TNA ADM 199 790

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 proon 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"

Dynams 147. 259
H.M. Tug "St, Clears",
275
Sheerness.
TO: KING'S HARBOUR MASTER.
7th June, 1940.
Sir,
Tug "St. Clears" during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk of Hollo area.
I submit the Ang report and the movements naval in company with "Sun Via, towing eleven naval outters and
The Tug "St. clears" under my command left Sheerness,
28th May.
ratings under Cormander Hayward, R.N.R.Ro on board at with 1205 70 on
0015 examination tug in Sauth Downs and both tugs proceeded and
After arriving at Dover route instructions were issued by locate same. I then proceeded as instructed by "Montrose". to
"Montrose". I searched the vicinity for two hours but failed on 29th May, "Sun V" was involved in collision with H.M.S. at passing in Gravelines we were surprised by fire from a shore battery Then on our course for a short time until the firing because intensified a position bearing 0220 from Dunkerque C.W. buoy. We continued shells falling very close to our stern some of which holed and sank two cutters in tow. I then ordered the helmsman to alter course to bring the battery astern of finally stearing a course of 020°
till out of range of guns. The us, wireless operator was maintaining continuous watch so I was able to make an immediate report of the attack which I considered urgent in view of the possibility of a and by North Foreland Redio. During the the same route. This sarning was received conduct of my officers and men THE admirable, that of Able Sesman Artime Chawner who was at the wheel,
0200 efficiently when ordered to do SO₂ No then proceeded on the course ship with great precision and altered course
Rovers" Was some delay I proceeded Northern route we arrived at position 3 where H.M. Trawler "Blackburn by Destroyers, very close, were lost in this action and a a this battery was silenced passing Newport, shore batteries again
Eagle" adrift, this cutter was proceeded with a third cut but two cutters later picked up by H.M.S. "Crested and towed cutters cutters to my and position to anchored the beach off off of La La La Parme. Panne Panne. I and Commander commenced time Hayward at embarking troops During the whole of the and immediately. continuous. Commander Hayward his the courage troops.
attacks were and endurance in working the cutters, the guns were manned, after Lewis gun by myself, guns at
Our the foremost by/navel a rating being one of supplier with crew ammunition of outters, by naval the ratings. We fired machine both which any and and and and and and a Garried out that a came machine within gunning range attack. particularly Under taking at these one shelter very exceptional in I alleyways 1050
in anchor decks when ordered by me. destroyer which had "Bideford" been ashore, the crew behaved excellently During one bombing raid his but to signalled unknown to assist proceeded H.M.S. to assist.
was to "Golden 70 Eagle" French and troops from The small defect local was boats.
up to main engines. situation to H.M.S.
back "Hebe". a to Sheerness I closed at "Hebe" slow and speed saked made due me necessary to to defect. report (Sgd) report W.J. then Permey. proceeded
H.M. Master. Tug "St. Cleara".

Dyram 75. A14/0/14
om Lieutenant Commander Laurence Phillips, Royal Navy.
5th June, 1940
-
28
the Vice Admiral Commanding, Dover.
Submitted:- (1) Summary of proceedings H.M. S.Amazone 25.5.40 - 1.6.40
and French S.s. "Newhaven" 2.6.40 - 4.6.40.
(2) Recommendations.
(3) Detailed letter of proceedings.
1) Saturday 25th. p.m. sailed Amazone Poole to Portsmouth.
Sunday 26th.
wiped' ship, stored, and swung for compass.
sailed at dark for Newhaven. Sighted S/M surfaced
1/2 mile E of Owers 0005. Reported on arrival at
Newhaven.
sailed at dark for Dover in company with Foxglove and other skuyts.
Monday 27th. p.m. sailed from Dover in companym Embarked about 100
men from beach 3/4 mile West of Bray and returned to
Dover.
Wednesday 29th. sailed 0230 for Dunkirk, embarking about 400 troops at Bray and leaving 1930. Divebombed off Middlekirke on return journey to Ramsgate.
Friday 31st. 1215 sailed for Dunkirk and embarked troops from positions 2 and 3 miles E of jetty, using grass-rope as far as possible. Brought down one bomber by Bren gun fire on nearing Dunkirk, Straddled by shells on leaving.
Saturday 1st. 0500 disembarked troops and secured in harbour with gurnt-out clutch.
The reason for such a small number of troops being disembarked by Amazone was that I went to beaches where boats were not provided, on purpose.
Sunday 2nd.
I proceeded with S/L Clarabut to Dover and embarked with one and eight ratings in French steamship
"Newhaven". Took off French troops from east jetty
(B berth) and sailed for Dover 0245 (Monday).
Monday 3rd.
Proceeded in"Newhaven," Embarked Admiral Abrial, a
General, and about 1000 troops, returning to Folkestone about 0630.
(2)
I wish to mention especially:-
340691 L.A/C Harker, who took boats inshore again and again after coming off himself (Thursday 30th near Bray). He took when the ship was being dive-bombed, he took charge of a body charge of the troops in his boat most efficiently. Later, of men on deck and directed rifle-fire very coolly during each attack.
Rating) whose conduct in working our own small boats, at
Also Ord. Sea. Wakeham (Portsmouth Division - Newfoundland and the wheel, was exceptional.
set Also a most Sub. excellent Lieutenant example and whose assistance was a very gual
Clarabut R.N. (lent from Montrose) who help to me.
ADMIT
7-JUN.19.- 7-
2.1.

3. (astailed account).
29
5/40 Sailed Amazone, Poole to Portsmouth D.Y.
5/40 a.m. 'wiped' ship in Block; stored with 14 days provisions and various instruments and navigational books.
p.m. Swung ship for compass adjustment and anchored near outer
Spit Buby. Sailed at dark in company to Newhaven.
5/40 0005 sighted submarine, surfaced, 1'm E of Owers Lt.V.. Reported to Examination Vessel on arrival with instructions to pass on message. Anchored outside harbour on orders received, having no opportunity to provide sand-bags, Lewis gun, etc.
Salled at dark for Dover in company, led by Foxglove.
5/40
Arrived at Dover a.m.
Sailed p.m., for Operation Dynamo, in company, and proceeded by long route.
Amazone led the skyts, but the compass was found to be reading about 70 low, due to Gerricks' being topped ready for the exercise, and her position was lost by the time this was rectified. I beached the ship about m/a mile west of Bray, bows in, and with a kedge astern.
Lieut. Audley, R.N.V.R. landed in our two small boats and led down troops from the sand-dunes. By 0300 the boats' crews were exhausted and the boats were being capsized by the sea which had increased with the westerly wind. It was obvious that no more could be taken off in our own boats from the beach. I approached a sloop which was not anxious to take our troops. A large steamer at anchor outside informed me that she was on her way in, and there was too much sea for putting Amazone alongside her. I decided not to go in to the eastern jetty at such a late hour with troops on board and returned, without incident, by the long route to Dover.
Disembarked about 100 officers and men (British) at Admiralty Pier.
Lieut. Audley's leg had been injured when hoisting in our boats4
and he was placed on the sick list.. Sub. Lieut. Clarabut, R.N. was detailed from Montrose as First Lieutenant. I embarked essential stores and large quantities of water, also a Lewis gun and as few sand-bags.
Nei ther the Naval Shore Signal Station nor the Pier Master was urs.
able to inform Mr. Clarabut of the ship's whereabouts and it was
0th.
not possible to leave until 0230 after I had found him myself. This wasted five hours.
0230 Sailed in company with Pacific but lost touch soon afterwards. Made landfall to Eastwards of Dunkirk about 0930. Having been informed that there was no danger from mines I had taken a short out in shallow water. This, and the fact that the compass was still 'low', caused us to mistake Gravilines for Dunkirk! I steamed up and down the coast and examined the harbour from about 1 mile out and found no sign of life. Having no W/T, and having had no orders since 2100 the day before, I steamed W.N.W to seek information. Picked up drifter and
Anchored about 300ˣ from shore in 10 ft. water and embarked about proceeded to Bray Beach.
400 officers and other ranks, sending in water drums by empty boats.
340691 L.A. C. Harker returned inshore several times, until exhausted, with a large collapsible boat, taking water drums each time. He took charge of the troops in his boat most efficiently and set a very fine example. Later, while the ship was being dive-bombed, he took charge of the troops on deck and directed rifle-fire very cooly during each attack in spite of fairly accurate machine-gun fire.
.915
Proceeded. Fredanja informed me he was taking route Y so, presuming there were special orders, sailed/company. in
2010
Attacked by German bomber off Middlekirke. Three bombs dropped close to Fredanja - avoided delay-action effect.
013
3 more bombs dropped close to Fredanja.
Lef.

Dyram. 147 428
404
H.M. Tug "St. Clears",
Sheerness.
TO: KING'S HARBOUR MASTER.
7th June, 1940.
Sir,
I Clears" submit the following report and the movements of
Tug "St. during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk H.M. area.
in company with "Sun V", towing eleven naval cutters and with 70
The Tug "St. Clears" under my command left Sheerness, naval ratings under Commander Hayward, R.N.R. on board at 1205 on
28th May.
After arriving at Dover route instructions were issued by examination tug in South Downs and both tugs proceeded and at
0015 on 29th May, "Sun V" was involved in collision with H.M.S.
"Montrose". I searched the vicinity for two hours but failed to locate same. I then proceeded as instructed by "Montrose". When passing Gravelines we were surprised by fire from a shore battery in a position bearing 022° from Dunkerque C.W. buoy. We continued on our course for a short time until the firing became intensified shells falling very close to our stern some of which holed and sank two cutters in tow. I then ordered the helmsman to alter course to bring the battery astern of us, finally steering a course of 020°
till out of range of guns. The wireless operator was maintaining continuous watch so I was able to make an immediate report of the attack which I considered urgent in view of the possibility of other small craft following the same route. This warning was received and inmediately re-broadcast by North Foreland Radio. During the whole of this time the conduct of my officers and men was admirable, particularly that of Able Seaman Arthur Chawner who was at the wheel, he steered the ship with great precision and altered course efficiently when ordered to do SO. We then proceeded on the course
0200 until we arrived at position T where H.M. Trawler "Blackburn
Rovers" was stationed. After some delay I proceeded Northern route as instructed by trawler. When passing Newport, shore batteries again opened fire, shells falling very close, this battery was silenced by French Destroyers, but two cutters were lost in this action and a third cut adrift, this cutter was later picked up by H.M.S. "Created
Eagle" and towed to my position off La Panne. I proceeded with six remaining cutters and anchored off La Panne. Commander Hayward dispatched the cutters to the beach of La Panne and commenced
La Panne aerial attacks were continuous. Commander Hayward his embarking troops immediately. During the whole of the time and at men showed great courage and endurance in working the cutters, continually transporting troops.
a
Our were manned, the foremost by/naval myself, rating being one of machine was circumstances and supplied the carried in anchor. mess not relief out that with decks crew a I guns came machine proceeded ammunition the when of within crew cutters, ordered gunning behaved to by range unknown naval by the attack. me. particularly excellently after ratings. destroyer to During Lewis assist Under one taking We at gun H.M.S. which these bombing one fired by shelter had machine very "Bideford" both to been raid exceptional assist. guns in which hit I alleyways have ashore, at but any required. I was signalled Eagle" and proceeded local boats.
At During "Hebe". I signalled transferred 2200 this Engineer to period "Bideford" cutters reported I picked to who "Golden defect asked up made 70 to me French main to THE from small was back to Sheerness I closed at "Hebe" slow and speed due to defect.
R.J.Penney
H.M.

Reseue Eug Lady Brassy
Wed may 1940
411
his
Regarding the try Sr. abbs.
I was in charge of the Lady Brassiy when about /. am we received a message the salvage Officer was coming on board. about
1.40 am the Solvage Officer arrived H Robrison
We proceeded off to Mo2 Buay Calois Route.
r found the Destroyer Montrose about 11 miles off, who informed us that he had been in collision with a Jug We didnot All any tug whilst approaching the Montrose.
her position being about / mile W.S.W %'2 Buay.
she had extensive bow damage r we trued her in stern first r was assisted the simla when by off the Eastern Entrances to make her fast to nos Buoy. as 6.30 am.
yo
K.H.M. M.
yours faithfully
7.9 Hopgood master signed Tuesday gune