TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

139
On the evening of May 30th I arrived home at 6 p.m. being met as usual by the dog to collect the evening paper. Having finished my meal and whilst reading the evening paper a ring came from the front door. My wife answered and found two
Naval Officers armed with their revolvers waiting. The Officers asked for, and my wife called, me.
Although surprised to see the callers I was not astonished, for I had, after reading the news from France, some suspicion of what might be on foot by the Royal Navy.
After identifying myself and giving the assurance that I
was the owner of the M.V. "Quest", the Officers asked if I had a photograph of the vessel. The expression "Just the type of boat for the job" was made after seeing a small snapshot. I
was hereupon handed a paper and requested to consider both myself and "Quest" at the disposal of the Naval Authorities.
I was given, in confidence, a brief outline of the situation and the intentions of the Authorities with the usual Naval advice to "Keep it under your hat".
I was requested to get under way as early as possible with the instruction that if necessary I was to commandeer crew, food and fuel. Any refusal to be met by the showing of the paper to the nearest Police Officer. I mentioned the business on hand to my chum Ted Avery who immediately volunteered to come along with me.
After donning our boating kit and sweaters we went along to the Hurlingham Yacht Club, got "Quest" off her moorings, and brought her alongside the landing stage, where, with the assistance of women members of the Club we unloaded all masts, sails and anything movable, which, as mentioned by the Naval
Officers, would impede numbers of troops scrambling aboard and packing themselves as tightly as cabin space would permit.
Life jackets and Life Buoys were left on board.
While the unloading was in progress I was hailed by a
Naval Pinnace from the river and asked to hurry my departure as things were getting rather desperate. A further Naval
Officer appeared at the Club Jetty again emphasising the necessity for all speed.
After saying Au Revoir to our women folk and others at the
Club we got under way at approx. 8.50 p.m. The tide being against us our speed was not too good, normal speed being only approx. 7 knots. Just below Wandsworth Bridge the Naval
Pinnace came up with us and asked if we were making our maximum speed. We replied this was so but of course we were receiving no help from the tide. The Officer in command thereupon suggested he take us in tow as far as Tower Bridge, by which time we should have the tide under us. As a conversion "Quest"
was never intended to travel at a speed of 12 knots which we did in tow of the Pinnace.
over with them to Dunkirk. He returned on Tuesday and "
to C.O. Davies who informed us that as the weather had deteriorated no more small boats would be used and he had no further use for our services. We obtained our clearance paper and, with a borrowed chart and compass started for London.
Here began one of the worst experiences of the whole job for a heavy sea was running and our little boat was tossed about like a cork but we made it and at 10 p.m. Tuesday night we anchored in the
Swale. An early start was made on Wednesday morning and, after being/

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We found great difficulty in keeping "Quest" to a true course waked
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With the assistance of a temporary tiller and Ted Avery holding fast to the wheel we made Tower Bridge without mishap.
We cast off from the Pinnace and proceeded unaccompanied downstream with the parting warning to stop if challenged by the Naval Authorities. We expected many such challenges but received none throughout the journey. With navigation lights burming dim and engine working smoothly we made good progress.
Off Barking we were hailed by another small vessel bent upon the same errand but whose crew, were in the darkness, finding themselves in strange waters. Although making for the same port they were travelling the wrong course, upstream.
They asked if they might tuck in behind, we of course agreed.
The absence of any land lights and marks being unrecognisable in the inky blackness made navigation a tedious business necessitating a continuous look out.
We reached the waters of, and were logged as sighted, by the Naval Control Station, Southend Pier, at 3.40 a.m. We tied up at the Jetty at 4 a.m. We waited here while the
Officer on duty sought instructions for our destination. We received instructions to proceed to Sheerness, O.C. H.M.S.
Wildfire. It was very noticeable to see so many craft in these waters. Vessels of all tonnage and shapes apparently awaiting orders. We saw two "Sun" Tugs going out each having in tow ten small craft, also the arrival from the Oxford district of a number of small flat bottom up-river craft.
We cast off from Southend Pier and were amazed to find the hundreds of vessels lying off to have vanished from sight.
We arrived at Sheerness at approx. 5 a.m. where civilian mechanics came aboard to try the engine, locate petrol,
Water etc., We handed over to the Officer on duty being given a receipt for the vessel. Returning to "Quest" we found signs that a naval crew had taken possession, their arms and ammunition being aboard.
Whilst at Sheerness we witnessed the arrival of several shiploads, including one or two paddle steamers from home waters, of our forces from Dunkirk.
Before saying "Goodbye old girl, do your stuff" we nailed the club burgee to the mast stepping. We left Sheerness having been given free travel warrants back to London, we being termed as Motor Boat ratings.
The last seen of "Quest" was by a rating on board H.M.S.
Galatia when, to use his words," she was proudly flying the
White Ensign with a machine gun mounted on her foredeck."
over with them to Dunkirk. He returned on Tuesday amu we to C.O. Davies who informed us that as the weather had deteriorated no more small boats would be used and he had no further use for our services. We obtained our clearance paper and, with a borrowed chart and compass started for London.
Here began one of the worst experiences of the whole job for a heavy sea was running and our little boat was tossed about like in a cork but we made it and at 10 p.m. Tuesday night we anchored the
Swale. An early start was made on Wednesday morning and, after being/

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0.9144/STN6B.
RECEIVED JAN P.M.
PATE
sece
THE
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23rd October, 1940.
M
Sir,
1940.
01/16/18
45
150
I have to acknowledge receipt of
"See Hawk".
your letter dated 5th October, 1940
enclosing reports on the Dunkirk pt of to the use to
Operations insofar as yourvessel r.
1940
in giving you the
"QUEST" took part in these operations, and to thank you for the most
CKSILVER
interesting information which you have and to y morning "Ist May, been good enough to supply. It is
Ing sorthy 30 ft. cabin anticipated that this report will be good
River Themes at of value in compiling the final report ated plenty of boats but which will be drawn up on these le in tely volunteered to operations.
will
I am, Sir,
Pier at 1.30 p.m. the
Your obedient Servant,
R.I. Grierson (of ant,
Mr. J.A. Hyde on at
ITH.
Southend in
Director of Sea Transport.
arrived Ramsgate to "Hesard") in cansport mere sent over to
C.L. Hunt Esq., kept by the Naval
29, Burstack Road, en to the ships in the
Putney, eooccasion sent
S.W.15.
at Dest had been bombed and very handy for the leave at
Southend.
left and Mr. Grierson navigation jobs with butwas not
DE.
&
chaboats going % other who knew We the ropes, constantly this engaged one enother and always expected/
On we were told to have we ourselves to and more on picket numbers 01 trawlers, etc for their Cmdrs.
giving them their sailing orders - a job far different to what I
wanted or expected to do but as it seemed to be so greatly appreciat by all concerned, I consoled myself by its apparent usefulness.
On Monday night on one of these runs I again lost my one and only member of the crew who jumped aboard a Dutch Schut and went over with them to Dunkirk. He returned on Tuesday and we reported to C.O. Davies who informed us that as the weather had deteriorated no more small boats would be used and he had no further use for our services. We obtained our clearance paper and, with a borrowed chart and compass started for London.
Here began one of the worst experiences of the whole job for a heavy sea was running and our little boat was tossed about like a cork but we made it and at 10 p.m. Tuesday night we anchored in the
Swale. An early start was made on Wednesday morning and, after being/

Q HEINK
INSERTION
IN
Ext. 2161.
HO
LETTER SENT
30SEP1940
T.09144/S.T.N.6B
POST ROOM
STATE 1 RECEIVED 0116 JAN P.M. 41
8.
30th September 1940.
150
Sir,
145
Hawk".
I have to acknowledge receipt of to the use to your letter dated 24th September 1940
in you the enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofar as your "QUICKSILVER
took part in these operations, and to y Clst May, thank you for the most interesting so ft. cabin information which you have been good at enough to supply. It is anticipated plenty of boats but that this report will be of value in tely volunteered to compiling the final report which will be drawn up on these operations.
Pior at 1.30 p.m. the
I am, Sir,
R.I. Grierson (of
Your obedient Servant,
Mr. J.A. Hyde at on
Southend in
(Sgd.) A. P. MEREDITH, ancived Ramsgate to
Director of Sea Transport sent over to
Fordyce Jones, Esq., kept by the Navel
Cremorne Works, to the ships in the sent
Lots Road, at Deal
Chelsea, S.W.10.
had been bombed from handy for the leave at Southend.
left and Mr. Grierson navigation jobs with
&
buwan overtle other to note
DE.
who We the engaged one enother and always expected/
we were told to ourselves the job but, to were more on and numbers 01 trawlers, etc. for their Cmdrs.
wanted or expected to do but as it seemed to be so greatly appreciat giving them their sailing orders - a job far different to what I
by all concerned, I consoled myself by its apparent usefulness.
On Monday night on one of these runs I again lost my one and only member of the crew who jumped aboard a Dutch Schut and went over with them to Dunkirk. He returned on Tuesday and we reported to C.O. Davies who informed us that as the weather had deteriorated for more small boats would be used and he had no further use our no services. We obtained our clearance paper and, with a borrowed chart and compass started for London.
Here began one of the worst experiences of the whole job like for a heavy cork but we made it and at 10 p.m. Tuesday night we after the sea was running and our little boat was tossed anchored about in a
Swale. An early start was made on Wednesday morning and, being/

SE A HAWK
RECEIVED JAN P.M.
41
T.O.9144/STN.6B
December,
1940
18
Sir,
0116
150
Dunkirk Evacuation Motor Boat "See Hawk".
I refer to your letter my asking for details as to the use to which the above boat was put and have pleasure in giving you the following particulars.
I got in touch 1th the Admi Ity Friday morning Clst May,
1940, and offered my boat. She being seaworthy 30 ft. cabin cruiser the speed of 9 knots lying in the River Thames at
Cadogan Pier. I was informed that they had plenty of boats but manned boats CHAS what they wanted so immediately volunteered to go myself to the Mr. had 10.30 to leave our to and atI4got underway down river from Chdogen Pier at 1.30 p.m. the same day handling her myself. Pickedcup Mny R.I. Grierson (of the Royal Ocean Recing Club) at Westminister Mr. J.A. Hyde
Howard et Tower Piertand, on stores at
Greenwich left at 10.30 p.m. for Southend. Southend in
Micompany at 4.30 a.m. Saturday 1st June, 1940, and arrived Ramsgate with disabled craft (motor boat in his service
Though if larger end any possibly Mater boats mere sent over to
Dunkirk because of our suitability we were kept by the Navel
Authorities to act as nicket boat to the ships in the
Downspeto take wounded sshore, etc.8 On oneooccasion sent the the which hedrb endeached at Deal:
turned out to be S.S. Prague whichhhad been bombed and from wewhichtwe took some 30 of various nationalitie
The manoeuverability and of the bont very handy for the purpose particularly as Mr. Howard had to leave me at Southend.
Mr Hyde when we arrived at Ramsgate also left and Mr. Grierson butwast note always. available being engaged on navigation jobs with
K
boats going other and who We the ropes, constantly this engaged one another and always expected/
On we were told to we primed ourselves for the 100 but, on reporting to were more on picket boat duties. We and to too and numbers 01 trawlers, etc for their Cmdrs.
giving them their sailing orders - a job far different to what I
wanted or expected to do but as it seemed to be so greatly appreciat by all concerned, I consoled myself by its apparent usefulness.
On Monday night on one of these runs I again lost my one and only member of the crew who jumped aboard a Dutch Schut and went over with them to Dunkirk. He returned on Tuesday and we reported to C.O. Davies who informed us that as the weather had deteriorated no more small boats would be used and he had no further use for our services. We obtained our clearance paper and, with a borrowed chart and compass started for London.
Here began one of the worst experiences of the whole job for a heavy sea was running and our little boat was tossed about like a cork but we made it and at 10 p.m. Tuesday night we anchored in the
Swale. An early start was made on Wednesday morning and, after being/

in B. more detailed
Berkeley Square,
Berkeley Square House,
Ministry of Shipping (H.O.)
Director of See Transport,
EvaiRu spen' THE seeu nee or yrs mucpine RMI BOLOR* are aps or monuced are 1191, LETTUR DEONGIA STATUS possa TOLEGECK the H.W.9*
obedient Servent, dogen may be 4.30 of narrative. interest, p.m. I enclose the story of be doigur the taken job help being off on our this over on and coast, Wednesday arrived We back 5th June, at
DELE
jobs and sent left to the Ramsgete
LD
SEAHAWK'S worried part in the Evacuation of Dunkirk, 1940
MASTL
Gegosan
:
Admiralty howd so many Being of the the our put my all crews, so I offered they accepted at once. no the May job 20th May) and at 9 I by a.m. turned told the I
t the my one the we the friend were tide of held (much Mr. the up owing 1.30 Club) pick p.m. affairs up at Friday. in tminster order I had an reported Southend on and Rations We to left where a.m. the and Gravesend oursing). At Tower 10.30 to leave proceeded and Pier to us on lack ca our craft arrived as
SIGNS
Mr.
nnb his the He service C.O. any the after disgust, north the my offer and once my
We to our several bomb small and h anxious been 25 Deal some where 30 a to us but thaving running who knew at otheright equipment we here once remark more tha had out about and the ropes, this to e completed a be accepted S.S. Ramsgate. this being job first gave craft nationalities and experie want woeful. expe of there was was on the and sa m with only by all or their I myself to
On Monday and once On Sunday night we my we were primed were once told ourselves for for the services. small boats informed be us he ha no to over more C.O. Davies the Dunk. the Dunkink. on of these by on its a I
a
Swale. cork heavy was An London. paper
Here began started for was at 10 clearance made on Tuesday Wedne

Berkeley Square House,
Ministry of Shipping, (H.O.)
Director of Sea Transport, in more detailed narrative.
Berkeley Square,
.e.m.H ons bread SHINE do VIDUOTA United 150 no BBW betnum Vd one SEW 180908 aue "$8900" exideem eid 20 DRU gose driw TERI there natena orldw
Your obedient Servent, dogen the Pier may job be being 4.20 of interest, p.m. on Wednesday I enclose the story of be docour taken help off on our over this and coast arrived Te back 5th June, at
DELE
jobs and sent left to the Ramsget anted so
SEAHAWK'S worried part in the Evacuation of Dunkirk, 1940
maseft
03
banned and Admiralty how at boats once. no crews, the May job so 20th May) I and at they 9 I by a.m. turned tolo the I t manying put my offered my
1
on and the we Rations friend were tide held (much and Mr. the oursing). up THE THE Club) pick p.m. affairs up Friday. in order I had an
Southend left reported to where the 10.30 and Gravesend ca
SIgN-S
hn16 01
Mr. He a disgust, the the to the our ab his the service out about to north my offer my equipment men bomb some and 30 a m the wallowed back nationalities was on the and sa h and running who On knew at the sea. this otheright being job equipment my we here first once remark and more want tha expe be Having completed very toleted we S.S. were this of several Deal and whereve small experie us woeful no to over only more small Davies boats who to night informed on us myself by its a I
by all concernected or I it - to a with On Mondey told on troops ourselves for for the craft heavy Here started for be clearance paper he ha
Swale. cork was running and marly start was at 10 worst Tuesday chart and the made London. on Wedne

under only setiefied the Still cost coller all the with said what and we had done ondon the cleared about rudder As we by moored 4.30 this the p.m. when Naval happening up at we Cadogen Control reflect with done ted Pier at trol that it on Holehaven, was end sea the steering retions, running, seas great off experience cable we it Margate made Hours) and Sir, we we
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Dunkirk suggestion ecognition in
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Dunkirk, joui the mine If Mr. has lost, boats she suitable the the the would yet.
certaine
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3rd January, 152 1941
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3rd January, 1941
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Voss's ation. "The famous ipper"
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odd upright, Voss correspond the was in not doubt and Tange, other the when Mr. V.
Mr. If V. his W. few in war, ctivities visits life-saving code a a
Dunkisk at put met wit allof the ecognition the time.
in jour valuabining of of of with in August, met he was ind was lost, of as feared,
From activities to their not would yet. certaine the in to all residences, gave such for competent his for to did largely
V." offered took to floating crew the the in
Whilst these

T.O.9144/STN.6B.
The MOTOR BOAT and
1940.
YACHTING
SEA. ROAME
rested in developing these markets. He states that vessel to the Admiralty at the outbreak of war and was has had 10 years' marine engineering and commercial serving aboard her. Another of her officers who was experience, speaks Spanish and is accustomed to comreported lost was Surgeon Rear-Admiral J. R Muir, of piling sales literature in that language, the appointing
Paignton, who was over 70 years of age.
and training of local agents and other matters
Bearing the unmistakable stamp of her designer, connected with overseas distribution.
Norman Hart, Campeador V," which was built by
I shall be pleased to place anyone who may be
Philip's of Dartmouth, was a greyhound amongst motor interested in touch with my correspondent.
yachts. She was not particularly large as wealthy
How America is Preparing men's yachts go, being a 213-tonner with a length of
126 ft., but she had a speed of 14 knots. The most
America is apparently learning a lesson from what unusual thing about her was the power plant, which is happening in the war. I understand that plans are consisted of a pair of Diesel engines with no fewer than being made for the building up of a fleet of motor tor-
16 cylinders each. These were Gleniffer units developpedo boats and anti-submarine craft on a scale which ing 320 h.p. each at 900 r.p.m. The whole installation might be expected from America when she really was an outstanding example of potted power"; the decides to do things properly. The Naval authorities main engines stood only about 3 ft. above the floor have at last realized that, with their long eastern and plating.
western coasts, their only guarantee of safety is a possession of a very large number of boats which can pre-
The "Tilikum" Again vent capital ships and submarines approaching too
In April The Skipper" made some reference to closely to the shore. It is at least gratifying to us that the first big order for motor torpedo boats in America
Capt. Voss's famous boat "Tilikum" and published should have been placed for craft built to the design an illustration. have heard from a correspondent in
South Africa, who said that Capt. Voss once brought of an Englishman.
the boat up by rail from Durban and exhibited her
Yachtsmen's Big Reserve Force at the Wanderers Sports Group in Johannesburg. He
Enormous enthusiasm, I hear, is being shown among adds that the Tilikum was not a built boat, but a yachtsmen in connection with the U.S. Coastguard dug out, similar to those seen in Madagascar and parts
Reserve Force which has been established. In the New of Polynesia. My correspondent doubts if she could
York district alone, which embraces the greatest part have stood upright in the water without her very large of New York and Pennsylvania and the States of New catamaran outrigger, which extended nearly from stem
Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware, 400 well-equipped to stern on the port side, about 12-15 ft. from the gunmotor boats have been made available and 500 memwale. When Capt. Voss met with bad weather he tied bers have been enrolled in the 24 flotillas. It is down everything, and put out a very large canvas sea expected that before the end of the year there will be anchor over the bow. This sea anchor was exhibited a thousand men in this service.
with the craft at the time.
Under peace conditions the Reserve members assist in patrolling regatta courses, report hazards to navi-
Dunkirk Recognition gation and generally aid in the work of the coastguards. They also receive instruction in semaphore
I saw a suggestion in a journal the other day that all of the small craft which were engaged in the Dunkirk signalling and Morse code work. They follow the work of the coastguards at close range, with visits to evacuation should have emblazoned on the bow or stern,
Dunkirk, 1940."
life-saving stations, lighthouses, and other activities in this branch of the service.
Some recognition would certainly be appreciated, but
If America were ever engaged in war, have no
I think the time is not yet. Many of these boats will doubt that within the course of a few weeks she would have other activities to their credit before the war is over.
have a force of many thousand motor boats suitable for patrolling her coasts.
From Motor Boat Engine to Aeroplane Motor
Mr. V. W. MacAndrew
Hitherto, practically all of the high-powered
If Mr. V. W. MacAndrew was indeed lost, as feared, engines used in motor torpedo boats have been when his motor yacht Campeador was sunk by a developed from the corresponding aeroplane engines, mine recently, Britain has been deprived of not only a the main examples being the Power-Napier, Rolls-Royce great yachtsman, but a great patron of the sport.
Merlin and the Isotta-Fraschini types. The Thornycroft
When I last met him, at the trials of Campeador engine is an exception.
V" in August, 1938, he told me how pleased he was
Now it appears that the position will be reversed. It with the progress of the artmouth establishment for was recorded in the Press last month that as the Ford the training of yacht hands, to which he gave such
Co. had refused to produce Rolls-Royce aircraft engines valuable material and moral support.
for this country, the Packard Motor Car Co. was asked
Although an enthusias of sail and a most competent to do so. According to the New York correspondent racing helmsman-he scored many successes with his of The Times the engineers of the company state that
12-metre yacht Trivla in recent years-he did not the high-speed engines it (the Packard Co.) is now regard his motor yachts merely as convenient floating manufacturing for torpedo boats are capable of being residences, as some yachtsmen do, but took a keen developed into aircraft engines."
interest in them.
It will be recalled that the American motor torpedo
" Campeador V
boats built by the Higgins Industries Inc., illustrated
The loss of Campeador V." is a heavy blow to the recently in The Motor Boat, are equipped with these people of the Dartmouth district, from which the crew
Packard marine engines, and they are also being utilized was largely recruited. Mr. MacAndrew offered the in the Scott-Paine-designed craft being built for the
U.S. Navy.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we

The MOTOR BOAT and
42
YACHTING
The M
Dunkirk Cruise
"Sea Roamer's" Work in the Evacuation
By J. E. W. Wheatley
TIN-HAC lifebelt, and harnessed into a Mae West pneuthe inflation tube of which hung out comically in front, I stood on the after trunking of
43-ft. cruiser "Sea Roamer," leaned on the wheelhouse my roof and contemplated the dull red glow on the horizon astic Lieut. R.N.V.R.
that was Dunkirk. Beside me stood a young and enthusi-
It was 10.30 and we had an urgent appointment could the B.E.F. make at midnight. With less than 12 miles to with it easily. There was no moon but the go we sky was ablaze with stars. From astern came a summer extra-large lighted for identification. stars, moving through the sky-British group planes, of
A destroyer loomed past at about 30 knots, her knocked more. We bucked and dived in the wash followed wave by several shooting out like twin fountains. She was bow from up and took some water down the forward they snug way, Lewis which the cover had been torn to hatchalong. It gun emplacement. But Sea Roamer make plugged a
That was no new thing for her to be in the
Dunkirk's pall broken tafrail. behindround afternoon, in a South Coast harbour, the Navy.
gone on this that none but 18-knot craft would be order had claim for Sunday night show, so, for the first time, I allowed
-high speed. Sea Roamer a virtue that she does not possess had to between Leaving them and And and and and and and a And and and and and and a sheet of w f over matter Even
The author (centre) with two of the French soldiers rescued by Sea Roamer.
phone every fow We a the be like still in flame, derricks stretching for miles, against which the lised on the mole and inner harbours stood cranes and silhouette. Above the flames and rolling to out the in trel reservoirs. The green light on the end of the mole, probward hung a black pall of smoke from the burning west oil as ably supplied by a portable gas bottle, was still gleaming, more. were had probably ranged properly the the desultory she but targets during them the a t
Channel. were several buoys in the roadstead and the Dunkirk
Roamer's starshells and from
As we turned eastward and came the mouth of the harbour a destroyer was just gliding across in to take off her load of French troops lined up on the Suddenly her observing to the Germans in a were few rounds. on no
Bren guns spouted streams of coloured quay. tracer bullets into invisible to us, followed suit and in a minute or so the sky the sky. A second later all the ships in the vicinity,
B.E.F. decided Two gave and to up a search head half hope miles popped the of wre find was pierced with a shower of golden rain like firework night hear at Henley, In the noise and darkness I could neither nor see the enemy plane, but better trained than she dropped her bombs.
through the wheelhouse and rattled our doors told when mine had found her and the whoof of hot air that eyes pushed
THE Anglais against her Anglais against ha A voice
A grim view through the wheelhouse window.
Four Naval ratings, in charge of the Lieut., fixed up the tions wrecks that encumbered the roadstead. way Our instruc-
In the light of the flames we picked our between her machine gun, stowed the ammunition and rations and impede east bigger ships, and to go to the beach the we northwere to keep out of the harbour, where might hitched a suitable boat astern. Soon, with relief, we slipped out of the harbour beyond recall.
plan and locate and take off troops there. Following to this before.sen They by the the last enem of ag
After the destroyers had passed I am afraid we looked the beach we passed the mole, turned in as close as possible to crossed-eyed at the official route instructions for deepertide and crawled eastward towards La Panne. The draught craft and shaped a course of our own, directly was able was high, and Sea Roamer," drawing only 4 ft.,
THE next. said:
THE days ha across the shallows and the west end of the Breedt Bank, starshell to get within 50 yards of the A German
So we left the fleet of French fishermen, Dutch schuits, scene. hung for minutes in the sky, lighting shore. up the whole trawlers and other vessels to follow the deeper channels.
To the north-east we could hear the crump, crump, of megaphone, Any more for the Mudlark?" yelled through the heavy gun fire and hoped it was the Navy shelling the
There Any more for Blighty?" we ing up on us.
German advance, The sight of Dunkirk, as we approached, was truly unforgettable. The whole place was a wall of above recognized the Casino and the beach at all. road
I was no sign of life upon the the beach. As I looked an incendiary Kursaal on shell the burst opere being about the fathom mega- light,

hea
The MOTOR
We
TIN HATTED cruiser and harnessed astic It B.E.F. was V.R. trunking of out which est
"Sea Dunkirk Cruise Work D. Wheatley the Evacuation
The MOTOR BOAT TING and
___???___ B.s Shawer Shather ___???___ THE to far gun on from She was ___???___ ___???___ bows. had each it was m struck me togoing She she to could the was ake that roof it at with "Sea twin had sky-British a Mae planes, orders by wave extra-large ablars, several extra-large sky stars, the was 4 4 T2 I
Proceeded vicinity of ___???___ Soung buoys the over fol we the snug way, knocked bucked a claim for along. this That Sunday Lewis It Sea was in new thing But had Sea been the was her came high speed. a So, craft order Navy, the over smoke view flame not possess allowed
The author (centre) with between Leaving Dunkirk's them area and pall spreadher ands broken sheet series beach fire ___???___ the through ___???___ about along 1,000 the line and flame, Sea two Roamer. the French
The 43-ft. cruiser avoidingy "Sea Roam the and still in as as were soldiers but of of at rvoirs, The the rescued
___???___
___???___
___???___
___???___
___???___
just
PROPERTY
___???___
our
Bren load the harbour French we turned several destroyer by eastward buoys in the & on roadstead and more.
were had
___???___
the reluct the the our do
Paud
___???___
rope
A
beach and of hear night invisible the sky, us, spouted second troops streams ver was just came up of on gliding in the the the Bleaming her of
THE
from few nearer
___???___
the siat
THE her our Naval charge the wheelhouse window, in were finding
We rail we wrecks over and swell off.
line
Darted and the from
THE THE left shallows and the was THE ammunition instructions I of with the afraid relief, Lieut, we rations looked slipped fixed and up was the plan east impede tions the she through In mine wrecks were dropped the the to wheelhouse and plane, noise rattled whoof but all her shoulded
___???___
4
ou
___???___
the home been we heavy
Finally
Anglais we her iron in in against the
OM7
were fiends, had and bigger locate ships, keep out bered flames of when whether very like them the
___???___
___???___
19
starshell tide able beach was we hung for togh, passed and crawled and the and mole, take castward and off troops
___???___
___???___
told
Finally have
They we this read:
water megaphone, scene. Any for within minutes Sea in beforeied the days wreck this came man, on
Lieut.
creepenter two the the bit, for looked like
Panne, above recognized the beach. sign yelled up A German only A whole The beachawn as the Having
14
the all through the incendiary on the shell burst road ing up
Whilst these operat ions were being

Burnham
EXHIBITION
44
Sall
155
The MOTOR
SHERIES
Patrolling
MONGST
YACHTING T and litter some the
THE THE
the Inland the Inland the Inland the Inland required for spare-time) and and (both on Hill, full- the panying
L.17/10/40
On being a operated in determine
Club operation undertaken the the Little of the official River London title Local of a which patrol formation Ship and manded mpany.
the
C.
Forces. cerned, are Under So under far these Local as are al Military Commands as L.D.V. The terms Land mili- con are be local Moto for At its Boat knowledge and of the its which the Patrola
G. ___???___ THE THE THE
Trent. in all We offered the services Trem the meeting
Little Ship can be obtained E.
headapproach In offer to
Ambulance tricts. trial towns, also extensive flow inland waterways
Boats roads for whils the Rivers waterways and the to to is experienced, Society would no and of or Canals difficulty trols. further with to club give us, informa- being when them attempted may a air they will we people in
Hence, be that the Germland quarters that as Theseve, in and make the British ambulance on the a boats as possible, be expanded the the the news Ressary Health, could Cross pro- be water. most THE in
___???___
some Number ard Number ard Number ard railways It is of reasonably ambulance speed, Prefervery to Severn arrangement, principle to adopt such it the is desirable Thames is being that the on neces- be
A
plete They which 501-551, series ticulars of of the have boats, and The exist when THE are most of of craft value. ctual war 1 in the motor size to struction Types of Italian torpedo of the s of Italian of Italian work. of Italian have
___???___ now other the Minerable. waterside cruising design, and Their all commenced craft, nine all or M.T.B.s Sections be of attached.Vo. Ministry miles. with It speed seems radius is are
Isotta- placement a beam are 10 about is 14 now 20 ft tons. dis.
450 Some gallons.ol-tank of of
THE the that Italy are 56 boats ft, also and have 14,4 the a more about fitted with after Possibly, on over 70 motor can each. be with carry two a the two 21-in, 1,000 and the Bagliether outbreaks of concentrated ament speed 1,000 is h.p.
six varies, but 47 knots. stated ing world record claimed to have and one carry
THE THE last of class boats is tubes, They h.p.
depth charges, they two mostly Their for 89.7 I hr. kiloms, and for per such hour, craft, achieved of seem cm.
45.5 In knots for 84.7 a kiloms. per maintains were not to addition to period these M.T.B.s, of 12 hrs. hr., Italy or
STATE the their then building the Italian would soon available for be in which from pon- case
Italy, not pedo knots have per hr.
hecraft

10 Burnham on Crouch
Silver Road
SEASALTER
INTERNATIONAL FIS ERIES EXHIBITION
SIX MEDALS
VICTORI
RECINA
LONDON 1883
156
FISHERIES
XHIBITION
THE SEASALTER & HAM OYSTER FISHERY
COMPANY
LIMITED.
WHITSTABLE,
TELEPHONE 2003,
TELEGRAMS "SEASALTER
DIRECTORS
WHITSTABLE
MAJOR A GARDNER, M.C. CHAIRMAN
COMMOR L.G.GARDNER R.N. LRETOI
E.W. LUCKHURST
H.W. M COX.
a RECEIVED 15/11/17
LONDON WAREHOUSE.
PRODUCERS OF THE CELEBRATED WHITSTABLE NATIVES
PUDDING LANE,
161/17
MONUMENT STREET, E.C.3.
SHELLFISH MERCHANTS
TELEPHONE: MANSION HOUSE
3965 & 3966
HEAD OFFICE
TELEGRAMS SEASALTER,
BILGATE, LONDON
WHITSTABLE.
REGISTRY
October 1st 1940.
Dear Sir, l
"SEASALTER" T.0.9144/STN.6B.
k id
Referring to your circular letter of above reference, we have pleasure in enclosing herewith an account of the
"Seasalter's" voyage to Dunkirk and back, written by the and
Master, Mr L.W. Salmon.
You will notice that our vessel was one of the first iculthree to arrive on the spot.
el
Your kind acknowledgment will oblige, my
Yours faithfully, per pre
The Seasalter and Ham Oyster
The Director of Sea Transport,
Fishery Company Limited.
Ministry of Shipping, he
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London. W.1.
Secretary, few troops to the engines failing we had to
Owing WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads tide off and shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising being the Whilst these operations were being carried out we were

10 Silver Road
THE
Burnham on Crouch bren
157
friday 27 nel sept 40
On Wednesday may 29 40. returning from a days
Oynler daedging with the ayalir dredy ing smach "Sea9alten" me were hailed by the
Oynlir dredg my venel "Vanquard" and informed that a naval Commander weshed to nee the
Secraller a
introduced to Commander Bowler R.N., who
We immediately went as hare and were l
told us the Searallir was required to attempt l
A
the heach at Dunkish I volunteered to like his help having back some of the Soldiers off
, cle the Seasaller & ashed for a crew, Dech book tie the engineer & Bill Bridge one of the hands id also voluntiered.
The Commander a and there would he live as ha the and Mar-Toie, We were required la leave other M.Y. boals, the oyslir dredg ing vessel Vanguard his are were laken & the e emander whiched following marning at Our farticul-
L
ag dou as luch, We fent the rest of the evening were taking about liares water d refueling,
We ded not have a bool on deck as the acr
Commander had and it would be in the we
Wear way, hot alloyeather liking the sound of
La ranna WILLON we could quit one begin W. Bouy
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

(=\
ioh a small prom dingey (Incedently the lided lufing accommodation for a couple of diers on the returns)
158
he engenes running 91. tarted to some in
2 all mustared and gal. aboard and got al. 4-49' a.111. the next morning 30/5
foggy and by 6: a.m. it. was thich which delay ed our alirt untill 6.30.0.111.
It was decided beliver us that second & Seasallis in the rear
M.Y. mar. Taie c hould he backing a hif. Vanyuard
We started in their order passed Hown the river out of the Whittacher channel through the x3 arrow 9 walich across he l
like N. Forland, by now the for had tide cleared there wosn't a a rippl and the was running his the west.
at our course for Goodwin light nessel from the north Fareland me a haped possed his Dunkirk alone la the and 9 helped our we course off were down not forggy, We had no charlis & our companer after about bio hour, leaving it. came as rels we were alrigh fahe a patrol ship onking way if across me of the best, roughly half der.
is
Weather will this was at the w. Bouy calm. we could quit begin
La ranna WILLON
a few tro to the engines failing we had to leave with only
Owing WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads of and the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

F
ear the gum and some aircraft which wouldn 1. are because of the for.
159
It was 6 p.m. when we potted the coart ficked up Dunkirk bighthouse right ahad
We could a hill hear aircraft above, then the foy lifted alloyeather x the AA yum lets loase at the flows one of which fotted us dived low and machine. qunned us but missed He was nd low 9 could nee the crosses undercarrange a lowed away and the dirly ail marks he dedint waste a bouth on in upo, another plane made a dine but couldn't get in for lion to fire
We were now gifting alone is the a hare of by 6. 45 p.m were al the harbour entrance we arked romone on the breakwales where we hurbour a hould 90 & were lold yet. out. of the
We then approached a deslaryer to ask what he do when we got near the der lary er appear after the fire we al 4 learned the sur craft up lowards no we the cheared bost off beach, ho one pake his us or look any we had been told there would he hundards notice at all we thought this trange as of boals of somone his till us what his der.
in lead of that we were the first three
La ranna WITTON
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops, and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide,
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

now n
Pl l eraft there, by then me dedn't want 160
billing the solders were coming off the beach inginy his bili of wood & wrechage d my thing that would floot; as we gal. alone enough we began to feck them up, We new a row boat coming off loaded reght slows with broops & with this we went li d fro bringin off as many as it would clare hold & in the meantime me went round picking up as many as we sould, when we had gal. a load we would like them off to one of the ships lay ing off in the deep water some where Dustch coor lier flying the While enrigh d the armed you
I
Grieve"
unfortunately like mar Tail had yal. into id beach, we went along side & were lald the difficulties of had to he towed off the rudder was broken & the propellor fouled,
It was decided they e hould come aboard us as their shif was uselen, flying around, AA quan banying & all over all this line the ain was deafening aircraft the place fountains of water would fling into like air. We went on getting loads
& liking them off lis like ships
La ranna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

13/
>
the row boat same off ned lime the faces crew Q a roldier look over. x there me men rowed back x farth all the rest.
the time we were there
161
of it. hadn't been for this soldier we a houldn't have done much yood. He was
ESSE
a man of rang hly 40, born at Tabbury and before like was was a harge 8 hipper,
This man warked like a hero, hemarrhalled the men into the hoat and and again where he got lilo boat from we dout know I along the whale length of the heach there was no more that 8 as 9
row boals he could have gove aboard one of the a hips hut he would ul leave the row boal about lin clock it hegan hi get dark, id alie ships got there enchors up and gat out of it. We were will getting colders about Q could find na whit li put them an: by eleven there we were with ninety men abound, we didn't know what to do with them ad we fut livenly aboard the Vong ward. we game them some her we had & Bill made lice & gave them beauti the remainder of and stares we didn't know whether we were doing
La ranna WITTON
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

were
15
&
l' or wrong. Tombs were falling 8 whells any all around na we decided la make
Rams gale rul we gal out with ant seeing ar hitting my thing 9 dont know any rale we did and by twelve o'clack we were clear 162
we then a haped our course fur hamigati me hadn i. gone for when we met a convoy of small a hip going in they had was flying around drapping parachuli na leghti as me had na byhli, Jerry flares of bombs, but there fell nowhere near us.
havy hips came and had a look at ur.
We kept comeny arcros, d all kind of his freshen & name of the a alders on deck at nearly 4.a.m. (Friday) the wind a listed gat a wetting We heard na more aircraft & sleamed inlie Rams ali with the Vanyuarer in the rear at q 8. 30.9.m.
the a alders went as hare all sumed very happy, if they hall been whit mich we untill lay alongride the guay. ho one pake li as the aftervoor when we were labely Xi with the other small eraft to disperse immediately. reved home we made for B urupan lad his have at medning hi. Salarday dirly de lired & but
L. w. & almous.
braug hi a few chaps acron,
La ranna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops, and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide,
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

Ho
165
must
2161.
163
hell Beach
164
1e 145
for
44/S.T.N.6B
Canvey Soland.
anks
4th October 1940.
the
Easex
Sir at
I have to acknowledge receipt of and your letter dated 1st October 1940
in
Operations insofar as your "SEASALTER"
enclosing report on the Dunkirk ys, took part in these operations, and to wheat for the performance uest thank you for the most interesting information which you have been good please find enclosed my 29/-
enough to supply. It is anticipated that this report will be of value in fter Ecthing.
d the compiling the final report which will
Ems which do not
8
be arawn up on these operations.
y to family for whom mpany
I am, Sir, ute
Your obedient Servant, eed at the effort Roy brown and ure a sticker.
asked and
Director of Sea Transport these notes when their he Secretary, Seasalter & Ham Oyster Fishery Ltd. information you
Whitstable.
icess ating
Allan Bassell Faithfully almost and my estimate of number of men we got tish perate away between 192 thousand. at
+
he was umo she in on board.
la runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troo
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

165
(64
e 36/5
shell Beach sor
Pe M.V. Shamrock
Canvey Soland.
anks the
T.O. 9144/STN.6B.
Easex at and
Dear his in ys,
In answer to your request for the performance uest of the above craft at Dunkirk. please find enclosed my 29/-
notes which & wrote 3 days after Ecturning.
di the there is of course certain items which do not
8
y to interest you but they do my family for whom mpany ute they were writin, eed at and
I cannot praise too highly the effort Roy Brown ure but into this job he was a sticker.
asked and will you kindly Ecture these notes when their you have extracted any information you cess require
Fan Sir ating yours Faithfully almost and my estimate of number of men we gst tish perate away between 19 2 thousand.
to at he was umo she in on board.
la runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few t
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads o the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising ti
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

165
Tuesday June I940 a police message arrived asking me to ring Commander Bowles Southend Naval Control.
16/5
Several questions were asked as to condition of Motor
Vessel "Shamrock". She was in perfect condition and Fuel Tanks full, having just been passed by the Ministry of Shipping for the carrying of passengers on short trips from Canvey beach.
Can you make the South Downs he asked, where is that
Sir I replied, just off Deal and Dover. I agreed to try, and upon instructions proceeded to take on board 30 Gallons Fuel in
5 Gallons containers, sufficient food and water for four days, and discard the Buoyant apparatus which are always carried.
Roy Brown aged I8 of Canvey Island answered my request by turning up at dawn with food and kit, we left with Donald my 29/-
youngest son to see us off.
On reaching Southend Naval Control we were informed the journey was to Dunkirk and a further IO Gallons of petrol was provided. Roy Brown at this stage was given an opportunity to stay behind but he declined and expressed his desire to accompany me. A requisition note was handed to me also a Special Route for Small Craft Thames to Dunkirk. reading:- you are to proceed at your utmost speed direct to the beaches eastward of Dunkirk, and course etc; before leaving I regret to note with displeasure four Skippers of upper Thames passenger Vessels said No when asked if they could make Dunkirk, although their bunkers were full and a heap of Fuel on deck they were immediately ordered to take their
Vessels with the letter "M" on their funnels to Sheerness presumably to be taken over by Naval Units.
Our four little crafts set off in Convoy, The Princess
Maud Manned by Naval Ratings, The Canvey Queen by I Naval Rating and I Civillian, The Queen of England by 3 Civilians, The
Shamrock by myself and Roy Brown, when off Shoeburyness the
Canvey Queen received Engine trouble and we took her in fow almost to Mangate when she was able to proceed under her own power and remain SO.
It was about 6 miles off Margate we sighted a British
Fighter Aircraft about 50 feet above the water making a desperate bid to reach our shores, smoke pouring from its Engine as it wobbled and whizzed by us, we could only look and wish him silently a happy landing. The Maud called me alongside she was taking water rather badly and borrowed and kept my Bilge Pump she also seemed to have difficulty in keeping his proper course in spite of having both the Canvey Queen's Compass and my own on board.
la runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops, and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

AGEST
Jest:
Stavez in
E.S.
(2)
166
DEC
The Queen of England and Shamrock kept a fairly straight course and keeping about 30 yards apart followed Destroyers, as they g(
rask got out of sight we followed their smoke and then the place on the
That horizon where the smoke was last seen in this way we continued, one could not help feeling convinced by the numerous British to
188
noc
Naval Craft which seemed to pop up from all directions that the
English Channel was still English.
FRO
I arroused Brown from a good sleep to point out what appeared to be a periscope travelling in the opposite direction about 300 yards on our port side, he soon bought my revolver which was stowed forward and placed it in front of me as he said you might want it. As darkness fell so did the temperature it was darned cold. Many Vessels passed us in both directions some uncomfortably close and of course not shewing any lights whatever and more than once we were almost dashed against our fellow boats by the huge wash from passing Vessels. The sea was calm but the swell was unlike anything I had experienced before, and the trail of light phosphorus green behind each boat was a pretty but monotonous sight.
We seemed to be near the coast now about I6 miles West of Dunkirk heavy machines were over head we could not tell to whom they belonged, Artillery action on the land could be seen and heard quite plainly. Ahead everything was blazing, oil and petrol tanks were continually expboding near the coast the noise and flames were beyond description, I was feeling a bit weary about the f feet cramp through cold was agrivating me, it was about I6 hours since we left Canvey.
Brown took the wheel while I had a sip from a lemonade bottle, a metter of seconds when I noticed one OfH.M. Ships bearing down on us.
Then came the crash, I could see the Queen of England being sliced in two.
There was not time for words, in my effort to gain control poor Brown was knocked to the deck, but I managed to open the throttle and swing her round and so miss the same fate by inches. We heard the cries of come on Canvey in the darkness and by by bawling where are you, where are you, we located and grabbed them into our boat as the remnants of their beautiful craft were just disappearing. We came alongside the big dark ship an officer' after making enquiries about the condition off the 3 men dropped a rope ladder down and took them on board, we did'nt even say Good night
La runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

(3)
(67
Bombs were falling rather thick and heavy making Vivid reen flashes and showers of sparks which must be seen to be elieved.
Our search for the other two convoy mates continued, we found the Canvey Queen only and took her in tow, her engine had stopped. I came close to a burning troop ship and dropped Anchor thinking the bonbers would not trouble to bomb her again, I was right but the continuous explosions on board made rather an uncomfortable shelter.
Dawn soon came we stared and stared at what looked like thousands of sticks on the beach and were amazed to see them turn into moving masses of humanity. I thought quickly of going in picking up 70 to 80 and clearing off, with the sun behind me I
calculated I should find some East Coast town. We got our freight so did the Canvey Queen when I realised it would be selfish to clear off when several destroyers and large vessels were waiting in deep water to be fed by small craft, so I decided what our job was to be.
We could seat 60 men and with those standing we had about
80 weary and starving British Troops some without boots some only in their pants but enough life left in them to clamber on board the
Destroyers with the kind hand of every available seaman.
Again and again we brought our cargo to this ship until she was full, the Canvey Queen and the Maud were doing likewise.
The Destroyers moved off whilst we were still made fast and we were carried to a very awkward position under her stern and saved from anything more serious by the quick work of an A.B.
who set us adrift.
By this time I was numb to anything else that was taking place, Aeroplanes, Guns, and flames it was not bravery but just a will to snatch those boys away from the hell which might overtake them at any time.
Our next Load nearly all north county lads had an officer a captain I believe, who demanded that his men be taken to a
Destroyer and not a Troopship as I had been ordered. I regret having to tell him to shut up but having done so the whole crowd were silent and well behaved and were put aboard the Troopship.
Navigation was extreemly difficult owing to the various wreckage upturned boats floating Torpedos and soldiers in the water trying to be sailors for the first time, they paddled their collapsable little boats out to me with the Butts of thrir rifles and many shouted that they were sinking, we could not help them, I was in shore as close as I dare, stop shouting and save your breath and bail out with your steel helmets was the only command suitable for the occasion scores offered me cash and personal belongings which I
refused saying my name is Barrell Canvey Island send me a poatcard
La runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troop
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

"SILVERY BREEZE
cade
(4)
168
you et home alright, they have all forgotten, no wonder.
Frantically we kept running in front of the large red rick building which will be familiar to thousands, the remains of he white hot Crested Eagle still smouldering just eastward and still bey marched column after column through the gaps in the sand dunes.
Whilst serving the Destroyer H.M.S. 4.40 I could not get a volunteer from the soldiers to take the 3 or 4 ships life boats back to the shore "They were all done up".
I ordered Roy Brown to do so he did this without hesitation and continued this work for a considerable time, while his place on the Shamrock was taken over by a seaman lent to me by the Destroyer
Commander. The Princess Maud ventured in too close and was aground, scores waded out and climbed on board her but it was obvious she was to be another souvenir for Fritz.
STATEM
I was ordered by an officer of this Destroyer not to bring anymore wounded but my very next trip found me helping aboard a badly wounded young lad, for this I was shouted at by the same
113
officer my reply was a rude army one which could not be withdrawn.
The officer was right, there was no room for medical attention on his ship, burp what could you do.
I took in tow 3 large Carley Floats one behind the other these were filled to capacity about 50 men in each standing up to their waists in water in the net inside.
My craft was well loaded too, we were just making for our
Destroyer when I was brought to a standstill, my ungine stopped the propeller had fouled, I believe a human @bstruction. There were many in the shallow water. I signalled the Canvey Queen to take me in tow and with a struggle against the tide she got us along side and every man got aboard o.k. one of them took my revolver from under my nose; its a way they have in the army. Naval men came down and tried to free the obstruction without success. I was too weak to dive under the thick black oil which surrounded us, so rather than be left sitting on our useless craft I asked to be taken on H. S. ship
1
this was the last straw, having to leave my vessel which constituted ay life savings.
the followed fire expinguishers were taken on the Destroyer. Roy Brown
My spare fuel was taken off by a small Naval motor boat, one more glance at the beach.
me up quickly on board as she was about to leave. I took up youing prayed.
Sat down beneath a gun with my hands over my face and you
These notes are true and unpolished. allanBarrell
La ranna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more load the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were bei

"SILVERY BREEZE
LEPHONES:
PADDON BROTHERS LTD.
170
TON 7205/6/7.
TELEGRAMS:
ESTABLISHED 1905,
PADSOP, SOUTHKENS, LONDON.
RED,SUBJECT UNSOLD.
LATE OF 1, ALBEMARLE ST.,PICCADILLY,
W.I.
60, Cheval Place,
N.B.-PASSING HARRODS
S-ROYCE SPECIALISTS
ON LEFT, CHEVAL PLACE
CARS OF ANY MAKE
IS SECOND ON RIGHT.
AIRS.INSURANCE.SERVICE
Brompton Road, S.W.7.
DIRECTORS:
HIS GRACE
HE DUKE OF SOMERSET, D.S.O.O.B.E.
London 11ᵗʰ hoo 1940
PHIL PADDON(MANAGING DIRECTOR)
HUGH KELLER.
SALES MANAGERI
ARTHUR VERLEY.
SECRETARY
Ouk. sent oth 15/4
MISS M.B. JAMES
Duection of sea Transport musisting of Shipping
Bukeley SG Aruse
Bukeley Sq WI,
INTERNATIONAL OF NON REGISTRA RECENVED 01 &I 113111811 W x d
Dear Lis ilst will reference ti your letter T.O. 9144 STN 6B.
at 2pm on 294 may 1940 Y
received a lilephine this age from the naval crutine, that my
Cruiser Silvery Breeye" was wanted: although I was having aboard and had ti remove all my personal sear and prepare the boat pm a roy age, filling up will wali, peliod eli X provisioning tw 3 days J. reported at Cadogan
Pier at 9 pm X handed over h the adminallis at 8.30 am.
one additional pleasure of
La runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troop and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

will - WOODAS
SUN
ti at &
6.1
LETTER SENT
. 1940
172
this 3 on I subse 90 officed mas alone my mill m the
5 ft draft
ASERTIONINA POST
4/S.T.N.6B
14th November, 171 1940
ing a speed
OF
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Scout (Ger a free flath my 30 may.
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Lacht Basi
:0 instructions been my 3 crop our friend went as skipper the and which irst of a
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public that. over the and on mdde had heard Mal.
1 hope taken lab's also Latie had I over makowen hit took part thank you Operations the report up the on drafted these final out ept a 16th to story wher, in and compa was
Servant, Sund arts wer
I Your obedient rounge presente
(Sgd) A.H. DRUERY
be ing
12
you the You Yours mile W. is Coallain the how Palier.
for Director of have sea Transport.
Sixty
P.S.
nt. tother aid do
The fail me 4 not.
Arthur
.N.R. (Ret)n, we bu ha mo
Ta 1 luin sland was East fully kun.
to someone better equipped. aircraft, A few three minute figh to
Tass my G
as had our first they could be offensive, them a British off. At 2 25 P.M
introduction to enemy Destroye first introduc r
Before they overhauled ONE
and things high. I think. Before - overhauled us Motor and drove Cruiser "Westerly"; broken ratings a and closed the 25 ft of two (plus three naval quickly - S
a osed the on fire. As the crew wished to abandon ship - and additional a
things up side in Dunkirk) and took them aboard giving them the pl
La runna
Willing the engines failing we had here to I with
Owing and to back to Dunkirk W to proceeded which we were now able being the Whilst shore these operations were

91.
R
the
/ MOOORS
6
3
SUN
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Who
9
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yes
S.
LETTER SENT
1930
172
4/S.T.N.6B
14th November, 1940
5 ft draft
3
the ing a speed
,ir,
Scout (Gera
6313
33
your enclosing I letter have to OF OF
acht Basin
:0 instruc insofar as in
R.S.
1331
G
took part for the to supply.
irst of a my thank you been Dated you It will report 18 anticipated be which of value will in that be enough compiling drawn this up report the on these final ept a story 16th in compa
Nab 3 3 Yaur 2 237 Cand
Mal operations.
to and was
I am, Your Sir, obedient Servant, wner,
, arts wer
X18
STATE OMA Kaun STORE Fand Indiana Hidap OF
rounge
3.3
Paint.
(Sgd) A.H. DRUERY
presente for Director of Sea Transport. be ing
Arthur Verley Esq.,
60 Cheval Place, have to
Brompton Road, nt.
aid do
S.W.1.
letter on the Bre sing ar part as the for the enough to
.N.R. (Ret)n, bu
9.
we ha anticipated that thi to someone better equipped. A few minute be of value in compi rt which will be dre ations.
the had our first introduction to enemy aircraft, three figh high.. Before they could be offensive, a British Destroye under which case mon that
I think - overhauled us and drove them off. At 2 25 P.M
for sons and closed the 25 ft Motor Cruiser Westerly"; broken a on fire. As the crew of two (plus three naval ratings S
up in Dunkirk) wished to abandon ship - and quickly - I
side and took them aboard giving them the additional pl
La runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to 1,
WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we and the shore which we were now able to do being 08

COCKFOSTERS,
HERTS.
SUNDOWNER
391.
ctober 9th 1930
173
172
5 ft draft. 26 tons redd.
Director of Sea Transport.
Ministry of Shipping.
ing a speed of 10 Knots.
erkeley Square House.
Berkeley Square.
Scout (Gerald Ashwell)
at 41
Yacht Basin. Chiswick
:0 instructions
Sir,
T.0.9144@STN.6B.
irst of about 40 boats
I received your letter of Sept 16th and as requested have drafted out a story in company with five embodying particulars of my trip to and was instructed
Dunkirk with my motor yacht Sundowner, arts were somewhat which I enclose herewith.
rounge one a little
I have the honour to be presented with a ing - - as I expected -
Sir,
Your obedient servant.
6 W.Lightston aid down. Half way
Comdr D.S.C. R.N.R. (Ret)n, but having no we had to leave 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 - Wocester
?
I think - overhauled us and drove them off. At 2 25 P.M., We sighted and closed the 25 ft 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 giving them the additional pleasure of
La runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troop and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

SUNDOWNER
173
M. Y. "SUNDOWNER".
A Motor Cruiser of 59 ft over all. 12 ft beam. 5 ft draft. 26 tons redd.
32 tons gross. 72 hp 6 cyl Gleniffer Deisel giving a speed of 10 Knots.
My son F.R. Lightoller and I with one Sea Scout (Gerald Ashwell)
took her out of her winter quarters at Cubitts Yacht Basin. Chiswick on May 31st at 11 a.m. and proceeded according to instructions towards Southend where we arrived at midnight, first of about 40 boats which mustered at Westminster.
At 3 15 a.m. of April 1st we left Southend in company with five others. Arriving off Ramsgate I asked for orders and was instructed
"Proceed to Dunkirk for further orders". 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 10 a.m., by the route laid down. Half way across we avoided a floating mine by a narrow margin, but having no firearms of any description - not even a tin hat we had to leave 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 - Wocester
100
I think - overhauled us and drove them off. At 2 25 P.M., We sighted and closed the 25 ft 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 giving them the additional pleasure of a runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few tro
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

-2-
174
ice again facing the hell they had only just left.
We made the fairway buoy to the Roads shortly after the sinking of a French transporttwith severe loss of life. Steaming slowly through the wreckage we entered the Roads.
For some time now we had been subject to sporadic bombing and machine gun fire but as the Sundowner is exceptionally and extremely quick on the helm, by waiting till the last moment and putting the helm hard over - my son at the wheel - we easily avoided every attack - though sometimes near lifted out of the water.
on
It had been my intention of going right/to the Beaches, where my second son 2nt Lt R.T. Lightoller had been evacuated some
48 hours previously; but those of the Westerly informed me that the troops were all away, so I headed up for Dunkirk piers. By now dive bombers seemed to be eternally dropping out of the cloud of enemy aircraft overhead. Within half a mile of the pier heads a two funnelled grey painted transport had overhauled and was just passing, us to port when two salvoes were dropped in quick succession right along her port side. For a few moments she was hid in smoke and I certainly thought they had got her. Then she reappeared still gaily heading for the piers and entered just ahead of us.
The difficulty of taking troops on board from quay high above us was obvious, so I went alongside a Destroyer (Wocester again
I think) where they were already embarking. I got hold of her captain and told him I could take about a hundred (though the most I had ever had on board was twenty one). He. after consultation with the military C.O., told me to carry on and get the troops aboard. I
may say here that before leaving Cubitts Yacht Basin, we had worked
La ranna WITHOR
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few to
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads o the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tid
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being and

-3-
175
all night stripping her down of everything movable, masts included that would tend to lighten her and make for more room.
WAS
My son, as previously arranged, to pack the men in and use every available inch of space - which I'll say he carried out to some purpose. On deck I detailed a naval rating to tally the troops aboard. At 50 I called below "How are you getting on?"
Getting the cheery reply, " Oh plenty of room yet". At 75 my son admitted they were getting pretty tight for room - all equipment and arms were being left on deck.
I now started to pack them on deck having passed word below for every man to lie down and keep down; 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 130
on board including 3 Sundowners and 5 Westerly's.
During the whole embarkation we had quite a lot of attention from enemy planes, but derived an amazing degree of comfort from the fact that the Wocester's A.A. guns kept up an everlasting bark overhead.
Casting off and backing out we entered the Roads again, there 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 wholly occupied watching the steering and passing orders to Roger at the wheel. Any time an aircraft seemed inclined to try its hand on us, one of the lookouts would just call quietly,
"Look out for this bloke skipper", at the same time pointing. One
La runna WITTON --
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few tr
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads of the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tid
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

-5-
177
.lead the heavy wash. The M.C., being where it was, to have taken one of these seas on either the quarter or beam would have at once put paid to our otherwise successful cruise. The effect of the consequent plunging on the troops below, in a stinking atmosphere with all ports and skylights closed, can well be imagined. They were literally packed like the proverbial sardines, even one in the bath and another on the W.C., so that all the poor devils could do was sit and be sick. Added were the remnants of bully beef and buscuits. So that after discharging our cargo in Ramsgate at 10 p.m., there lay before the three of us a nice clearing up job.
Arriving off the harbour I was at first told to "lie off".
But when I informed them that I had 130 on board, permission was at once given to "Come in", (I dont think the authorities believed for a minute that I had 130) and I put her alongside a trawler lying at the quay. Whilst entering, the men started to get to their feet and she promptly went over to a terrific angle. I got them down again in time and told those below to remain below and lying down till I gave the word. The impression ashore was that the 50
odd lying on deck plus the mass of equipment, was my full load.
After I had got rid of those on deck I gave the order "come up from below" and the look on the official facess was amusing to behold as troops vomited up through the forward companionway, the after companion way and the doors either side of the wheelhouse.
As a stoker P.O., helping them over the bulwarks said "Gods truth mate where did you put them" - he might well ask.
My intention had been to clear up the mess, get a couple or hours sleep - we had had none for two nights - and push off again.
La ranna which IS avous ----
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few tr
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads of the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

-4-
176
omber that had been particularly offensive, itself came under the notice of one of our fighters and suddenly plunged vertically into the sea just about 50 yards astern of us. It was the only time any man ever raised his voice above a conversational tone, but as that big black bomber hit the water they raised an echoing cheer.
My youngest son Pilot Officer H.B. Lightoller (lost at the outbreak of war 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 tatics (at which he was apparently particularly good) and I attribute, in a great measure, our success in getting across without a single casualty to his unwitting help.
On one occasion an enemy machine came up astern at about 100 ft with the obvious intention of raking our decks. He was coming down in a gliding dive and I knew that he must elevate some 10 to 15 degrees before his guns would bear. Telling my son
"Stand by" I waited till as near as I could judge, he was just on the point of pulling up and then "Hard-a-port". (She turns exastly
180 degrees in exactly her own length). This threw his aim completely off. He banked and tried àgain. Then "Hard-a-starboard", with the same result. After a third attempt he gave it up in disgust.
Had I had a machine gun of any sort, he was a sitter - in fact there were at least theee that I am confident we could have accounted for during the trip.
Not least of our difficulties was contending with the wash of fast craft, such as destroyers and transposts. In every instance I had to stop completely, take the way off the ship and
La Kanna which is about nine
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few tr
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads of the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

-6-
178
/e might as well have pushed off right away for no sooner had we turned in than a boad under our bows caught fire and so ended all thoughts of sleep. Then a little later, to our disappointment we learnt that for the slower boats, the authorities had decided to call it a day.
However apart from the satisfaction of at least one
IS Now successful trip, shewas taken ofer by the Admiralty and proudly flying the White Ensign with my son in command.
b Liglaum
La ranna which IS avoue
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

H.O.
179
SUNSHINE
S
ECEIVED
144/5.T.N. 6.B.
180
wance Road
SEP.M.
21
16th October, 1940.
Pamsgale
STABLISHED
820
191
Sir,
July 4th 40
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the 9th October, she was liaken
183
1940, enclosing reports on the
(30
(30th)
rey.
Dunkirk operations insofar as your ay 29th to help vessel "Sundowner" took part in these operations and to thank you near Dunkerque for the most interesting information you have been good enough to supply,
= wich 7 others
This report will be of great value to the Department in drawing up bringing hoops reports on these operations.
on board of
I an, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, m to various
N.
continuouly ine.
Director of Sea Transport.
largert, some y that of
Commander C.H. Lightoller, D.S.C.R.N.R.
and severely damy craft a
Cockfosters,
HERTS.
with greatly myself a
chem tions to and some got over by
/
and left no an out of the lay 310r) there was by one hey had a
swen on the a and we put er the claimed live of our crew in the "sunshme" and dropped too good he large the sumotine" in m the shore with 90
send and fachons of veering line and pulled chem nt and off to che life boot till we loaded, then cook ch rifle the soldiers
Thames.
touch
With une will go on record.
Yours faithfully, la Panna which is about nine miles further round the coast.
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops
WE
and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

Runs Line
SUNSHINE
STATE
ECEIVED
File
JUL 5 REGISTRY 1940 RECEIVED
180
)
SEP P.M.
7 alliance Road
21
Sir RE, "Sunohis DE
15/16/21
Ramsgate
STABLISHED
1820.
July 4th 40
In reference to the above craft she was liakm
183
rey.
by the admnaliy on Thursday may 29th to help in the evacuation of the B.E.F near Dunkerque
This boat was used on the shore wich 7 others small boats on Thursday evening bringing hoops off the shore and putting chem on board of the Life boat and transferrig chem to various
N.
crafis lying off. the was working continuouly ine.
as she was the best boat and the largert, some y that of the other boals were slove in and severely damy craft aged on Friday that it was with greatly myself tions to difficulty to keep them afloat, and some got over by m the shore and warhed up and (3104) left no by one only with 3 out of the eight. Friday there was hey had er the a narly swell on the a and we put claimed too good live of our crew in the "sunshme" and dropped he large send and the Sunshine" in m the shore with 90
fachons of veering line and pulled chem nt and ch rifle off to che life boot till we loaded, them cook
Thames.
the soldiers touch will go
With une on record.
Yours Eshanias faithfully,
La Ranns which is about nine miles further round the coast
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more load the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were bein

181
STATE
S
ECEIVED
to various craft and continued to do so.
SEPP.M.
21
during the time the two smaller now boats
STABLISHED
1820
in also making water and we had to bale them out with buckets to kup them afloat
183
while this was being camia in we were as no rey.
doubt being bombed all round and find on.
I he live small boals not only were a source of irouble is us as making so mu ch water chat they were not of so much survice as che "Sunohno"
which had been so much damaged about the
N.
lip sides, cleats all iorn off, fair leads, ine.
pulled off check pulled off the slim and having so much damage chat the ingine could y that y craft not be startid as the reverse year was damag.
myself
-ed and the water around the ingme made tions to over by chings straight very bad for all of no we could not low his, and several times we had to put by one inj to hey had esclia ropes on her lop kup her sliaight er the claimed you must understand we were not only being too good he large bombed but bombanded by gun time air send and battles were being tought at che time, nt in the wining things were getting work while and ch rifle
Thames.
touch with the Naval crew concerned, so that their names will go on record.
Yours faithfully,
La Panns which is about nine miles further round the coast.
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few tr and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads of the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

SURREY
RECEIVED OF
ng the Sunshine" with shells and bom
20 SEP P.M.
21
opping around us the sunshine took a our
ESTABLISHED
1820.
rd partid from us leaving us with the umaining part of the low rope. How we managed
183
to get clear I wally do not know as our lifebrat rey.
was damaged by shrapnel elc and not only that we were slove in m the Port side of our boat in the bottom. We could not pick the "Sunohni up under such circumstance and is we had I really do not know what would have happened but you can lake it.
ON.
from me we did our best not only in saving gine.
the hoops Brilish and French, montly Brish ay that ny craft from the time we nach the french Coart until the time we left. Ihope chio report is salisfacting myself ctions to over by to you
1 by one
Yours facthfully they had ter the
5 claimed stright too good the large
Coscowan Ramsgate Sepebast esend and ent h and nch rifle
Thames.
touch with the Naval crew concerned, will go on record.
Yours faithfully,
La Ranna which is about nine miles further round the coast.
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troo and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

SURREY
THOMAS BROS
Tobacco Dealers and Cigar Merchants
20 SEP P.M. RECEIVED ESTABLISHED 21 S
E.T.THOMAS
D. S. THOMAS
OLD CIGAR SHOP, KINGSTON-ON-THAMES
or
1820.
From:- MR. E. T. THOMAS,
13 Church Street,
183
The brew Director of Sea Transport,
Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey.
September 19th 1940.
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.1.
Dear Sir,
Your No. T.0.9144/STN.6B. - DUNKIRK EVACUATION.
M/V "SURREY" - Four berth cabin cruiser
29' X 8' X 2'10": Morris "Navigator" engine.
In reply to your letter, I regret to say that
I can give no information as to the part played by my craft during the actual evacuation.
A Naval Officer requisitioned "Surrey", myself and a crew of one at Kingston, and handed me instructions to proceed to Sheerness, where the boat would be taken over by a Naval crew.
On arrival, whe was immediately boarded by one regular rating and three reservists, who said that they had earmarked her for themselves as they watched her enter the dock, and so jumped on board quickly in case she was claimed by an officer. They remarked that "Surrey" was far too good to have an officer on board, especially in view of the large amount of foodstuff which had been taken on at Gravesend and
Southend.
I know nothing definite of her subsequent movements, except a report that she evacuated French and
Belgian troops. This is probably correct, as a French rifle was found in a locker when the boat returned to the Thames.
I hope that you will be able to get in touch with the Naval crew concerned, so that their names will go on record.
Yours Eshamas faithfully, la Ranna which is about nine miles further round the coast.
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troop and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

TIGRIS I
185
SERTION IN REGISTERED PAPERS
OF
HO
Ext. 2161.
LETTER SENT
ne Gloucester Arms,
1 OCT1940
The Bittoms,
T.09144/S.T.N.6.B
POST ROOM
KINGSTON.
4
30th September 1940.
Gentlemen,
184
24th. September 1940.
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 19th September 1940
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofar as your "SURREY"
have thank you for the information which to took part in these operations and value anticipated that this report will be of is been good enough to supply. It you which in compiling the final report operations. will be drawn up on these
I am, Gentlemen, recent communication
Your obedient Servant, irk on TIGRIS
ONE
P. MEREDITH.
but
Messrs. Thomas
Director of Sea Transport.
Yours faithfully,
NO H. Hartings
Ted at
Dunkirk which x
No arrived at to the and we pulled her off we were tota to proceed to
La Panns which is about nine miles further round the coast.
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

SEP 1940
TIGRIS I
185
The Gloucester Arms,
The Bittoms,
KINGSTON.
24th. September 1940.
W. A. Wand Esq.,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London W.1.
Dear Sir,
With reference to your recent communication regarding my experiences at Dunkirk on IGRIS ONE II
I enclose herewith a statement.
Yours faithfully,
H. Hartings
Team also
110 water 0010 00 proceed 00
La Panns which is about nine miles further round the coast.
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops
WE
and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

ORA
On the 28th May I left Kingston with the "TIGRIS 1" for
Sheerness with instructions that we were to pick up a Pilot at
Gravesend. There was no Pilot at Gravesend and we were told to proceed to Sheerness where we were asked if we would sign on for onemonth, which we did.
29/5
We left Sheerness at 2.30 the following day for Ramsgate arriving there about 11 o'clock. We were still without a Pilot having one naval Officer and two ratings.
30/5 At 2.30 the following morning we had orders to proceed to
Dunkirk. We still had no Pilot but were told to follow a pilot boat, which lod. Owing to the engine of the pilot boat breaking down we were asked to tow her but we found that our boat was not
Ted powerful enough for towing as the sea was very rough. We had to e
leave the pilot boat and were told to steer for the burning flames at Dunkirk which would take us about two hours.
x
We arrived at Dunkirk but found we could not get in close enough to get the troops off the sands so we got the "LANSDOWN" to go in and we pulled her off ground after the troops were aboard. We also used the "PRINCESS LILY". We were told to proceed to
La Panna which is about nine miles further round the coast.
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops
WE
and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE
WINDSORA
uped
NGERTION IN R LETTER SENT
his
EM
Ho
CERBERA
st. 2161
30SEP1940
VIKING
TELEPHONES:-
POST ROOM
188
SOUTHEND 2222 (2 LINES)
.09144/S.T.N.6B.
3.
RICK CO. LTD.
189
30th September 1940.
JRERS.
Sir,
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 24th September 1940
2A, WESTON CHAMBERS, enclosing report on the Dunkirk
WESTON ROAD,
Operations insofar as your "TIGRIS I"
took part in these operations, and to thank you for the most interesting
D-ON-SEA, 17th September, 1940.
information which you have been good
ESSEX.
enough to supply. It is anticipated that this report will be of value in compiling the final report which will be drawn up on these operations.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) A. P. MEREDITH.
Director of Sea Transport.
H. Hastings, Esq.,
The Gloucester Arms,
The Bittorns, of the 16th instant,
Kingston.
a cutting from our th your requirements, ours faithfully,
P. "Ardmore", H. Tranter Esq.,
8, Branksome Road,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex.
161/17/ REGISTRY REGIST 1 18 RECEIVED SEP *
after taking
About 10.30 a.m., on we arrived at Southend Pier and were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE
WINDSORA
his Rigin
EMBERA
VIKING
TELEGRAMS:-
TELEPHONES:
.M.SOUTHEND-ON-SEA.
SOUTHEND 2222 (2 LINES)
189
THE CREAT WAKERING BRICK CO. LTD.
BRICK MANUFACTURERS.
DIRECTORS:
SIR FREDERIC W.SENIER,J.P.
MAJOR A.P. WEDD,D.L.,J.P.
11,12,12A, WESTON CHAMBERS,
CALEB RAYNER.
PHILIP HENRY TRANTER,
MANAGING DIRECTOR.
SCHEA
WESTON ROAD,
ALL OFFERS AND SALES SUBJECT TO
THE USUAL WAR, ACCIDENT, STRIKE
AND/OR LOCK-OUT CLAUSES AND TO
ACCEPTANCE WITHIN SEVEN DAYS,
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED AS IN
THE COAL TRADE.
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, 17th September, 1940.
ESSEX.
The Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON. W.1.
Ref., T.0.9144/STN.6B.
Dear Sirs,
I am in receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, and have much pleasure in enclosing a cutting from our local paper, which I think meets with your requirements,
Yours faithfully,
R
H
P. "Ardmore", H. Tranter Esq.,
8, Branksome Road,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex.
1 SEP BI
after taking On
About 10.30 a.m., m we arrived at Southend Pier and
-975
were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

DUNKIRK
her
EM
CERBERA
E
HTT
190
THE SOUTHEND STANDARD, JUNE 13, 1940.
WAKERING BARGE RESCUES
MANY MEN.
92
SOUTHEND ENGINEER'S EXPERIENCES
Her bows torn apart. her rudder cracked and her engines disabled. a converted coasting barge, Viking. limped back to Millhead Creek. Great Wakering.
this week, after taking part in the evacuation of the British forces from
Dunkirk.
She is owned by Mr. Tranter. the manager of Great Wakering brickfields.
and is ideally suited for work in shoal waters, drawing only 4ft. 6in. of water.
She weighs about a hundred and sixty tons.
Her master, Mr. Dick Gregory: of Mill
Head Villas, Great Wakering, was very laconic about his experiences. "It was a new experience." he said. ** I'd never been that way before. If need be I'd go again to-morrow." His nephew. Mr. William H.
Back in the quiet peace of home waters, after helping with
Gregory, jun., also of Mill Head Villas.
the evacuation from Dunkirk, the converted coasting barge Viking accompanied him on the trip.
is at her old mooring.
One of the crew of the Viking was Mr.
G. Ratchiffe, a garage. proprietor. of 51.
Glenhurst Road, Southchurch. I missed much of the excitement," he said. regretfully. " because. as engineer. I was below most of the time. On the way to Dunkirk
I went on deck for a breath of air: Depth charges were dropped continually, and in the distance I saw a dog fight between
R.A.F. fighters and German bombers. The first trip was accomplished without incident, but on the second we became stranded on the beach. German bombers left us alone at first, thinking we were derelict, but when we attempted to refloat the boat about thirty German 'planes bombed and machine-gunned us. The only casualty was a soldier-tucked away in the most inaccessible part of the boat-who was hit on a leg. The effort of refloating damaged her bows and put the forward gears of the engines out of action. We had to make our way back to the warships in reverse!
Mr. Ratcliffe said he discovered a silver threepenny bit on the boat, and kept it as a lucky charm. He estimated that nearly a thousand men were rescued by the
Viking some whence of she the was requistioned) passage to Ramsgate, from Chichester in the (from Log, remarks contained therein may be of interest hope that to you.
Yours Faithfully,
Enc.
after taking On no
About 10.30 a.m., we arrived at Southend Pier and were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE
WINDSORA
has
EMBERA
H.O.
WINDSONG WIND
COPY FOR INSERTION IN REGISTERES
Ext. 2161.
LETTER SENT
WARRIOR
30SEP1940
T.09144/S.T.N.6B.
POST ROOM
191
8.
S
&
Sons
192
30th September 1940.
LIMITED
Sir,
SCOTTISH BRANCH
I have to acknowledge receipt of
68 FOUNTAINBRIDGE
your letter dated 17th September 1940,
EDINBURGH
TELEGRAMS
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
OZONE EDINBURGH"
TELEPHONE
Operations insofar as your "VIKING"
28039
EDINBURGH
took part in these operations and to thank you for the most interesting
HARF
information which you have been good enough to supply. It is anticipated
ND
that this report will be of value in
PT.
DATE
compiling the final report which will be drawn up on these operations.
Sep. 18th 1940
I am, Sir,
The of Sea Transport, of Shipping (H.O.)
(Sgd.) A.P. MEREDITH.
Your obedient Servant, GREAT
RECEIVED
Square,
19 SEP P.M. 21
Director of Sea Transport.
R. H. Tranter, Esq.,
"Ardmore",
THE
8, Branksome Road, above Southend-on-Sea, to your circular letter, under the
Essex. on of Lieut. W. L. Douglas, M.C.
serving in the R. A. F.
requistioned for
Warrior" was originally
Dunkirk, tion of the B.E.F. from and al Authorities when she activities that time.
ved no advice as to her and whence report, relating to the passage from Chichester (from
I am however, enclosing a copy of the Master's Log, she was requistioned) to Ramsgate, in the hope that some of the remarks contained therein may be of interest to you.
Yours Faithfully,
Enc.
after taking Uni m
About 10.30 a.m. we arrived at Southend Pier and s/he were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-