TNA ADM 199 795

B22/10]1
CENTRAL
CONFIDENTIAL.
REGISTRY
MO
FROM.
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATROL, DOVER.
135)
DATE
1st JUNE 1940.
No.DL/251/11/AP.
TO
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
(Copy to Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Lynx".)
SUBJECT
LOSS OF H.M.S. "THURINGIA".
The following report is submitted with reference to my signal of 28th May 1940 timed 1600.
2. Skipper J.D. Fowler, R.N.R., W.S.2651, H.M.S.
"Wolves", reports that when on patrol two miles west of
"I" Buoy at 0315 on 28th May 1940, an explosion was heard bearing west south west. "Wolves" continued west on her patrol and as cries were heard from the direction of this explosion, altered course towards it. Little could be seen, as dawn was just breaking, but four men who were clinging to wreckage were picked up.
3.
"Wolves" searched the vicinity until approximately
0540, when search was Bandoned, and course was shaped for
Dover on the orders of Commander R.W. English, R.N. (Ret.),
Group Commander, 21st A/S Group.
of five 4. other members of the crew were recovered, including
In addition to the four survivors, the bodies that of Chief Skipper D.W.L. Simpson, D.S.C., D.S.M., R.N.R.,
W.S.2407, Commanding Officer of "Thuringia".
5. The survivors expressed the belief that the loss was caused by striking a floating mine in the dark.
and
(for) CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATROL OF
VIOE ADMIRAL
1- JUN 1940
DOVER
II
MIRALTY
I NOC
No. B22/890/40
HORM
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRATITY.
for the information of Their Lordships.
Forwarded "Thuringia" was ship an area was which sunk by had a moored been
2. previously possibly Although cleared, with delay it is action, more than by & mine as suggested in mine, paragraph 3 of Minute I.
Saway
VICE ADMIRAL.
Dover.
10th June, 1940

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
BOY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
MA J
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
MAJOE
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
MALDO
A.E. Harrison
Kamble.
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
MALVI
BEE
Murrell "
MOLLY
P. Robinson
MARE 1
MARCH
Sons,
MARGHI
Wright
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
MARINA
CAIRNGORE
MARSAY
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
MARINA
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
ARICEI
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
ARY
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
ARY HO
M.T. Henderson with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
ARY IR)
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
ARY ROS
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of missing vessels.
COMMODORE
RY SPE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
RY SPE/
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
ILDA
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
CORA-ANN
T.98. Returned to owner.
BELLE
Col. F.L. Newhouse
CARONIA
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
LOWER
W. Light (6A)
CORSTIR
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
Dr. Tiby
COURT BELLE II
Returned to owner.
c. Whatford & Son
DER
No report received from list of
CRECLE
missing vessels.
AIDEN
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
EY
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
ANT
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
LICENT I
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
OSA
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
IKOI
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
DRU II
Returned to owner.
AUR
NY
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
RASOL
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
108
A.C. Wills
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
MADGE
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
MING
R. Harvey
DESEL II
MODESTY
Dudley Stone
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
AH
NA
DEVILFISH
T.98. Returned to owner.
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
RCH
list of missing vessels.
ROSE
Motor Boe
Motor Boa
2 or Torpedo tor Ferries
SME

COPY.
27
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
30
G.P.O.
LONDON.
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
DOVER.
Dear Sir,
Your communication of the 5th inst., requesting narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on leave.
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders.
At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
DUNKIRK.
At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames.
vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to approach DUNKIRK" Three SO reversed my course and proceeded to West Hinder buoy.
approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
hours as dawn was breaking I decided to in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 3. enemy to us. aircraft suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels close
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At 04.30 hours sinking by the stern 80 I the proceeded C.O. to it was observed that the N.V.
immediately "QUEEN OF THE to CHANNEL" her assistance, was and was requested by take off troops.
of troops enemy aircraft and well repeatedly timed bursts attempted from During to renew machine transference attack guns but prevented alertness further of gunners damage.
the of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness much to facilitate the operation.
hours all troops and ships crew safely "QUEEN on board. OF
THE CHANNEL"). Commander At 05.25 joined Musson me on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to Dover, and arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 hours. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge was enemy of planes, great and control of troops.
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

COPY.
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
30
G.P.O.
LONDON.
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
DOVER.
Dear Sir,
Your communication of the 5th inst,, requesting narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on leave.
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders.
At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
DUNKIRK.
At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames.
Three vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe to approach DUNKIRK" SO reversed my course and proceeded outwards to West Hinder buoy.
approach DUNKIRK At in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
03.00 hours as dawn was breaking I decided to
04.20 in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 B. enemy to us. aircraft suddenly attacked, At dropping bombs near vessels close
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At 04.30 CHANNEL" was sinking by the stern so the proceeded C.O. to hours it was observed that the N.V. I
immediately "QUEEN OF THE to her assistance, and was requested by take off troops.
transference of troops enery aircraft and well repeatedly timed
During attack but alertness further of gunners damage.
bursts attempted from to the renew machine guns prevented of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness much to facilitate the operation.
05.25 hours all troops and ships crew safely on board. OF
At Musson and Captain and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to "QUEEN Dover,
THE CHANNEL"). Commander joined me on the bridge arriving there at 12.45 hours.
Commander Musson remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and
During assistance passage to me troops. in attending was enemy of planes, great and control of
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

DUPLICATE.
28
COPY.
29
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
21
G.P.O.
30/5/40. 03.00 hours. Position ship one spraying mile west of
Buoy: Two bullets, and we returned suffered no casualties, Lewi enemy motor craft circled their fire with us
LONDON.
they gun tracer then disappeared astern. We
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
06.50 hours made fast to East food Mole stuffs at DUNKIRK
DOVER
ordered At by S.T.O. to discharge as much as for use of rearguard troops.
At 12.20 hours left DUNKIRK with 590 troops on boe Dear of the 5th inst., requesting and disembarked
Your communication
20.45
arrived
Folkstone
At hours narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret
Boilers leaking unable to proceed further.
delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on
1/6/40 ordered to NEWHAVEN for repairs.
leave.
I
I remain,
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at
Your obedient servam anchor in "DOWNS awaiting orders.
(Sgd)
.Thompson
14.50 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
(Master
DUNKIRK, At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in Plames.
vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to approach DUNKIRK" Three so reversed my course and proceeded to West Hinder buoy.
as dawn was breaking I decided to e
approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in hours daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 E. close enemy to aircraft us.
suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels nj
.U
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At hours It sinking was observed by the that stern the so by N.V. I the proceeded C.O. to immediately "QUEEN OF THE to OH her assistance, was and was requested take off troops.
During transference attack but alertness of troops further of enemy gunners aircraft damage. and repeatedly well timed
20
bursts attempted from to renew machine guns prevented to the of troops was carried and out efficiency under the direction did much to facilitate the operation.
of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness hours all troops and ship crew safely N.V. on "QUEEN board. OF
THE CHANNEL"). At Commander 05.25 joined Musson me hours. on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master to Dover, arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 to troops. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and was enemy of planes, great and control of
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

36
(2)
37
7) "Dwarf" got alongside "Viking and took off 34
soldiers to relieve the cogestion. "Dwarf" then towed
"Viking" closer to the beach with a view to lying alongside her while at anchor and embark more soldiers.
The tow rope parted before this object could be achieved.
She drifted towards the beach SO 1 told her to anchor.
The water under her was too shallow for "Dwarf to go
8) alongside. Due to the danger both vessels were facing
I decided to take "Viking in tow and make for Ransgate.
During the proceedings of taking her in tow. the tow fouled my rudder and could not be cleared. 1
rope About half way back on the return journey in signalled as I was only making good about 21 knots. then
9) the A/S Trawler "Olvina" to take her "Dwarf" tow proceeded other alone boats towards were Ransgate. entering Ramsgate at the the rest time
10) No state of the tide, SD 1 followed "Dwarf"
due to the to Dover, arriving at 20001 proceeded of the shipping the harbour intil 2130, then disembark the to the anchored North off end of the Military Jetty to soldiers. had to wait until dawn ammunition. to clear by "Dwarf" rudder sailed 11) and 12) I take At now 1500, again to on more when for provisions Dunkirk 2 miles shore North batteries at 0800 and West on until at Baturday of Gravelines the dark booyed 1st before June.
channel later opened attempting fire.1 to go a split up a and formation dived on of the small t armada.13 wards "Dwarf" of which on missed the starboard bombed by feet.
13) side They Two surned the ship and a second time.

Dynamo 312.
57
COPY.
Royal Naval Hospital,
Chatham.
13th June, 1940.
To: Rear-Admiral Taylor, O.B.E..
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the narrative of events whilst in command of m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES"
until she was believed sunk at 1415 at the beaches near
Bray.
A.M. Wednesday 89th May I was ordered to proceed to Sheerness to report to the Commodore at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE"
Arrived Sheerness about 1700 was ordered to proceed in m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" leading flotilla of seven light craft. Left camber at H.N.S. "WILDFIRE" proceeded to sea through boom. Two boats appeared to be in difficulties and did not leave the boom. I was met by escort yacht and formed astern of her.
Had to slow down to keep boats in company. First three boats astern kept good station, remaining one fell astern but owing to urgency of getting boats to destination flotilla did not decrease speed any further.
About 2200 yacht escort was challenged from shore.
She informed me an officer was required to go in to
Margate for orders, so proceeded myself in fast motor boat
"MARSAYRA". Established my identity and was told to push on to Ramsgate. While away one boat "QUSEN
BOADACEA" broke down, after some delay she was taken in tow by escort yacht. My port engine broke down, speed greatly reduced. One boat lost contact in darkness. I
went back to look for her off Longrose, search unsuccessful, rejoined escort. Fog came down at dawn and escort anchored with "NEW PRINCE OF WALES", "QUEEN BOADACEA"
and "MARSAYRA", off Ramsgate exact position uncertain.
After an hour fog cleared enough to show bucy ahead 80
proceeded with "MARSAYRA" in company escort yacht and following with "QUEEN BOADACEA". Engines misfiring badly harbour in "MARGAYRU". Reported to Naval Officer-instopped just outside Ramagate, anchored and proceeded into
Charge Ramsgate received charte and orders to proceed to beaches between Bray and La Panne and to carry on remained to return. Boats were towed in, repairs ferrying troops from shore to ships until only enough started fuel on "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" immediately.
at once by route 'X' for Dunkerque. Arrived off French
Engines ready for use at 1630 BO proceeded to sea coast 2230 (Thursday 30th). Port engine failed again fiercely and heavy pall of smoke covered the channel shortly after turning parallel to coast. Dunkerque to burning the north. Endeavoured to find beach with boat hardly making unsuccessful any and I was lost in smoke, saw green light fterward way through the water. Attempte to locate troops buoy were and established approximate position, immediately starboard engine failed, had to drop anchor.
E.R.A. reported ammount of fuel remaining and I
estimated we could not return to Ramsgate even if we did The no
BO determined to carry on until fuel ran out.
unflagging ferrying efforts of E.R.A. and hite before and dawn the stoker both engines assisting him were were running highly though commendable firing badly the boat was making three

134
S.S.
119
TEAMSHIP
Dock or
LINE
Berth
LIMITED
Port of
Day
Hours a.m. - Date
193
BROUGH
p.m.
los weak to help themselves excellent has work in sepelling saiders.
my Bren gunners also did from dawn action Masli from then news cansed to shipping all the there. @ Rep) during we maintained aircraft within our fine did to low Plying to one heaving foying directly which we miked aft with a of 303 in from curred are gradually untill it strick
200
We
Lb ydo was Elleous away
TWIS
deferred
Time co deal with your formidable
Cost After that as one of my Excellent goths remarked, there is The Invasion!
My Gest wishes your Ever
Diok
(39) (2884) Wt. 33110/0043 15M 11/80 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp- 01.

35
S.S.
Lenensed
STEAMSHIP
119
LINE
Dock or)
LIMITED
Berth
Port of
Day
Hours a.m.
Date
193
OLESBROUGH
p.m.
Beloir
We sailed at 0600 Rrs. from the
Downs We arrived at Dunkirk at
1130 has. We were standing by from dawn and went into action shortly after arriveing from then onwards enemy aircraft never ceased to horas the shipping all the time we were there (a has) during that time we maintained rapid fire on aircraft within range of out Gun our five did considerable damage to low flying aircraft and poolectionis to one heavey enemy bomber flying directly over the funell to which we raiked from fore aft with a full magaginep
Marlay of 303 in from our bun. it corraid gradually loving hights untill on it struck the sea about
200 ydo We were quite confidents it was away through our Gun five.
in g unners. 3857271
& chl. Walky Robert
3857226
PTE Fee. James deferred wrenomy
Time co deal with your formidable
Cost After that as one of my Excellent goods remarked, there is The Invasion!
My Gest wishes
Your Ever
Diok
(1880) Wt. 38119/0043 25M 11,89 SER Ltd. Go. gl.

2ª
in only his wake 12 feet and all following, I ran aground, and soundings showed & depth 1.
of round the ship, an alarming position, as navigation where marks were visible to enable mo to fix my position, no or to determine the deep water channel lay. It was two hours later, the rising effect tide, that I succeeded in getting afloat, no doubt with 01
disastrous worked back on the propellers. Being now completely bewildered, and await daylight.
I towards the Nisuport Bank buoy to get a definite departure
Just as dawn was breaking the sounds of an engagement were heard, and flashes seen in the North-East, and when we reached the locality, shouts for help were heard from all directions. Stopping to lower three boats, I was then interrupted by S.O.S. Signals from an undetermined craft a mile or 80 to starboard. Leaving the boats to their rescue work, I steamed alongside what proved to be the destroyer
"Grafton", who, in company with H.A.S. Wakeful" had been torpedoed by enemy motor torpedo boats. One of the latter craft, still in the vicini departed on my arrival, possibly misled by the appearance of my twofunneled ship.
With some injury to my port bow and superstructure I was able to hold position alongside "Grafton" and embark over & thousand survivors of the troops and ships companies, Unfortunately, many had been killed and injured, including the Captain of "Grafton" and Military
Officers, when the ship was torpedoed. At this point, H.M.S. "Ivanhoe came to assist and completed the work of rescue, demolishing the wreck by gunfire. Recovering my boats, except one which had been damaged when
"Ivanhoe" picked up my 3rd Officer and boats' crow, I proceeded direct for Dover. Having no Medical Officer and very little equipment, I regret that the injured could only be given amatour attention, but the best was done for them. Great credit is due to my Purser, Mr. Walter Messenger, who, with the help of & single R.A.M.C. orderly whose name, unfortunately
I do not know, worked under unploasant conditions and with limited means on behalf of the injured men.
At Dover the survivors were landed and the ship re-conditioned.
A Medical Officer and two orderlies were appointed, and & troop of soldiers with Lewis gun equipment attached to the ship. Charts were obtained, and the ship sailed for Dunkirk, this time by the "X" route over the Sandettie
Bank.
At Dunkirk more havoc had been wreaked overnight, and the enemy pressure was more intense. Wrecks littered the fairways and harbour, but the quay was still available, and after some confused ordering, I
was able to get alongaide and embark at thousand troopa despite the shelling from tank guns and the diversions of two air raids, in which our gunners were able to participate. The low level of the water and my deep draught compelled me to limit the embarkation to at bare full complement, although I should have liked to take the complete army.
Other ships were, however, available, and ao I returned to Folkestone.

228
The captain of "St Hilier" stated that ship would not sail again owing to damage.
In view of inability of getting intm communication with SNO.Dunicirk upon our first trip this was reported at Folkestone to the Naval Laison Officer. He communicated with V.A. Dover and we received instructions to return there. Motor vehicle was sent for use Reported at Dover Castle - instructed to report to SMO+ at 28 East Cliffe.
Surgeon Captain Fisher there gave me orders to send all members of the party who were without a ship to R.N.Barracks, Chathem. One rating LSBA.McPherson had seported sick before proceeding to Dunkile and another was of little use owing to anxiety (SBA.Brindle) and they were therefore transferred to Chatham.
PARTY which RETURNED TO CHATHAM BARRACKS (3I.5.40-)
Surgeon Lieutenat Wright RNVR.
Longmoor RNVT.
SEPO. Kendrick.
Howe+
LSBA. Rogers.
Cadman.
Warmsley.
McPherson.
SBA. Brindle.
Fenwick
31.5.40 Parties were reallocated:-
"Maid of Orleans". Surgeon Commander Maspatrick RN.
LSBA. Lockwood.
Wright.
SHA.Tew.
"Tynwald".
Surgeon Lieutenat Mandlestam RNVR.
SHPO. Hawkins.
Boddy.
SBA.Westwood.
HMS. "Mona's Isla". Surgeon Mentenat Armstring RN.
SHPO.Tong*
LSBA. Wilson.
SBA. James.
"Manxman".
Surgeon Meutenat Stutter.
ISBA. Read.
984.Basford.
Chapman.
2000 ton cross channel steamer+ Good deok (used space, for keeping large
"MATD OF ORLEANS". Large large electric hot dish heater data leather
Dining blankets saloon and lotions and smaoking atc. room. Wounded stowed in these spaces Dinkirk upon at 2400+ or Arrived warm 2100 at Dover and sailed for about 2000 troops cushions. Boarded Proceeded her at alongaide east mole and took off awaiting and there 2a at got dawn cases, 1.6.40. the majority of these having been wounded whilst embarkation wounds dressed anti tetanic and antigas as a serum routine. injected. the naval No had
Morphine given, some M de B. 693 and gave all gases 4 tabless A large mumber of medical procured completed as far as possible. assistance, but casualty officers labels from RAMO ware came onboard with these cases fluids. and rendered they themselves were exhausted and required by enemay rest aircraft and on leaving the harbour. 4 bombs astern of Attacked the ship. No casualties occurred as hours & result after of leaving this bombing*
All the ships Dover ogoo. Cases avacuated by hospital mases being dropped defensive armament was in action for about 1) train. Two dangerous
Dunkirk. Arrived (Shrapnel Wd. It. thigh and Abdomen) McDonald arrival. R.W. (Comp.
were Rev.MoCleman discharged to Shornoliffe Hopsital immediately upon
"MAID OF ORLEANS". Due to sail at 1400 with supplies for Dinkirk. I.6.40

dextinu 002 NONJ aqoots of qtrie DOVOL asw OHI qtds HONORY.20250 erit 00Y JSHJ Juods SI
236
REPORT OF MEDICAL PARTY TO H.M.T. MANXMAN. May 29th - June 4th.
1940.
31
8.6W of DNS trow DMS
sqath Isven Detausike VSA No 12 eno qtrie NOVOC of 11560 VII
Wednesday 29th. May 1940. Joined H.M.T. "Manxman", accompanied by -
XHVI of brie the
L.S.B.A. E. READ. X. 6566.
S.B.A. A. BASSFORD. X. 8080.
VJISQ asw CTedT efft,ONCI onit DIE odt 110 STUDI
S.B.A. H. CHAPMAN.X. 7033.
eloor ISVOC nt Todons 81
01/ (DISOD NO settlebre 8 bre.0.M J.C erro snivi To
The ship is an Isle of Man steam packet ship of 2,300 tons, armed at that time with a Bren gun aft, and a Lewis gun forward.
The ship was extremely dirty, and passessed no sick quarters. The dired Tennt orit ebtasnois OMSO Dris belica
Medical Officers cabin situated aft between the boat and upper decks was cleaned out and prepared for use as a centre for stores and medja.seeguter 000.8 JUODA OWJ bree.08.8S ISSIOW Juods eno JS
treatment of walking wounded. One side of the saloon was reserved for reception of and served as sleeping quarters for the
.gida eds bus entaysis ent neewfed
Medical party.
.TSVOC TONINT & VINO STEW STEAT liet
Jely VJISTINDA of neds qtriz
The morale of the crew was not good. One trip to Dunkirk had
#8THON ONE.0.M.T enj Vd quie ent evsel of befebio the sick berth ratings and avoidance of unnecessary apprenhensive been made the previous day The cheerful and keen preparations of
0871 JUOIS Js Hosd SALVITIS misrism of 867 and VISA
talk improved the atmosphere of the ship.
-
26W qtir only no VIIIT
harbour. The jetty was not reached until about 6 a.m. The ship anti- was
Reached an anchorage at about midnight, and at dawn entered
Thursday 30th. May 1940. Sailed about 8.30 p.m. from Dunkirk. the
.я.у.и.я. mstalebasM M
bethed attack on enemy bombers. For three hours British troops wounded were alongside two of Destroyers engaged in intensive
- aqiit tasLest situb Ident JUO before (flew Denion Путен men, the 100 lack of stretchers. Wounded were accommodated on collection of embarked. of these required stretchers. The process was made couches and aircraft Considerable time was taken in embarking about 130 difficult anitaixe bealvorami 901 Tebau Drss.
the by stretchers returned to the end of the pier for the
OWTERE (R).A.H.E..YGOR (Я).0.9.8.8
56m ed Jaum mottrem.ment 10 before ed more wounded.
also at this time proceeded to shell the region wounded where the ships sick berth ratings gave every assistance in the
The were enemy berthed. Throughout the embarkation of these speedy reception unperturbed by the harrowing shell fire and confusion ship all the of wounded and all assisted with stretcher bearing, of outnoise from for slight damage to the purser's cabin of the wardly the defending destroyers against aircraft. The caused was by undamaged the concussion except of a destroyer's gun lying alongside. TWO
crew sustained minor injuries.
about 100 and their dressings and comfort attended to. TWO The
At about wounded 9 a.m. on stretchers. About 30 wounded able to of the were the ship, sailed with 950 troops aboard, walk and also seen with multiple injuries died on the voyage. of wounded cases of incipient gas gangrene in large flesh stretcher included cases two cases of spinal injury with retention wounds urine and numerous These were treated with 10,000 units of/gas anti The gangrene R.A.M.C
of the limbs. intravenously, the others intramuscularly. from officer exhaustion also he was compelled to rest. All the sdok and staff serum, one travelling gave magnificient assistance until borth ratings sheer worked continuously during this voyage in a quiet confidential manner.
especially impressed with the willingness and task efficiency with which unpleasant. He was not idle for one wounded. and in a
I was S.B.A. A. BASSFORD, X. 8080, carried out every moment however quiet and mean confident or manner attended to the comfort of the
1.30 These p.n. on Friday May 31st 1940. The Stok Berth staff troops and the wounded were disembarked at Folkestone again at assisting with the removal of the wounded.
Saturday June 1st. The ships remained at Folkestone. The first

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mate was suffering from shock and exhaustion, and found unfit for further duties. Other members of the crew were suffering from
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Sunday June 2nd 1940 a magnetic mine was exploded by a sweeper in
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the path the ship had taken half an hour previously to anchorage.
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,biswrot 008 IO alris JeHoso msets neM TO efat were were able to sail for Dunkirk that evening. Again the Sick
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Surgeela as beview bris ass 300 10 nots was troops present and all these were embarked. The wounded, all but one than those found on the previous voyage, and only involved cleansing of whom could walk were treated. The wounds were less severe to of GETT епо.5003 Jon 2.SW Were edit to and dressing.
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and able to walk off the ship with the other troops The their their clothes dried. After this treatment, and food when drink, the boat efficiently. They were all picked up, bathed, and moth.0.0 08.8 tuods belief.ONEI yelf they were reached Dover on Monday June 3rd. Tuesday June 4th. at 8 party p.m.
-Itns evisnetmt ch begsane to OWJ
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nature of the ship which was dirty, and lacked many naval
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278
256
From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. Jallo Chappell, R.N.
Date:- 7th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
29th May.
2200 Left Portsmouth in H.M.S. Nelson's picket boat.
30th May.
a.m. Sighted submarine and warned & French convoy.
Port engine bearings ran out.
1730 Arrived Ramsgate on one engine.
2330 Left for Dunkirk, machine-gunned from the air two miles out of Ramsgate.
31st May.
Dawn Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Funnel carried away by shell-fire. Making water slightly; loaded with troops and left.
1400 Arrived Ramsgate.
1st June.
0830 Left for Dunkirk. Making water rapidly. fire. Beached the boat; found bottom damaged by for enemy Dunkirk.
On Took too return late command engine that journey N.Y. one only; filled can Santosy contained towed up and by with left trawler. water. petrol; Proceeded Trawler found turned on port to wreck East of N. Goodwin L/V and ran on on top of "Santosy". Cabin smashed; civilian
Arrived Ramagate on one engine. Discharged over volunteer Barrington severely injured.
Barrington to Deal Hospital; sent crew ashore for rest.
3rd
June. 1600 Engines repaired. Left for Dunkirk with civilian Towed by
J.W.S. Gilbert as engineer. proceeded volunteer tug Sun IV. Tow parted Starboard off Dunkirk: engines failed commander's again.
under own power. Hailed Sun IV and on her VI with orders Sea rising. abandoned Santosy and boarded Sun my crew.
New gas used by enemy. Shells and bomba
REPORT: near gave off white cloud which hung bursting suspended in air. From burns on bodies in water gathered it to be of acid nature.

332
305
OFFICERS.
LIEUT-COMMANDER A.J. CUBISON, D.S.C. (ret).
Commanding Officer, 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla. Took over his flotilla FISHER BOY, SILVER DAWN, FIDGET, JACKETA, LORD CAVAN
and Yacht BYSTANDER - arriving at the beaches 2200 28th May.
He remained at the beaches over four days with his flotilla, ferrying, towing and - by direct contact with the beaches - loading the transports. By his devotion to duty and fearlessness under intermittent gun fire, bombing, dive bombing and machine gun fire - he set an example to the entire flotilla under his command. He returned to Ramsgate at 0700 2nd June.
B231
S
sur lego
331
304
is
19,
No. 3095/15.
id
FROM
THE NAVAL OFFICER IN CHARGE, RAMSGATE.
DATE
3RD JUNE 1940.
THE FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
S
TO
OFFE
1,
RECOMMENDS.
ing
Attached lists are submitted in accordance with your telephone instructions this day.
orts.
VICE ADMIRA
NAVAL CAPTAIN, OFFICER IN CHARGE,
RAMSGATE.
4- JUN 1940
*
DOVN

332
305
OFFICERS.
LIEUT-COMMANDER A.J. CUBISON, D.S.C. (ret).
Commanding Officer, 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla. Took over his flotilla FISHER BOY, SILVER DAWN, FIDGET, JACKETA, LORD CAVAN
and Yacht BYSTANDER - arriving at the beaches 2200 28th May.
He remained at the beaches over four days with his flotilla, ferrying, towing and - by direct contact with the beaches - loading the transports. By his devotion to duty and fearlessness under intermittent gun fire, bombing, dive bombing and machine gun fire - he set an example to the entire flotilla under his command. He returned to Ramsgate at 0700 2nd June.
SKIPPER JAMES HENRY MUGRIDGE, R.N.R.
Commanding LORD CAVAN of the 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla. This vessel was at the beaches in company with her consorts over four days, and was finally sunk by shell fire. Skipper Hugridge his first time under fire. When H.M.S. "MOSQUITO" sank, this throughout handled his with the utmost coolness although it was
Officer placed his ship alongside and took off the survivors despite heavy bombing attacks. When LORD CAVAN was sunk,
Skipper Mugridge personally supervised the drawing of the his fires, cabin, the saving of his entire crew and confidential books the and the clearing of the ship of Army Staff who were down in documents - all of which was done under heavy shellfire in space of three minutes.
LIEUT-COMMANDER N.J.L. PISANT, D.S.C., R.N. (ret). (ret).
the Dutch Schoot "PATRIA". Went to Braye beach and ladders. ran He then took off 1025 troops and Redged off.
Commanding ashore, putting out a kedge, rigging cargo nets and Jacob's In deeper water, he then embarked 200 men from the boats of
H.M.S. in "PATRIA", he went over again in fast motor boats,
"CODRINGTON" and brought all safely back to Margate.
making troops out to the transports. He has set a high example three days direct contact with the beaches and embarking and ferrying by his fearlessness and devotion to duty.
LIEUTENANT gallantry and devotion to duty whilst This Officer in charge -
VAN HAMELEN - ROYAL NETHERLANDS HAVY.
For conspicuous of the evacuation - of & speed-boat. landing has been over by collecting troops, and loading them day, transports. and every day himself in a speed-boat, ferrying, into on He has the beaches diaplayed utter fearlessness throughout duty. every has set & high example by his devotion to

376
350
4.
1/6
after she was hit in the after Bodler Room and started to settle down.
Captain Berthon then anchored her and M.T.B. 102, which had just arrived, came alongside. I embarked in her with my Staff, and after telling 2
tugs to stand by KEITH I went into Dunicirk to see General Alexander. Dive
Bombing and Maching Gun attacks were made on the N.T.B. on the way there.
35.
General Alexander was away from the H.Q., but I saw a Staff Officer and discussed the situation. At that time I gathered that the plan was to evacuate during the next night from the Western Beach only and Dunkirk.
The Rearguard were to withdraw at dawn and make their way to Dunkirk. As this meant continuing the embarkation for some hours of daylight I had grave fears of heavy losses after that morning's experience.
36.
As there was nothing more I could do at Dunicirk and all ships were returning I decided to return to Dover to make contact.
M.A/S.B. 37. 10. At Dover I was able to discuss the plans for the night
I reached Dover at 1130 in N.T.B. 102 and left again at 1730 in to operations which was invaluable, and thereafter I returned each day for this purpose.
0330 38. from the 18 miles of beach East of Dunicirit, for which large mmbers of
The plan for this night was, roughly, to embark between 2100 and small craft were to be towed out. In addition Personnel Ships were to embark from Dunkirk.
sailed early in M.A/S.B.10 and landed at Dusirink at 1900, visited
39. the S.N.O. and I the Ceneral, and gave them details of the plan. French I then learnt and to my great relief that the Rearguard were being relieved by the withdrawing during the night.
started to arrive and from then onwards I moved
40. between the At beaches 2100 ships and Dunkirk, continually senting ships which The were as loading slowly off the beaches into Dunicirk to fill - there. plan very originally made would not have made full use of Dunkink.
I went alongside the root of the East ydar in Donkirk there until to
41. off At 0200 of the Naval Ratings of the Shore Party, and There I lay was
0245 when I proceeded of the Harbour at this time and a Trawler was instead sunk. of As bring some round all ships barthed in harbour.
considerable shelling clear morning I decided to get ships away by 0300 some of the it was a very this put into effect I left for Dover: later hour.
0330, small craft and having however, seen continued their work off the beaches to &
42. Night - Sunday 2nd - Monday 3rd June.
it was understood that there was sere to 5000 embark British from still
Dunkirk ashore and over 30,000 some French local beach made any East-
At this stage French, and the plan arranged craft from the beach close ward. entirely Actually except a strong for wind and heavy shelling on the embarkation there impossible.
43. Minesweepers A very large and carrying Schoots capacity was outside. provided in Personnel in addition Ships, to Destroyers, Drifters and
Paddlers, Flotillas of boats working from Tugs time also the French had collected from a large quays up mmber the harbour. of fishing
44. vessels, Trawlers, By this and small steamers which worked bombing
I arrived at Dunkirk in M.A/S.B. 10. at 2030, after a
45.
/attack

395
2.
369
into two parties, one to work from Le Panne to Bray and one from Bray to Dunkirk. Commander Gorton proceeded along the beach with his party to work East of Bray and later I with Commander Otway-Ruthven and two other officers also proceeded along the beach to Bray. There were vast numbers of troops on the beaches round Malo le Baine.
Enemy aircraft were heard overhead and they and the guns west of Dunkirk were bombing and shelling Malo and Dunkirk
Fort. The night was very dark, the tide was low and as we proceeded to Bray we met many large bodies of troops making their way westward including a certain number of
French, who asked if they could be sent off.
I informed these that French ships might be expected in due course.
Half way to Bray were sighted some ships at anchor off the beach but heard nothing in reply to our hail.
Later we passed the CRESTED EAGLE high and dry and still burning. A little further another ship was sighted to seaward and a boat just observed. On hailing her, she also, proved to be from MEDWAY QUESN lying off. Later & second boat and a power boat also came in. Te sent off 700 to
750 troops in these boats to MEDWAY QUEEN. As we approached
Bray in the lightening dawn, a number of destroyers, sloops and scoots were seen to be lying off and embarkation was proceeding in such boats as were available. Several boats were aground, others were hold, and some had no cars.
At about 0500 (?) I reached Bray and made contact
If had cleared for England and there were no further ships with Headquarters. By about 0600 all destroyers, sloops, etc., available. At Bray I also met some Naval Officers who and had apparently been working on the beaches for some time had some Naval Lieutenants and Naval ratings who apparently later arrived from EXCELLENT and VERNON. The lamps. latter were leaving Dover I had understood that there be few in number and a a certain amount of signal would with 24 Aldis lamps, but these I never saw, and so was
Before Signal Ratings along the beaches adequately their supplied need certainly felt. In any case, communication along if not many with so many troops on the shore, with passing also miles of flat beaches was very difficult and I
sorely ships anchored off beaches. Similarly between La Panne was impossible felt the need of communication there ship communication or until Thursday afternoon Dunkirk.
and no Bray and never any between Bray and
About 0800 I proceeded on a motor bicyle in to at La very with whom I discussed the position. La Panne and some were
Panne fatigued where and ineffective condition. There to
I met Commander Dover who I felt He was took me see Q.M.G. French troops between Bray and British ships, but very many had been allowed to embark in had been before I move westward to Malo. Off Le embarkation were of these took steps to stop this, the French Panne there ordered three to destroyers and sloops, and Not appeared were to in evidence on the beaches, but to Bray an two or be proceeding satisfactoriny. possibly many British they were inshore the sky was then overcast and a the troops among the dunes. On the return Scotch mist hour later which was a Godsend, for throughout British forenoon vast masses were proceeding along the beaches, and aircraft prevailed of French troops quite apart from had attacked, troops the carnage would have been dreadful.
No/

3.
400
374
waek us the beach to the eastern and of Bray.
0. when S.N.O. eventually returned a decised that he did not want t be double banked: accordingly my party of 3 officer and myself set off alms the shon about 2330 was over head and any 1
guns west of kept Malo and Dunkersus under fire.
Im might was any dark and the tixe low, and though some stutes could be seen sit the brach. us refries and be got $ our hailury
Very large numbers of British -hooth were
Sathered at Male and are continuously met many large Godies making Kim way towards Dankensa
: there miducare some hoom who was the reat some And shin might be expected for them, a prom hom.
aGmt 0100 a boat was harlid and provide <
be from Nadway Emen ancliend off. a Meme bulluri boat x Cate a sown boat am asshand:
trools in the vicerety was harted and - 700 is was eventually sent off by early morning.
Lath are barred Crestine Lase. high and dry and saa benuis after benis bounbed.
a Bray in the Gyatemis dawn
4 a 5 slowm and destroyees, and some scoots wen found off- a shon and mm areas mcanhing in an two Goat of varies description that were available. Several Boats were ashare

of
B
398
0/5
in one of the houses along the front, but we not to contact with them until daylight.
30/5
were considerably string out, away from the waters
There was no acute distress for food and edge, and to settle down in the sands he managed by 0600 to collect a considerable although extremely weary were not exhausted number of collapsible boats from the RE:
feeling was one of depression for evacuating hours as on the previous day and Wednesda
By 0700 approximately we had sent off these the forman aircraft had made the beach alne collapsible boats averaging parties of ten in each boat but in spite of all efforts in the vast
7. From 2330, when we landed, until dayly majority of cases all the soldiers left their boats evacuation was practically non-existent when they arrived at their ship, and left Cheir
Commodore Hallett's sections it is doubtful boats floating with no one to bring them back to the beach To make matters worse, these got off 80 men.
boats were dryting to the East and coming ashou
A few boats appeared but when the alreast the French who were using them to go reached their ship they all abandows off to British ships and left it drifting. as there were no boal
At this time there were no power boats at all and whaler trips were extremely infrequent The
30
At dawn we contacted headquarters rate of evacuation was appallingly slow.
one Captain RN and two Commanders RM
g informed to one of the La Commanders Panne RN
were no sarlors anywhere except for our the Captain RN had departed to and 9 did not party. No suggestions or orders were
See him again - that 9 proposed to act with from headquarters. The Commander my section as boatkeepers and to leave the informed us that they had come from beach a
which was now out of action with
By 0730 more ships had arrived. Evacuation was in ruins.
going quicker as we had formed boatherepers but was
Then still far from satisfactory The soldiers were in
The boat situation was now acute extremely dumay - getting into the boals the destroyer and one sloop opposite our area sold suy and we had to wade out shoulder dup dawn we must have had 15,000
to keep the boats stam on to the beach.
our section of the beach.
g decided that we should go anboard H.M.S.
Antony to get a change of clothing While boat anboard send
Shorlly after dawn some of the more
HMS Antony we managed to procure a motor officers started to arrive and we manage this large body of men which

139
409
3.
The S.N.O. addressed several groups of these men, enjoining them to keep calm and to keep as much as possible under cover.
He told them that there were plenty of ships coming and that they would all be able to embark and get back to England safely. His words had a very heartening effect upon them.
A signal was made to Dover asking for alli available craft the S.N.O. decided to make use of the beaches and of the Eastern Arm for embarking troops.
During our walk along the beaches we had noticed some small boats coming in each of which went off with its load of troops. These boats were not, however, coming in sufficient numbers.
We returned to the Bastion, and awaited the dawn.
"WOLFHOUND" and"NORCESTER" had been sailed for England to both full of troops.
10
Tuesday 28th. May.
The S.N.O. went down to the Pier to see what the dawn might and I went down to the beaches to await the dawn there.
bring vessels or small craft put in an appearance, but berthed later on
Very few and other vessels started to arrive and were ered to destroyers the East Pier. The men opposite Malo were or almost inside march into Dunkirk and by Noon the beaches there were clear of troops.
I returned to Dunkink and eported the position to the
S.N.O.
meantime many more destroyers and small craft and I including some Torpedo Boat which had arrived, and On our way to
In the Dutch Scoots had arrived off Bray Beaches, went in her took a Motor of the embarkation down there. opened fire
Bray to take we charge were attacked by three Heinkels, He but plunged we into down there guns and brought one of down. smoke with the sea our leaving machine nothing but a cloud

4133
7.
to admit only one ship at a time was agreed upon, and this routine was scrupulously carried out for the forenoon and early afternooon
Towards the close of the day a great number of ships had arrived and I accordingly decided to accept the risk of further losses and ordered the vessels waiting in the Roads to proceed alongside and to embark troops. Strong air attacks were launched by the enemy, but fortunately they were mostly concentrated against wrecks in the roads. Times and time again they sent waves of bombers and directed their attack not against our ships loading troops but only against these wrecks in the Roads. Te got a great deal of amusement and satisfaction from this, for loading was proceeeding apace with no casualties. It the same time I decided that the rate of embarkation must in some way be speeded up,as the capacity of the ships now alongside was more than adequate for the rate of the flow of troops. This landour vessels open to attack from the air, and consequent further losses. I therefore went down to the Eastern Arm and rigged up & loud speaker and addressed the troops in the following terms "Renember your Pals,
Boys. The quicker you get on board the more of then will be saved".
This worked like 8 miracle. The thousands of troops tired, depressed, and without food and water for days, broke into & more double and kept it up for the whole length of the Eastern Arm for than hours. During that period I estimate that more
15,000 than two troops were embarked. The Army certainly resconded splendid ly.
the ships which had arrived were fully loaded during and
All more the traffic came to & standstill intense sailed, the dark but hours. once The bombardment of the part became more today.
Friday 31st. May.
dawn came more ships who were filled ID in
With the the embarkation proceeded apace. operation We were spared went good time, and this forenoon, and the wh le of troops ahead intensive without bombing much interference. in enormous number

CENTRAL
429
In any further communication
8 JUN 1940
on this subject, please quote
REGISTRY
No. K 9032/7083/217.
and address not to any person by name
FOREIGN OFFICE. S.W.1
but to-
18550
6th June, 1940.
"The Under-Secretary of State,"
Foreign Office,
London, S.W.I.
1940
Sir,
I am directed by Viscount Halifax to state, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. that in the course of his report on the closure of the British Vicetribute to the Sea Transport Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dunnet
Consulate at Dunkirk on May 21st, Mr. Pro-Consul Wild pays
R.N.R., who extremely useful in providing transport for the
Mr. Wild mentions that he understands that this officer was later large number was of refugees leaving Dunkirk for the United Kingdom.
very seriously wounded by a bomb.
R.N., Officer attached to Aniral Nord, was the Pro-
2. The Pro-Consul further states that Commander H. Henderson also
Dunkirk. request point Mr. Wild had heard that some He
Consul's in for transport as Boulogne, Calais, fifteen Ostend invaluable Naval Liaison supplying Destroyers and other craft at and hundred Commander British Henderson of this, and a vessel was made at
At one subjects were stranded in Ostend. available informed
Ostend by dawn on the following day.
who was attached to extremely the helpful. This attitude officer considerably
3.Mr. Wild adds Vice-Consulate as Assistant remained calm that Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant H. Naval Penn R.N.R., Control under Officer, was bad also conditions and his cheerful alleviated very the despondency of the refugees.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
18 Secretary or the Admiralty.

447
over a hundred yards out to sea. A long rolling surf flows inshore most of the time and even the shallow draught motorboats could not approach closely with any degree of safety.
Open boats of all kinds from naval cutters and whalers to seaside dinghies were towed over from England by the motorboats themselves and by other craft. Some of these pulling boats were manned by odd naval ratings, others by the soldiers themselves.
One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling the motor-boats' screws with painters and odd lines attached to these pulling boats. It is amazing how much sea-room a soldier can take up with a couple of fathoms of rope! Carley floats and inflated motor inner tubes also played their part in carrying men from the beach to the motor boats, which in turn took aboard those on these more precarious perches and towed the loaded pulling boats to larger craft lying off in waiting, picking up their own or any other empty boats and towing them back inshore for further loads.
As petrol ran short each motor boat would pick up such men as it could carry and set off back to England for more petrol, then out again for further service.
During Wednesday, May 29th, the Mole at Dunkink was apparently rendered temporarily useless so that most, if not all of the troops had to be taken from the beaches. During this day, too, and for at least a part of the following day, air attack continued almost unabatedly from dawn to dusk:
dive-bombing for the larger ships and machine-guming for the smaller.
Later in the week, although the R.A.F. were present in greater numbers to relieve the pressure from the air, shelling added to the difficulties and men were being hit in the pulling boats as they carried on their work.
By the week-end evacuation from Dunkirk harbour was in full swing again and the beaches were often almost deserted.

510
486
120 selim 01
Appendix "A".
Part II.
A.L.C.3.
A.L.C. 3 was stowed in No. 8 hold in
Clan Macalister, and was hoisted out at approximately noon. She worked the beach near Old
Dunkirk embarking British troops until the evening, then as there were no vessels left in the vicinity, set off for Dover with about twenty soldiers aboard,
Shortly after passing Dunkirk she fell in with
A.L.C. 8 and 15, and in company with them arrived at Dover at dawn, on Thursday May 30th.
2.
On the evening of Thursday, May 30th, the left Dover in company with A.L.C. 8 and 15, for
Dunkirk beaches arriving there at dawn, Friday,
May 31st.
She evacuated troops, (French and British), until approximately 2230 hrs, when both engines gave out due to sand in the cooling systems, A.L.C.S
was then taken in to# by 2 small merchant vessel who towed her to Ramrgate, where she arrived about
0500 hrs on Saturday June 1st.
Two civilians volunteered to assist in attending to the engines, and eventually succeeded in repairing them satisfactorily. Ash.C. 3 then preceeded to Dover, and arrived there about 1130 hrs on Saturday 1st June. On reporting at Dover they were told to hold themselves in readiness to return to Dunkirk, but later were ordered to proceed in company with A.L.C. 17 to their base in Hayling Island,
A.L.C. 3 reported at Hayling Island at 1300 hrs on

88D
513
489
APPENDIX "A" PART II
A.L.C. 15.
A.L.C. 15 was the second boat to be hoisted out from Clan Macalister, and proceeded directly in shore embarking British troops from the vicinity of Old Dunkirk.
Fifteen trips were carried out during the day, and at
2000 approximately, as no ships were in the vioinity to accommodate troops, she set off for Dover, with troops aboard. Shortly after passing Dunkirk she fall in with
A.L.C. 3 and 8. These three A.L.C. reached Dover at dawn on Thursday May 30th.
On Thursday evening A.L.C. 15, 8 and 3 laft
3
arriving off Dunkirk at dawn on Friday May s1st.
Dover 15 had engine trouble, but carried on enbarking old
A.L.C. troops from the beach in the vicinity of she
British principally with the aid of Scate which on a
Dunkirk, Eventually she damaged her propellors
@
towed. motor lorry, and being out of control, dirifted a small trog of submerged beam on. The crew succeeded in launching off to a ashore the beach and so making their my after and of boat from A.L.C. 8 came alongaide shortly considered put drifter. 15's angineer ashore. As be apparently 15 be at
A.L.C&B not be possible to salve A.baC. to burden that it would and shortly after ahe at ssan the to after part her on fire and the petrol tanks to explode, at fiercely, of the boat being blown high in the

505
4.
At dawn 2nd June, having embarked 70 soldiers and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards
Dover. Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10
arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the
Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for a
mechanic to repair my starboard engine,
I received orders to leave Ash.C. 10 at
Dover and to take charge of the Royal National
Lifeboat Jane Holland.
5.
I proceeded in this vessel under tax, at
1600 2nd June with orders to pick up Prench troops at the Eastern Breakwater. I as employed on this sork until dawn 3rd June, when I received orders to 80 to
B. and C beaches and take off the Beach lasters there,
On arrival at these beacher which were being heavily shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers.
I was informed however by some troops who were enharking in a destroyer, that the Reach Master had been taken off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation of this, I returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships had left.
6.
It was now daylight and 1 set course for
Dover. Shortly afterwards my engine broke down and the lifeboat was taken in tow by a motor host, 1 Sorroued a mechanic from this hoat who succeded in getting the engine running again, when we cast off.
A little laten the engine caught fire, and became completely useless. The crew WGTV taken aff by a C.M.B. from Dover and an the lifeboat var of very

505
4.
At dawn 2nd June, having embarked 70 soldiers and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards
Dover. Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10
arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the
Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for a mechanic to repair my starboard engine,
I received orders to leave A.L.C. 10 at
Dover and to take charge of the Royal National
Lifeboat Jane Holland.
5.
I proceeded in this vessel under tax, at
1600 2nd June with orders to pick up French troops at the Eastern Breakwater. 1 was employed on this 2018
until dawn 3rd June, when I received orders to go to
B. and C beaches and take off the Reach Masters there.
On arrival at these beacher which were being heavily shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers.
I was informed however by some troops who were emhariting in a destroyer, that the Reach Master had been taken off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation of this, I returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships had left.
It was now daylight and I set course for
6. Shortly afterwards my engine broke down and the
Dover. taken in tox by a motor host, 1 horrowed the lifeboat a mechanic was from this heat who succeded in getting engine running again, when we cast off.
little later the engine daught fire, aff and completely A useless. The crew 1674 taken very by became a C.M.B. from Dover and as the lifeboat var of