TNA ADM 199 795

CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
(i
Of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing a:
or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the operation, and two were damaged in collision.
er
Of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN, nd
BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS, le
AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2
MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST.HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3 AUTO CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
a
2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, out discovered some of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put os, an officer and some set nen and stokers on board to augment and stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and did not sail again.
should 4. have completed 6 voyages. When due to commence her
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from the master of the MALINES last night to say him and the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been continually on their feet all the week and especially the deck officers who have had to be on their feet for so long. I myself have had 4 hours rest for the week and am at present physically unfit for another necessary to jo I will abide with the masters of the trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely other ships decision.
P.S. absolutely There nervous wrecks and certiffed by the naval is two more of the crew going ashore now doctor.
In/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
Personnel Vessels (continued).
In the meantime, relief crews had been sent for for the TYNWALD and an armed naval guard was placed alongside at Folkestone where the ship lay. The crew did not attempt to leave the ship but contented themselves with shouting abuses at the sentries. Relief crews arrived and the old crew were then allowed to leave. Complete listsof their names and
On addresses were taken and given to the S.T.O., Folkestone, Those ginal who stayed of the old crew were the Chief Officer as Master,
;ain
Second Officer, Purser, W/T Operator and Carpenter.
A naval officer and 10 naval ratings were put on er board as moral stiffeners and the ship sailed at 1945/2. She nd completed a round trip which was repeated next day without le incident.
5. MANX MAID. Never completed a trip; she should have r
sailed on 3 separate occasions. On the last occasion, at
1745/2, she produced an engine breakdown as excuse; was given up as hopeless and other ships made use of instead.
On the afternoon of 3rd June, when it was realised that MANX MAID was not going to be used, the majority of the to crew, in response to an appeal by the S.T.O., Dover, volunteered to replace men in other personnel vessels who had left their duty. 18 seamen and firemen were accepted and sailed to
Dunkirk in LADY OF MANN, and others were drafted to MANX MAN
who, however, did not sail.
to
6. BEN MY CHREE. Transported 408 troops in 2 trips; she should have completed 4. The master was evidently in league ps, with the masters of the TYNWALD and the MALINES. On failing to to sail during the night 1/2nd June, in reply to a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, whether or not he would sail, George Woods, Master, replied in writing - "I beg to state that after our experience at Dunkirk yesterday, my answer is
'No'.
"
to
At 1850/2 BEN MY CHREE came alongside Folkestone.
Naval guards were placed on the gangways and abreast the ship.
As the ship was berthed the crew were demonstrating and shouting that they were going to leave the ship and on the brow being run out, they attempted to do so with their kits. Leading
Stoker Booth ordered his men to come on guard and advanced up the brow with fixed bayonets. The crew returned on board at once, where they remained until the relief crew arrived. The
Captain and crew left the ship, the Chief Officer stayed as
Captain, together with 3 greasers and the W/T Operator. Otherwise the ship was manned with the new crew. Unfortunately, on sailing, at 1905/2, BEN MY CHREE was in collision and did not complete the trip.
7. LADY OF MANN Carried out 4 trips and transported
2902 troops. One tri_ was abortive through no fault of the
Master, as the ship was ordered back from Dunkirk before entering that harbour, The last 2 trips were carried out with a Naval officer and 10 naval ratings on board as an insurance, but there is no suggestion that the LADY OF MANN did not attempt to play her part.
8. MANX MAN. Transported 233 troops in 3 voyages.
Should have completed 5.
On her fourth trip, due 2115/2, MANX MAN refused to sail from Folkestone. A new crew was put on board, the engineers remaining/
nnel

Dynamne 256.
154
H.M.T. "Malines",
SOUTHAMPTON.
138
11th June, 1940.
The Principal Sea Transport Officer,
DOVER.
Sir,
Replying to your letter of June 5th., I submit the following account of the operations as experienced in this ship:-
Ordered from Southampton, #6 proceeded to Dovor and received instructions to go to Dunkirk by the Northern route from the North
Goodwin Light Vessel. As events proved, it would have been better if my instructions had boon more detailed and if I had been supplied with the large scale charts. These latter had been promised but not delivered.
However, the necessary daylight to navigate the shouls remained, and I had had some experience of the locality, 30 "Malines" proceeded at
16 knots to arrive off Dunkirk just after dark.
To my astonishment, the whole port seemed to be in flames, and, although it could not be exactly determined, the work of destruction appeared still to be going on. The mate and funnels of ships could be distinguished by the light of the flames, but whether suniters or afloat
I did not know.
Morse signals were ignored, and an attempt to inter the harbour was mot by gunfire from the Western breakmater, 30, determined to find out the true condition of affairs, 1 patrolled along towards
Gravelines, where & Pilot station was supposed to be established.
Dunkirk. I An attempt: to enter by our consort, Hellet. "Scotia", use also
Although hailed several craft, I could get no replice, and returned to greeted with gunfire, 80 that I decided to go Enstwards to meet friendly co-operation.
The dim shapes of vessels inshore could be determined, healtated but to my draught than 13 foot, and no chart to hand, 1
deviate being more Channel. Hare my lack of information 1a now apparent,
10% from from later the events, I judge that these ships were attention removing were parties of y
of extreme the beaches. annoyance No to them, who proforred to be unobserved by from doubt by signals to attract the enemy. source of the One and large I was on the point of returning to question be vossel, recognised later as it Clan liner, him, moved when out vaa attacked port, and aunt completely across the fairway.
cont.a ot, Therefore, and encountered I & destroyer, who signalled Turning reauned the patrol to the Restward, "Follow aeaking 26 batter

219
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.

413
LETTER OF 6TH JUNE 1940 FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
387
PARTY N.BARRACKS, CHATHAM, to VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
II.
7. 3.8. "Seiriol. It was reported that the Captain of this ship had refused duty. As there were no spare
Crews for Merchant ships in the port, Lieutenant Mc.Ewen,
R.N.R. was ordered to take command of the ship. Petty
Officer Harding and six armed ratings, with one Stoker
Petty Officer and six Stokers joined the ship at 1000 on
29th May, 1940. The Captain was put under open arrest and the ship proceeded. The Naval ratings manned the
Lewis Guns and Bren Guns in the ship and on arrival at
Dunkirk were standing by to take lines ashore had it been possible to get alongside. This was not possible so they manned the only two boats left in the ship. The only ships ratings who assisted were one Officer and as Steward.
They embarked survivors from S.S. "Crested Ragle* which was on fire, and H.M.S. "Grenade" which had been sunk alongside. They also embarked soldiers from the beach.
About two hundred men were brought on board, half of whom were badly wounded. As there was no medical party on board the ship left before being fully loaded on account of the latter.
the crew 8. of this ship were very tired and shaken and re-
Hospital Ship "St.Julien". It was reported that quired assistance in working the ship. à party of twentytwo hands under Sub. Lieutenant Radeliffe, 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. Sub. Lieutenant Radcliffe 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 9.3. *Malines* 5.9. "Ben-my-Chree" S.S.
"Tynewald" - were giving trouble. An armed party under
Petty Officer Hollingsworth was sent over to take guard duties on these ships. The Petty Officer had instructions that no-one was to leave these ships under any circumstances.
Shortly after the arrival of this party the ships were sent out to anchorage. Nothing untoward occurred before 1400
when at relief party under Leading Stoker Booth took over duties.
At 1850 S.S. "Ben-my-Chree" came alongside the jetty. Three sentries - A.B.Clithero, 0.8m. Tomlinson,
Cook Blackman - were placed on the gangway, the remainder being posted at intervals along the ship. As the ship was being berthed the crew were demonstrating and shouting that they were going to leave the ship, and on the brow.
being run out they attempted to do so with their kits.

388
LETTER OF 6TH JUNE, 1940 FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE, NO.3.
PARTY:.BARRACKS, CHATHAM, to VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
III.
Leading Stoker Booth ordered his men to come on guard and advance up the brow. The crew thereupon returned on board at once, where they remained until the relief crew arrived.
S.S. "Tynewald" came alongside at 1910. The crew did not attempt to leave the ship, but contented themselves.th shouting abuse at the sentries. Relief crews for these two ships arrived at 1950, and the old crews were then allowed to leave. Complete lists of their names and addresses were taken and given to the.0.Folkestone.
These ships subsequently sailed as ordered.
S.S. "Malines" had left the harbour with no instructions at about 1600, and was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southampton.
10. The Chief Gunner's Mate of the Company - Chief
Petty Officer Ward rendered the most invaluable service in the Transit Camp, not only by regulating our own party and sending out guards and Stoker parties with the utmost despatch, but also by keeping a complete record of all Naval ratings passing through the Camp. These included survivors,
Lewis Gun parties, Parties etc.
11. The following ratings were also outstanding -
Petty Officer Harding, Petty Officer Burge, Petty Officer
Willock, Leading Stoker Booth - The whole party remained in good spirits throughout and were always cheerful and eager for any duties, that were to be performed.
12. The party had proceeded to Dover in buses from
Maidstone andDistrict 'Bus Company. Two of these were retained in Dover and I would like strongly to commend the
Drivers, who were only too willing to turn out at any hour of the day or night to transport our various parties, so saving valuable time, and also turned 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.
COPIES TO.
Lieutenant With Commander, R.N.
Commodore. P.S.T.O.
OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
PARTY.
Commodore. R.N.Barracks.
Chatham.
Captain (G). R.N.Barracks.
Chatham.
Battalion Commander.
Company Commander.

416
390
APPENDIX 11. TO LETTER OF 6TH JUNE 1940, FROM THE OFFICER
IN CHARGE NO.3.PARTY: R.N.BARRACKS CHATHAM to VICE
ADMIRAL: dover.
Armed Guards had to be placed on the following ships at various times during the operation.
S.S. "St. Helier"
S.S. "Manxman"
S.S. "Seiriol"
S.S. "Ben-my-Chree"
S.S. "Tynewald"
S.S. "Malines"
2.
A guard was sent to the Dutch boat *Ngaroma*
but she sailed on their arrival.
Parties to supplement ships' crews were also lent 3. to the following ships, besides those mentioned above.
S.S. "Canterbury"
S.S. "Lady of Mann*
S.S. *Princess Maud"
h.s. "St.Julien"
and various Drifters and Motor-boats.