TNA ADM 199 790

Hello TUG "ST. CLEARS"
Dynams 147. 258
SHEERNESS.
- 274
10s KING'S HARBOUR MASTER
7th June, 1940
Sir,
I submit the following report and the movements of H.H.
Tug "ST. CLEARS" during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk area.
The tug "ST. CLEARS" under my command left Sheerness, in company with "SUN V", towing eleven naval cutters and with 70 naval ratings under Commander Hayward,R.N.R. on board at 1805 on 98th May.
After arriving at Dover route instructions were issued by -
instian the in South Danna and both turn proceeded and at 0015
25/273
- 2 -
2. 2nd Hand James Cowie X.57 SoCo
: 8 HoMaDa the Renascent who showed great bravery in survivors
Ordo Sea.Ronald Labbo HoOo
Dede 30a Ernest Mc.Xay HoCo eavy smoke. yecht Grieve under difficult conditions of resouring darkness and hip 3. Leonard So Brown the safely throughout H.O. the of operation H.M.D. during Renascent onessy for attacks, steering
140 or Sub, Lieutenant Strathelliot aking off soldiers devotion from Dunkorque. to duty his courage and Waltor Edward Nereer in face R.B.V.R of attack of whilat for 5.
thin. under Percy fire Smith and for Chaplin his careful of R.M.P. handling Strathellist of his
'O' the 6. 7. Ordinary crowdravery Joaman under Ernest fire and Lloyd cheerful Houre example HaO. of 102573 R.M.T. to the of rest Strathelliot S.M.T. of
William James No.leod M/KX his engines in his devotion to during duty the in keeping whole operation, on Uuba Lt. efficiency in E.N.Y. Alonatte II
his courego Reginald and devotion Edward to Lee duty Unit in officer the face of heavy may fire.
9a 3. of S.H.Y. Alomatic II for his efficient and hard work. or He the was shipe care Nessling Enginemen HaOe greatly responsible for the g
to was running 188753 who kept continous vatch
2nd in Hand the oxecution of da duties under extremely
5
conditions.
to.
CAPTAIN.
Rells

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".

Dynom. 120,
363
Admiralty House,
341
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on Monday 27th May, after getting final instructions from the Vice Admiral,
Dover, I proceeded to Sheerness and commenced duty as
"Dynamo" Maintenance Officer; my staff consisted of
Commander H.R. Troup, R.N,, who accompanied me from
Economic Warfare Division, and Lieutenant Commander D.E.
Holland-Martin, R.N. We had the invaluable assistance of the Fleet Engineer Officer, Captain T.E. Docksey. Lieutenant
Commander Guinner, R.N. in command of the Schuit "Princess
Juliana" which had broken down, helped for the first day, he then left to join N.O.I.C. Ramsgate whose need was greater. Lieutenant Commander Filleul, R.N., from Weymouth
Contraband Base, also joined but was sent away in charge of a lighter with petrol cans of water and subsequently joined
N.O.I.C. Margate. Lieutenant R.S. Hellby R.N.R. who came from
Weymouth Contraband Base, but was not fit enough to go to sea, took his place.
2. Officers, ratings, volunteers and boats commenced to arrive on Tuesday, and the work of preparing boats for service occupied the whole of daylight hours for the remainder of the week.
3. The first group consisting of 20 cutters with half crews sailed for Dover on Tuesday in tow of the"st. Clears" and
"Sun V". The first group of motor boats sailed for Dover on
Wednesday. Subsequent groups were sent either to Ramsgate or direct to the beaches, as directed by the Vice Admiral, Dover.
When there were insufficient Officers available, boats were sailed in groups with at least one Officer trained in navigation in each. Lighters were as far as possible given motor boats to attend them.
4. Officers and Coxswains were given broad instructions that failing orders and guidance from Officers on the spot they were to find the places where troops were waiting, ferry them off to the ships off shore, and continue the work as long as possible, retaining enough fuel in reserve to get back to
Ramsgate. As far as I have been able to judge, good use was made of the wide discretion given.
5. Requests were made from time to time for rafts, ladders, lifebuoys and water. These and all the other demands were met wholeheartedly by the Dockyard and H.M.S. "Wildfire".
6. Most of the owners and crews who brought boats volunteered to serve in them; more would have done so had what they were wanted to do. Many volunteers who had it been possible to tell them before sailing for Sheerness commitments went away to clear themselves and came back to who lost their boats joined others at Dover and Ramsgate, join, although their own boats had already sailed. Crews or back to Sheerness to find another. There were I
am came glad to be able to say, very few exceptions to the general at In Dardanelles, did all he could to get away and induce enthusiasm. X213 the Master, a man of 60 years who had served his the to take her. They went away to Chatham. S,N.S.O on me and I suggest that the Dockyard would be well sent drivers them back. They made a most unfavourable impression advised to get rid of them. I feel sure that they could not be relied on in any emergency and would have a bad effect on others.
One I regret to add, is an ex-service man.

Dyram. 147 428
401
H.M. Tug "St. Clears",
Sheerness.
TO: KING'S HARBOUR MASTER.
7th June, 1940.
Sir,
I submit the following report and the movements of H.M.
Tug "St. Clears" during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk area.
The Tug "St. Clears" under my command left Sheerness, in company with "Sun V". towing eleven naval cutters and with 70
Думашь 147.--
427 1
403 by
From: COMMANDER OF DOCKYARD. SHEERNESS.
Date: 7th June, 1940.
No: 2707.
id id nk
To:
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE.
20°
go
The attached report from the Master, H.M.
eired
Tug "St. Clears" is submitted in accordance with your le,
1608 of 4th June. I consider "St. Clears" did very well.
eel,
Both Master and Crew seem to have displayed energy and se courage, and Mr. William Josiah Penney, Master, and Able te gain
Seaman Arthur Chawner are worthy of special mention.
sted rd
COMMANDER OF DOCKYARD.
La any
11
ways it ore, oats.

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.