TNA ADM 199 792

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CENTRA
AUG 194
74
CONFIDENTIAL.
c/o OFFICE OF
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING
DOVER.
N.L.
10167
28th August, 1940.
No. 13/12.AB/40
1940
Sir,
Enquiry into Loss of H.M. Danlayer "Nautilus"
in Operation "Dynamo".
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40 dated
1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships
the following report resulting from an Enquiry into the
loss of H.M. Danlayer "Nautilus" on 29th May, 1940.
2.- Acting Skipper R. MacLean, R.N.R. the senior surviving
officer who was in command of the vessel was examined on
28th August, 1940.
3.- Whilst going alongside "Greyhound" during heavy
bombing attack to transfer soldiers an explosion from a
near miss about 6 feet off caused "Nautilus" to lift out of
the water. Engine was put out of action, steering gear
jambed and ship started making water rapidly.
4.- Soldiers and crew were transferred to "Greyhound"
and by the time this operation was completed she was about
6 feet down in the water and sinking.
Later "Sandown"
fired a few rounds to ensure her sinking as soon as possible
and to clear the fairway.
5.- S.P's and confidential matter on board were destroyed by
fire. In this connection I would like to draw attention
to the very commendable action taken by Skipper MacLean.
After transfer of all personnel to "Greyhound" and when water
had risen nearly to the level of his bunk he remained on
board, and in order to prevent the books sinking in shallow
water he made a pile on his bunk, soaked it in petrol and
set fire to it thus ensuring their destruction.
6.- The loss of this vessel reveals, in the circumstances,
no information of value as to material.
7.- I was assisted in my Enquiry by Lieutenant Commander
(E) Weston Smith, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
aBedford
VICE ADMIRAL.
The Secretary
of the Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.