TNA ADM 199 xxx

- 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.

SECRET
- 2
2298
11. Three German bombers carried out a level bombing attack at from about 8000 feet. Ten Dombs were dropped falling about yards astem. British fighters appeared about a quarter of an later as three transports passed.
12. At 2030 the motor lifeboat B.N.L.D. hailed us and asked to shown the way into Dunkirk. This boat remained with us for the ainder of the night. The Lieutenant R.N.V.R. in command was ortunately killed by shrapnel during the night. This was reported
Commander Tyler on arrival at Bansgate.
ODS IS. left in Dunkirk. Commander Tyler disregarded this and went
At 2100 a small motor boat informed us that there were no o the harbour in the motor lifeboat with Lieutenant Fletcher.
14, At 2130 the tug was hailed by a motor torpedo boat and ders were received to use the boats to fill up minesweepers which e to arrive later.
is boat then pulled for/shore. The tug was then anchored about tug 15. then towed the remaining boat as near in shore as possible.
At 2145 the motor lifeboat and one boat were sent in shore.
ree quarters of a mile from the Bastern breakwater.
ldiers 16. ashore at 2230, and said that she had not seen
The pulling boat returned with the news that there the other were no ats.
17. 2300 All hands kept under cover, and proceeded
0100/2 June, 1940, fairly heavy until firing the over motor and short, defly feboat shrapnel, returned at 0130. The tug than wedghed to amsgate.
M.T.B. again hailed us and werere again at sent 0215. back to
111 18. At 0140 an and anchored in position weighed and went iter urther up waiting in with shore soldiers, till to 0330 pick for them the up, boats but the and ran aground the big use of about engines & quarter astern of ogether mile OII with shore. physical The jerks flooding by lb the then tide soldiers proceeded refloated to which Ramsgate 18 her. towed. with Boats eanwhile 42 soldiers had on been board secured. and in the motor lifeboat,
19. At 0415 18 ran aground to for get the off second after time ten minutes. one mile at 0745 west A slight laze: the breakwater, peaceful but managed passage home arriving at Ransgate
20. gave us Commander a Tyler left but us at A.M. 2000/2 and June, we were 1940, R told 18 to the were salvage tug ordered would to be required proceeded to & position 0.100 18 eventually located her tow her. the ot that night, near position and the tug weigh Hospital and Ship Paris. Commander At R.N.B., secured, but to her first down
We lay Sun off XV until with a she had two minutes got later & aircraft Cerman machine with Lewis dived gims;
wire parted. About us. 10 ongaged the in bursts. lb were then both and machine the ratings gunned on the guns R.N.R., getting in situation. the tug Sun XV The to hospital leave after ship be ordered had asked by the what Commander we thought water of and the was very heavily down to get by her the back stern. was
Both in about five us fathoms and of I considered that It would if we be were very slow already work to tow safely the Tuguaster would require an escort. ship.)
I think that she was her we a twin screw tell.
The tug arrived back at Ramsgate aground, as she but was it was hard to
0645/3 June, 1940.
21. At 1150 18

CONFIDENTIAL
30300
Page 1 of nc.osure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 1940.
OPERATION DYNAMO.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover possible 0100 route over shallow minefield. Low water approximately of
Dynams 375
s,
CONFIDENTIAL.
ibject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
Part 99
305
rted.
From... The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
Date... 14th June, 1940.
ngine
To
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portanouth.
f
J
In accordance with C.P.O.O. 1700, the report on operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
of at
1
Lieutenant in Commend.
r
2/0 1051/0, coxswain of the D/C
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT) (as Gunner). Lewis motor boat (as coxswain).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. 2/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
Hamilton and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant them Meikle, were necessary before proceeding imediately to
Dunkirk. that orders boat was capable of 20 knota and one stripped Lewis gun was transferred The to her from H.M.D/C nated boat, the other gun being in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
in regulating 40 resoue traffic to and from ft. motor boat assisted H.T.B. Dunkirk. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
Sunday, 2nd June.
motor boat escorted M.A.L.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
but 40 ft. to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
Dunkirk to see if aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch due boat was required for any purpose. ship. Proceeded Sighted formation of enemy 1910 Air attack. Duration All petrol minutes. cans
15 to JU assistance. 97's and machine gunning. boat. Between spare 30-40 II/O
from pierced bullet S.S. holes, and PARIS. ___???___ near no and 6 wounded Captain and survivors took men and in from some spoke tow. officers wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow.
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued

CONFIDENTIAL
30300
Page 1 of mc.osure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 1940.
OPERATION DYNAMO.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover possible route over shallow minefield. la Low water approximately of
Deparms 375
's,
CONFIDENTIAL.
abject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
Part 299
From... The Commending Officer, D/C Unit.
305
irted.)
I
Date... 14th June, 1940.
mgine
To.....
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
r
In accordance with C.P.O.O. 1700, the report on operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
of at id
Lieutenant in Commend.
for
400
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.N.S. SXCELLENT) (as Gunner). Lewis motor boat (as coxswain).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. 2/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
Hamilton and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant them Meikle, were necessary before proceeding imediately to
Dunkirk. that orders boat was capable of 20 knota and one stripped Lewis gun was transferred The to her from H.M.AD/C boat, the other gun being in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
motor boat assisted H.T.B. Dunkirk. 107 (Comodore Hallet)
in regulating 40 it. rescue traffic to and from
Sunday, 2nd June.
but 40 ft. to discrepancy in speed. any 1900. Sighted motor boat escorted M.A.L.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
Dunkirk to see if aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch due boat was required for purpose. ship. Proceeded formation of onemy Air attack. Duration All minutes. cans
15 to assistance. 1910 and machine gunning. boat. Between spare 30-40 petrol M/O
pierced JU 97's and THE near Captain and some officers bullet holes, no men from from S.S. PARIS. and took in tow.
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, to weight survivors of tow. spoke
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due
(Continued

CONFIDENTIAL
30300
Page 1 of inclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 1940.
OPERATION DYNAMO.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover possible route over shallow minefield. Low water approximately from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Candr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
0100, least depth over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, staff of
Cleared screws. Engines would.start. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to recommoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.L. department worked continuously on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received duty. to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in R letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
Lieutenant Hamilton Meikle assumed commend of 40 ft.
ships fast motor boat and manned it with:-
Petty Officer John Luckins. P/J 103170, coxswain of the D/C
motor boat (as coxswain).
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.N.S. EXCELLENT) (as Gunner). Lewis and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. P/85.125744 (H.N.S. EXCELLENT).
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
Hamilton Meikle, and it was with difficulty that he could persuade
Dunkirk. that orders boat was capable of 20 knots and one stripped Lewis them were necessary before proceeding imediately to gun was transferred The to her from H.M.AD/C boat, the other gun being in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
in regulating rescue traffic to and from
40 ft. motor boat assisted M.T.B. Dunkirk. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
Sunday, 2nd June.
but 40 ft. due to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
motor boat escorted M.A.L.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
formation of enemy Air attack. Duration approximately 12 minutes.
Dunkirk to see if aircraft attacking hospital ship. Proceeded lost touch boat was required for any purpose. Sighted
15 to assistance. 1910 and machine gunning. boat. All Between spare 30-40 petrol M/G cans bullet holes, THE up wounded and took men in from
JU 97's strained pierced and near off Captain and some officers wreckage of further lifeboat - ship to weight of tow. spoke from S.S. PARIS. 6 unknown, survivors tow.
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due surce ght of
(Contimued.
poke
Oa

312
307
OPERATION DYNAMO
Enclosure No. 1.
SHIP: FOREMOST Tug No. 87.
2nd June, 1940.
Officer Reporting: Sub-Lieutenant H.M. Davis, R.N.R.
Whilst proceeding to Dunkirk as ordered by C.A.P
with two lifeboats in tow, the Hospital Ship PARIS was bombed by a number of German air-planes; this was at 2115
and at a position approximately 8 miles to seaward of No. 5
buoy. (Dunkirk Entrance). Knowing that my two coxwains in charge of the lifeboats were capable or navigating their boats, I cast them off and proceeded to embark the survivors of the PARIS, which included 10 severely wounded cases.
The full complement of crew were rescued (96 in all) including the Captain, officers and 5 Nursing Sisters.
The Deck Boy Bullock, aged 16 years, use 80 severely wounded he died on board the tug shortly after being picked up.
Later at 8145 a lifeboat containing 13 Spanish seamen was picked up and the whole brought to Dover. Hounded and the dead boy were placed in hospital. Remainder of crew were disembarked. 13 Spaniards were placed under guard and interviewed by the Authorities.
(Signed) H.M. Davis
Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.R.
See other what 7 Frant 87