TNA ADM 199 xxx

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Rescue Tug "LADY BRASSEY".
Saturday, 1st June, 1940.
Sir,
I, Frederick John Hopgood, was in charge of the tug
"LADY BRASSEY" when at 10.40 Selle Lt.-Commander Laloe WAS
put on board the Hospital ship "ST. DAVID" lying at anchor
off the detached Mole with engine trouble. He then told me
to 80 back into harbour and see if S.S. "ROEBUCK" lying at
the Admiralty Pier was ready to be assisted off. We had
just left the Hospital ship about 11.30 SeMe when we
received instructions from the examination steamer to proceed
to the assistance of Transport "PRAGUS", "SALAMANDER" and
"IVANHOE" and to instruct Salvage vessel "FORDE" to proceed
that was lying at anchor in the Downs. We left Dover about
noon and spoke the "FORDE" off Deal about 1 p.m. and
proceeded on course when nearing the Fork buoy I could see a
craft that appeared to be the "PRAGUE" off the N. W. Goodwin
buoy. I spoke the Master who requested me to make fast, and
also what was his position. I told him he was close to the
Fork buoy. We got fast at 1.20 p.m. and towing at 1.30 p.m.
About 1.45 Dalla we eased towing for the pilot to get on board.
I had asked the Master if he could hold the water in the ship
and replied yes, and draught 25 feet. We then proceeded
on passage to Dover. When nearing the Port we received
instructions to anchor "PRAGUE" in the Downs at about 2.30 p.m.
We turned around and proceeded back to the Downs. During
this time the En ineer reported Dynamo trouble. Whilst
passing through the Downs and off Walmer we were hailed that
we had better take the ship to anchor in Ramsgate Channel
and on closing Ramagate channel we were told to ground the
vessel. I then hailed them asking why they wished to beach
the vessel and was told that they found they could not hold
the water and that she must be beached. We then turned the
vessel in towards the Conspicuous House and grounded her on
Sandwich Flats at 11.30 Date We then received a signal to
return off Deal for the Salvage Officer Lt. Commander Laloe.
We then received instructions about proceeding to Dunkirk
by signal. Lt. Commander Laloe came on board and I
informed him we should like to inspect the Dynamo before
leaving. He agreed and sent a message to that effect to
V.A.D. and whilst we were at anchor he would proceed to the
"PRAGUE" by motor boat this would now be about 5.40 p.m.
On the return of the Salvage Officer we reported the
Dynamo appeared satisfactory, but the engineer could not make
a very good exam on account of the steam. Lt. Commander
Laloe then told me that we should have to tow the "PRAGUE"
further in shore and that he would go on shore to report.
At 8.15 Dalla we have up anchor and got fast to the "PRAGUE"
and towed her in shore Sast of Sandown Castle at 9 p.m.
About 9.30 Dame we anchored the tug for further instructions
from Salvage Officer.
Sunday, 2nd. Hove up anchor 7.45 a.m. and spoke to
Lt. Commander Laloe who was required on the telephone ashore
and who was on the Dapper. We went alongside of Dapper and
Brought Salvage Officer off the signal station when he was
landed by Motor Boat. At 8.45 n.m. I received instructions
from the Salvage Officers to return Dover and arrived along-
side the Pier at 10.15 Bettle Took on board coal, and
engineer overhauled Dynamo.
Yours faithfully,
(SGD.) F. J. HOPGOOD.
To K.H.M.
Master.
Signed Tuesday, 11th June.