TNA ADM 199 790

538
Good
522
Maulesden,
NAVAL OFFICER
BRECHIN.
508
eth
*
D
Angue.
DEPARTMENT RAWS DEPARTMENT
ORANGE
6th. June 1940.
*
by Vincia
Sir,
4 at
I have the honour to enclose the reort which
Commander Duffet instructed me to send to you.
I have the honour to be
517
Sir,
512
Your Obedient Servant,
X Sublieut. RN.
ITE
R.W.D.Don
R
already OSE
ief agret
G. A. Gabbett- Mulhallen.
Sub.Lieutenant Royal Navy.
The Captain's Secretary.
H.M.S. FERVENT.
RAMSGATE.

REPORT
539
522
ON THE OPPERATIONS OF THE MOTOR LAUNCHES "YSER" AND
"MALBOROUGH DURING THE EVAQUATION OF THE BRITISH &
509
7
FRENCH FORCES.
Yug Vincia
The Hopper no.95, which I had been ordered to take h
round to Ramsgate, anchored early last Wednesday evening, and Commander Duffet gave me the Belgian ferry boat "Yser".
We started in 8 convoy of eighteen other small motor craft at about 0100 on Thursday. Shortly after daylight
512
the escorting drifter had to turn back with two of the small
512
boats, and with our much greater speed we soon left the remainder of the launches well astern.
VI940
Owing to the fact that the "Yser" was not fitted with a compass we deviated from our course, making a landfall
8 few miles to the westward of the town. We arrived off the beaches at about 0900, and ran aground in our attempts to approach close enough to the sands for the men to wade out to us. There was no anchor in the boat, but we salvaged two of the plowshare type from other abandoned boats, and laid them out at low tide in order to kedge her off.
During the afternoon and dog-watches we were able to be of some use by acting as a liason link between the boats and the officers of the embarking troops. The Frenchmen were very reluctant to wade in deeper than their waists, and
Petty Officer Clarke (Chatham Division) spent approximately five hours, with water up to his neck, helping the soldiers ief into the small boats.
agret
I should like to take this oppotunity to recommend
Petty Officer Clarke for his cheerfulness, vigour, and valuable advice offered on this occasion and later in the WD boat
"Malborough". I understand that Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten mentioned Petty Officer Clarke in his despatches following the torpedoing and bombing of HMS "Kelly".
Our efforts to refloat the "yser" were without success, and having waited for high tide we took passage home
G. Gabbett- Mulhallen.
Sub.Lieutenant Royal Navy.
The Captain's Secretary.
H.M.S. FERVENT.
RAMSGATE.

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
7
6n Imday the 31" M May, we the s. Jug Vincia left Ramagati in taw of three skiffs for & which at
2.45 2.45pm. pm.
542
Good
NAVAL
OFFICER
512
Yer
*
SE
Ashton Lodge,
STATE
TE
Petitor Road,
TORQUAY.
% June. 1940.
On on
Fridge
Sir, from
I have the honour to submit the following brief report of By operations off Dunkirk, and which I regret
I was unable to forward sooner.
On
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
G. A. Gabbett- Mulkallen.
Sub. Lieutenant Royal Navy.
The Captain's Secretary.
H.M.S. FERVENT.
RAMSGATE.

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C.B.O.
Sir,
7
6n Imday the 31" M May. we the s. Jug. Vincia left Ramagate in taw of three skiffs for Duskin at
2.45 2.45pm.
543
513
This too
On arriving at Dover on Friday morning
31st May, orders were issued to me regarding the embarkation of troops from Dunkirk by lifeboats. I then proceeded by motorcoach to Ramsgate where I was alloted
4 lifeboats, one of which had an engine. To sailed at noon for Dunkirk in the tow of the trawler "FAIRBREEZE".
On approaching Dunkirk we were heavily bombed by enemy Aircraft, one bomb landing on our starboard side not 50yds away which, luckily, did not explode. We proceeded inshore to my alloted position and cast away from the trawler. With the three lifeboats in tow I made for the beach which, to my disgust, I found was almost deserted, then, on account of the surf and so few troops, I left one lifeboat and proceeded with the other two along towards
La Panne where a number of troops were congregated. I
waded ashore to discover, to my surprise, that the troops refused to wade out. By a little 'gentle persuasion'
1
however, I succeeded in filling two lifeboats and returned to collect the one left earlier before proceeding out to the waiting trawler.

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
7
6x Imday the 31" M May. we the S.Jug Vincia left Ramagate in taw of three skiffs for Duskinh at
2.45pm.
544
2
514
This operation of holding the bifeboats end on to the beach, combined with the continuous bombing from the air, proved too difficult a task for the crews. After doing it twice
I had only one lifeboat remaining, the others having broached to and swamped themselves. Also, there was continuous shelling from the batteries from the Western side. So the only alternative left to me was to ferry troops from the piers to the trawler.
Atlantic
With the trawler filled we set out for home but we had not been under way long before the trawler struck a wreck. I sent out an S-0-S on the siren. It was quickly answered by a Dutch 'scoot which came to our rescue, took off our troops and leaving the trawler "FAIRBREEZE" to sink, landed us back at Ramsgate at about 7.30am.
That night I comandeered a fast motorboat
"VERNON 1" and set out again for Dunkirk to ferry troops off the piers out to the Destroyers and waiting transports.
I continued this operation until dawn when the starboard engine of the launch fell to peices and I had to be towed home to Ramsgate rull of troops.
The next boat I got was the "PIGEON" one of the
War Dept. boats which continued to run magnificently for the remainder of the operations. From now on I did not try the beaches any more but ferried troops from the piers to the waiting transports outside Dunkirk. This seemed my best

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
C.B.O.
522
Sir,
7
6n I mday the 31" M May. we the s.Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Dunkinh at
2.45pm.
545
-
3
515
courseas, for one thing, I was now aquainted with the majority of the wrecks in the vicinity of the piers and the entrance of the harbour and was able to quide in the arriving transports on each of my return journeys.
The "PIGEON" carried approx. 25 troops. Between midnight and dawn each night I made on an average 20 trips, arriving at Ramsgate usually at 7.30 a.m. on the last lap with the PIGEON full of troops.
I continued this every night until Monday when
3.4 having ferried all night when having forried all night, and the last transport had sailed with approx.
3,500 troops aboard I waited alongside the pier for
Commander Troupe (2 spelling) who was on the pier embarking the men into the ships. Eventually he came aboard with the French General and his staff (very relieved at the coming I was to, for having heard the Jerries had arrived in the town, the wait and the time they took to get down the ladder from the pier(being low tide) seemed interminable. It was about 3.45 a.m. when we finally cast off and made for theentrance of the harbour. With such &
important personages abound, my one mortal fear, considering there was not another craft to come to my assistance in the harbour or outside, all having left previously, was losing the three propellers in the tremendous amount of wreckage and floating baulks of timberete. which had now spread out

Statement from S.Y. Vincen: (Re, Dunkish
C. B.O.
522
Sir,
7
Gn Imday the 31" M May, we the S.Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Dunkinh at
2.45pm. 2.45
546
516
4
over a far-flung area with the ebbing tide.
However, all went well, but for bumping twice just outside the breakwater. We made Ramsgate Harbour at 0745 Tuesday.
Sub Lieutenant CA CANHAM. Royal Navy. was with me in all these operations.

Statement from S.Y. Vincen: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
7
Gn Imday the 31° M May. are the S.Jay Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Dunkinh at
2.45pm.
at 7pm see were off the Sandetha Bany, ohn
I
Yes.
From:- Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N.
See
1
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
$
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
that
30th May.
1245
Proceeded from Ramsgate in drifter Ocean Breeze"
(Skipper Bailley) with 2 whalers in tow.
14.00
Passed N. Goodwin L/V and proceeded by Route X
to Dunkirk Roads.
1915
Arrived off Dunkirk East Pier. Proceeded forthwith to position 1½ miles east of Pier and commenced embarking troops. Whalers were used for taking troops off beach - naval crew in 1 whalerand and drifter's crew in other.
Found motor boat with civilian crew and coxswain continued to tow our boats to and from shore to
"Ocean Breeze" until dark having embarked 170
(approx) British troops. Contacted Lieut.
McMullan in Schoot "Twente", turned whalers over to officer in charge of a tug as I realised that, without small boats, tugs and drifters etc.
could not operate.
2300
Left Dunkirk Roads by Route X and arrived Ramagate
0400 on 31st May and discharged troops.
31st May.
0830
Proceeded in "Ocean Breeze" by Route X to Dunkirk
1330
Arrived Roads. off Dunkirk East Pier: proceeded to point
1½ miles east of Dunkirk Pier and owing to absence of small boats and inability to contact any power driven craft of shallow draft I was not able to embark any troops until
1500
When I succeeded in borrowing a whaler from tug to which I had turned mine over on previous day.
Effected one trip ashore with whaler under oars but owing to surf and tide this operation took over half an hour. Then was fortunate in contacting Sub. Lt. Cornish R.N.V.R. in motor boat. This officer assisted me greatly by towing my whaler as far in shore as possible and hauling her off again by means of a warp for which we utilised the Dan mooring which happened to be in "Ocean Breeze". Without this officer's assistance I should not have been able to embark any troops that day.

Statement from S.J. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C.B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. are the J.Juy Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Durkish at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandetha Bany, ohen
548
eport by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd)
-
518
1500
From 1500 onwards we were subject to almost continuous attack by enemy aircraft and had the satisfaction of seeing 7 bombers brought down by destroyers' and shore batteries' anti-sireraft fire. Two enemy pilots escaped by parachute.
Majority of troops embarked at this point were
French.
1700
On hearing that there were a number of British troops on the beach near La Panne proceeded there with Sub. Lt. Cornish and his motor boat and succeeded in embarking a number of British.
Total number embarked was not recorded by ne but was approximately 150 altogether.
2030
Having valuable cargo aboard and observing that there were a number of schoots and other craft who, owing to the absence of small power driven craft, were unable to get any troops. I decided to return to Base with my load and turned over my whaler to Sub. Lt. Cornish and asked him to report to the Schoot "Atlantic", the Commanding
Officer of which told me that he had been there all day without being able to get a single man on board for reasons explained above.
Proceeded by route X in company with other drifters, troop ships, tugs, etc. and were attacked by enemy aircraft until past No 6 W Buoy, when they were driven off by anti-aircraft fire from
British destroyers.
1st June.
1430
Arrived N. Goodwin L/V and anchored owing to insufficient water in Ramagate.
1600
Weighed and proceeded in to Ramagate and discharged
That troops. evening was ordered to return to Dunkirk in
"Ocean Breeze" but order was cancelled as we could not reach destination by 2130.
2nd June.
Ordered to proceed in Power Boat "Haig" with Lt. in
McMullan R.N.R. and Sub. Lt. Hollingshead company with Marlborough, Kestrel and Swallow. Cmdr.
2100
Proceeded with Marlborough in company with with one
Troop R.N. in command of "Haig" and lifeboat in tow.
3rd June.
0030
Approached Dunkirk; obliged to out lifeboat adrift she became full of water and was hampering bollard.
Entered Dunkirk Harbour and proceeded alongside speed as of "Haig" and damaging towing

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. in the Jug. Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Durkich at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandettee Bany, other
549
Report by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd).
- 519
centre jetty and embarked French troops (approx
50 in number). Discharged troops to steamer lying outside and returned for further load.
Were informed that there were 700 troops aboard &
steamer aground off Nouveau Avant Port so proceeded alongside and took off 39 French troops.
As it was approaching daylight Cormdr. Troop decided to return to base with load.
0200
Off entrance of harbour we were struck on portside by two French motor vessels in rapid succession and holed on port side amidships and portside for'd. Forepeak rapidly filled with water so we proceeded alongside paddle sweeper "Westward
Ho" which was on point of leaving.
As "Westward HO" already had her engines moving and wash from her paddles was causing "Haig" to fill rapidly, speedy abandonment was necessary and all hands and troops boarded "Weatward Ho"
by port paddle-box door.
3rd June.
0700 Landed Margate.
ben June.
1530 Having been asked by Commander Hammond, D.S.O.,
D.S.C., R.N. to come as his navigating officer, boarded schoot "Pascholl" (Lt. Wise R.N.V.R.)
and proceeded (Cmmdr. Hammond in command) with
"Lena", "Hondsrug" and another in company with orders toreach Dunkirk No. 12 W buoy at 2300.
Courses and speed as requisite for Dunkirk.
2300
On arrival at Dunkirk entered harbour and endeavoured to find Jetty in Nouveau Avant Port.
This was not practicable owing to insufficient water so proceeded alongside centre jetty (East side) and embarked 255 French troops. During embarkation enemy action was conspicuous by its absence and all was quiet.
th June.
0200
Left Jetty in order to allow other vessels to come alongside and set course and speed as requisite for Ramsgate. Left by X route and arrived off
N. Goodwin L/V at 0630. Owing to insufficient water in Ramsgate and inability to anchor,
Channel and up Ramsgate Channel, arriving in time proceeded to Downs by Gull Stream and Downs to enter harbour at 0815. Discharged troops.

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. we the s. Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Duskinh at
2.45pm.
at 7pm see were off the Sandethe Bany, who
551
Report by Act. Sub. Lieut. MacIntyre. (contd)
-
521
4th June.
0045
Proceeded alongside H.M.S. Mosquito.
0145
Fixed charges; returned to gunboat and left demolition party.
0210
Left gun boat; one engine running badly.
0230
Given tow by paddle steamer.
0245
Paddle steamer altered course to avoid buoy. Other boat in tow lost two men overboard.
0300
Picked up one man (Dutch fishing smack rescued other).
0330
Starboard engine giving trouble. Speed 4½ knots.
0345
Asked tug for tow. Ordered to abandon ship.
0700
Arrived Ramsgate in tug.
1700
Given command of Amazone.
2300
Proceeded out of harbour and anchored. B.R.A.
reported engine clutch red hot - must be sand in it.
ad
5th June.
0900
Reported to Cmdr. Davies and Engineer Captain. Ordered to proceed inside inner harbour by fish market.
1045
Weighed and proceeded inside.

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
%
522
C. B.O.
you
Sir,
6, I mday the 31" M May. we the S. Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for D which at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandethe Bany, who is saw a para charted describing: We went and "
from A fell into the sea, of saved the astmon, who noved to be a Brited gammer, of who had her badly runded: as 7.30 p.m. we transferred him to a strayer. named, Venomous; afterwand continuing a journey
We arreved at Dankin about + wes
'en given orders G praceed east, to 4 place called rays. This we did, of anchored; d then and the u/fo ashare to embark the soldies:
We mene day this until daylight next morning was then told to transfer trank to a destanges. +
the.Y.Yma, to remain at Brays, in each of
"g required by any of H. m. Ships about 8.15 An, during a leavy bombing attach, are the H M.S. Nuth got hit, d her China all in the
We went to had, of researed 1.8 Officer of Ratings, tadly wounded, of being heavily hombed the whole of doing so:
We left this scent after searng all as sw

Statement of the S.S. Harcular
554
524
C.B.O. O.
Sir.
On Thursday the 6". 4 June. su left Ramegato about at 12.45 for duties on the Month Patrat
6n our way ant. we saw a ship maned the
S. Harcula. in deffeculties, a being tawed by the 1. Laga
Ka. gava, of Fabia
We, the S.Y. Vincia, went to the ship, of wes mediately engaged.
Wea passed and lawing howev abound X was made last on the S.S. Hancula part how. d by 13.25 4
une towing Full speed in company with the the ugo as 13.55 the tug Lady Brancy arrived, & he he was engaged of made fast - the "If Harcula
20ml quarter. cL assested in the tawing from the owns Channel to the n. Brake bands. where the lb grounded at 14.15 p in a sunking condition, meny to being mined in the Laway
Due to the prompt executance given by the ugs. I think we saved the its. Harcula from being a wreck in the Dawn Channel & a danger to navigation your a.V.Hails Chadianthy (Manto of ft Ymair