TNA ADM 199 795

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CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during
operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
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Of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing
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or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the
operation, and two were damaged in collision.
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Of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN,
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BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS,
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AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had
been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2
MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST.HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3 AUTO CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
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2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of
these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo
started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour
in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the
situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, out discovered some
of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put
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an officer and some set nen and stokers on board to augment and
stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed
and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing
troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an
armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and
did not sail again.
should 4. have completed 6 voyages. When due to commence her
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she
fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail
again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if
required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from
the master of the MALINES last night to say him and
the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it
hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been
continually on their feet all the week and especially
the deck officers who have had to be on their feet
for so long. I myself have had 4 hours rest for the
week and am at present physically unfit for another
necessary to jo I will abide with the masters of the
trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely
other ships decision.
P.S. absolutely There nervous wrecks and certiffed by the naval
is two more of the crew going ashore now
doctor.
In/