TNA ADM 199 795

27
MESSAGE
To O. in C Portsmouth
0120/14th Juno
OUT
Repeated C. in C Western Approaches c. in C Nore
Date 14/6/40
Seatrans, Newhaven
Seatrans, Plymouth
Seatrans, Falmouth
Commodore in Charge Sheerness
Seatrans, Littlehampton
Divisional Transport Southsmpton
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
P/L by T/P
From D of S.I.
The following craft when no longer required for
Operation Cycle should be directed as follows. Tugs PERSIA
and TANGA proceed to Plymouth as Boon as possible and report to S.T.O. on arrival. Both tugs should be kept at Plymouth b
ready to sail at short notice. Instructions to S.T.O. will follow. Tugs CONTEST and QUEENS CROSS tow barges WESTOLIFF
WOKING BRENTLAND and LINCOLN from Newhaven to Felmouth reporting to S.T.O. on arrival. Tug FOREMOST 87 tow barges
VARSITY and VIGIL from Littlehnmpton to Falmouth. Tug
KROOMAN tow barge SERLO from Southampton to Falmouth. Tug
HEADWAN tow S.B. DORRIEN ROSE from Newhaven to Orchard
Drydock, Blackwall, London and return to Sheerness to tow barges JULIA and CHARLES I from Shoorness to Scapa. Tug
FAIRPLAY ONE proceed to Sheornese and tow barges BASKET and
CHEEKIE from Sheerness to Portsmouth for dolivery to N.S.O.
Tug WATERCOOK proceed to Falmouth. Tuge SUN XI and CRESTED
COOK proceed to Ramsgate for orders.
0120/14.
for D. of S.T.
D of P (3)
C.O.R.T.
M. (3)
D of S.T.
D.T.D. (2)
D.T.D. (Basement)
D.S.V.P.
Msl
68

THAT3188A
(2)
1
20
17
WEAL
e
"Queen of the Channel" then proceeded to the east entrance ier, outer end and embarked a further 800 troops, after which she as hauled off to allow a destroyer to berth alongide and embark the smainder from this point.
At 0425 hours on 28th. Lay in Lat.51° 17' 30" N, Long. 2° 41' E
pprox. the vessel was attacked by an enemy plane which dropped a ich explosive bomb or aerial torpedo on the stern.
The vessel commenced to settle by the stern and I ordered all roops to be pressed forward from this area.
There were no asualties.
The explosion wrecked the vessel's wireless ear but a temporary aerial was rigged and distress signals were ent out.
A foreign vessel of about 200 tons, which appeared to be of Dutch ationality approached but sheered off as the enemy plane was still n the vicinity.
At 0505 hours, the S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" (Owners, Richard Hughes & Co, iverpool) of about 530 tons register, same alongside and all troops nd ship's personnel were transferred by 0525 hours.
Prior to the arrival of S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE". and immediately following pon the explosion, the lifeboats were lowered and filled with troops ho were transferred as soon as the vessel approached.
Three men jumped overboard to swim to "Dorrien Rose" and I therefore nstructed the other S.T.O.s to stop any further attempts.
he ship from stem to stern and transferred all remaining rifles
After all troops had left the "Queen of the Channel" I inspected ound on board.
hat abandonment was the only course as the water was at deck
Prior to leaving the "Queen of the Channel" the Master assured level me t the after end of the vessel.
We both left after I had satisfied myself that no one remained on he sinking vessel.
hem ncouraged considerably pack as she was loaded on deck, fore and aft, remained in
Owing to as tightly as possible in the vessel which with petrol to the limited deck space of the "Dorrien Rose" the men cramped were
With very fow exceptions, they n
he attempts to smoke were made by any of standing frail tins, position for over nine hours and owing to them. the nature of
In cargo, spite no of these disadvantages, the troops bore out the best raditions of the Service.
At one period we were attacked by an enemy plane which was driven ff by machine gun and rifle fire.
A speed of 71-8 wireless, a destroyer was signalled by escort arrived flags knots was maintained towards Dover and hand as the t t 0700 about hours 0900 hours and an and remained with us until about Noon.
essel carried no escort requested. This
At 1425 hours the "Dorrien Rose" moored at No.2 Berth, Dover and isembarkation of troops commenced.
ioutenant ho Sea all Transport gave Commander able Officers assistance Lieutenants Seymour concerned in RNVR, Swinco the Lieutenants rescue in and these work Blandy operations Swinco at took the and beach charge were Blandy, and of RNVR, pier t Dunkirk.
wo boats.
At the time and subsequent to the bombing of the "Queen of the

(3)
18
(3)
Jane odd od nons 011 to
21
record ODB = Bita
DATE of #
hannel" all troops behaved splendidly by giving full co-operation
:0 orders issued by myself and the other Officers, thus preventing anic and loss of life and making our work in transferring them to tal 'ID OS.71 "08 'YI Practed at VALL 1388 no
:he rescue ship comparatively easy.
N Worming VISIO w GSW
Credit is due to the Master, Officers and Crew of S.S. "Dorrien
Tricks abequot latron TO
Rose" for all their assistance, particularly the Master, who handled
[1]
бетерто of is ship with skill in getting alongside the "Queen of the Channel".
OR DTOW onedy
$20.00
und
Interview
No time was lost in coming to our rescue.
'Lassev add Socioon bill alamyia by daw Lilves
From the time of boarding S.S. "Dorrien Rose" at 0525 hours, I
emained on the bridge with the Master until arrival at Dover.
Modina 10 ed of (alxo) 002 to Jouney
LINES any 220 Jud
On arrival at Dover, the P.S.T.O. French Ports, gave 48 hours'
eave to all the Sea Transport Officers concerned, which was ubsequently extended.
code "Haux 1810
I have the honour to be, Sir, account I'm We and oca frode a
US80 of
Your obedient servant,
Madon To Isvlem add did 061123 brie Derewol stow admodelli odd
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MhMusm.
DATE "sabil of salwa of basodrovo 5equir]
adquedor Today's THE code of todito
Commander R.N.R. S.T.O.I.
"Isrmado 013 TO edd 2701 Eas
80/2/1 TCc bren mede of
The Naval Assistant to the Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House, on TOTAL orig "Loumbia and To London.
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JEVIS
10

26
B14/0/1509
rams: " TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
hone: ABBEY 7711.
Any further communication on this
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
- 29
bject should be addressed to J.
The Director of Sea Transport,
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE.
(address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE, d the following number quoted:-
LONDON, W.1.
2nd July, 1940.
Vice Admiral,
DOVER.
With reference to my communication of the
29th June enclosing the report from Commander Musson,
R.N.R., I forward herewi th the report of
Mr. William Thompson, the Master of the
8.8. "Dorrien Rose".
y
1.00
VICE ADMIRAL
ti
-
-3 JUL 1940
Rear-Admiral,
*
Naval Assistant to the
0
Director of Sea Transport.
DOVER
OF

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.

30
32
"даоя ИЛТЯНОФ" M.M.N
31
IS
grams TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
Blatoliseq
30/5/40.,0,9.0 03.00 hours. Position one mile west of phone ABBEY communication 7711.
32
33
onemy motor craft circled ship spraying us with Any further on this
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
Buoy. tracer Two bullets, and we returned their fire with Letubject should be of addressed Sea Transport, to they gun then disappeared astern. TOOLITO We suffered no Legically casualties The Director (address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
BERKELEY SQUARE, ordered by S.T.O. to discharge as much food stuffs as for use of rearguard troops,
At 06.50 hours made fast to East Mole at DUNKIRE CONFIDENTIAL nd the following number quoted
LONDON, W.1.
At 12.20 hours left DUNKIRK with 590 troops
29th June, 1940.
At 20.45 hours arrived Folkston and disembarked
Vice Admiral,
Jonger DATE Boilers leaking unable to proceed
DOVER.
no enreade 1/6/40 ordered to NEWHAVEN for repairs.
The attached report from Commander Musson, R.N.R., is forwarded.
I remain, as VITRA dow leasev evocA #0001 vali RJOS
As the S.S. "Dorrien Rose" was presumably under your
Your obedient orders you may wish to bring to notice the conduct of the Master, who is understood to be Mr. William Thompson, of Doocord of atebro Devieber.04/2/58 STUD (Sgd) W.Thompson with a view to his services being suitably recognised.
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TO THRUO" redaem) Lieu'o nigageo has of OW Das odd
Secretary Box at the to D.S.T.O's the P.S.T.O. at Dover, hours
CHANNEL". During the the early beach at the of bree ogolzd odd no Doninmor поварм enganed gatura
28th.May, T.S.S. 1 "QUEEN was engaged OF THE in embarking entrance troops in this from vessel's others five lifeboats. were
Rt our of commistees 300%
eastern side of the brought Harbour alongside in this manner During and these to fortnoo has
200 men were in the vicinity.

33
(2)
34
The "Queen of the Channel" then proceeded to the east entrance pier uter end and embarked-a further 800 troops, after which she was hauled off to allow a destroyer to berth alongide and embark the remainder from this point.
At 0425 hours on 28th. May in Lat. 17' 30" N, Long. 2° 41' E
approx. the vessel was attacked by an enemy plane which dropped &
high explosive bomb or aerial torpedo on the stern.
The vessel commenced to settle by the stern and I ordered all troops to be pressed forward from this area.
There were no gear casualties. but a temporary aerial was rigged and distress signals were
The explosion wrecked the vessel's wireless sent out.
A foreign vessel of about 200 tons, which appeared to be of Dutch nationality approached but sheered off as the enemy plane was still in the vicinity.
At 0505 hours, the S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" (Owners, Richard Hughes & Co,
B,
Liverpool) of about 530 tons register, same alongside and all troops and ship's personnel were transferred by 0525 hours.
Prior to the arrival of S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" and immediately following ipon the explosion, the lifeboats were lowered and filled with troops who transferred as soon as the vessel approached.
Three were men jumped overboard to swim to "Dorrien Rose" and I therefore instructed the other S.T.O.s to stop any further attempts.
After all troops had left the "Queen of the Channel" I rifles inspected the ship from stem to stern and transferred all remaining found on board.
the "Queen of the Channel" the Master deck assured level me that Prior abandonment to leaving was the-only course as the water was at at end of the vessel.
We the both after left after I had satisfied myself that no one remained on nj the sinking vessel.
limited deck space of the "Dorrien vessel-which Rose" the men cramped were them encouraged considerably pack as she was loaded very on few deck, exceptions, they remained of in
Owing to to the as tightly as possible in fore the and aft, with petrol at in frail tins, for over With nine hours and owing of to them. the nature the standing In cargo, spite no position of attempts these disadvantages, to smoke were the made troops by any bore out the best traditions of the Service.
At one period we were attacked by an enemy plane which was driven off by machine gun and rifle fire.
A speed carried of 71-8 no wireless, knots was as maintained destroyer was towards signalled Dover This by and escort hand as the flags arrived vessel at at 0700 hours hours and an and escort remained requested. with us until about Noon.
about 0900 hours the "Dorrien Rose" moored at No.2 Berth, Dover and disembarkation At 1425 of troeps commenced.
Officers concerned Lieutenant in these operations Swinco/and were Blandy,
RNVR,
Lieutenant who Sea all Transport gave Commander able assistance Lieutenants Seymour RNVR, in Swinco the resoue and work Blandy at took the beach charge and of pier at Dunkirk.
two
At boats. the time and subsequent to the bombing of the "Queen of the

(3)
34
35
43
"Channel" all troops behaved splendidly by giving full co-operation to et ers issued by myself and the other Officers, thus preventing panic and loss of life and making our work in transferring them to the rescue ship comparatively easy.
Credit is due to the Master, Officers and Crew of S.S. "Dorrien
Rose" for all their assistance, particularly the Master, who handled his ship with skill in getting alongside the "Queen of the Channel".
No time was lost in coming to our rescue.-
From the time of boarding S.S. "Dorrien Rose" at 0525 hours, I
remained on the bridge with the Master until arrival at Dover.
On arrival at Dover, the P.S.T.O. French Ports, gave 48 hours'
Leave to all the Sea Transport Officers concerned, which was subsequently extended.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
8,
Your obedient servant,
MLMusson.
Commander R.N.R. S.T.O.1.
The Naval Assistant to the Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
London. W.1.
nj
0080