TNA ADM 199 792

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58 Allerton Road,
15
Liverpool, 18.
4th June, 1940.
Sir,
Original foreunder.
I have the honour to submit this report of the loss of H.M.S.
"BRIGHTON QUEEN" by enemy action.
2.
At 7.30 a.m. B.S.T. 1.6.40, the ship was got under way and
proceeded from Margate Roads towards Dunkirk by route "X". At about 9.30
a.m. when in position 4 miles North of Calais No. 5 buoy H.M.S. "BRIGHTON QUEEN"
engaged enemy aircraft with 12-pounder and Lewis gun fire, action continuing
until arrival at Dunkirk. The fire was accurate, keeping aircraft to a height
from which bomb aiming was difficult. In the vicinity of Calais No. 4 buoy
three salvoes of 4 bombs were aimed at "BRIGHTON QUEEN", the nearest dropping
100 feet from the starboard quarter.
3.
The ship entered the breakwater at Dunkirk at 10.35 a.m. and berthed
at the West Lock at 10.45 a.m. 700 French Moroccan troops were embarked and at
11.10 a.m. H.M.S. "BRIGHTON QUEEN" left her berth and proceeded towards Margate.
Calais No. 5 buoy was rounded at 11.50 a.m. and the ship proceeded along route "X".
4.
At 11.05 a.m. a formation of seven single engined aircraft were seen
delivering a dive bombing attack to the Southward, after which they reformed and
entered clouds at about 5,000 feet. Their engines were heard approaching and
the ship's guns were trained in their direction. As they appeared from the
cloud they were engaged with 12-pounder and Lewis gun fire, whilst the helm was
put hard to starboard.
The formation broke up to attack, by dive bombing, H.M.S. "BRIGHTON
QUEEN", and the transport "SEOLIA" which was two cables distant at Red 50°.
"SCOTIA"
"SCOTIA"
The main attack was directed against leaving her on fire
and in a sinking condition. One bomb estimated 200 lbs. exploded very close
to H.M.S. "BRIGHTON QUEEN" causing severe damage to the starboard side of the
ship abaft the paddle box. The one lifeboat remaining from the previous day's
operation at La Panne was blown inboard, causing many casualties amongst the
troops on the after deck. The ship began to settle by the stem immediately
and after two minutes began to heel to port until she had a list of 50°. The
ship was laid over at this angle until she filled forward and sank about 5 minutes
after the explosion to rest on the bottom on an even keel in about five fathoms
of water.
In this short time my crew worked quickly and efficiently in getting
liferafts and all floating material over the side to troops who were struggling
in the sea. The French troops were splendidly steady, and although no orders
could be given to them except by signs, they acted cooly and intelligently in
making use of the life saving material available.
H.M.S. "SALTASH" and several small craft were soon on the scene
carrying out the difficult operation of rescuing the survivors with speed and
determination, H.M.S. "SALTASH" being laid alongside the wreck until the last
man was taken off.
All confidential books remain in the ship. They were placed in
a weighted sack ready to be jettisoned in the Commanding Officer's cabin, but
this cabin was flooded before it could be reached. The more important books
werelanded at Harwich on May 30th, 1940.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your Obedient Seevant,
The Secretary of the
Admiralty,
a. Stabbs
Second Sea Lord's Department,
Lieut, see NiL
Rex House, Regent Street, LONDON.
(below) R.N.R. L.10932/40
I regret that probably 50% of the French Colonial troops must have been lost,
as a result of the explosion by drowning.