TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

TO 9144/STN
MADAME
POMPADOUR
Reply 11/11/20 H.
I, with another man (Morley Lawson), was asked to collect to a Motor Cruiser lying at Maidstone and deliver her to
82
-nu
Sheerness, and thence to Ramsgate if required. Our ship turned out to be a small Diesel engined Motor Yacht named
"Madame Pompadour" which was lying out of use in the river
DOCU
just below Maidstone. By the time we got on board it was too late to unlock, and it was not until darkness set in that we were able to proceed, and in consequence had a somewhat difficult time navigating down as far as Rochester without charts, all aids to navigation being removed, and neither of
Io us having had previous knowledge of that part of the river.
Despite the fact that navigation in the Medway was prohibited after dark, we were able to pass Chatham Dockyard without challenge, but found it impossible to continue on the tide, and returned to Gillingham where we secured, unknowingly, alongside an ammunition vessel, still unchallenged.
At day-break we got under way once more, and duly arrived at to 10
Sheerness.
After signing on the books of H.M.S. Wildflower, the bne depot ship, we were joined by 8. Skipper R.N.R., a volunteer deck hand, and an active service stoker, without previous experience of Internal Combustion engines, who had been sent
1
to act as Engineer and run our Diesel engines.
We set sail for Ramsgate with a convoy of other craft, was preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard many planes overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, while wj still favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quit close range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we contr with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to b motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, SU
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong and contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

348
$
are USE is:
MAD
/ of WETE / FOR
OF OF are CUS STATE SE EE to SEAL The USE 4
Sept nr KENT
21th
So TREAT TUO 80423 ISm Increas ___???___ mend 202
28. 9. 40
ESTAT FOOD OF RE YORK
E PUT STATE SC 4 E
your
TO
The Firector WHILE of Sea Transport
TOO / S DEPARTMENT & / OF 18 TOTAL SEAL of OF STATE THE 3 / STATE and R THE 266 e
Ulaated good of which value sir in drawn with reference afraid to that your I letter have Pomp no T
open undated. 7171 played I an by DV boat "Madame Tunkirk.
of any part of of the BEF. gentlemen from from evacuation Medway to two officer.
over of whom in the was I believe 8 navel like to very much know the DJ se
THOE som
OF SEAL TE YOU TOTAL
Admiralty then and I should what she is doing now in in
M
I have the
/
al
% ORIO
your be
OF OMB
oy even dis-ablement these How live
"nib histinmental after in 8aving more re glad to say the three new
Long ot
PLMP.
preparing we to us. stopped keep As daylight ship But was the many broke going heard Motor times all to and and we get night that could reli plan -
with to gunfire it just and was for our the pu on qui wind. The the she had so was to with re-start cold, the our and assistance difficulty that petrol the without of and cold and charge pow to ealise a8

MA. JOIE
OF
85 Russell Road.
/STN.
LB.
511
Buckhurs Hill 87
bren
900
Sept 24", 1940.
S.E.1
Director of Sea Transport.
r,1941.
Dear Sir.
Ir reply to your letter under the above reference. I am non able to que you a few boats the B.E
particulars you require.
the par erested t, my boat "Ina Joie" of 14 tons left Burnham ou.
on. Grouch for Dunkirk in charge of a volunteer
State,
Brigade, crew of three- Their names arkan follows kirk.
George Harvey. Walter amos & Berhe Paine(1y
London e "Mass
.re boat
Years b age) all of Burnhan on Grouch.
am of
They navigated the boat them Selves without
1 engin
Couray on fun- many lives were saved
Fire hting
N
by the boat but unfortinates she was as,
1400 he disabled ahad the left at Dunkir
Dunkir on t 3 mil even after dis-ablement these men were t 0645
nel an histinmental in saving more lives 4 I am roceed glad to Say the three men returned safel
Naval
W.1.
was preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard many planes overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, while wj still favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quit close range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we cont with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to b motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, S
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong and contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

out is
VERMAL
father should Lilian & like Clarhar. Clarkows to correct heravery preal pleasure & Your cow at V pay A there mn in Fire Buxigabe
2161.
88
Headqu
Albert
9144/S.T.N.6B
a]
___???___ 28 SEP they $ SEPT.M. 31/14,
2nd October 1940.
STRY UI Entered
Madam, 1940, of the B.E.F. I
S n 166 has New we 6 no wb my the Operations as the
&
"MA and to you took THE HARR THE VALID
THE THE THE the which supply. report It be will be drawn up on the was not re final these operations.
I Your am, Madam, obedient Servant, at
I Defence and it wa
She is
A
13,
Director of Sea Transport the River draft, e
2080
ire pumps
FOR
DOING
Mrs. L.
d at Rams
The
85, hnibel ay, cticable but
Essex.
a senio a
roops.
for Rams board fI
and wele STATE disem Londo
- consisted of 13
hours. Naval Sub-Lieutenent.
hours on 1st June, with the
CODE
from Ramsgate At 1820 Harbour, this time
The Director of Sea Transport, Transport, of War
House, to keep ship going all and night, relie was overhead, preparing so we us. stopped But the many Motor times that could ni still favoured As daylight broke we planes close range. gunfire was heard, and quick with Sails to near Dover, and to get purpos when it seemed just for our the only ch motive, lowered Sails. The Motor was and contrary wind.
she was re-start on petrol and change remedy a pl
So with cold, and that the cold the assistance of the paraffin Seamen, had localise to our difficulty and to to when she started, as without power, we mi

MERHAIDEN
Ex. 2161.
Wood 1941 SENT ADECO POST LETTER
ky.Councit
SERVICE.
MASSEY
on Fire Buxigade, Forces,
144/S.T.N.6B.
Headquarters,
900
M/RCC.
3rd December 1941.
Albert Embankment, S.E.1
STRay.
Sir,
89
Entered in
1st December, 1941.
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 1st December forwarding a report on the Dunkirk the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
Operations in so far as the "MASSEY
SHAW" took part in these operations, ve asked the owners of all boats and to thank you for the information ssist in the evacuation of the B.E.F
which you have been good enough to he available particulars of the part supply.
You may, therefore, be interested activities of the fire boat,
It is anticipated that this report was not requisitioned by you.
will be of value in compiling the final report which will be drawn up
940, the Under Secretary of State, on these Operations.
Commanding, London Fire Brigade, might be required at Dunkirk.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Defence Committee of the London
(Sgd) H. C. RIGGS
and it was decided that the "Massey
She is a 75 ft. steel fire boat,
Director of Sea Transport.
the River Thames with a beam of draft, equipped with Diesel engines
The Chief Commander, re pumps.
The London Fire Forces,
Headquarters, at Ramsgate with a London Fire
Albert Embankment, y, but found that fire-fighting
London, S.E.1.
ticable. The fire boat was, a senior Naval officer at 1400
pops. Between arrival at Dunkirk for Ramsgate at 0400 hours on
1st June, 60 troops were taken aboard from the beaches about 3 miles east of the mole, and were safely disembarked at Ramsgate at 0645
hours. The crew consisted of 13 London Fire Service personnel and
Naval Sub-Lieutenant.
At 1820 hours on 1st June, the "Massey Shaw" again proceed d from Ramsgate Harbour, this time with a landing party of 60 Naval
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of War Transport,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
W.1.
was preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard many planes overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, while wj still favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quit close range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we cont with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to b motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, SA
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong and contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fow she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

MERHAIDEN
Telephone No.:
NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE.
MASSEY
RELiance 3811
SHOULD BEADDRESSED
London Fire Busigade, Forces,
Headquarters,
900
XXXXX QUOTING- M/RCC.
to the Chief Commander,
Albert Embankment, S.E.1
London Fire Forces.
STRay.
Entered in Day Book
1st December, 1941.
Dear Sir,
Evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
I understand that you have asked the owners of all boats requisitioned in May, 1940, to assist in the evacuation of the B.E.F
from Dunkirk to forward to you the available particulars of the part they played in the operations. You may, therefore, be interested to receive a brief report of the activities of the fire boat,
"Massey Shaw", although the boat was not requisitioned by you.
On Thursday, 30th May, 1940, the Under Secretary of State,
Home Office, informed the Officer Commanding, London Fire Brigade, that the assistance of a fire boat might be required at Dunkirk.
The Chairman of the Civil Defence Committee of the London
County Council gave his approval and it was decided that the "Massey
Shaw" should undertake the work. She is a 75 ft. steel fire boat, constructed for fire-fighting in the River Thames with a beam of
13 ft. 6 ins. and a 3 ft. 9 ins. draft, equipped with Diesel engines for propulsion and driving the fire pumps.
The "Massey Shaw" arrived at Ramsgate with a London Fire
Service volunteer crew on 31st May, but found that fire-fighting operations at Dunkirk were impracticable. The fire boat was, therefore, ordered to Dunkirk by a senior Naval officer at 1400 hour to assist in the evacuation of troops. Between arrival at Dunkirk at 1900 hours and the departure for Ramsgate at 0400 hours on
1st June, 60 troops were taken aboard from the beaches about 3 miles east of the mole, and were safely disembarked at Ramsgate at 0645
hours. The crew consisted of 13 London Fire Service personnel and
Naval Sub-Lieutenant.
At 1820 hours on 1st June, the "Massey Shaw" again proceed d from Ramsgate Harbour, this time with a landing party of 60 Naval
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of War Transport,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
W.1.
was preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard many planes overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, while wj still favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quit close range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we cont with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to bi motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, SA
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong and contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

MERMAIDEN
93
97
am also toed wr name "Matilda" / kis, by h.
the way, was also her ham
40.
when Shen was, before conversion,
/STN. 6B, culars of the
WHO RNLI. survice) was evacuation of fferent vessel popular with Som of the tools, who called her made four
, carrying she is leaking
-
that her with machine-
/ doin know whether y further insince.
Usen fragmenting details to an of any wn to you, or rvant,
2
Whether 16th an in time.
Han you In received
Entered in Day Book
1
w co am information on 162
is R.N.
subject yours voral? It so,
1 should undersally h grand STReeT
for it -
I am, Sir hom Bunz vidical (C.G.BURGE)
DE
wh pl ac
30t fav mizzen set, and narbour motor. about Outside 3.0.p.m. on May setting the with heavy a fresh Mainsail wind, and so Jib the Naval for & good Ratings run got down. busy we in were assisting
We were making to quite a good headway by the was overhead, preparing so keep ship going all night, when evening we heard of 30th planes and I
still favoured we stopped the Motor and relied on our many wj close us. But many times that night planes Sails, while quit range. As daylight broke we could see where came in with occasionally Sails gunfire was heard, and planes above us. we were So and motive, lowered when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed si to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed we to cont b and Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong us, contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

MERMAIDE
97
to to Chelsea.
95
Apart from usis, (
11", rmouth.
now working. l would, er, 1940.
myself, very much
9144/STN. 6B, the like to know. So way
I ask you to note of n a my name & address at she made four ying off, carrying and G So good as to result she is leaking mbs and that her gir me un information riddled with machinerequired shones nor e you any further inhear her since.
discovn is.
The rosal was requiritions from her wornings will our dient Servant, inference to in - So ( did
In filed not even han ur chance of going contacter.
Commander, R.N.
i yours C.G. Burge
Berkeley Square W.L.
I
Berkeley Square, LONDONS
T
h
(
g te wh pl ac
30t fav mizzen set, and motor. Outside we were narbour about 3.0.p.m. on May setting heavy Mainsail and Jib for & good run down.
the with a fresh wind, so the Naval Ratings got busy in assisting
We were making quite a good headway by the evening of 30th and I
was preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard many planes overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, while wj still favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quit close range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we contr with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to b motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, SA
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong and contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

MERMAIDEN
Sir,
Dunkirk operation.
97
inc sion in records.
96
iful", ae,
Esq., ws, S.W.1. 1.
Your obedient Servant,
I am, sir,
Your report is being retained with the others received, for information regarding the part your vessel took in the
21st February 1942, and to thank you for the interesting
XXXXXXXXXX3X
(armouth.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated
T. O. 9144/STN6B
ber, 1940.
M.V. V. "MATILDA"
COPY FOR INSERTION IN REGISTERED PAPERS
0.9144/STN.6B,
N particulars of the in the evacuation of of a different vessel at she made four ying off, carrying result she is leaking mbs and that her riddled with machine-
Director of Sea Transport.
(Sgd) H. C. RIGGS
27 27 February, 1942
a you any further in-
LETTER SENT
near her since.
27 FEB1942 8
dient Servant,
Commander, R.N.
Ministry Berkeley Square House,
I
Berkeley Square, LONDONS. W.1.
h
(
go te wh pl ac
30t setting fav the heavy a fresh Mainsail wind, and so Jib the for Naval & good Ratings run got down. busy we in were assisting mizzen set, and motor. Outside narbour about 3.0.p.m. on May was preparing keep ship going all night, when we heard planes and I
We were making to quite a good headway by the evening of 30th close favoured us. But many times that night planes in quit still overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, many while wj occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. were So we cont range. As daylight broke we could see where we came and with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to bi motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, S4
and contrary wind.
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

STATE
MERMAIDEN
97
OF
H.M.S. "Watchful",
Great Yarmouth.
26th September, 1940.
Sir,
In reply to your letter T.O. 9144/STN. 6B,
I regret that I can give you very few particulars of the part played by my yacht "MERMAIDEN" in the evacuation of
Dunkirk as I was, myself, in charge of a different vessel working from the beaches.
I have heard, however, that she made four trips from the harbour to vessels lying off, carrying two hundred men each time, and as a result she is leaking rather badly from near misses of bombs and that her decks and wheelhouse have been well riddled with machinegun bullets.
I am sorry I cannot give you any further information, as I have been nowhere near her since.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Lieut. Commander, R.N.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
I
Berkeley Square House,
T
Berkeley Square, LONDONS W.1.
h
(
g te wh pl ac
30t fav on a fresh wind, mizzen so set, the and narbour motor. about Outside 3.0.p.m. on May with occasionally close still was overhead, setting preparing We range. favoured were the so making heavy gunfire we to As us. stopped keep daylight Mainsail quite was But ship the heard, many a broke going good and Motor times Jib and headway we all and for Naval could that night, relied & by night good Ratings see the when on where run planes evening our we got down. we Sails, heard busy came were of we many 30th in in while were and assisting quit planes and wj I
motive, Sails when to it near seemed Dover, and to get planes quickly above by there us. seemed So we cont and contrary wind. Motor was our only chance now in this strong us, lowered Sails. The just for the purpose the wind failed to SA b had she was to cold, and that the cold paraffin had given starting, me a wet but
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried fou to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken plug.
localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very some relieved time when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

Ho
MINNE DOS
st. 2161.
98
Road
99
f.09144/s.T.N.6B
2nd October 1940.
I.W.
9ᵗʰ 1940
Sir,
I letter dated 26th September 1940, have to acknowledge receipt of rk.
your enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofar as your vessel
"MERMAIDEN" took part in these and to you for the operations, information which you
REGIST 17 6 RECEIVED OCT 11/16/18 x enough this report will be of will to supply. It value in that compiling the final report which be drawn up on these operations.
of B.E.F.
big to submit the
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, uthampton on
May
June by S. Riding lias ciscumotances
Director of Sea Transport.
U separate sheet
Lieut. Cdr. P.M. Felleul, R.N., sotion to duty b
H.M.S. "Watchful", a
Great Yarmouth.
into considerations c
an go
Of
7 White ear par
The for owners of Minnedosa him
(the
Med 6. 7 White & ( poethumour) Ao. Ridina goin tem what place accon in ratings to
Ho we got out favoured 30th with with foresail fresh and mizzen of Portsmouth set, and Harbour motor. about 3.0.p.m. on setting the heavy a Mainsail wind, and so Jib the for Naval & good Ratings run Outside got down. busy we in were assisting May was overhead, so we keep ship going all night, when evening we heard of 30th planes and I
preparing We were making to quite a good headway by the close range. As But many times that night planes Sails, while quit still favoured us. stopped the Motor and relied on our many wj with Sails gunfire was heard, and planes above we were and occasionally daylight broke we could see where came in motive, lowered when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed seemed to b to near Dover, and to get quickly by there us. So we cont and Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong us, SU
contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

MINNE DOS
/. Milton Road
99
ate
Cours. I.W.
Director of Sea Transport
Oct. 9ᵗʰ 1940
Ministry of Shipping, (H.O.)
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London, W.I.
T.O. 9144/STN. 6B.
Dear Sirs,
REGIST 17 RECEIVED OCT Hilliams A
M.S.B" Minnedosa - Evacuation of B.E.F.
MF Riding and myself beg to submit the enclosed details of the voyage from Southampton S. on the Mate Engineer aged 19 under peculiar
May 29 the to Nortsmouth June made by incumotances Riding which I submit for your approbation on separate to sheet
&
under such incumstances, might be taken considerations, hoping that the boys initiative and devotion into duty o
Having the honour to be, ai your humble servant,
50
E. F White
Of ea pa:
The for ownere of Minnedosa hin
Meso 6. 7 White & Ab. poethumour (Riding
(th goi tem wha plac acco
111
ratings to favoured 30th L. with foresail we got and out mizzen of Portsmouth set, and Harbour motor. about 3.0.p.m. on May setting the with a fresh wind, so the Naval Ratings Outside got busy we in were assisting heavy Mainsail and Jib for & good run down.
We were making quite a good headway by the evening of 30th was overhead, preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard planes and I
close favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quij still so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, many while wj range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we cont with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to b motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, SU
and contrary wind.
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

Cericumstances attending the use of Munnidosa May 1940 June 6
Minnedosa was discharging scrap ison at meas Pollock &
Brown's Whatf at nostham, Southampton on May 29 the
100
The Master, W. Riding, was under the doctor and had lift the vessel the previous day in charge of his son, Sidney Riding aged 19
to proceed with unloading, while he (W. Riding had to go the to semoval of discased bone roulling from an accident to hand rk.
East Cowes Hoopital for some days as an in patient for the some weeks before
The mate, G. absook was also involved in a serious with the winch, was a hospital case at Ryde for some Ak was accident on may 2nd previously while getting out cargo weeks at Rewpost with contucions of the head of body and a nd broken ankle the away from It two was usual under these duties uicumstances from May 2 that to the Sept. Mastes, Y Riding made the latter was the only one ow boards to it accept the order, & himself consequently artangements for his son Sudney Riding to selieve humself 9 mate, and go with the ship on May 29
W. Riding lost his mother on or about July 1st and his father
B
3 weeks later very suddenly
Both Mastis and Malb were very cotty at not being able to go
1
1
with this ship on this occasion due to the above causes. that & but were pleased to know that she did so well such and Riding to was able to take charge in imergency at ah early ago, b
a1
help the Havy carry out their work.
ca as owners, on behalf of my lato partnes MF a I Rading and his family, I would thank you for giving the above above all facts an got
Off difficulties your we founds surselve in, to be of use is Havy for kind consideration in that we were pleased the ear par these purposes. yours faithfully
The him for Quinere Minnedosa," White & Riding)
(tho
For Macter of Crew
E. 7. White goin tem hs. Riding extra hand what place accom
G Alrooh mate s. Riding ratings to
H
30th favoured with with foresail we got and out mizzen of Portsmouth set, and Harbour motor. about Outside 3.0.p.m. on May setting the heavy a fresh Mainsail wind, and so Jib the Naval for & good Ratings run got down. busy we in were assisting was overhead, preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard 30th planes and I
We were making quite a good headway by the evening of still favoured so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, many while wj close us. But many times that night planes in qui occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So cont range. As daylight broke we could see where we came were and with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed we to b motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, S
and contrary wind.
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

101
"Minnedosa" Voyage to Dunkirk May - June, 1940.
The following is a brief account of what happened in the Voyage of
M.S.B. Minnedosa from Southampton down the Channel to Ramsgate from which we were used for the disembarkation of our troops from Dunkirk.
(Slender details from the Mate-Engineer aged 19 who was the only member of our crew able to sail with her on account of Skipper W.
Riding being in hospital with crushed finger, and Mate G. Abrook attending doctor with broken ankle).
Taken in collaboration with S. Riding, the Mate Engineer.
Our vessel the M.S.B. "Minnedosa" is a Thames Sailing Barge, fitted with a Kelvin Ricardo Motor as auxiliary power, giving her a speed of 5 knots approx., and our usual trading runs are between the
Isle of Wight and the Mainland with coal, coke or scrap iron freights.
My father had left me in charge of unloading one of these freights
(scrap iron) at a Southampton Quay on May 29th, to go to hospital for the removal of some injured bone in a crushed finger he had got some weeks before.
Accordingly, when some Officials arrived with orders that Ship was wanted on urgent Government work, I stated the case, they asked me would I go. I rang up to my home and told Mother I was going, hoping to be back soon, trusting to luck.
I had some experience of being on my own in small sailing craft, but nothing like this before. Stating the case to the Officer, he arranged for some Dockyard men from Portsmouth to assist me to unload cargo, and get vessel to Portsmouth by the next morning (30th).
I ran the Motor and took the wheel, they assisted in the ropes and getting up sails, and mooring up at the Dockyard on arrival. We got on well together and it is surprising what these men can do. The
Officer got 6 Naval Ratings aboard with their kits. Morning and early afternoon were taken up by them bundling in provisions, stores, paraffin, petrol, lubricating oil, - it looked to be for a long voyage.
The Officer was making sure of everything, for a few questions from him soon put him at ease, but I felt a little worse off for not knowing
(though I might have surmised) where we were going to, or what we were going to do. I felt I might be in for a hot time, and my job as pro tem for the Skipper (Father) and Mate to be quite a "swizzle", and what did it mean with the disciplined seamen on board, seemingly in place of them. (The Officer chose some 6 good Naval ratings to accompany him).
However, we got out of Portsmouth Harbour about 3.0.p.m. on May
30th with foresail and mizzen set, and motor. Outside we were favoured with a fresh wind, so the Naval Ratings got busy in assisting setting the heavy Mainsail and Jib for & good run down.
We were making quite a good headway by the evening of 30th and I
was preparing to keep ship going all night, when we heard many planes overhead, so we stopped the Motor and relied on our Sails, while wj still favoured us. But many times that night planes came in quit close range. As daylight broke we could see where we were and occasionally gunfire was heard, and planes above us. So we cont with Sails to near Dover, and to get quickly by there seemed to b motive, when it seemed just for the purpose the wind failed us, S
lowered Sails. The Motor was our only chance now in this strong and contrary wind.
So with the assistance of the Seamen, I tried starting, but fou she was cold, and that the cold paraffin had given me a wet plug.
had to re-start on petrol and change a plug. I had taken some time to localise our difficulty and to remedy it, that I felt very relieved when she started, as without power, we might very well have been blown
P.T.O

(Revised
MESSAGE.
55
unrel
114
(heist lowed us across Casting us off board so I joined her. the 'Fossa'
as Dunkink harbour Intrance and bring off addiess to load up our jor was ls run in to the mole
B.
the Yossa In running int th harbour the motor boals steering
5
00
repairing it could be found
Cable broke and no means of In meantime che toda had
105
herself. got int the moband filled
LIO
uh with soldies. steaming
115
our she picked us up and took us naval in with laden an open
120
125
with soldier which was
13
only making 3 on 4 Knots under an power harboug the proceeded
13
our of Dunkink but ran ng and aground quick soon afterwards transferred to ch Cuttin was unable have to off. I
which Cast off ls make it Ohr ds 11/39
/
Her
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed i the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

QUEST
135
-2-
Again we went on our original course, and after approximately
11 hour steaming, another sailing barge broke adrift from #Sun III"
which I also took in tow, arriving off Ramsgate Harbour about 6 a.m.
on the 2nd June.
We signalled the authorities, and were told to lay off and small craft would be sent out for the survivors.
At about 7.30 a.m. I left the three sailing barges off the
Downs and proceeded into the Harbour and awaited orders. At about
8.30 a.m., I was sent out to fetch the Ferry Boat into Harbour as she was disabled. This I did, then tied up andawaited further orders.
At 10.30 a.m. we received orders to stand by to coal and take stores aboard ready for another journey to Dunkirk, but these orders were later cancelled.
We stood by until 8 o'clock on Monday morning, 3rd June, and then received orders to proceed together with the S.T. "CONTEST", acting as Pilot on an Admiralty course to Shoeburyness, arriving there at 6.30 p.m. We received instructions from the Naval Patrol
Boat to proceed to Dagenham Dock, arriving at 9.15 p.m., and after putting gear into Stores I tied up at 9.45 p.m.
( Signed )
Capt. B.P. Mansfield.
) H. Willis (Junr.)
Crewe
C. Sweetlove.
my my
)
A. Campbell.
Driver
W. Nye.
from
Firemen of rated r our wed
, for a ke a in the fter eing/