TNA ADM 199 790

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H.llo TUG "ST. CLEARS"
Dynams 147. 258
SHEERNESS.
- 274
KING'S HARBOUR MASTER
7th June, 1940
I submit the following report and the movements of Hello
8 "ST. CLEARS" during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk area.
The tug "ST. CLEARS" under my command left Sheerness, in company
th "SUN V", towing eleven naval cutters and with 70 naval ratings
der Commander Hayward, on board at 1805 on 28th May.
After arriving at Dover route instructions were issued by -
nation tug in South Downs and both tugs proceeded and at 0015
a 29th May, "SUN V" was involved in collision with H.N.S.
MONTROSE". I scarched the vioinity for two hours but failed to
ocate name. I then proceeded as instructed by "MONTROSE". then
assing Gravelines we were surprised by fire from a shore battery
n a position bearing 022 degrees from Dunkerque Calla buoy. de
ontinued on our course for a short time until the firing become
ntensified shells falling very close to our stem some of which
coled and mank two cutters in tow. I then ordered the helmssan to
lter course to bring the battery astern of us, finally steering a
course of 080 degrees till out of range of guns. The wireless
operator was maintaining continuous eatch 80 1 we able to make in
THE the attack which I considered urgent in view of
THE whole of this time the conduct of my officers and
small craft following the same route, This
imediately re-broadcast by North Foreland
men was admirable. that of Able Seeman Arthur Chawner
who was at the whell, particularly he steared the ship with great precision and
Trawler "BLACKBURN ROVERS" was stationed. After some delay 1 pro-
on the course 020 degrees until se arrived at Position 2 shere 11.11.
altered course efficiently when ordered to do 80. De then proceeded
ceeded Northern route instructed by travler. then passing Sesport,
battery was again opened Destroyers, but two outters sere lost
shore batteries as firs, shells falling very close, this
up I by H.M.S. "CRESTED and a third out and adrift, towed so my position off La Fanne.
in this action silenced by French this outter was later picked
Commander with six remaining cutters to the bench of La Panno
proceeded EAGLE" cutters and anchored off La Panne.
Hayward disputched the immediately. During the shole of
and his La embarking Panne acrial troops attacks courage were continuous. and endurance Communder in working
outters, continually men showed transporting great troops.
one
of
WELB carried I Our anchor. not gun that 8 orew I were came muchine proceeded ammunition the when of manned, within crew outters, ordered gunning behaved to by range the unknown by navel the foremost attack. no. particularly excellently after ratings. destroyer to During assist Lewis by Under a - taking naval at No gun H.M.S. which these bombing one fired by shelter rating machine very had myself, "BIDEFORD" both to been raid exceptional assist. gune in being which hit 1 alleyways have ashore, at but any
During At signalled "HERE" transferred 8200 this required. Engineer to period "BIDEFORD" outters reported I I picked was to who signalled "GOLDEN defect a sked up 70 to EAGLE no French main to STATE PART and proceeded small local boats.
back to I Sheerness closed "HEEN" at slow and speed made due to defect.
(Sgd) W.J. Penney
MASTER
H.M. Tug "ST. CLEARS"