TNA ADM 199 795

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From:- Sub/Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R.
Date:-
5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
27th May. Assisted in collection and commissioning of
29th May.
pulling boats and motor boats for beach work;
later assisted Act. C.B.O. (Lt. de Mauny, R.N.).
30th May.
0700
Detailed to act as Lieut. to Lieut. McMullan, R.N.R.
in Dutch schoot "Twente". (Lieut. NcMullan has reported separately on commissioning and voyage to Dunkirk and back).
1st June.
1100
Arrived back Ramsgate; stood by awaiting orders.
3rd June.
1100
Found 45 ft. river motor launch "Madame Sans
Gene" arrived in harbour with crew from River
Emergency Patrol - already detailed to proceed
Dunkilek p.m. same day. Requested permission assist equipping and victualling and command in operation. Permission granted by Cdr.
Duffett, R.N.
1700
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk being towed in company with lifeboat and 3 other boats on tug "Tanga".
"Madame Sans Gene" was disabled en route through -
(a) a rope being streamed from tug without warning, fouling our port propeller, and. on being hauled in by tug, either bending or stripping blades or bending shaft.
(b) starboard engine becoming waterlogged apparently by suction through exhaust owing to
Port engine could be used for a short while but speed of tow (8 kts).
On arrival Dunkirk suggested boat could still subsequently its transmission gave out entirely.
be of use in transport of troops if towed by lifeboat. Officer in charge of tug approved not understand gave and was not seen again. Remained and order to lifeboat, which evidently did in tow of tug after evacuating "Madame Sans Gene"
to tug on orders of officer in charge of tug.

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eport from Sub. Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R. (contd).
"Madame Sans Gene" eventually abandoned in
Dunkirk Channel near No. 14 buoy when winch to which towing hausers were secured pulled out of decking, and owing to length of tow being augmented by her anchor cable and amounting to about also cables length, she became a danger to other craft. Tow could not be shortened in time and she was cut loose at 0245/4/6.
4th June.
0800
Arrived Ramsgate in tug "Tanga".
Submit that in view of experience with "Madame
Sans Gene" (which could carry fuel for 20 hours and had speed of 12 knots) such craft can more safely cross North Sea under OWD power than in tow.