TNA ADM 199 795

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LETTER
PARTY
FROM
THE OFFICER IN CHARGE, NO. 3. PARTY.
R.N. BARRACKS, CHATHAM.
DATE
6th June, 1940.
TO
THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
ship
A pa
at 0415, 29th May 1940 for Dover, where it arrived at 0630.
I have the honour to report that this party left R.N. Barracks,
for
wor
shi
2. The party consisted of "C" Company of Nore First Battalion and 120
alo
Stoker ratings from the M.T.E.
dur
wat
3.
On arrival at Dover I reported to the Commodore, who was the print
Sub
S.T.O. of the Division, and was informed that the party would be required
Last
small groups to augment the arews of the merchant ships being used in the
of troops from Dunkirk, or as armed guards in the event of any disturbances
place in these ships.
S.S
4.
I then contacted Licutenant Commander Zykin, R.N. First Lieuten
arm
H.M.S. "Lynx" who afforded me great assistance by arranging accomodati
on
party during our stay in Dover. The first night the party was accomod
the
the Citadel, but was subsequently transforred to the Transit Camp near
the
as this was more convenient for getting emergency parties away quickly.
who
party was kept on duty outside the P.S.T.Os Offices for emergencies.
A.B
5. The parties sent to merchant ships, both Seamen and Stokers vere
the
to have had a very heartening effect on the crews of these vessels. They
ber
work the ship and formed the nucleus of boat crews worlding from Dunkirk bes
the
Les
6.
SPECIAL REPORTS.
The
Dutch boat "Ngaroma" The Captain of this vessel reported that dis
rell
engineers were unwilling to sail in the ship, and I 183 saked to provide X
ratings who could work & Diesel-engine. Stoker Petty Officer Jenner and 2
to
Stoker Linden volunteered for this Duty. I also sent an armed party of d
Rell
hands and Petty Officer Burge to sugment the arew. Cm their arrival on be
all
the Captain obeyed orders to sail immediately and the crew, heartened by ou
give
all did their jobs. Owing to the delay in sailing, the ship did not arrie
Dunkirk until daylight and vas consequently subjected to constant fire from
160
batteries during the time she vas there. Lateness of arrival was also our
two engine failures on the way over. The ship was carrying provisions and
but the shelling prevented her getting alongaide. Two attempts were made
rent
proved impracticable. It is regretted that casualties incurred were, four
our
and three injured. A. list of Naval casualties is attached.
but
Patty Officer Burge. This rating rendered valuable assistance to
Camp
the wounded.
7. S.S. "Seiriol". It YOUR reported that the Captain of this ship had
refused duty. As there were no spare Crews for Merchant ships in the part,
Lieutenant Mo.Swen, R.N.R. was ordered to take command of the ship. Petty
Officer Harding and aix armed ratings, with one Stober Patty Officer and all
Stokers Joined the ship at 1000 on 29th May, 1940. The Captain was put ask
open arrest and the ship proceeded. The Naval ratings named the Lewis Dut
and Bren Guns in the ship and on arrival at Dunkirk were standing by to take
nahore had it been possible to get alongaide. This was not possible so the
manned the only two boats left in the ship. The only ships ratings who and
were one Officer and a Steward. They embarked survivors from S.S. "Crestad"
which WELLS on fire, and H.M.S. "Grenade" which had been mank alongaide. The
embarked soldiers from the beach. About two hundred non were brought on born
half of whom were badly wounded. As there was no medical party on board the
laft before being fully loaded on account of the latter.
Bill