TNA ADM 199 xxx

4d.
49
Copy/
DYNAMO 234.
Salvage
Office,
11, Cambridge Dover. Terrace,
11th
June,
1940.
Commander
Days
The
Castle,
Dover.
Sir,
As instructed I enclose my report of operations
$
carried out under my orders on the following Tugs, LADY BRASSEY,
FOREMOST 87 and ST. OLOARD
29th May 0/30 State left Dover on LADY BRASSEY to assistance of
H.M.S.
"MONTROSS".
3/- Took "MONTROSE" in tow from the range of enemy searchlights off Gris Nez.
6/110 Arrived at Dover after towing "MONTROSE" stern first all the way.
30th May 11 Refle Left Dover on LADY BRAS BY with FOREMOST 87
in company, bound for Dunkirk in search of H.M.S.
"BIDEFORD", missed the "BIDEFORD" in fog, received 8
bombing off Gravelines - no damage done; carried on to Dunkirk.
5/0 Dalla On arrival S.N.O. ordered me to assist in harbour work. I sent the FOREMOST 87 to handle barges onto the Marlo bench, etc., BRASSEY into harbour.
Towed "PRAGUE" out of harbour stern first and guided incoming craft to troop embarkation points.
31st May 0/30 Stalle Left Dunkirk under orders of V.A.D. by W/T, no troops then available for me to bring over, there being five vessels waiting at that time.
7/0 ReMe Visual signal from Leathercoats sent me back to N. Goodwins to assist two Trawlers ashore. I ordered
FOREMOST 87 back to Dover.
8/30. Arived back at Dover. Trawlers refloated.
lot June 10/30 seme Left Dover on the "ST. OLOAP" to assistance of *H.S.S. "SALAMANDER" reported to be off "Western Buoy"
and proceeding slowly towards Dover; went to assistance of S.S. "PRAGUE" off N. Goodwin, vessel had been bombed and was in sinking condition and troops were being transferred to small craft which were alongside, finding my mistake in ships I requested the "JAVA" to take my place and tow the "PRAGUE" to the Small Downs and beach her whilet I went after the "SALAMANDER" -
this the "JAVA" did; at about 3 palla we were dive bombed near *** buoy - "no damage", so went to assistance of several other craft "not required".
After searching between the and Western Buoy for some time and finding no sign of the "SALAMANDER" I sent
W/T to V.A.D. that I would wait around the area for orders or would assist anything I came across. Later
I took in tow H.M.S.? D.96, destroyer which had been battered and was laid helpless - full of troops.
Towed her until off the E. Goodwin and Goodwin Knoll, when her engines came back to life.
Whilst towing the D.96 I received W/T from V.A.D.
to return to Dunkirk and handle H.M.S. "KEITH". I
replied unable to obey orders as I was fully engaged with the D.96. Later, when D.96 was able to proceed under her own power I phoned from Deal for further orders; these were then given to the Captain of the
Tug whilet I myself was put into hospital from injuries received/

51
Rescue Tug "LADY BRASSEY".
May 30th and 31st 1940.
Dunkirk and Transport "PRAGUB".
Sir,
I Frederick John Hopgood was the Master-in-Charge of the tug "LADY BRASSEY" on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st May 1940
when I received instructions about 9.50 B.M. from the Salvage
Officer to be prepared to leave when he arrived on board. The
Salvage Officer Lt. Robinson arrived on board about 10.30.a.m.
with the route: for Dunkirk and to assist the H.M.S. "BIDEFORD", also the tug "FORSMOST 87 was to follow, and to instruct the salvage craft "FORDE", also to follow us.
We left Dover at 11 and passing through the Western
Entrance, and waited outside until the "FOREMOST" 87 appeared.
The Salvage Officer told the Master to follow us. We then proceeded on course about 11.15 Balle The weather at this time being hany, visibility about one mile, We proceeded through
Downs but failed to see the "FORDE" and continued on our course.
When nearing V. Buoy the weather became a dense fog that we lost sight of the tug "FOREMOST", so we reduced speed, sounding the tugs whistle until the OREMOST" was close to US. The fog lifted and became patchy and we proceeded on at full speed on course for 17. Buoy. e then set course to No. 5 and 6 buoy
Dunkirk Roads
Thilst on this course several German planes were overhead and the machine gun was fired by Lt. Robinson. We arrived off Dunkirk pierhead about 6.30 palls when a message was sent in to the signal station informing them to had been sent over to assist the "BIDEFORD". le then received a message to come inside and berth alongside the east pier
Dunkirk. We arrived alongside the pier about 6.50 Dalla
Lt. Robinson went on shore for orders. e then received orders to load up with troops and return, but this order was cancelled, and orders given for the tug to remain, by the
Staff Officer, who naked for three lifebelts to put in his motor boat that was standing by for them. This was done, he also said that he would not put troops on board but we were to remain alongside of the quay until further orders.
I then informed him that I did not think we could remain very long in this berth on account of the depth of water. He advised me to shift further out towards the end of the pier about 9 Dalla We shifted berth about 9 Della to the outer end of the pier. I then found with the swell that the tugs starboard bilge keel was striking the coping stone before the rubbing band took a bearing on the pier. I sent one of my men along the pier to report to him it was not safe for the tug to remain alongside and kept the tug underway close to the pier.
About 9.30 Dalla we received orders for both tugs to tow the Transport "PRAGUS" off the East Pier at 10.30 Dalla
The "PRAGUS" was lying head into the harbour and drawing about 17 ft. of water and at that time there would be about
18 ft. of water, also a wreck of a trawler astern, but this trawler had a anchor light burning, for a guide to keep clear of her.
About 10.30 Dalla we got fast to the stern of the
"PRAGUE" and the "FOREMOST" on her bow. About 10.35 p.m.
the "BRASSEY's" wire was not made fast secure on the "PRAGUE"
and it elipped off. We got our rope on board and again made fast to the stern of the "PRAGUE". It was now very dark; we succeeded in towing the "PRAGUE" clear of the Trawler wreck and out between the pierheads and swinging her clear of the wreck/

454
COPY.
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 B.M. 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 go back into harbour and see if S.S. "ROEBUCK" lying at the Admiralty Pier was ready to be assisted off. le had just left the Hospital ship about 11.30 a.m. when we received instructions from the examination steamer to proceed to the no Transport AMANDER" and
53
44
it a
COPY.
md
"GONDIA", e
Dover.
rd.
dp
10/6/40.
Dalle
Report of trip to Calais 24/5/40.
To:
in
Admiral Ramsey, R.No
VaADe
Sir,
At 1100 24/5/40, "Gondia" and "Foremost 87" left
Dover for Calais and proceeded by routes given.
Arriving in vicinity of No. 1 Calais de Ridens buoy ke at 1300, we found two destroyers engaged shelling the shore, one to the W of the entrance, the other close east of pierheads, while manoeuvring at full aneed. We proceeded lowly in towards No. 5 buoy, then "Foremost 87"
spoke destroyer and was told to clear off as it was not safe to go in. Bomba at that time were also being
S
dropped in the entrance, and at 1335 we proceeded back to Dover for further orders.
hen we were some two miles off Calais, a Saint tug e
(name unknown) was proceeding along the coastal route d
past Calais, as though proceeding towards Dunkirk, and bug continued hor voyage, and we saw nothing more of her a
as we returned.
Arrived back in Dover 1550, and made fast.
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently,
(SGD.) CHARLES PRATT.
MASTER.
me.

454
COPY.
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 alongside 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.

- 4 6 00
Rescue Tug "LADY BRASSEY".
Copy/
Sunday 2nd June, 1940.
Sir,
I Frederick John Hopgood was the Master in charge of the Tug "LADY BRASSEY" on Sunday 2nd June. We had been busy ordered to assist H.M. "SUTTON" and "NIGER" off the Admiralty during the day pumping out the "MONA"S ISLE" and was
Pier the Admiralty by Pier Signal Station instructing us to leave at and during these operations we received a signal from once to the assistance of the - Hospital Ship "PARIS", 2 near the
,4545
CC
COPY.
Resoue
Tug
LADY
BRASSEY".
Wed. May 9th 1940.
sir,
1
rding the Tug "ST. ABBS". st.
I 738 in charge of the "LADY BRASSEY" when about
1 Helle we received a mesenge the Salvage Officer was comin on board. About 1.40 S.Me the Salvage Officer arrived Its Robinson. We proceeded off to No. 2 Buoy
Calais Route, and found the Destroyer "MONTROSE" about
11 miles off, who informed us that he had been in collision with a Tug. To did not see any Lug hilst approaching the "MONTROSS", her position being bout
1. mile 7.3. No. 2 Bucy. The had extensive bow damage and se towed her in stern first end was assisted when off the Eastern Entrance by the Simle to make her fast to No. 8 Buoy at 6.30 Selle
Yours faithfully,
(SGD.) Fails HOPGOOD.
Master.
Signed Tue day, 11th June.
To K.H.M.

456
Copy/
Resoue Tug "LADY BRASSEY".
Sunday 2nd June, 1940.
Sir,
I Frederick John Hopgood was the Master in charge of the Tug "LADY BRASSEY" on Sunday 2nd June. To had been busy during the day pumping out the "MONA'S ISLE" and was ordered to assist H.M. "SUTTON" and "NIGER" off the Admiralty
Pier and during these operations we received a signal from the Admiralty Pier Signal Station instructing us to leave at once to the assistance of the Hospital Ship "PARIS", near
W. Buoy, Dunkirk, Route X. We left Dover at 8 pame the weather fine and clear. hen nearing V. Buoy we nearly collided with a destroyer, both vessels going astern, also narrow escapes of running into other vessels. Aeroplanes overhead and bright lights continually floating about were in pairs in the air and near the line of route. We passed the Ramsgate Tug "FABIA" who hailed that he could not find the "PARIS", and he proceeded on course towards Ramsgate.
We continued on our course and arrived off N. Buoy about 12.15 Refile on Monday 3rd and cruised about hoping to the "PARIS". About 3.15 Selle we sighted a craft that be the "PARIS", about 1 mile eastward of Buoy. We steamed see appeared to be stopped and on approaching we made it out to around close to her and Hiled several times, and on getting had no a very heavy list to starboard and was settling down fast.
reply considered "PARIS" had been abandoned. The vessel
I went around the starboard side and found the number on I
passed around the vessel's portside and back to the starboard to the bulwark just level with the water, and by the time side she had gone over another foot. I then decided remain and see the last of the "PARIS".
The vessel sunk about 1 mile eastwards of the
W. Buoy in 17 fathoms at 4 Stalle I reported the particulars to the V.A.D. and returned to Dover. Arrived alongside
P.W. Pier 8 Balle
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) F.J. Hopgood,
Master.
Signed Tuesday, 11th June.
To
K.H.M.

Dynamo 336.
2979
SECRET.
WAR. DIARIES.
DOVER
In compliance with Memo No. A14/0/330/40 dated 5th
February, the following record of the part played by the Dockyard Departments at Dover in the events which took place between 10th
May 1940 and 5th June, 1940 is forwarded.
ON MAY 10TH, at 0400 the German invesion of Holland, Belgium and Luxemburg began.
In accordance with previous orders the operation XD was commenced at about 0630 May 10th, and by 0830 over 20 tons of explosives had been placed on board "Falconet", "Lady Brassey", "Gondia" and
"Simla". These stores and & Naval Demolition Party of 300 men were then embarked in H.M.S. "Whitshed" "Wild Swan" "Verity" and
"Brillient" who sailed at noon for Dutch and Belgian ports.
ON MAY 11th. H.M.S. "Whitshed" arrived with several easualties
H.M.S. "Sandhurst" and at once taken in hand for repairs.
and damage caused by heavy air attacks. She was placed alongside At
2030 H.M.S. "Venimous" and "Verity" each embarked a Royal Marine detachment with stores and ammunition and proceeded at midnight for the Hook of Holland.
FROM TO MAY 22ND the principle activities in the Some Dockyard were MAY 11TH with repairs to ships damaged by bombs.
destroyers concerned had between 50 and 80 holes caused by bomb splinters or or aircraft patching. cannon, Damage to electrical circuits was also by repairs to which were affected by welding sustained nearly all
Belgian coast became expended and the difficulty of for the sole duty
The supply urgent owing to the large embarking number this rounds at of ships. of ammunition to vessels operating of on the
A.A. ammunition Some destroyers were detailed coast. A
any of other port. to the vessels on the Belgian for them where berth crane and at West reilway Pier, facilities are available. also carrying ammunition Submarine Basin was reserved Ammunition was sent off to ships in harbour tugs.
AT of to H.M.S. 0900 explosives ON "wild MAY were 23RD Swan", loaded operation "Venimous" in "Falconet" XDI were and was "Viay". carried also and embarked. "Simla" out, About about and 470 Commander taken 26 Royal tons off
Marines and details of the landing party. sailed for Boulogne.
from the Army At 1230 the
Welman, operation R.N. was was completed in charge and the destroyers of
ON MAY 24TH "Wolsey" and "windsor" and sailed embarked with at severe 0945. 6 tons damage in H.M.S.
"Wild explosive, the and at embarked and 80 were Royal taken Marines hand and sustained for in action 1600 H.M.S. "verity"
ON H.M.S. "Wolsey" and Calais. "Wolfhound" embarked Military used for stores ammunition repairs. and sailed for Calais.
The Prince ammunition of Wales Pier and stores from now in lighters and barges and for Dunkirk. small and MAY 25TH and sailed for on was extensively for
The craft Submarine requiring repairs. "Burza" The in The ship's bottom in the embarkation of Basin water was used for tugs a the had sailed with been the Polish destroyer by air shattered attack. but temporary the night repairs the enemy had
___???___ certain the During aress Harbour, in of it and had several the been Harbour mine swel,
No outside seen and reported. and exploded. being laid.
was carried mines closed out were to 8 found in until Harbour but These the lgying positions One mine were exploded plott and actually the mines had in been the later Western were Entrance swept within an hour of damage was sustained.