TNA ADM 334 83

2
all gear except, fortunately, the galley stove, and one or two lates and cups and one knife. Life, therefore, was to be very simple.
We arrived at Gravesend at about 1800, and on finding
"Eternal Wave" deserted, reported to the Naval Control Office immediately above where she was moored. We were sent across the river to wait for instructions at the River Emergency Service, where we were given a warm welcome by the two Jeffreys brothers in the motor yacht to which they were attabhed. Our principal need was tea, which they satisfied nobly. Shortly afterwards we received instructions to collect petrol from the River Emergency
Service stores, and then hold ourselves in readiness. As there was no accommodation on board, we were to stay at the Tilbury
Hotel.
Sunday, 2nd June There we remained until the following mornining until, just as we were about to sit down to lunch, we were given instructions to take on board necessary provisions, and proceed immediately to Sheerness. The Jeffreys brothers had fortunately been allowed to join us. We crossed over to X Gravesend, took on provisions (for which we had been given a voucher) and our duties were detailed by the officer in charge of the Pier: the elder Jeffreys (they always addressed one another as Jeff, so I
never learnt their names) as Skipper, the other as Mate, Brown as Engineer, and myself as cook and deck-hand.
We set off at about 1400 with a strong tide under us against a fresh North Easterly wind. In spite of the unpleasant chop, the vessel behaved extremely well, and we made excellent progress to Sheerness, which we reached at about tea-time. There a machine gun and ammuni tion -
masts and putting on quay and fixing machine all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceea outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkin at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

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we signed a 3x12* T.124 agreement, drew tin hats and service gas blon in
DOBUTA
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ox masks, and took on board two sacks of bully beef, bread, biscuits,
FIred
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START
butter, tea and sugar, and enough petrol for about 140 miles'
TO
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steaming. By that time Sheerness had been denuded of most of the
BBW
STATE
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stores that we most needed in the way of blankets and clothes,
86000180
Used but an officer took pity on my lack of clothes, and found me
MOLO
Coke
OF
so
BOXAT
a battle-dress tunic and anti-gas oilskin. We were also given aus rather small-scale charts of the lower part of the Thames Estuary
03
1982
and of the passage across the Channel, and it was explained to us or that the whole route from Ramsgate to Dunkirk had been buoyed at
5-mile intervals.
At about 1800, as soon as we had taken aboard our stores,
DEGD
we left for Ramsgate, and had an uneventful passage. The tide
GIFTED
OF
was turning against us, but the wind was dying, and we entered offer
Ramsgate at about midnight, having passed through what seemed like
Teven hundreds of small coasting vessels, anchored all along the coast from Margate to the Downs. It was at the beginning of this passage that we were joined by the most useless person it has ever been my fate to meet on any yacht (with the sole exception of a photographic model the length of whale whose nails always precluded her from doing any manual work). We had been asked to deliver him to another yacht, but meanwhile he was not only incapable of any seamanship, but proved even unable to open a tin.
Most of his time was spent in telling us how he was a "key man"
in the Board of Inalnd Revenue, so, when we could not find him his ship, we managed to play sufficiently on his sense of his own a machine gun and ammunition masts and putting on quay and fixing machine all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceea outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkin at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

pass
DOBIG
2003
4
importance to get rid of him early the following morning. Doubt-
Less his colleagues have heard more about Dunkirk than the First
Lord himself.
FOLLOW
Ramsgate Harbour was packed many vessels deep with tugs,
DITE
motor yachts, old converted oyster smacks, R.A.F. and W.D. lauches
(aristocrats in that somewhat motley gathering) and former yachts
STO
taken over by the Admiralty, and now painted a war-time grey.
COURT
We moored against the outside of these, and it took us nearly five minutes in the dark clambering from vessel to vessel before we reached the quay-side. We reported to the Naval Control
Officer, snd were told that there was nothing for us for the time being. When we explained that we had no bedding, we were told to go to "Merrie Englande". This sounded most comforting, but in fact at this point the war really began to show itself.
"Merrie Englande", formerly a fun-fair, contained on the ground floor a number of bad stretcher cases lying about and breathing heavily, with nurses sitting in deck chairs beside them. All round were mounds of dirty clothes and mattresses. Upstairs, in the ballroom, was the sleeping accommodation. All the places where hammocks could be slung were already occupied, and the whole ball-room floor was vovered with men lying,some on chairs and some on the bare boards, and packed so tightly that we could not five find room for the funx of us to sleep. We returned downstairs and found some palliasses, which we laid on the floor blood-stained side downwards, and spent a somewhat uneasy three or four hours.
Monday, 3rd June. We rose early the following morning and got some food from a canteen run by volunteers, and then cleaned oura machine gun and ammunition Van masts and putting on quay and fixing machine ooutside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkir Dunkin swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.
alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.

5
selves and the boat as best we could and breakfasted at a restaurant at which I had often called in the past when sailing round the coast. On further application at the Naval Control Office we were told that if our services were wanted, the flag would be hoisted, and until then we could do what we wished. We shopped,
I
and I bought myself some workmen's trousers, a persey and plimsolls, in order to produce a more nautical effect than that of my outsize dungarees; these clothes, combined with a battle dress tunic, made a combination that sh ocked naval ratings, but seemed fitting for such an amphibios expedition.
At about 1100 the X flag went up, and we were told that a convoy would set off at 1600. We were to commandeer the necessary petrol, if we had not already got enough for the double journey, lifebelts, and two long ladders. As we were to be towed over, we were also instructed to obtain appropriate lines. Whilst we were busy doing this, a Lieutenat Atterbuy
Atterbury, R.N.V.R., asked us whether we were going over and received permission to join us. He was able to help us in getting stores, including the much-needed blankets, and a Lewis gunner with his gun, which was lashed in the after cock-pit. As soon as the gunner had done that, he lay down in the cabin and slept for several hours without taking any notice of the noises going on round him: he had been over the previous night. Our preparations, and getting a meal, took up most of the remaining time.
Just before we were due to leave, Lieut. Atterbury went ashore to received sailing instructions, but as I was not present speaking
I never heard the exact details. Broadly/ however, we were to a machine gun and ammuni tion Van masts and putting on quay and fixing machine all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceea outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkir at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

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be towed over, and cast off just outside the harbour. We were to
FIRES
proceed up to the quay, put our ladders alongside, take off such
988113
men as we could, and transfer them to larger vessels outside. At
DICTOR
0230 we must leave the harbour without fail, and proceed home under our own power, taking with us any men we might have aboard.
Joa
BIGGS
Dugs
At 1600 we left Ramsgate Harbour, and assembled outisde,
Someon
DIUOW
for with some six or seven motor yachts and a life boat, all to be
TONSOO
taken in tow by a large sea-going tug. The difficulties of
/
passing lines to so many veseels were considerable, and it was
T970
1700 beforez the whole tow was pr operly assembled. We then set nhot
FORGO
off at about 8 knots astern of the tug. It was a brilliantly sunny afternoon, with a smoothe sea and a North-Easterly (beam)
and wind. The whole KE sea was alive with vessels of all sizes:
BEIGB
tugs, R.A.F. laugnhes, and a few motor yachts. One or two
110718
THIS
destroyers passed, returning at full speed. There were noz signs of enemy planes, and our only interest was ticking off the buoys, as we came up to them, one after the other. A short way
Long out our Lewis gunner was roused and took his post by his gun;
birb he was a nice lad, who had joined up early in the war, and admitted that his seamanship was limited to one day's instruction in knots.
The remainder of the crew took it in turns to get a little sleep on the berthsnow made comparatively comfortable by our blankets.
When some three hours on our way, the crew of the tug decided to straighten out a new warp by trailing it astern.
They tried to trail it from one quarter, to avoid the properlers of the vessels towing astern, but as these were sheering about a it was not long before the warp fouled one of our propellers, and masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun a machine gun and ammunition On all harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight across fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were at 11.30 and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Moored Dunkir told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkir past alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
the Mole, p.m. and up the Canal for about 2 miles.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

she
OACE
OF
DELIOD
a
Famor
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7
OR
and the propeller and rudder of the motor yacht astern of us. As
OF
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OFSO
Che vessel astern was entirely unmanageable, she was abandoned, and the crew went aboard the tug (in fact, as I subsequently heard, one of her crew was left aboard asleep, and woke up to
DATE
find himself in a deserted and helpless motor yacht in the middle of the North Sea. Fortunately, he managed to attract the attention of a passing vessel, and was taken off) As one of our propellers was still running, though somewhat jerkily, it was hoped that we would still be able to handle her. The convoy then continued. By now Dunkirk was distinguishable in the distance by the immense grey cloud hanging over the sky to its South; as we came nearer, the cloud turned a dense black. The firing, which we had heard faintly in Ramsgate, increased all the time in intensity. My own troubles, however, were of a more intimate character, for the towing motion was most disturbing, and I could regognise all the symptoms, that I knew so well of old, of approaching sea-sickness. The occasional need for action inatting away the tow-line saved my face.
Dusk had fallen before we approached the harbour, marked only by one green flashing buoy. The tow was now broken and the various vessels went off as intructed. When, how ever, we started up, the propeller, which had al ready been working very irregularly stopped completely, and it was obvious that we should not be able to use the vessel at all. Meanwhile, one of our towing lines had chafed through, and the other was beginning to chafe, so the tug f
passed us two very heavy warps, and an old piece of cavas for parcelling them. As soon as the warps were passed, the tug a machine gun and ammunition on masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkin at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

STATE
DITA
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Lodaey
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University
DUG
proceeded slowly into the harbour, and anchored just outside the
OF
intrance.
BEDRID
batz
The scene was then most theatrical in appearance. As ship a backcloth there was a semi-cimrcle of blazing town, with here and there flames of burning oil towering fifty or a hundred feet into the air, and silhouetting the buildings, the lightnouse, and the piers, on which the figures of the men running backwards and forwards were plainly visible. Now and then parachute flares or flaming onions would light up a portion of the scene, and in the foreground vessels of every possible shape and size were moving without lights in all directions, suggesting a nightmare of a cadet about to take an examination in the rule of the road, "Now, which vessel has right of way?"
Whilst we were anchored, a destroyer manoeuvering just ahead of us, drove baak broadside onto the bow of the tug, thrusting her back onto us, but fortunately without doing any damage, as the tug's counter was lifting at the moment she struck.
Tuesday, 4th Junes At about 0200 it was decided to take the tug up to the quay. We were ordered aboard, and scrambled onto the tug, bringing the Lewis gun with us, but leaving all our gear behind? We also had the presence of mind to bring with us a bottle of wine, and a cold pie whic h we had treasured throughout the journey. We proceeded slowly into the harbour, threading our way in between the vessels going in and out, passing close to the worecks of some of the old pleasure steamers that had suck in the previous days. Just as we approached the pier, a destroyer ahead of us reversed out, and collided with our starboard quarter.
a machine gun and ammunition on masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkir at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

9
No damage was done, but we gazed up the side of a seemingly endless estroyer, reaching quzxfxz 10 or 15 fifteen feet above us, and saw vaguely the figures of ratings rather helplessly waving collision mats. We went up to the side of the pier, and ran our ladders alongside, taking off some 150 or 200 French soldiers.
Our own particular job, however, was limited to tending the two warps of our motor yacht, to prevent them fouling the tug's propellers. We were only beside the pier two or three minutes, and then turned round and made for home at full speed. Unforžunez tunately, it was not possible to tow the motor yacht at this pace, and she was finally cut adrist, carrying with her, amongst other things, my best black hat and umbrella, and office suit.
Just at dawn there was a sudden scare when an aeroplane was sighted. The the Lewis guns from our own, and two other, vessels were immediately brought to bear on her, and as tracer bullets were being used it was easy to see the cone of fire all
I
concentrated on the one target. As a scuttered for cover, I felt a patter of metal on to my back, and thought for a second that my last hour was come, until I realised that it was the empties falling onto me from one of the guns. After firing for only a few seconds, the aeroplane crashed into the sea astern, and we continued on our way unmolested. Much of the return journey
I spent drinking tea in the galley (a broiling hell, whose presiding demon was a small and helpful boy of about 14) and sleeping in the forecastle of the tug, whose crew was most kind to us. We the a machine in gun and of ammunition ease on at with 4 us, quay 2.30 p.m. the other under p.m. to strain the yachts.35 of Tug of "SUN Three p.m. tow ropes. gun broke to other to Engines proceed be towed and yachts Slight running they tow ropes of under two own the yachts Arrived in off 1 1
swell. were at 11.30 told p.m. Mole, to off from Tug. for to on about take board troops Frenchmen. 2 board.
past Could find the the no

10
anchored off Ramsgate at about 0730, and went ashore with our soldiers in motor launches. When we had reported, we cleaned ourselves up at "Merrie Englande", and had breakfast in the ratings mess, finding the ratings most friendly and helpful to us, as none of us, of course, had anything but what we stood up in. We were then given railway and food vouchers and told to report at Sheerness, where we would be signed off. I arrived there at about 1230, and after waiting for about an hour and a half, whilst, we were told, the Commander was listening to the wireless, we received a medical examination, and our discharge, with three days' leave. I then returned to London, whilst
Brown, who was in any case due to join the Navy shortly, joined up as an engineer in the freshly formed coastal patrol.
G. KIMBER
Dominions office,
Downing S⁺ stil.
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a machine gun and ammunition on board.
masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun on deck -
all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkin at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

COPY
act of letter from Lieut. Charles Waterland Read, R.N.
dated 11th Sept.1940.
" I was sent to Ramsgate for the Evacuation, and selected the BONNY
HEATHER myself as a leader of a Convoy of motor boats for the Beach work, and believe me the choice was justified, as of the whole lot attached to the Convoy we were the only one to finish the course throughout.
I'm afraid I am rather bad at descriptive accounts, but perhaps one day I may have the pleasure of meeting you and then probably be able to tell you more about the affair. This I can tell you, the
BONNY HEATHER behaved like a perfect lady in spite of theunusual treatment she received, and stood up to it like a trojan and never let us down - 7 complete round trips Ramsgate/Dunkirk after filling up
Transports (lying off) from the Beaches.
You say you heard third hand that we carried 80 men. I
don't know, of course, who told you that, but it was true on the last trip, but normally about 60. On one trip that we picked up survivors from the S.S. "Scotia" which was sunk by bombs, when full of French
Colonial tropps, we picked up the Chief Steward and 40 soldiers out of the water and with our own crew a total of 45 wet sodden men, some all in and they were lying about and not standing as soldiers were in goodish condition, so you can imagine what your little vessel had to put up with.
We tried to keep her in as good condition as possible under the circumstances from sheer admiration of the gallant little ship, which in my opinion deserves to carry the.C.colours.
I can't even begin to describe the Hell under which the operations were carried out - bombed, machine gunned, shelled, caught in parachute flares and bombed. - that little ship was certainly built
И
in a lucky zone, and dodging and twisting never once let us down, f
loaded as she was.
V
dt
Trusting I have not bored you with this account, which I
tl regret to say does not do justice to your famous little vessel. "
no
We
Th on iel ne
I S
is inf whi
S.V
a machine gun and ammunition on board.
masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun on deck -
all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkin at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

ommanding Officer of H.M.Y "Christabel" II.
ne 2nd 1940.
Extended Defence Officer,
Admiralty House, Sheerness.
arrative of Events from first signal to arriving at Sheerness.
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report:-
On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Calatea," I proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Calatea, "Amalree," and "Glala," I was handed your letter by "Glala," instructing me to take these yachts to the
North Goodwin light vessel, there to close the examination vessel for further instructions. We proceeded in line ahead led by "Xaleta," as Sub-
Lieut, Dunning knew the channel, owing to non-appearance of examination vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the night, at 04.00 I ordegered my engines to be started and to go and see if I could find the examination vessel, as it was now dawn, at 05.00 my engineman reported a defect, I
gave orders for remainder of yachts to close examination vessel at 06.00
and proceed according to instructions they received.
We ven eventually got one engine running, and I decided to proceed to
Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the examination vessel. Just before arriving at Ramsgate at I0.00 my engineman reported that he had the Port engine running, I anchored off Ramsgate pier and immediately proceeded ashore in ship's dinghy for my routing instructions. These I was given without any delay, and at I0.15 we were under way for Dunkirk.
When in position approximately 5I-I2' N. 2-28'E, we were attacked by a
Junkers 87 and machine gunned, his burst of fire fell all round the ship,
I gave orders to my gun layer not to open fire on him until he was well within range, as I did not think he would be able to see our Lewis gun at his height, immediately we opened fire he sheered off.
f
V
I anchored off the Casino at Dunkirk at 15.30, as I saw a lot of troops
1
waiting to be embarked, I went off in the ship's dinghy to see how I could the get some of these troops on board, there was too much surf running to land,
I was also informed that these troops were French and would crowd the boat no so much, that she would be swamped, I learnt that a prty of about & 50
We
British troops would arrive at about 17.00 at that part of the beach, I
returned to the ship and decided to cruise about to see if I could find a
The boat of some description to embark these men, I went as far as La Panne and was there spoken by a sloop who asked me to take his boat and try and on ier get troops off to him from that part of the beach, we were being continually shelled and bombed, at about this time a salvo of bombs fell across
I s]
our stern, the last bomb falling about 30ft away, the only effect was to infa drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aerowhic plane which was a heavy bomber type Sornier I7. We registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his starboard engine burst into flames, and he crashed into the sea, as other ships were also firing I cannot claim this
S.V.
aeroplane definitely.
to get more manner in which he engaged the a machine gun and ammunition on board.
outside ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to on masts all and putting on quay and fixing machine gun deck -
make fast in company with other yachts. Three other towed across harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to proceed be swell. to ease the strain of the tow ropes. running at half-speed astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines yachts were told The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and Slight at 11.30 to proceed on under own power. Arrived off they past the p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir Dunkin
Could alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

of
STREET
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Linex gone
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STATES
2.
ate
Jindua had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I steamed back at
TO
sible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortute you finding a whaler adrift which we managed to pick up with our dinghy
2018
of immediately zsent these two boats ashore, and started to embark troops
THERE
DIS
YOUR
move sad t approximately 17.50 this was very difficult as the beach is very flat and there was a surf running, and as soon as a few men got into the whaler,
Todays
STATE
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WD
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&
she grounded, two of my crew with the assistance of some of the troops, by wading up to their armpits managed to get her afloat in deep enough water ox
THE
DEW
THON
To
ASSTD
to float with I6 mem and two of my crew on board and also four men and two of my crew in the dinghy, the la whaler was got alongside after a great struggle as there were only three oars in it, as soon as these men were got
Bluer on board I sent the whaler and dinghy ashore for another load, the dinghy of arrived back with I Officer and four soldiers, getting her off the beach
TOP
earl she capsized in the surf, but fortunately she was righted, as these men in they were being got on board we were heavily bombed, so I stood out to sea to wait for a lull, one bomber sighted us and followed us out bombing us, but
107
DEOGBOST
THE
they fell very wide of the mark, aa soon as I deemed it advisable I steamed
THE
back to the beach, I saw the whaler heading out to us, they had a great difficulty in getting off and could only bring nine men off, as it was now
BIAGU FUE STEPORT KORE SIGNATURE
STUD
21.15 and the bombing had restarted I thought it advisable to get under way.
I had been afraid to stop engines all day as I knew it would be almost impossible to re-start as our air compressor engine had given out, one engine actually stopped, but was got going again after a short while. I had the whaler cast adrift as I knew it would drift ashore and some more men would
7
be able to get off to the ships that were waiting to take th m off, my only regret was being unable to embark the remaining I4 men from this party.
standary
STA8
USIVE
I got under way at 21,45 with my own dinghy in tow as I did not want to
Y
waste time getting her hoisted, as soon as were clear of the bombing out-
2
in side Dunkirk roads I stopped the ship and hoisted the dinghy which was by now almost full of water.
I
When in position approximately 5I-15 N. I-55'E at 23.00 a bomber flew very low over us. I did not open fire as I did not want to give away our position, soon after this, I reduced speed so as not to close the North Goodwin light vessel much before dawn. I did not wish to anchor as my windlass would not work, also I had to keep the engines running, at 04.30 I got away from the North Goodwin light vessel and proceeded yr the Nore and closed
V.B.IO to report to Sheerness, just about this time mya engineman reported the-oil that he would have to stop the Starboard engine as it had water in the oil and he was afraid it would seize up, also that the Port engine was not running too well.
We tied up in Sheerness at 08.25.
The whole of my crew behaved in an exemplary manner, they were continually on duty during the whole period, gave over their accomodation to the soldiers, and fitted them out in dry clothes and did what they could for them.
I should like to mention specially O.S. John Philip Charles Mead, for his unfailing help during the whole time and the cool and efficient may in which he emabr- ambarked the troops.
S.V.G.L. Cyril George Dunley for the cool manner in which he engaged the to a machine get and more gun putting and ammunition on quay and on fixing board. Orders machine came gun to proceed on deck towed -
masts all ready harbour to sail at at 4 2.30 p.m. p.m. to yachts. the Tug "SUN Three XV" other to be yachts outside across fast in company astern of with us, other under strain way of 6.35 the p.m. tow ropes. Engines and Slight running they make at swell. half-speed The tow to ease ropes on the of under two of own the power. yachts Proceeded Arrived broke into off Dunkir Dunkiy were at 11.30 told the p.m. Mole, to proceed and and cast up the off proceeded Canal from Tug. for to about take troops 2 miles. on board. Moored past alongside Could find the no Englishmen quay and so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

sal
LOTOR
the
3
STATE
aeroplanes which attacked us,
Shout agen newan James William Damerell for not leaving the engine-room from the e we left the North Goodwin light vessel, back to Sheerness and in manang to keep the engines running.
OBP
in
Lieut. R.N.V.R.
If the We Letter OF the
I should be glad 1f you a notice
Carewell, K.C., of 2 NOTES Court 3.0.6.
Le sexious for information about the work of
Re hall a notice in the Plane
December is it is hoped is a being dealing the yeahtman's side of the question For the of a sherity if can get were
He particularly wants time) of disensions of the boabs and any to their expariences, number OF
emoge brought off.
1 NEW going to mention this to had been no the Show, because of mine, we W-YYO at School togethere west
ISSUE are the Truatees of the Punds at
Actually I have not seen him for friend who ealled my attention to knowing me WS a Donkirk motor birth non, that 1 Occessil. Since then and be particularly of the Clubs.
IN show sincerely, to get and ammunition on board. Taking deck ship's more fuel on board and alongside another out masts to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to be a machine and gun putting on quay and fixing machine gun to proceed on -
all ready harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" other yachts towed outside company with other yachts. Three across in astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines Slight running make fast to ease the strain of the tow ropes. broke and they at half-speed tow ropes of two of the yachts off were told to and cast off from Tug. Proceeded miles. Moored swell. The proceed on under own power. Arrived into Dunkir Dunkiy at 11.30 p.m. and up the Canal for about 2 board.
past the Mole, the quay and proceeded to take troops 40 Frenchmen. on
Could alongside find no Englishmen so took on board

LEWI
Flue good
GG & SMITH.
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS.
GROVELAND HOUSE,
BOW LANE,
FRANCIS LEGG.F.O.A.
BASIL A.SMITH,LLD,FQA.
FO.S.LONDON,F.C.A.
LONDON, E.C.4.
TELEPHONE: CITY 4301 (2 LINES)
TELEGRAMS: ACCOLEGITH,PHONE,LONDON.
23rd December 1940.
CABLES: ACCOLEGITH,LONDON.
A.E.Scrace Esq.,
251 Upper Richmond Road,
Putney, S.W.15.
Dear Scrace,
Little Ship Club.
If the War News Letter of the Club has not yet gone to press I should be glad if you could include a notice that.Casswell, K.C., of 2 Mitre Court Buildings, E.C.4.
is anxious for information about the work of motor boats at
Dunkirk. He had a notice in the Times somewhere about the
5th December as it is hoped to publish a book dealing with the yachtman's side of the question for the benefit of a charity if he can get enough matter from those who were engaged.
He particularly wants names of persons and boats with dimensions of the boats and any information he can get as to their experiences, number of trips made and number of troops brought off.
I was going to mention this to you on Friday if you had been at the Show, because Casswell is a very old friend of mine, we were at School together and he and I and another man are the Trustees of the Funds of the Old Boys' Club.
Actually I have not seen him for some months and it was a friend who called my attention to the notice in the Times, knowing me as a Dunkirk motor boat man, but not realising that I know Casswell. Since then I have been in touch with
Casswell and he particularly wants to get this brought to the notice of the Clubs.
It was a very good show on Friday night, though a very small one, I think those who were there enjoyed themselves.
he
0
Yours sincerely, Mind to more fuel on board and alongside ano machine get gun and ammunition on board. Taking out deck ship's masts a and putting on quay and fixing machine gun on -
all harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make across fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkir Dunkin were at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Moored past alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

DUNKIRK
MAY/JUNE 1940
LOG OF "LETITIA"
"LETITIA" was an ex-naval harbour launch conversion, 52-ft.
long, 12-ft. beam and 4-ft.9-ins. draught, schooner rigged, fitted with twin screws driven by Thornycroft R.A.4 petrol-paraffin engine.
She attended the Pavillon d'Or Rally at Liege, Belgium, in
July 1939 her number being 73. After the Rally she returned to her moorings in Chichester Canal just before war broke out and was laid up there until requisitioned by the Ministry of Shipping on the 30th of May 1940 for the Dunkirk Evacuation.
EXTRACT FROM LOG:
"Friday - 31st May 1940. In Chichester Canal, painting yacht grey, preparing for sea and getting crew together.
h.
Saturday - 1st June 1940. Filling up tanks with petrol and paraffin. Orders came through at 6 p.m. to proceed to Ramsgate. Waiting tide until 10 p.m. when locked out d
of Canal and proceeded to moorings outside awaiting daylight. Went ashore for final orders.
er-
Sunday - 2nd June 1940. Left moorings at 6 a.m. and proceeded down Harbour in company of yachts "FALCON", "WARRIOR"
and "IDAHO". Clear of Chichester Harbour at 7.15 a.m., proceeding up Channel, Owers Light Vessel abeam at 10 a.m.
-
Beachy Head abeam 3.45 p.m. Wind strong from the east with some swell. "ROYAL SOVEREIGN" abeam 5 p.m. Swell getting h
worse. Noticed some trouble on board "IDAHO" and nearly rammed by same. "WARRIOR" standing by "IDAHO" at 5.15 p.m.
age
"FALCON" came alongside and gave us instructions to proceed
.ved on passage at 5.30 p.m. "IDAHO" in tow of "WARRIOR" 6 p.m.
Lost sight of them at 6.30 p.m. Lost sight of "FALCON" at the
7.15 p.m. Proceeded on passage alone. Ship dipping nose
40 p.m under swells with smart breeze. Dungeness abeam 9 p.m.
Darkness came on; we went in close to the coast and anchored in 10 fathoms of water off Hythe at 10.15 p.m.
Monday - 3rd June 1940. Hove up anchor at 4 a.m. and proceeded on passage. Wind and swell abated in the night.
Dover abeam at 6.35 # a.m. Reported to the Admiralty the arrival of the "LETITIA". Sub-Lieutenant and three sailors came on board and took over. Proceeded alongside oil wharf to get more fuel on board and alongside another wharf to get a machine gun and ammunition on board. Taking out ship's masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun on deck - -
all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkin at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

DUNKIRK
MAY/JUNE 1940
LOG OF "LETITIA"
"LETITIA" was an ex-naval harbour launch conversion, 52-ft.
long, 12-ft. beam and 4-ft.9-ins. draught, schooner rigged, fitted with twin screws driven by Thornycroft R.A.4 petrol-paraffin engine.
She attended the Pavillon d'Or Rally at Liege, Belgium, in
July 1939 her number being 73. After the Rally she returned to her moorings in Chichester Canal just before war broke out and was
$
laid up there until requisitioned by the Ministry of Shipping on the 30th of May 1940 for the Dunkirk Evacuation.
EXTRACT FROM LOG:
r
"Friday - 31st May 1940. In Chichester Canal, painting yacht grey, preparing for sea and getting crew together.
ch.
k
Saturday - 1st June 1940. Filling up tanks with petrol and paraffin. Orders came through at 6 p.m. to proceed ed to Ramsgate. Waiting tide until 10 p.m. when locked out of Canal and proceeded to moorings outside awaiting dayrerlight. Went ashore for final orders.
Sunday - 2nd June 1940. Left moorings at 6 a.m. and proceeded down Harbour in company of yachts "FALCON", "WARRIOR"
and "IDAHO". Clear of Chichester Harbour at 7.15 a.m.,
S-
proceeding up Channel, Owers Light Vessel abeam at 10 a.m.
Beachy Head abeam 3.45 p.m. Wind strong from the east with th some swell. "ROYAL SOVEREIGN" abeam 5 p.m. Swell getting worse. Noticed some trouble on board "IDAHO" and nearly sage rammed by same. "WARRIOR" standing by "IDAHO" at 5.15 p.m.
ived
"FALCON" came alongside and gave us instructions to proceed on passage at 5.30 p.m. "IDAHO" in tow of "WARRIOR" 6 p.m.
t the
Lost sight of them at 6.30 p.m. Lost sight of "FALCON" at
6.40 p.
7.15 p.m. Proceeded on passage alone. Ship dipping nose under swells with smart breeze. Dungeness abeam 9 p.m.
Darkness came on; we went in close to the coast and anchored in 10 fathoms of water off Hythe at 10.15 p.m.
Monday - 3rd June 1940. Hove up anchor at 4 a.m. and proceeded on passage. Wind and swell abated in the night.
Dover abeam at 6.35 # a.m. Reported to the Admiralty the arrival of the "LETITIA". Sub-Lieutenant and three sailors came on board and took over. Proceeded alongside oil wharf to get more fuel on board and alongside another wharf to get a machine gun and ammunition on board. Taking out ship's masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun on deck -
all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkir at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.

-2-
Left the quay and proceeded outside the Mole to H.M.S.
"Wahus ", who took troops on board. Swell from other craft made ship dash into the side of war-ship, tearing rails down and breaking ropes. Had orders to load on board about 400-lbs. of T.N.T. in two barrels. Five naval ratings came on board and proceeded to wreck of
H.M.S. Mhoquto ". Went alongside and put on ratings and T.N.T. Waiting there for ratings to fix charge to blow up the wreck. When all was ready naval ratings jumped on board and we got away from wreck in quick time.
Engineer reported that port engine not running very well.
Put ratings on board H.M.S. " Walrus " ". Swell from other ships did more damage to topsides while lying alongside war-ship. Received instructions to proceed back to
Ramsgate.
During the operations inside Dunkirk and on the work outside we had no enemy aircraft overhead but plenty of gunfire with bursts overhead and falling shrapnel. The town of Dunkirk was all# on fire with explosions at intervals which gave enough light to distinguish markings in and around Dunkirk and to see the masts and funnels of ships which were sunk outside the Harbour.
Proceeded on passage back to Ramsgate when a big paddle steamer overtook us and we obtained a tow; also towing astern of the paddle steamer was one of the naval fast torpedo boats which had broken down. The paddle steamer increased her speed to about 15 knots, the wash from the paddles caused us to sheer into the naval launch and in doing so two sailors were thrown overboard from the launch.
Our tow rope was cut and after a while we managed to pick up one of the men who had fallen overboard. A little later a Dutch fishing vessel reported that they had picked up the second man; so we proceeded on our passage back.
The port engine continued to give trouble and we were overhauled by a large Tug which came up close to us and the naval officer in charge of same gave orders to us to abandon ship as owing to daylight coming on we would be exposed to danger from enemy aircraft.
We transferred the guns and ourselves to the Tug and discovered a wounded French soldier in the after cabin who had been left behind. We took him on board the Tug with us. While we were transferring to the Tug three enemy aircraft flew overhead. The Tug proceeded on the passage back to Ramsgate leaving "LETITIA" abandoned. We arrived at Ramsgate at 7.20 a.m. and awaited further orders.
Eventually we received our orders to return and caught the
10.36 train from Ramsgate, arriving at Chichester at 6.40 p.H
SIGNED: E.A. LEPPARD.
MASTER.

M.Y. SUNDOWNER.
tor Cruiser 59 ft overall, I2ft beam, 5ft Draft, 26tons registered.
tons gross, 72 H.P. Cylinder Gleniffer Deisel giving a speed of IO knots.
My ledest son, F. Roger Lightoller and I with one Sea Scout (Eerald Ashwell)
took her out of her winter quarters at Cubitts Yacht Basin Cheswick on the
31st May at II.am, and proceeded according to instructions towards Southend where we arrived at midnight, first of about 40 boats that mustered at
Westminster.
At 3.15 a.m. April Ist we left Southend in company with five others. Arriving off Ramsgate I asked for orders and was instructed "Proceed to Dunkirk for further orsers." As my charts were somewhat antiquated, I asked --
fortunately -- if I could scrounge one a little more up-to-date, and on entering the harbour was presented with a set complete with Secret Sailing
Instructions, giving -- as I expected, route, buoys, channels etc.
We left Ramsgate at IO am by the route laid down and half way across avoided a floating mine by a narrow margin. Having no fire arms of any description -- not even a tin hat -- we had to leave the matter of its destruction to someone better equipped. A few minutes later we had our first introduction to enemy aircraft, three fighters flying high. Before they could be offensive, a British Destroyer -- Worcester, I think -- overhauled us and drove them off. At 2.25 pm. we sighted and closed the 25ft Motor Cruiser "Westerly" broken down and badly on fire. As the crew of two (plus three naval ratings she had picked up in Dunkirk) wished to abandon ship -- and quickly -- I went alongside and took them aboard, thereby giving them the additional pleasure of once again facing the hell they had just left.
We made the fairway buoy to the Roads shortly after the sinking of a French transport with severe loss of life. Steaming through the wreckage -- and ther things -- we entered the Roads.
or sometime past we had been subject to sporadic bombing and machine-gun re but as the Sundowner is exceptionally and extremely quick on her helm, waiting till the last moment and then putting the helm hard over -- my on at the wheel -- we easily avoided every attack though sometimes nearly lifted out of the water.
It had been my intention to go right on to the Beaches, where my second son
2nd Lt R. Trevor Lightoller had been evacuated some 4' hours previously.
But those of the "Westerly" informed me that the troops were all away from there, so I headed up for Dunkirk Piers. By now dive bombers seemed to be forever dropping out of the cloud of enemy aircraft overhead. Within half a mile of the pier heads a two funnelled transport had overhauled us on a converging course and was just passing us to port when two salvoes were ropped in quick succession right along her port side. For a few moments ne was completely hidden in smoke and I certainly thought they had got her.
it she re-appeared out of the smoke gaily steaming on and heading for the ers which she entered just ahead of us.

M.Y. SUNDOWNER.
tor Cruiser 59 ft overall, I2ft beam, 5ft Draft, 26tons registered.
tons gross, 72 H.P. Cylinder Gleniffer Deisel giving a speed of IO knots.
My ledest son, F. Roger Lightoller and I with one Sea Scout (Eerald Ashwell)
took her out of her winter quarters at Cubitts Yacht Basin Cheswick on the
31st May at II.am, and proceeded according to instructions towards Southend where we arrived at midnight, first of about 40 boats that mustered at
Westminster.
At 3.15 a.m. April Ist we left Southend in company with five others. Arriving off Ramsgate I asked for orders and was instructed "Proceed to Dunkirk for further orsers." As my charts were somewhat antiquated, I asked --
fortunately if I could scrounge one a little more up-to-date, and on entering the harbour was presented with a set complete with Secret Sailing
Instructions, giving -- as I expected, route, buoys, channels etc.
We left Ramsgate at IO am by the route laid down and half way across avoided a floating mine by a narrow margin. Having no fire arms of any description -- not even a tin hat -- we had to leave the matter of its destruction to someone better equipped. A few minutes later we had our first introduction to enemy aircraft, three fighters flying high. Before they could be offensive, a British Destroyer -- Worcester, I think -- overhauled us and drove them off. At 2.25 pm. we sighted and closed the 25ft Motor Cruiser "Westerly" broken down and badly on fire. As the crew of two (plus three naval ratings she had picked up in Dunkirk) wished to abandon ship -- and quickly -- I went alongside and took them aboard, thereby giving them the additional pleasure of once again facing the hell they had just left.
We made the fairway buoy to the Roads shortly after the sinking of a French transport with severe loss of life. Steaming through the wreckage -- and ther things -- we entered the Roads.
or sometime past we had been subject to sporadic bombing and machine-gun re but as the Sundowner is exceptionally and extremely quick on her helm, waiting till the last moment and then putting the helm hard over -- my on at the wheel -- we easily avoided every attack -- though sometimes nearly lifted out of the water.
It had been my intention to go right on to the Beaches, where my second son
2nd Lt R. Trevor Lightoller had been evacuated some 4' hours previously.
But those of the "Westerly" informed me that the troops were all away from there, so I headed up for Dunkirk Piers. By now dive bombers seemed to be forever dropping out of the cloud of enemy aircraft overhead. Within half a mile of the pier heads a two funnelled transport had overhauled us on a converging course and was just passing us to port when two salvoes were ropped in quick succession right along her port side. For a few moments ne was completely hidden in smoke and I certainly thought they had got her.
it she re-appeared out of the smoke gaily steaming on and heading for the ers which she entered just ahead of us.

ru
OF
and
7
HOSPITAL
ITS
Cep?, ficulty so I went of taking troops on board from the quay high above 2.
20
that were already alongside a destroyer (Worcester again I us was
DOVINIA
TT
ONE
JB
16af had ertain ever had on optimism) that I could take a hundred (though him the (with degree of embarking. I got hold of her captain and think) told where ary C.O., said "Go ahead. Take all you can."
board was 3 2I). He, after consultation with the mili- most
NETTE
SW
night I may say here that before leaving Cubitts Yacht Basin we had worked tend to stripping her down of everything movable, masts included, that all would
STATE
lighten her and make for more room.
Roger, as previously arranged, packed the troops in down below -- and say he did the packing to some purpose. On deck I detailed one naval rat- I'll ing on?" to tally the troops aboard. Atv 50 I called below "How are you getting
THE
receiving the cheery reply "Oh plenty of room yet." At 75 he admitted they were getting just a bit cramped -- all equipment and arms were being left on deck -- so I told him to let it go at that and pack them on deck (having passed the word for every man to lie down and not move, the same applied on deck.) By the time we had 50 on deck, I could feel her getting distinctly tender, so took no more, Actually we had exactly I30
on board including 3 Sundowners and 5 Westerlys. (Insert note I p. )
During the whole embarkation we had quite a lot of attention from enemy planes but derived an amazing degree of comfort from the bark of the
Worcester's A.A. gun overhead.
Casting off and backing out we again entered the Roads, where it was continuous and unmitigated hell. The troops were just splendid and of their own initiative, detailed look-outs ahead, astern and abeam for inquisitive planes as my attention was pretty well occupied watching the course and passing word to Roger at the wheel. Anytime an aircraft seemed inclined to try its hand on us, one of the look-outs would just call quitely, "Look out for this bloke, Skipper" at the same time pointing. One bomber that had been particularly offensive, itself came under the notice of one of our fighters and suddenly plunged vertically, hitting the sea at some 400
m.p.h., about 50 yards astern. It was a sight never to be forgotten -- so were many others for that matter. Incidentally, it was the one and only time that any man on board, ever raised his voice above a conversational tone, but as that big black bomber hit the deck they all raised an echoing cheer. (Insert
My youngest son Pilot Officer Lightoller (lost on the very day war broke out, in the first raid on Wilhelmshaven) flew a Blenheim and had at different times given me a whole lot of useful information about attack, defence and evasive tactics (at which I learned later, he was particularly good) and I attribute in a great measure, our success in getting across without a single casulaty to his unwitting help.
On one occasion an enemy machine came up astern at about IOO ft with the obvious intention of raking our decks. He came down in a nice gliding dive, but I knew that he must elevate some IO or I5 degrees before his gur would bear (I really wanted wasn't worrying much about bombs). Calling my son at the wheel to "Stand-by," I waited till as near as I could judge, he was just on the point of pulling up, then "Hard-a-port." (She will tu

110390
POS
one
SPILE
VILLI
Tax tado
3.
Latro and
AST
es in exactly her own length). This, of course, threw his letely. He banked and tried again. Then "Hard-a-starboard" aim ame result. After a third attempt he gave us up in disgust. Incid- with sq any
Ivery
V.S.E
SEX
agh, though the troops had rifles and ammunition, everyone was apparahetlly he was a sitter if I had had a machine gun of any sort and funny
TXT
OF
too interested in the manoeuvret to think of using them. Altogether
THEY
ere were three that a machine gun would have put paid to.
york such as destroyers and transports. In every instance I had to stop, take
Not least of our difficulties was contending with the wash of fast craft,
O
the way off the ship nd and head the wash, otherwise our successful little cruise would have ended in a bathe. The effect of the consequent plunging on the troops down below, in a stinking atmosphere with all ports and sky-
STATE
48016
lights closed, can well be imagined. They were literally packed like the proverbial sardines -- even one in the bath and another perched on the W.C.
so that all the porr devils could do was just sit and be sick. Added were
OF
the remanants of bully beef and biscuits, so that after discharging our long suffering cargo in Ramsgate at IO p.m. there was nice clearing up job for the three of us.
Arriving off the harbour I was at first told to "Lie off." With the help of a megaphone I told the authorities that I had I30 on board (not that they believed me) and that I was as likely to lie on my beam ends as anything. However, I was then told to "come in." Whilst entering, the men started to get to their feet and she promptly went over to a terrific angle
With the help of Roger's bellowing roar from the wheelhouse we got them down again in time and this time told them to stay down or they'd be in the ditch. I got her alongside a trawler at the quay and made fast with no small relief. I heard afterwards that the impression ashore was that the
50 odd plus mass of equipment on deck was the extent of my load.
After I had got rid of those on deck I gave the order "come up from below"
and the look on the official face was certainly amusing to behold as troops vomited up through the forward and after companionways and the doors either side of the wheelhouse. As a stoker P.O., helping them over the trawler's bulwarks put it, "Gods truth mate where did you put them" -- he might well ask.
My intention had been to clear up the mess, get a couple of hours sleep --
we had had none for two nights -- and push off again. We might as well have pushed off right away, for no sooner had we piped down than a boat under our bows caught fire, and so ended all thoughts of sleep. Furthermore, to our disappointment, the authorities had decided to call it a day.
Later with my son in command she hoisted the white ensign and the Admiralty took her over.
C.H.Lightoller.