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LETTER OF 6TH JUNE 1940 FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
PARTY R.N. BARRACKS, CHATHAM, to VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
II.
8. Hospital Ship "St. Julien". It was reported that the crew of this ship were very tired and shaken and required assistance in working the ship.
A party of twenty-two hands under ub.Lieutenant Radoliffe, R.N.V.R. was sent for this purpose, half of whom were to assist in the engine-room. The crew were very willing and the Naval party lent practical and moral support. The ship proceeded to Dunkirk on May 31st, where she arrived at 0850 and went alongside the pier. She remained there until 1015 and was under heavy fire during the whole of this time. All the Naval ratings except the Stokers on watch were ashore bringing off stretcher cases. No casualties were sustained.
Licutenant Radeliffe was himself ashore carrying stretchers and was the last man on board having Seen all his men had returned.
9.
FOLKESTONE. At 0500 on Sunday 2nd June, 1940, it was reported that three ships -
"Malines" S.S. "Ben-my-Chree" S.S. "Tynewald" - were giving trouble. An armed S.S. party under Petty Officer Hollingsworth was sent over to take guard leave duties these ships. The Patty Officer had instructions that no-one was to the ships were sent out to anchorage. Nothing untoward occurred before on these ships under any circumstances. Shortly after the arrival of this party 1400
when a relief party under Leading Stoker Booth took over duties.
At 1850 8.5. "Ben-my-Chree" came alongaide the jetty. Three sentries-
A.B. the remainder being posted at intervals along the ship. As the ship was leave
Clithero, 0.Smn. Tomlinson, As Cook Blackman - were placed on the ganguay, being berthed the crew were demonstrating and shouting that they were going to their the and on the brow. being run out they attempted to do so with the brow. Rits.
Leading The crew thereupon returned on board at once, where they remained ship, Stoker Booth ordered his nen to come on guard and advance up until the relief crew arrived.
to leave the 3.8. ship, but contented themselves with shouting abuse at the sentries. then
"Tynewald" came alongside at 1910. The orew did not attempt
Relief crews leave. Complete lists of their names and addresses were ordered.
for these two ships arrived at 1950, and the old crews were taken and given allowed to to the S.T.O. Folkestone. These ships subsequently sailed as at about
9.9. "Malines", had left the harbour with no instructions
1600, and was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southempton.
rendered and sending out guards and Stoker parties with the utmost despatch, the
10. the The most invaluable service in the Transit Camp, not only by regulating
Chief Gunner's Mate of the Company - Chief Patty Officer Ward but our own also party by keeping a complete record of all Naval ratings Parties passing etc. through
Camp. These included survivors, Lewis Gun parties, U.P.
The following ratings were also outstanding - Petty officer The Harding, whole
Petty party remained in good spirits throughout and were always cheerful cager for
11. Officer Burge, Petty Officer Willook, Leading Stoker Booth - and any duties, that were to be performed.
12. Two of these were retained in Dover and I would like hour strongly of the
The party had proceeded to Dover in buses from Maidstone and District to commend night to transport our various parties, so saving valuable time, also
'Bus Company. the Drivers, who were only too willing to turn out at any and day turned or to themselves in shifting gear and stowing in the buses for transport when necessary. A report to this effect has been sent to the Proprietors.
(Sgi)
COPIES TO
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
Commodore. P.S.T.O.
Commodore. R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
PARTY.
Captain (G) R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
Battalion Commander.
Company Commander.
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