TNA CAB 103 191

SHIPPING
tion.
MINISTRY Empire Hotel OF Group, HOTEL
of Vessel
Date and G.R.T.
Cause and Position
Remarks.
Admiralty
Commissioned
Vessels. (Ctd.).
ETHEL EVERARD
Barge.
Abandoned and
G.R.T. 158
blown up.
AIDIE
Sunk during operations
Abandoned at
OZ
Barge.
at
Dunkirk.
Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 119
m wa
OCEAN LASSIE.
Drifter.
G.R.T. 127
11
S.V. ROYALTY
1/6
Beached and abandoned
PS
G.R.T. 85
at Malo-les-Cains
Presumed ti
D.W.
during evacuation at total loss.
Dunkirk.
Abandoned.
FAIRBREEZE
1/6
Struck submerged wreck
"bandoned.
at Dunkirk while
Drifter rescuing survivors
)
G.R.T. 92
from Beach.
D.W.
BARBARA JEAN
Bombed at Dunkirk
Abandoned.
t
Sailing barge.
1/6
a
G.R.T. 119
D.W. 200
DORIS
1/6
At Dunkirk
Blown up.
Sailing barge.
Abandoned.
3)
G.R.T.
D.W.
150
SPEC
Approx.
do.
Abandoned.
Duib barge.
31/5
G.R.T.
D.W.
70
ALEC.
Approx.
do.
do.
Dumb barge
31/5
G.R.T. -
D.W.
60
M.V.CLAUDE
About do.
Reported lost
Water boat
31/5
on beach.
SARK
Dumb barge.
do.
do.
do.
SHETLAND.
Dumb barge do.
do.
do.
F.23
do.
do.
do.
Dumb barge do.
do.
do.
-=3

POLLY THOMAS
008ADO
canad
MINISTRY Hotel OF SHIPPING, HOTEL,
Name of Vessel
363
and G.R.T.
8A
Date
Sailing barge
1/6
Cause and Position
20A
LARK
G.R.T. 67
At Dunkirk.
D.W. 140
M.0346/41.
List C.
1
T56le
FOSSA
Tug.
2/6
1. Ships proper lost during
H"March, 1941.
G.R.T. 105
Stranded
Dunkirk Operations.
Sands off on Dunkirk. Bryr Brayne ed
House,
N.
S.S.TRAIN No.2. FERRY
Name.
Date lost.
About d,
D.W. G.R.T.2678.
12/6
bandoned on at
1st June, 1940.
your letter of ship
M.S. BASILISK
ough
S.S. P.C. BRUGES
M.S. GRAFTON
29th May, 1940.
rding herewith ops
About
30th May, 1940.
oncerning the loss ing intity was a
G.R.T.2949
11/6
,M.S. GRENADE
D.W. 741
Bombed off Le Havre.
1st June, 1940.
d by you.
.M.S. HAVANT
buoy a
S.TEIRESIAS
S
0 have been
1st June, 1940.
in
G.R.T.7405
17/6
.M.S. KEITH
PS as ou will probably
D.W. 9644
.M.S. WAKEFUL
29th May, 1940.
roops, tish
S.S. DIDO.
in Bombed 47.7°N. off St.Nazaire
20.
on is obtained
I.M.S. SKIPJACK
1st June, 1940.
3,733.
G.W.T.3550
ot always readily
673
18/6
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
1st June, 1940.
ers
TrawlerMANSK.
At Brest. Abandoned.
(approx)
D.W. G.R.T. 348
19/6
Blow ncerely,
When
Dry &
Grounded at Brest.
nd about
MAhcak oard
S.S.LUPPWORTH.
g picked
Aband
G.R.T. 279.
Prev,
D.W. 370
21/6.
isting
Abandoned at Brest.
een
S.S.LANCASTRIA.
evacuees)
G.R.T.16,243.
17/6
SUNK,
13,226.
/2/1941
Bombed. unknown. Position
Lue Coat School,
Is
M.V. KUFRA.
Church Road,
SUNK.
Wavertree,
G.R.T. 4364
23/6
LIVERPOOL, 15.
bombs
D.W. 2724
mes early
"MONA'S QUEEN' 29/5/40.
in Rammed 44° 11' by 'San 2°W. Diego'
bombs and
SUNK.
sequently at there
DIFERRION.
sunk by H.M.S. JANUS.
10
10
1/6
off Sunk bunkirk. action were any troops on board.
"DUCHESS"
29 survive
MAID OF KENT. Lost on 1/6/40 as the result of bombing available attacks and
G.R.T. 55 Net.
Spritsail barge
26 lost.
during no information as to any military personnel on
Dunkirk operations. No details board.
1/6
SUNK.
S.S. "ELLAVORE"
During at
Abandoned
MONA'S QUEEN. Personnel Vessel sunk by mine whilst off Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 1302.
Dunkirk
No other details available.
10/6
H.M.S. FIELDS. Received direct hit Impossible from enemy to aircraft ascertai
GRACIE while carrying 700-800 troops.
At Havre. aircraft, by do.
number of troops killed.
SUNK.

HOT? Isoa
MINISTRY Empire Hotel OF SHIPPING, Group, Hotel,
S.S.-
9.
20A
8A
uo Remale used
C.
M.0346/41.
List C.
1
bendoned ne off 100%
H.M. Ships proper lost during
H March, 1941.
156
Dunkirk Operations.
ed
Name.
House,
Date lost.
N.
H.M.S. BASILISK
d,
1st June, 1940.
your letter of ship
H.M.S. GRAFTON
29th May, 1940.
rding herewith ough
H.M.S. GRENADE
ops
30th May, 1940.
oncerning the loss ing antity was a
H.M.S. HAVANT
1st June, 1940.
d by you.
buoy
H.M.S. KEITH
1st June, 1940.
0 have been a
in
H.M.S. WAKEFUL
29th May, 1940.
ou will probably ps as roops, tish
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
1st June, 1940.
on is obtained
20.
, 3,733.
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
1st June, 1940.
ot always readily
673
ers
(approx)
ncerely,
When
MAhcak nd about oard g picked isting een evacuees)
Blue Coat School,
Church Road,
/2/1941
Wavertree, ls
LIVERPOOL, 15.
bombs mes early bombs and
DIFERIOR.
sequently sunk by H.M.S. JANUS. it 10
t there were any troops on board.
MAID OF KENT. Lost on 1/6/40 as the result of bombing attacks during Dunkirk operations. No details available and no information as to any military personnel on board.
MONA'S QUEEN. Personnel Vessel sunk by mine whilst off Dunkirk.
No other details available.
H.M.S. GRACIE FIELDS. Received direct hit from enemy aircraft while carrying 700-800 troops. Impossible to ascertail number of troops killed.

26 March, 1941.
ed
House,
N.
Dear Weston, a, ship
In reply to your letter of ough the 25th February, I am forwarding herewith ups ing antity such information as we have concerning the loss was a of the fifteen ships mentioned by you.
buoy d
I am sorry to have been in
PS as unable to reply before, but you will probably roops, tish
20.
understand that the information is obtained
) 3,733.
from various sources and is not always readily
673
ers
(approx)
available.
Yours sincerely,
When nd about
BiriAucak oard g picked isting een evacuees)
A.S. Weston, Esq.,
The War Office,
Casualty Branch,
/2/1941
Blue Coat School,
Is
Church Road,
Wavertree,
LIVERPOOL, 15.
bombs mes early bombs and equently t there sunk by H.M.S. JANUS. it 10
were any troops on board.
MAID OF KENT. the to of bombing attacks board. and no during
MONA'S QUEEN. Personnel Vessel sunk by mine whilst off Dunkirk.
No other details available.
H.M.S. GRACIE FIELDS. carrying Received 700-800 direct troops. hit Impossible from enemy to aircraft ascertail while number of troops killed.

Empire
HOTEL
S.S.-
CONFIDENTIAL.
20
P.
WAKEFUL. Torpedoed 29th May, 1940. Ship broke inhalf and only those on the upper deck were saved. About
600 troops were below.
CRESTED EAGLE. Was bombed and then beached in a burning condition on 29th May, 1940. Only about 300 saved
House, out of 600 on board.
SKIPJACK. Bombed 1st June, 1940, 250 - 300 troops on board, most of whom, unfortunately, went down with the ship when she sank.
ough
WAVERLEY. Sunk by enemy aircraft, 29th May, 1940, 600 troops were on board before ship was abandoned in sinking intity was a condition, but only 200 - 300 were picked up.
GRAFTON. Torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. offKwinte Whistle buoy in the early hours of 29th May, 1940. No record in personnel on board.
Ps as
LANCASTRIA. Sunk 17/6/1940 by aircraft while embarking troops, tish on board were 5,200 troops, several refugees and crew 320.
Military survivors known to have been landed amounted to 3,733.
ARANDORA STAR. Torpedoed 2nd July, 1940 while carrying 1673
(approx) passengers and crew, including 8 officers and 195 men of the military guard. Of the 800 (approx)
saved 163 were members of the military guard.
MOHAMED ALI EL KEBIR. Torpedoed and sunk on 7/8/1940. When ship sank there were stated to be 4 officers and about
30 soldiers on board, all of whom jumped overboard
"and some managed to get rafts and spars, being picked up by the DestroyersWHALER".
ABOUKIR. Torpedoed and sunk on 28th May, 1940 whilst assisting in the evacuation of Dunkirk. Known to have been carrying about 250 people (officers, crew and evacuees)
of whom about 14 only were saved.
GREYHOUND. War Office casualties Liverpool, informed 3/2/1941
by Admiralty Letter M.O 1739/41 that no details available.
CHROBRY. Ship hit by salvo of explosive and incendiary bombs at 2340 on 14th May, 1940 and abandoned in flames early
15th May. Casualties caused by explosion of bombs and through being trapped and overcome by fumes.
HYPERION. Mined in Mediterranean on 22/12/1940 and subsequently sunk by H.M.S. JANUS. It is not thought that there were any troops on board.
MAID OF KENT. Lost on 1/6/40 as the result of bombing attacks during Dunkirk operations. No details available and no information as to any military personnel on board.
MONA'S QUEEN. Personnel Vessel sunk by mine whilst off Dunkirk.
No other details available.
H.M.S. GRACIE FIELDS. Received direct hit from enemy aircraft while carrying 700-800 troops. Impossible to ascertail number of troops killed.

SHIPMINDER, BLACKPOOL."
41006
Blackpool 23829.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
Empire Hotel Group,
GRAND HOTEL,
Lansdowne Crescent,
BLACKPOOL, S.S.-
7
28th March, 1941.
M.151359/41.
CONFIDENTIAL
Dear Mr. Walmsley,
7th March, I send With you the following information about remainder further reference to my letter of the the
W.1.
of the ships of your list.
"GRAFTON" "HYPERION" and "WAKEFUL" were sunk were and the "GREYHOUND" "CRESTED EAGLE" and "WAVERLEY", Admiralty which service.
H.M. at As not Messrs. Dunkirk such, investigated ships all last May/June, these their The ships S.S. casualties are were "SKIPJACK" the commissioned concern in Exchange this has of not Department. on the Buildings, been Admiralty lost. Quayside, and Her about we Owners, have ch
Witherington may & Everett be able of to give you some time. information any.
The
Newcastle-on-Tyne, Army personnel she may have carried at any
23
information about Division I the am "CHROBY". afraid and we if have I She can not was find yet a Polish out been anything able vessel to about requisitioned get any her
SEAL
by which Sea will Transport help you, I will send it along.
in
THE a pe
Yours sincerely,
Chanchard
F. Walmsley, Esq.,
S.
MACALISTER.
C.L.
30/5
G.R.T. 6787
Bombed at Dunkirk.
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTTA
SUNK.
Pass.
G.R.T. 3454
1/6
D.W. 540
Bombed at Dunkirk
S.S.PARTS
Pass.
G.R.T. 1790
2/6
D.W. 650
Attacked 510 11.5'N by 2.07E. aircraft approx.
-1-

18A
8
" PARL, LONDON."
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE, an
Telegrams:
BERKELEY SQUARE,
LONDON, W.1.
is
(O.J.)
March, 1941.
House
N.
Mr.
Dawkins, list shows the ships and small of craft the B.E.F. which ough
Dear The attached lost during the evacuation letter of the untity was a are known to have been stated in Moore's approximate from France last we year. can give As only the names, I hope, dates however, and that the in
16th February of the ships concerned. to you.
PS as tish positions list will be of some assistance
Yours sincerely,
H. The A.
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
S. CLAN
MACALISTER.
C.L.
G.R.T. 6787
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTIA
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk
11
Pass.
G.R.T. 3454
D.W. 540
"
2/6
Attacked by aircraft approx.
S.S.PARTS
51° 11.5'N 2.07E.
Pass.
G.R.T. 1790
D.W. 650
-1-

LIST OF VESSELS LOST DURING 'DYNAMO', 'CYCLE' and 'AERIAL' OPERATIONS.
Approx. 20th May/lst July,1940.
Name of Vessel and G.R.T.
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks.
House
S.S. WORTHTOWN.
27/5
Bombed by Aircraft,
Stores.
set on fire and abandoned
LOST.
G.R.T. 868
on Dunkirk Beach.
D.W. 1206
ough
S.S. MAID OF KENT.
21/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour.
SUNK.
Pass.
intity was a
G.R.T.
D.W.
S.S. BRIGHTON.
in
Hospital Carrier
24/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour.
SUNK.
OS as tish
S.S.QUEEN OF THE
28/5
Bombed Position.
SUNK.
CHANNEL.
51°N 25'N. 2° 40'E.
Troops and crew all
Pass.
transferred to le
G.R.T 1162
"DORIEN ROSE"
O
D.W.
S.S. SPINEL.
25/5
Blown up at Dunkirk.
ABANDONED.
Petrol.
CONSIDERED LOST.
G.R.T. 650
D.W. 592
S.S. ABUKIR.
28/5
Torpedoed by surface craft
SUNK.
Tramp.
50 miles N.E. of N.Foreland.
G.R.T. 694.
D.W. 900
S.S. LORINA.
29/5
Bombed. Sunk in Dunkirk
SUNK.
Pass.
harbour.
8 of crew were
G.R.T. 1578.
lost.
D.W. 365
S.S.NORMANNIA.
30/5
Bombed whilst in tow 2.71°
SUNK.
Pass.
Dunkirk breakwater 4. miles.
Survivors in
G.R.T. 1567.
H.M.S.ROSS &
D.W. 243.
H.M.S.MOSQUITO.
S.S. FENELLA.
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
P.C.
G.R.T. 2376.
D.W. 520.
S.S. CLAN
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
MACALISTER.
C.L.
G.R.T. 6787
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTIA
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk
12
Pass.
G.R.T. 3454
D.W. 540
S.S.PARIS
2/6
Attacked by aircraft approx.
"
Pass.
51° 11.5'N 2.07E.
G.R.T. 1790
D.W. 650
-1-

Name of Vessel and G.R.T.
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
Admiralty ugh
Conmissioned
Vessels. (Ctd.
itit as a
ETHEL EVERARD
Barge.
Abandoned and
G.R.T. 158.
blown up.
in
AIDIE.
Sunk during operations
Abandoned at
S as
Barge.
at Dunkirk.
Dunkirk.
tish
G.R.T. 119
OCEAN LASSIE.
e
Drifter.
)
G.R.T. 127
S.V. ROYALTY
1/6
Beached and abandoned
Presumed total loss.
G.R.T. 85
at Malo-les-Cains
Abandoned.
D.W. -
during evacuation at
Dunkirk.
FAIRBREEZE
1/6
Struck submerged wreck
Abandoned.
at Dunkirk while
Drifter.
rescuing survivors from
G.R.T. 92
Beach.
D.W.
BARBARA JEAN
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk.
Abandoned.
Sailing barge.
G.R.T. 119
D.W. 200
DORIS
1/6
At Dunkirk
BRown up. Abandoned.
Sailing barge.
G.R.T. -
D.W. 150
Approx.
do.
Abandoned.
SPEC
Dumb barge
31/5
G.R.T.
D.W. 70
ALEC.
Approx.
do.
do.
Dumb barge
31/5
G.R.T. -
D.W. 60
M.V.CLAUDE
About do.
Reported lost on
Water boat
31/5
beach.
SARK
Dumb barge do.
do.
do.
SHETLAND
do do do
Dumb barge
F.23
Dumb barge do.
do.
do.
-3-

House,
Name of Vessel and G.R.T.
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
N.
LARK
1/6
At Dunkirk.
Abandoned on beach. ugh
Sailing barge
G.R.T. 67
tity
D.W.
140
as a
EOSSA
2/6
Stranded on Bryr Brayne
Abandoned. Carrying
Tug.
Sands off Dunkirk.
100 troops. All
G.R.T.105
taken off.
in
B as
S.S. TRAIN FERRY
About 12/6
Abandoned on beach at
LOST.
ish
NO.2.
Le Havre during
G.R.T.2678.
operations.
D.W. -
S.S. BRUGES
About 11/6
Bombed off Le Havre.
SUNK.
P.C.
G.R.T.2949
D.W. 741
S.S. TEIRESIAS
17/6
Bombed off St.Nazaire
BELIEVED SUNK.
C.L.
in 47.7°N. 2° 23'W.
G.R.T.7405
D.W. 9644
S.S. DIDO
18/6
At Brest.Abandoned.
Blown up in
G.R.T.3554
Dry Dock.
D.W. 5050
S.T.MURMANSK.
19/6
Grounded at Brest.
Abandoned.
Trawler.
G.R.T. 348.
D.W.
S.S.LUFFWORTH.
Prev.21/6.
Abandoned at Brest.
SUNK.
Tramp.
G.R.T. 279.
D.W. 370.
S.S.LANCASTRIA.
17/6
Bombed. Position
SUNK.
P.C.
unknown.
G.R.T.16,243.
D.W. 13,226.
M.V. KUFRA.
23/6
Rammed by 'San Diego'
SUNK.
C.L.
in 44° 11'M2°W.
G.R.T. 4364.
D.W. 2724.
S.S. "MONA'S QUEEN".
29/5/40
Sunk by enemy action
29 survived.
off Dunkirk.
26 lost.
S.S. "LADY ROSEBERY"
1/6
SUNK+
Aux. sailing barge
Abandoned at Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 109.
"DUCHESS".
1/6
During operations at
Spritsail barge do.
Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 55 Net.
S.S. "ELLAVORE".
10/6
At Havre. Bombed by
SUNK.
G.R.T.1302.
aircraft.
-4-

Name of Vessel.
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
GOOD HOPE
31.5.40
Unknown
LOST.
Approx.
zh
GWEN EAGLE
"
"
do.
"
HANDY BILLY
"
"
S
"
ASSUMED LOST
HANORA
"
IOTE
Lost at Dunkirk
LOST
"
a
KATE (18' Boat)
"
Unknown
LOST.
S
"
LANSDOWNE
"
Unknown
#
LARK (punt)
"
"
"
"
LILY (Rowboat)
"
LITTLE ANN
Sufik Dunkirk
"
"
LETITIA
11
Abandoned at Dunkirk
"
MADAME SANSGENE
"
Unknown
#
MARY ROSE
"
"
"
MAGNET (Rowboat)
"
"
#
"
"
"
MARGHERITA
"
11
"
MAID OF HONOUR
If
MA JOIE
Abandoned - Dunkirk
"
MALDON ANNIE
"
Unknown
"
MEDORA (wherry)
"
11
"
MINIKOI
"
Sunk off Dunkirk
"
MIRANDA (Rowboat)
31.5.40
Unknown
LOST
approx.
MIRASOL
11
11
ASSUMED LOST
MONTAGUE WHALER
"
"
do.
MOSS ROSE
"
11
"
36' MOTOR BOAT
"
11
LOST
DO.
11
=
30'
"
NEMO IV.
=
Abandoned at Dunkirk
11
NEW WHITE HEATHER
"
Unknown.
"
PEGGY 4.
11
Sunk off Dunkirk
"
PIONEER
"
Unknown
ASSUMED LOST
PRINCESS MAUD
11
Abandoned off Dunkirk
LOST
-6-

Name of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
PRINCESS LILY
31.5.40
Unknown.
LOST
approx.
OUR BOYS (Boat)
"
"
"
RENOWN (Cockle Boat)
"
Mined & sunk with
"
all hands.
ROBERTA
"
Unknown.
"
ROSABELLE
"
If
ASSUMED LOST.
ST. PATRICK
"
"
LOST.
SANTOSY
"
"
"
SARAH & EMILY
If
11
"
SEA FALCON (Boat)
"
Abandoned - Dunkirk
11
SHAMROCK
"
"
"
If
SKYLARK 3. (SM281)
If
Unknown
"
SCENESHIFTER
If
"
"
SONIA
"
"
12
SKYLARK 2.
II
If
"
SKYLARK 3.
"
"
"
SOUTHERN QUEEN
"
11
"
STONEHAVEN.
"
11
"
SUNSHINE
"
"
"
SUE SUE (Rowboat)
11
11
"
THETIS
"
Lost while being towed
"
from Dunkirk.
TRITON
11
Unknown.
"
TWO RIVERS
11
It
11
VIEWFINDER
11
11
"
VIKING 3.
=
11
"
VANITEE
11
11
11
WARRIOR
11
Abandoned off Dunkirk.
11
WAVE QUEEN
"
Unknown.
11
COMMODORE
"
11
"
WESTERLEY
11
On fire & abandoned -
"
Dunkirk.
-7-

5
Name of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
GRACE DARLING
31.5.40
Unknown.
ASSUMED LOST.
th
Approx.
ity
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
"
Sunk in collisionwith
LOST.
$ a
S.S. "TILLY".
MARY SPEARING
If
Unknown.
"
1
CANVEY QUEEN
11
"
12
as sh
HAZARD
"
Did not return from
Dunkirk.
PREVIOUSLY REQUISI-
TIONED AND CIN NAVAL
MISS JOSEPHINE I.
11
DO.
SERVICE BUT
UTILISED FOR
MOSS ROSE
"
"
"DYNAMO".
PELLAG 2.
"
"
SEAMEW.
If
"
-8-

1010
Telegrams: SHIPMINDER, BLACKPOOL."
Telephone: SOUTH SHORE-41006.
17A
6/2
Blackpool 23821.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
Л
"Empire Hotel",
GRAND-HOTEL,
CONFIDENTIAL.
Lansdowne Crescent,
BLACKPOOL, S.S.
M/151359/41
Lancs.
7th March, 1941.
1941.
Dear Mr. Walmsley,
I am sorry not to have replied before to your letter of February 26th but you will appreciate that it has taken a little time to collect the information you to ask for and even now it is not complete. We can, of n
course, only give you such information as we have and this does not always cover all the points you raise.
It may be that in many cases the Admiralty could give h
you more to detailed here information, especially where casualties, are concerned, since they handle all the g
actual Casualty Lists. However, I append all the ed information I can for your help.
S.S. "Lancastria" on 17th June, 1940, was attacked and sunk by enemy aircraft about 3.50 p.m. while at of anchor at Carpenter Roads off St. Nazaire. The ship ad sank in about ten minutes. About twelve boats got
Luding away and a number of the crew and troops were picked it sea up by numerous craft in the vicinity.
nk at
S.S. "Arandora Star" was torpedoed at 6.15 a.m.
over on the 2nd July, 1940, in the North Atlantic -
position 55° 20'N. 10° 33' West. The survivors all got away in the ship's boats and on rafts which hip.
were sighted by aircraft about two hours later and at about 2 p.m. on the 7th a Destroyer arrived and picked up the survivors. It is not known how many voyage were drowned and how many were killed by the explosion. n
W,
S.S. "Mohamed Ali El Kebir" was torpedoed at saved,
8.15 p.m. on the 7th August, 1940, in the North chose
Atlantic 55° 0" N. 15° West. She sank about one
2 sank hour and fifty minutes later. A Destroyer arrived on the scene and picked up survivors.
F. Walmsley, Esq.
Church K call,
Wavertree,
Liverpool.

T561
16A
UNITED
of
SHIPPING CASUALTIES SECTION,
TRADE DIVISION,
OMERALTY
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
28th February, 1941.
tity as a
Dear Mr. Hammond, in
I am in receipt of your letter of 25th instant and am afraid that the information which is available in
S as tish this Section will not be of very much use to you. I
think I explained to you over the telephone that we are not concerned with the personnel of merchant ships which le are lost, but only with the ships themselves. The information which we obtain in regard to personnel being
00
only incidental to our object. I have, however, checked up our facts and other information we have, with the following result:-
1.
S.S. LANCASTRIA. This ship was struck by a salvo of
4 bombs about 1545 G.M.T. on 17th June. The ship had embarked 5,200 troops and a number of refugees, including women and children. The wind was light N.W., slight sea and swell, cloudy with bright periods. The ship sank rapidly by the head, listing from side to side. About
10 minutes after being hit at 1600, the ship heeled over on her port side and sank.
Deserty
S.S. WAKEFUL
I have no information about this ship.
Is she H.M.S.?
S.S. ARANDORA STAR This ship was torpedoed on a voyage from Liverpool to St. Johns, Newfoundland at 0657 on
2nd July, 1940. I understand 119 Officers and crew, making a total of 868 survivors, the remainder of those
163 Military Guard, 264 Italians, 322 Germans were saved, on board are presumed to have been lost. The ship sank stern first at 0720.
D. Hammond, Esq.
The War Office,
Casualty Branch,
Blue Coat School,
Church R oad,
Wavertree,
Liverpool.

E.Kinkman yese May from 2 1940
T566
561
/6A
SHIPPING CASUALTIES SECTION,
OMIRALLY
TRADE DIVISION,
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
28th February, 1941.
tity as a
Dear Mr. Hammond, and this am Section afraid that the information which of is 25th instant in
I am in receipt of your letter in think I will not be of very much available
S as not concerned explained to you over the telephone use to you. I
tish are lost, but with the personnel of merchant that we which are information only with the ships themselves. ships up only incidental facts which to we our obtain object. in regard I have, to personnel The checked being le o
following our result:- and other information we have, however, with the bombs S.S. LANCASTRIA. about This ship was struck by a
1.
4 embarked 1545 G.M.T. on 17th June. The salvo of and swell, The wind was light including sea women and 5,200 children. troops and a number of refugees, ship had
10 minutes head, listing from side to ship sank rapidly by cloudy the with bright periods. The N.W., slight on her port after side being hit at 1600, the ship side. heeled About over and sank.
Deserty
S.S. WAKEFUL
Is she H.M.S.?
I have no information about this ship.
2nd from S.S. Liverpool ARANDORA to STAR St. Johns, This ship Newfoundland was torpedoed on a voyage
163 Military July, 1940. I understand 119 Officers at 0657 on making on board a are total Guard, of 868 264 survivors, Italians, the 322 remainder Germans and were crew, saved, stern first at presumed 0720. to have been lost. The of ship those sank
D. Hammond, Esq.,
The War Office,
Casualtv Branch,
Blue Coat School,
Church R oad,
Wavertree,
Liverpool.
Typing Bectom

ugh nti was
S.S. MOHAMED ALI EL KEBIR This ship was torpedoed at 2045 B.S.T. on 7th August whilst on voyage from t i
Avonmouth to Gibraltar. There were on board 26
ips
Officers and 706. other ranks, of whom 40 or 50 are rit believed to be missing. There was a big swell, not much sea, a moderate breeze, good visibility but overcast. The ship immediately settled aft, but th remained upright during the launching of all to serviceable life boats and rafts. The ship sank in about 1 hour 50 minutes.
S.S. GREYHOUND. I have no information about this
4
ship. Is she H.M.S.?
S.S. ABUKIR This ship was on voyage from Ostend to the Downs with troops, air force pilots, personnel and refugees. She was torpedoed about 5 miles due
E. of the W. Hinder Light Ship at 0115 B.S.T. on
28th May. I understand that there were 14 saved out of 250.
S.S. GRACIE FIELDS. I have no information in regard to this ship.
WAVERLEY. I have no information in regard to this ship.
CHOBRY (Polish) This ship was attacked by aircraft and set on fire on 16th May. I have no further information about this ship.
HYPERION I have no information about this ship.
Destroyes
GRAFTON
I have no information about this ship.
SKIPJACK The only information I have about this ship is that she was shelled from German long range guns whilst in Granville Dock, Dover, on 28th November.
CRESTED EAGLE I have no information about this ship.

InA. 1020
T566
Dunkirk to MONA's Dunkirk QUEEN when she This struck ship was on voyage agh tity as a believed bombed two light MAID and It S.W. from OF sank Pier some KENT. wind the within 43 Head. air with of H.M. passengers on 2 a The Hospital minutes. 21st smooth weather May a mine sea. and carrier. about was crew 1/2 The mile fine 1700. were ship This East from and missing. It broke ship clear, of Dover is was in in
DS as itish that be from the more of detailed the information think might obtained is possible the operations.from Dunkiek. will be ships ships, extremely engaged but in to
Yours sincerely,
41.
NSHihork

E.Kinkman
10A. 1010
The WAR
we House
CASUALTYICE,
BLUE COR1NCH,
T.N.
CHURCH ROHOOL,
WAVERTREE,
Dear Commander,
26 February, 1941.
LIVERPOOL 15.
nough uantity
I was a and military you yesterday about ships of ces able the in to which help the us by vessel telling in believed some us cases, what to have at least, lost on their you which would lives, it at in about grateful any boats for of them. any in which information was lost. interented,and ore you know able of to should the attach circumstan- be a be very list hips British as let us the to
We have noed to the the things have presume time date accounted not of that vessels she and been the help took time heard death who us to of the the the of go of this down, officers sinking, information the their casualty. and the other position in chances of connexion the ranks The of of sort on the survival with board ship, of action who are:
41.
Star. urgently.and were names you we On for, can should some let of be us these cases whether the weather, all be lifeboats taken the
Arandera
Yours sincerely,
ONE
Paymaster Trade Division, mmander E.X. Burrows, (SD)D.HAMMOND
Admiralty, S.W.1. Yours,
Room 2036, was office,
(&) I
Whitehall, 6.W.2.

OF
Kikman
10A. 1020
is we House,
PD/28
T.N.
}
26th February, 1941
mough uantity a
Dear Miss Churchard, it at in decide concerning as to military I presumption spoke to personnel you of about death. missing the information at sea, to we enable require us to hips
British naval which vessels we are The concerned attached at list the gives moment. the names of ships with the to regard to any of grateful for any information but I should be with which, I imagine, you Some may not of them be concerned, are anxious "Arandora to Star" get information and the "Mohamed ships as in Ali the soon El list. as Kebir". possible We you are about particularly have the with
41.
the and vicinity place of The or the information loss of the we ship, require what is other the cause, date, time rescues, and what reached the neighbourhood in time ships were in of those not rescued possibility by other vessels. there was, if any, of to survival effect death in this in matter individual cases. are being constantly pressed to assistance presume
I should as we greatly appreciate your early
Yours sincerely,
M. Churchard, arine Division A,
(Sd) 7.Walmsley
Ministry of Shipping,
Empire Hotel,
Blackpool.
London, W.L.

OA
10A.
(Copy)
THE WAR OFFICE,
010
CASUALTY BRANCH,
T56
BLUE COAT SCHOOL,
CHURCH ROAD,
WAVERTHES,
LIVERPOOL 15.
House,
25 February, 1941.
T.N.
Dear Alcock,
In connexion with our inquiries into the mough circumstances of casualties to military personnel which occurred at sec, ve are faced with the difficulty of obtaining a complete and authentic story of the sinking iantity was a of the vessels in which the individuals were travelling.
Some of the ships involved were naval, but in the majority were merchantmen, and we are anxious to obtain, the if possible, a copy of the official reports or at least in tish essential details, before proce sing to preguno death of the personnel who are still miscing. I attach the case of the vessels go for as TO have been able to trace le a list and 1 shall be most grateful if you can supply details this
O
of on to the Trade Division 1f you think they them, the circumstances in which they were sunk, 02 pass could help inquiry us. The details required are those normally supplied of such cases, viz. the cause, date, time and place in occurrence, conditions obtaining, other chips in vicinity 1
and possibility of survivel of thone not receased. in enclose a second copy of this injuiry to anoint case you have to pass it on, and would greatly appreciate an early manly.
with kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
A.L.
Se
A.S.W
J.G.M. Alcock, ESQ..
N. Casualties,
Admiralty,
Fox House,
Lower Regent Street,
London, W.l.

E.Kinkman
Telephone No.: ABBEY 7711.
2152
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
9A
1020
IAN 1941
T566
reference tion quote the following nly to this communicais
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
BERKELEY SQUARE,
S.T.N.
LONDON, W.1.
n 5g W.I. Shipping, Rishely Equare House
Ref 2152-S.T.N.
16th February, 1941the
Dear Dawkins, ship replying to your letter of the 10th
I must apologise for the delay certainly ore. 8 there sank within enough
January and Thorne's of the 5th inst.
regarding Dunkirk casualties.
The Section concerned are compiling a list of the vessels which were lost during the various inad We ith r put of over also the on light the understand ant understand about the water, a of large in as a evacuation operations but warn me that they have very little information available - practically nothing more some the British than the names of the ships and dates able swimmers reached of the casualties.
to make their way the to
So far as "LANCASTRIA" is concerned I attach a statement which has been obtained from the Company.
As you will see it contains nothing
12.2.1941.
definite and I think all that we can say is that there does exist a chance,
K
if only a slight one, that personnel who embarked in that vessel and whose fate is unknown may still be alive.
Does the move to Liverpool follow on promotion? If so my congratulations
Kind regards.
Yours sincerely
A. Dawkins, Esq.,
A.L.
Se
Berkeley Square
Berkeley Square,
London, 1.
Ber alay
Landons
Typing Sectom

RECEIVED
1010
T566
RC
"LANCASTRIA".
From Berheley Mr. loose, Square, Unity handen WAN 1AN 1941 of W.I. Shipping Ref: Berhely Equare House dirriculties reasonable the partion we
2152-S.T.N.
great to over the was a within large enough force. soon possible cases and number we of also light understand ant water, and was as as a in as a shore hisher Up shore ficourse, and were the it left may coast behind. still and be were that unable with some put the to swimmers on make their of reached the way British the to
Copy hutin "ile,
06/2/41
12.2.1941.
1010
WOTER
A.L. Sea Transport
Division,
A.L.
you 4/2
Ministry
Se
Berkeley Schiare House,
Berkeley Square,
London, W.1.
Ber alay
Landons

hill
BLUE COAT
20m must
CHURCH ROAD,
WAVERTREE, theose
LIVERPOOL, 15.
not
& say
-
him a
Angries information
February, 1941.
5
usingly
Dear
Moore, On could the the 10th give THE ___???___ wrote you asking on it a in whether request you for evacuations. I quite to assemble this the various but of we some of are officers difficulty being rather and other pressed ranks for who decisions were on
0
can referring do anything In to the that to circumstances, one ship without of
I the you the story?
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) G.A. THORNE
y/s 4/2
A.L. Moore, Esq.,
A.L.
Sea Transport Division,
Se
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London, W.1.
Ber
Limited
Typing Section

will Zam unti
BLUE
CHURCH ROAD, then moon ash " & is earl
LIVERPOOL, 15.
lays 4 remind him Agm us all the inform alis we ash
February, 1941.
for has we unight unti tastfully
5
say 7 wermloh when
10ᵗʰ
Junery, chan he 902 Dawkins' litter
January, Dawkins wrote you asking and thas he will hable 6 help assistance in passing on a n any regarding sinkings of ships in us that the carlo give us
I quite understand that it any by Lancasling re is being rather pressed for decisions
S. difficulty to assemble this officers and other ranks who were on graliful munstances, I am wondering whether you
72 25/, e ship without waiting for the whole of ssist us in obtaining information he will still inti
Yours sincerely, whrom & Layee
(Signed) G. A. THORNE
with zani draf is syn 1 United for
Types 4/2
4/2
Lon,
A.L.
ping,
Ha Dewtur
Se re House, uare,
.1.
Ber
Limitary
Typing Bection

CHURCH ROAD, tory's
WAVERTHERE,
LIVERPOOL, 15.
8
1. Do you with G add
Nalta, plt
February, 1941.
5
2. Do yn still wish to write 65 Mone, i view
10th January, Dawkins wrote you asking on a of in Westan anggestion give any regarding sinkings of ships it in assistance in passing of another Dept2
ations. mation I quite understand that this
E some being rather pressed for decisions were on difficulty to assemble
Date to We of are officers and other ranks who
7,2.41, circumstances, I am wondering whether you t to one assist ship us without waiting for the whole of in obtaining information her Therme he will still inti
Yours sincerely, throm & Layen
(Signed) G.A. THORNE
with Zani draft is syn 1 United
72
Types 4/2
4/2
on,
L.
ing,
Ma, Dawkins
Se e House, lare,
1.
Ber
Signature,
Limitary

WAVERTREE, LIVERPOOL, 15.
February, 1941.
5
Hoore,
Dear Moore,
10th January, Dawkins wrote you asking on a
Terman, but whether you information regarding sinkings of that it in
On could the give any assistance in passing ships request for evacuations. I quite understand assemble this and E film making out may the various be a matter but of we some are difficulty being rather to pressed for who decisions were on been in the information, regarding the fate of officers and other ranks the "Lancastria".
can referring do anything to that one ship without waiting for the whole of
In the to assist us in obtaining circumstances, I am wondering information whether you the story?
Yours sincerely,
M
(Signed) G.A. THORNE
We a]
or
"In pre lit if
A.L. Moore, Esq.,
Sea Transport Division,
A.L. Moore,
Ministry of Shipping,
Sea Trans
Borkeley Square House,
Minist
Berkeley Square,
Berkel
London, W.1.
Ber
L

3A,
4A
THE WAR OFFICE CASUALTY BRANCH,
BLUE COAT SCHOOL,
CHURCH ROAD,
WAVERTREE,
LIVERPOOL, 15.
10ᵗʰ. January, 1941.
Dear Moore, branch, quarter. but I shall be very grateful if you will place it in the your
I am afraid the following enquiry has no connexion with and I I have been transferred from Sea Transport to R. Casualties right been making out a case for a formal presumption of death of men who of find that one of the problems facing my new branch is that in missing since the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force, have
June, 1940.
sunk before they reached the United Kingdom, but, in the absence were
As you know, a large number embarked in ships which rence)
to any reports on the circumstances of these sinkings, we find it of ve to assess the French the coast. possibility of survivors having been picked up and difficult conveyed e
Would it be possible to give us a list of the en were were employed in the evacuation of the British Expeditionary ships Force which and and or boats distance from shore, and (if at sea) whether other sinking, approximate sunk after embarking troops, with the date and time of little probably the outstanding case in point, and if it is likely 1940, to is a
"Lancastria", which left St. Nazaire on the 17th June, resouss?
were in their vicinity and may have effected ships The if time to collect details of all such cases it would be helpful take we could have the "Lancastria" particulars in advance.
Yours Sincerely.
Ha, Dawkens
A.L. Moore, Esq.,
Sea Transport Division,
B:
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London, W.1.
Typing Sectem

3A
Tel. No.-Whitehall 9400.
THE WAR OFFICE,
Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to:-
The Under-Secretary of State,
NATIONAL WENT
LONDON, S.W.1.
The War Office,
London, S.W.1
FOR DISABLED
and the following number quoted.
Misc. B.M. No.1. Q. (M).1.d.
7th January,1941.
R. Casualties Branch,
The War Office,
Liverpool, 15.
Referring to the letter from Mr F. Walmsley, addressed to Captain I. Menzies, dated 3rd January, 1941, asking for particulars of ships and personnel evacuated from B.E.F., France.
Enclosed (marked "A" "B" "C" and "D" for reference)
are the only documents in our possession regarding the evacuation and will you please return them when you have extracted any information required and also acknowledge receipt.
The Casualty Branch, Admiralty, have also been asked to furnish any information in their possession, and on receipt of a reply a further communication will be addressed to you.
for Director of Movements.

1
2A
fice Casualty Branch,
The War Office,
Q. (M).1.d.
IA
ce Casualty Branch,
School,
5th January, 1941.
ree, then the erpool, 15.
Dear train shey
January, 1941.
: was of
Many thanks for your letter.
3, the ma
I will do my best to furnish the information you require regarding the bits of information on during fate of missing men and any details of
Expeditionary Force nel give ships used in the evacuation of the
He's nd I have been
I in
B.E.F., in the possession of this us any information agre,
Branch.
$ as to the personnel и emb
Yours sincerely were lost.
when lane hungies inned nay be quite meagre e.
F. Walmsley Esq.,
R. Casualties, inform
Liverpool.
you c
Cr, each baft. S. hungies
Q(m),
Typing Beets agenthe A

wice Casualty Branch,
IA
IA
The Blue War Office Casualty Branch,
Wavertree, Coat School,
P.D./28.
Liverpool, 15.
then the
3 January, 1941.
h evacualing
Dear Menzies,
, the many
We are trying to piece together the bits to we ascertain have concerning the the evacuation of the British of information Forcemel on during.
embarked, as wondering to ships and whether which were fate you can used, of the assist. with many any Could missing particulars you men, give and us as Expeditionary I any to have the information been personnel give us agre,
I used,
I quite information concerning ships which were i embarked realise that your information may be lost. quite meagre which were but anything you can tell us would be of assistance.
inned -
Yours sincerely, information
(Sgd.) F. WALMSLEY, you can nzies Q, enely baft. Is menzies
Q(m),
Typing Section
1+2 blease

The war
Blue Coat School,
Wavertree,
Liverpool, 15.
January, 1941.
.D./28.
-
have are trying / from by then the
Dear Menzies, proformation AND have information he evacue
We are trying to piece together the bits of we have concerning the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force, the many to ascertain the fate of the many missing men, and I have been wondering whether you can assist. Could you give us any information during.
as to ships which were used, with any particulars as to the personnel give in embarked, and information concerning ships which were lost. what
I use
I quite realise that your information may be quite meagre, but anything you can tell us would be of assistance. X u emba
Yours sincerely, old crived which or -
the tort
9. quite this information
Q.
Easti magn to anything you can
Ca
.G.Menzies, to
Unine summely baft. sh menzies
Q(m),
Typing Seaton
1+2 flease agently R

Dear mengies be are brying to been together the bits we have concerning the evacualing for ofthe BEF to ascertain the fali of the many missing men and have been wonding.
whether Van can assist. bould you give us any information as to ships which were used, with any facturelars as 65th embached and information a whith concerning the ship annual are which were the india list.
I quiti value that your information may he quiti meagre but anything 2am can till in unls he passelain
Laws summer baft. sh menzies
Q(m),
Typing Sectom
1+2 flease lighty
Q