of accepted Proceeded to H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in 30th, and started.
tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due no to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
Lieutenant Hamilton Meikle assumed command of 40 ft.
ships fast motor boat and manned it with:-
Petty Officer John Luckins. P/J 103170, coxswain of the D/C
motor boat (as coxswain).
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT) (as Lewis
Gunner).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. P/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
Hamilton Meikle, and it was with difficulty that he could persuade them that orders were necessary before proceeding immediately to
Dunkirk. The boat was capable of 20 knots and one stripped Lewis gun was transferred to her from H.M. D/C(boat, MORE the other gun being in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
40 ft. motor boat assisted M.T.B. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
in regulating rescue traffic to and from Dunkirk.
Sunday, 2nd June.
motor boat escorted M.A.S.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
but 40 ft. due to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
Dunkirk to see aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch if boat was required for any purpose. ship. Proceeded Sighted formation of enemy 1910 Air attack. Duration All petrol minutes. cans
87215 to assistance. dive-bombing and machine günning. Between spare 30-40 M/G
pierced and near 1930. Took offices
JU 97's and miss bomb strained boat. off Captain and some from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 survivors tow.
bullet holes, no (hospital casualties. ship). Picked lifeboats up wounded and took men in from wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow. spoke
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued

6.6
LOG of the m.v., "SEINE" Official No.160693 of Roohester.
580
Crow
Master - G.V. Cogger.
Mate - H.L. Stafford.
Engineer L. Godden,
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
Tednesday May 22nd 1940 Sailed from Rochester at 7. 0 a.m. for S.R.D. Jetty,
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived
579
614
Disnom 399
578
FROM
CAPTAIN OF DOCKYARD, CHATHAM.
DATE
17th June, 1940.
TO
ADMIRAL UPERINTENDENT, CHATHAM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
577
Page 2 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated
14th June, 1940.
2115. Transferred all survivors to a SUN class tug. 40 ft.
motor boat making water and liable to sink. SUN tug took motor boat in tow hoping that self-bales would keep boat afloat.
2130. Abandoned 40 ft. motor boat in tow.
Monday, 3rd.
0415. Arrived Dover in tow. Secured. 0700 motor boat awash, due to leaks. 0800. Hoisted motor boat out. Crew returned to D/C motor boat.
should like to bring to notice the coolness calm and of Patty
Officer J. during the extremely difficult 2nd period June, Glso at boat
I Luckins in obeying my helm orders with when the was Dunkirk being on heavily 29th/30th May his coolness was also promptitude attacked. on Sunday, noticeable.
The enemy aircraft with the stripped Sunday, 2nd June. gun, was accurate shooting and calamess of A.B. Lewis Cole who hit very at praiseworthy least one during the air attack on
15.6 D/C.

SECRET
III.
No. 477.c.c./40.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
Forwarded. A letter of appreciation has been written to the Company.
2. The Officer referred to in Seine's report, on 29th May, was Lieutenant Commander
P.M. Filleul, of D.M.O's staff at Sheerness.
a.Gardon Here
The Nore,
24th June, 1940.
MADMIRAL
Yr
VICEADMIRAL
27 JUN 1940
*
DOVER
1231NO
oner ИОС IS
Lynano
ЯНОЙ
SHT

616
OG of the m.v.s "SEINE" Official No.160693 of Roohester.
580
j
8
Crow:-
Master - C.V. Cogger.
Mate - H.L. Stafford.
Engineer L. Godden.
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
May 22nd 1940
Sailed from Rochester at 7. O-a.m. for S.R.O. Jetty, ednesday
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived
579
HEAD OFFICE
MAIDSTONE OFFICE
BRICK WORKS
REGISTERED OFFICE
TELEGRAMS "BARGES" ROCHESTER
EARL STREET
OTTERHAM QUAY
12 13. WATER LANE. E.C.S.
TELEPHONE: STROOD 7295-6-7
TELEPHONE
RAINHAM. KENT
TELEPHONE ROYAL 421415
NEAREST STATION STROOD.SOUTHERN RY
MAIDSTONE 4022.3
TEL
TELEGRAMS COASTING BILGATE
LONDON & ROCHESTER TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
DIRECTORS: E.A.GILL M.I.N.A. GILL A.A.HUTSON PEARSON
BRICK MANUFACTURERS
SAILING & MOTOR SHIPOWNERS
CANAL ROAD
SAND BALLAST
LIGHTERMEN AND
GRAVEL AND
GENERAL FREIGHTAGE
CONTRACTORS
ROCHESTER
GENERAL MERCHANTS
DATE
OUR REF
YOUR REF.
EAG/CC
15th June 1940
Commander L.F.N. Ommaney.
Assistant King's Harbour Master,
H.M. Dockyard,
CHATHAM.
Dear Commander Ommaney,
You said you would like to have a sight of the reports of our men who were employed on the Dunkirk episode.
Three of our auxiliary barges the were service so the employed, in touch "CABBY" with the was him "THYRA" ordered a to Coaster find "PUDGE" Southwards In out addition of what and about report. "CABBY". he so 220 to we did. these, tons have d.w. been After our motor was unable also vessel to get employed "SEINE" which and I is enclose also, his consider they are worth the them notice on of the C. in C. perhaps you If you will be good enough to pass to him.
Yours sincerely,
VICE ADMIRAL
payid
27 JUN 1940
*
DOVER

616
LOG of the m.v.s "SÉINE" Official No. 160693 of Roohester.
580
in to
Crow:-
Mate Master - C.V. Cogger.
- H.L. Stafford.
Engineer Is, Godden.
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
May 22nd 1940
Sailed from Rochester at 7. 0 for S.R.D. Jetty,
Tednesday
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived alongside 2.0 p.m. and waited to load.
May 23rd 1940 Lying alongside S.R.D. Jetty waiting to load.
Thursday
May 24th 1940
Triday
Lying at Buoys off S.R.D. Jetty waiting to load.
May 25th 1940
Murday
Lying at Buoys off S.R.D. Jetty waiting to load.
May 26th 1940
Sunday
Lying at Buoys waiting to load.
Orders cancelled and instructed to proceed to
Tilbury Basin.
May 27th 1940
Monday
Arrived at Tilbury Basin and took on board 200
lifebelts; instructed to get a month's stores on board and stand by.
May 28th 1940
Tuesday
Received orders at 3. 0 p.m. to go alongside Tilbury landing stage to be demagnetised; 11. 0 p.m. ordered to get vessel Into position; 12 midnight commenced
Degaussing wired.
May 29th 1940
Wednesday
Finished Degaussing wired 6. 0 a.m. commenced loading
3,500 petrol cans of drinking water. Finished loading
10,a.m. and proceeded to Shell Nex Thames Haven and bunkered 694 gallons of Fuel and 80 gallons of paraffin.
Left at 1. 0 p.m. and arrived in Sheerness Dookyard about 3. 0 p.m. having been delayed some time outside of
Ccr.
Sheerness by patrol. Arrived at Sheerness and took on
FILLEUL
board one Officer and four Naval Ratings; had compass adjusted; loaded another 1700 petrol cane water 6. 0
ex M.T. "Hurricane" and proceeded to La Panne at p.m.
arrived in the Gore Channel and anohored at dark.
May 30th 1940
Mursday
Belgium about 3. 0 p.m.; bombarded by shore batteries;
Weighed anchor in Gore Channel 4. 0 a.m. off Nieupost, arrived at Bray, France and asked French Soldiers to did not require water and jumped on board, letting take boats their take water ashore for their comrades. They said they boats drift away. I asked some of them to understand back to little later we were informed that B.S.F. were further shore for the others but they did not me.
A down Coast, we proceeded about three miles if fresh and arrived water was off
La Panue, enquired of British Officers took on board as needed, they replied in the nagative, and many Soldiers as we could take, French British, Q and
Just westward of Nieuport, bombarded again by proceeded back to Ramsgate, leaving about 7. shore p.m.
batteries about 16 shells being fired at us, every one midded. In crossing North Sea this night, one gunned, bomb dropped 1 observed no British were Aeroplanes taken aboard. during near us and on two occasions machine no this casualties day. On this voyage 352 men

LOG m.v. "SEINE" Official No. 160693 (continued)
581
May 31st 1940
Friday
At 1.30 a.m. dropped anohor off N. Goodwin, waited for daylight for Ramsgate, weighed anohor
4.30 a.m. off Ramsgate 6.30 a.m., landed our
Soldiers 8. 0 a.m. and taking with us a different
Offi cer and another four Naval Ratings, proceeded back to Dunkirk for troops. Arrived off Dunkirk about 5. 0 p.m., anchored with just enough chain to hold vessel, engine kept running; about 5.30 p.m.
20 enemy bombers appeared and performed; driven off by our warships gunfire, one being brought down;
they appeared about 20 minutes later and were again beaten off; in the meantime our anchor was-weighed and we kept the vessel on the move; after they had gone we went close into the shore and picked up our full complement of troops, mostly British, and at
8. 0 p.m. proceeded to Ramsgate, not being troubled any more this day by the enemy.
We did not count our troops on this voyage but calculated their number to be 320.
June 1st 1940
Saturday
Proceeded to Ramsgate on a course get by the
Naval Lieutenant in charge, for N. Goodwin
Light-Vessel we were carried further to the South than we allowed for and struck the Goodwins; the sea was smooth and there was no wind and the tide was flowing; we knocked several times before we got off at 4. 0 a.m.
We a rrived in Ramsgate about 9. 0 a.m. being delayed outside Harbour by Authortties.
We put our troops ashore about 9.30 a.m. and were told to have a couple of hours break and proceed back to Dunkirk at noon.
12 noon proceeded to Dunkirk, arrived about 8. 0
p.m., vessel very heavily bombed for over an hour, went alongside Dunkirk Pier, took on board full complement of troops, and at 9. 30 p.m. proceeded back to Ramsgate.
June 2nd 1940
Arrived Ramsgate 7. 0 a.m. and landed our troops.
Sunday
Instructed to lay off at anchor and await orders.
The crew have worked continuously throughout these operations, four days and nights, without rest.
Today we had some sleep.
June 3rd 1940
Waiting for instructions
Monday
June 4th 1940
Received orders at 4.30 p.m. to proceed to
Tuesday
Sheerness. Weighed anchor 5.15 p.m.
outside Sheerness 10.15 p.m.
June 5th 1940
Arrived Sheerness Dockyard at 8.0 a.m. and
Wednesday remaining stores of lifebelts, petrol N. cans Wall put ashore. Whilst lying alongside quarter, H.M.S. denting two plates and breaking etc. "Caliban" ran head first at our starboard rubbing band; two plates were also dented on port quarter as a result of our vessel bumping heavily agains the piles.

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m., towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend, thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to di go to France and not to England.
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At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them as they had been left on the beach with 8 tor in for the Frenchmer to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

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On the Sunday June 2nd. we were loaded up with stores with orders
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to tow to Dunkirk and slip the barge into Harbour and leave her, which order was cancelled during Sunday morning, and on Monday morning they discharged the cargo again and I was ordered on
Monday afternoon to proceed to Strood, arriving at 10.30 on
Tuesday night, the 4th June under sail.
Wages received - Master £8.8s.10d.
Mate £5.14s.1d.
All the time we were at or near the shore, from 5. 0 a.m. to 2. 0 p.m.
enemy bombing continually went on and we were the target for machine gunfire three times but luckily missed the fire. About 12 noon ten R.A.F. Fighters came over and drove off about 30 bombers. I
SaW them shoot down four. Although all sorts of guns were firing all round, not one piece of shrapnel fell on board. But five bombs fell very close between us and a trawler on the way back and the barge was lifted out of the water about a foot.
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Damage to barge in sundry places, grazed and spintered, bollard on the port bow badly strained and also on the starboard quarter.
The engine was also damaged,
1 - 7" and 2 - - 4" Bass ropes broken.
My full name and address is:-
Edward Walter "Rosme", Filley. 86 Jersey Road, Strood. Kent.
Mate's name:- James Doherty.
87 Dickens Road, Maidstone.

I William Watson am Master of the auxiliary barge "PUDGE".
We were requisitioned on the 29th May whilst lying outside the
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Millwall Dock, towed to Tilbury, given three days rations, and then to Southend. The "OCEAN COCK" towed us to Ramsgate and subsequently to Dover with the barges "DORIS" "ENA" and "TOLSBURY".
We arrived at Dover at about 2.30 on the 30th May. We lay alongside the Prince of Wales Pier for the rest of that day and were told we should probably load in the morning.
On May 31st at about 8.30 a Naval Officer called the Captains ashore and asked for Volunteers to go over to Dunkirk and said that nodody could be forced to go but he would be very grateful for any volunteers and preferred the auxiliary barges.
There were about 17 barges lying at Dover and all volunteered.
Six barges were selected, three auxiliaries and three sailing barges,
"PUDGE" "LADY ROSEBERRY" "DORIS" "H.A.C." "DUCHESS" and "THYRA".
The three auxiliary barges "THYRA" "LADY ROSEBERRY" AND "PUDGE"
each proceeded forthwith out of the harbour with the other three
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barges in tow and were picked up by a big tug. The tug which picked us up was the "ST. FABIAN" and the "PUDGE" was on the hook with the
"DORIS" next and the "LADY ROSEBERRY" third.
The tug which had just arrived from the South Coast gave us & big
7" wire which was made fast round the mast case, under the windlass and through the fairlead in the bowboard, and we arrived under the shore close to Dunkirk during the hours of darkness that night (I
am not sure of the time).
We had some trouble in locating the inshore channel as the Captain of the tug did not seem to know the locality and apprently had no chart. By the time of daybreak on Saturday, we were about

three miles to the Eastward of Dunyirk and there were thousands
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of men on the shore shouting and after consulting with a Destroyer the Captain of the tug ordered me up on a short tow rope (despite
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my warning them my stem might be knooked in); instructed
"LADY ROSEBERRY" to start up his engine; piok up the "DORIS"
and get ashore ready to pick up the troops.
Whilst they were doing this, I was getting my engine going and within a very few minutes by the time the "LADY ROSEBERRY" and
"DORIS" had navigated up round the head of the tug and I had slacked astern of the boat, there was a tremendous explosion and the tug had apparently been blown up by a mine. It was only half light at the time and I immediately lowered my small boat to look for any survivors.
I picked up one Stoker who subsequently proved to have a broken leg and whilst we were pulling him into the boat, another man who proved to be the Mate, climbed over the dinghy side. Just at this moment I saw another small boat pproaching and hailed them, to find that they were the crews of the two barges which had sunk in the explosion. They had scrambled aboard their boat before their barges sunk. Everything happened so quickly that it is difficult to remember everything but my barge seemed to be lifted bodily out of the water by the explosion and I was relieved when I found she was still afloat although making water badly.
By this time my barge was the only remaining vessel of the flotilla and I had the injured man aboard and there appeared to be no other survivors.

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I applied to the Destroyer for instructions who told me to
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proceed back with the injured man.
After we had proceeded about 5 miles, another large tug (I believe one of Watkins) picked us up and towed us back to Ramsgate where we arrived at about 11.30 on Saturday morning. When we arrived at Ramsgate, a launch took the injured man ashore and 8 second boat landed the other members and I was sent to Pebble Bay, to await further instructions.
It is interesting to note that the Stoker with the broken leg was on watch in the boiler room at the time of the explosion and was blown out of the stokehold before he found himself in the water.
My crew consisted of twomen only as under:-
Captain - W. Watson. 10 Victoria Street, Strood. Kent.
Mate -
A. Hall. lives aboard the barge.