TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

"ADVANCE"
Preliminary.
2.
follows:- C.P. Dick, Charge Hand; E.H. Piercy, Engineer-Deckhand;
K.C. McGuffie, Cook-Deckhand.
We drew Provisions, (But nothing with which to cook, eat, or even open them: see above), Water, Steel Helmets, Oilskins, Seaboots and Petrol.
We also took advantage of a slight pause to clean out the filters and carburettors, as the boat had been standing at Teddington for nearly three months.
28 May. 1600 hrs. Fuel, Stores etc. on board. Picked up a whaler, and left Sheerness with orders to stand off until a convoy was made up and then proceed to Dover.
00/
1630 hrs. Eight other boats (with whalers) formed up and proceeded. 'Advance' number two in line. 'Advance', so far as could be seen, the only boat with no Naval Officers or ratings on board.
Nothing of note, other than the difficulty of keeping station owing to widely varying powers and speeds of different boats, bad towing of empty and unsteered whalers, behind launches in some cases little larger than their tows, and the unfamiliarity of most other crews with their craft.
2230 hrs. N.Foreland abeam. Cloudy dark night, but good visibility. Leader showing stern light, but otherwise all blacked out.
1259 hrs. Between Ramsgate and Deal. Leader's stern light failed. After this had some difficulty in following; some other boats failed to do so.
(Note) 'Advance' had own charts, but no compass.
29 May. 0300 hrs. Leader, 'Advance' and River passenger launch arrived in Dover Outer Harbour, and made fast alongside a Destroyer moored to buoys. After making fast we were rammed by Leader, apparently owing to defective astern clutches. (Later found two frames cracked on port side.)
0330 hrs. Instructed to move into Submarine Basin, where we refueled, and rested (a little). And those who had the wherewithall breakfasted.
0600 hrs. An Officer came along the jetty, and at last told us what we were wanted to do. - That it would be dangerous but was very important, and that we should have ample support from the
R.A.F. - We were also given the opportunity of going ashore, in their pockets was
The medical 120 men, attention. whom they transferred to a richer on cue or a that day's day, rest. so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching and Dunkirk and but were bombing, unable to Following remove any this troops they again went were to allowed Dunkirk to England. there were none on the beach, as, owing so they to shelling returned

3.
"ADVANCE"
Preliminary.
and leaving the boats to be taken over by Naval or other crews.
The (Trades Union?) crew of the passenger launch 'Queen Boadicea'
took advantage of this offer (apparently being more concerned with their 'dues' than with their duty).
NOTE:
The remaining boats which had left Sheerness with us, and had dropped out during the night, arrived at intervals during the morning; except one which had been sunk in collision; her crew, however, had been picked up and were redistributed.
0645 hrs. Fine clear morning, no wind. Slipped and proceeded
29/5
in company with other boats, again following Leader as No. Two.
Led Convoy for a short time, while Leader was investigating a straggler with carburettor trouble.
9
Nothing else of note, so we were able to get a little sleep on turns, and dry clothing in the sun.
0900 hrs. Found old hacksaw blade in a locker and so were able to open tin of beef, and make sandwiches.
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
29 May. 1130 hrs. Realised that cloud-bank observed ahead was actually smoke from burning town.
1200 hrs. Fairly close in, turned East, parallel with Coast line.
1230 hrs. Approaching Dunkirk. Two enemy aircraft believed to be J.U.87's dived on convoy and machine gunned it. No casualties or important damage noticed, but 'Advance' signal mast carried away.
(Apparently by under-carriage of second machine).
NOTE:
A good deal of wreckage about, also sunken ships and crashed aeroplanes. A lot of firing going on. Passed a moored hulk, flying
French flag and mounting several AA-guns, firing a good deal at no very apparent target.
Saw aeroplane (unidentified) dive into sea and explode, some distance out.
Saw what appeared to be several fires on the beach. (Was later told that they were exhausts of torpedoes from a British Destroyer, set on fire during the morning.)
in their pockets was
The medical 120 men, whom they transferred **** to a on attention.
lcue or a that day's day, so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching Dunkirk but were rest. Following this they again and were allowed to and England. bombing, unable there to were remove none any on troops the beach, as, owing went so they to to shelling Dunkirk returned

BEE
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
7.
and collected it and managed to boil water and make some tea, one can full of which we passed back.
NOTE:
'Advance' had a built in pressure stove which had not been removed at Teddington, and luckily there was a little paraffin left in it. This was the first hot drink we ('Advance') had had for over thirty six hours.
Nothing else of note, but fires on French coast were visible for some time after dark as we went away. Judging from flashes and tracer seen there was a good deal of air raiding.
2230 hrs. Piercy and McGuffie below to try and rest. Dick and gunlayer remaining on bridge. Following Leader at 4 - - 5
knots: no lights.
30 May. 0001 hrs. Dick handed over to gunlayer and went below to rouse McGuffie, who went up to take over. Dick resting.
NOTE: McGuffie unable to see sufficiently in dark, so gunlayer at wheel, McGuffie standing by controls etc.
0400 hrs. Patches of mist. Land sighted to port. Dick and Piercy called.
Went alongside Leader to consult. Gunlayer thought he had recognised Deal, but Lt. Garside said he had not expected to make the English coast for about another hour, he was very doubtful about his compass and was afraid it might be some part of the
French coast. (Presumably Occupied).
Decided to carry on cautiously keeping land to port.
0430 hrs. Mist thickening. Sighted large motor boat to starboard. Gunlayer thought he made out German Ensign but no-one else could be sure. She avoided us and disappeared in the mist.
0445 hrs. High land visible ahead and on both sides. Decided to anchor and wait for full daylight, and possible lifting of fog.
0445 hrs. Leader attempted to drop anchor but found only about
4 ft. of water so stood out a little and re-anchored in about
8 ft. 'Advance' made fast alongside.
McGuffie and gunlayer managed to start stove again, and make tea and cocoa.
us cue cloths TO
The in their pockets was exploding.
n medical 120 men, whom they transferred to a French Trawler 102
ue attention.
that day, so they returned to England, and were Dunkirk
Daylight prevented them reaching and were unable to remove any troops as, owing to Dunkirk but a day's rest. Following this they again went to allowed to England. bombing, there were none on the beach, so they shelling returned

-6-
was down there as correspondent for a well-known paper and who wanted to see the show for himself. This was about the only effort made by this wretched boat in the Government service, it had a konked out within a few yards of leaving moorings and refused to eat it fire so I had to anchor to prevent drifting #Pen other ships and ABet a. rowing boat to come out and fetch me off so that I
wer, of course could report the trouble. Within an hour, a good deal less I
should say, we had an Engineer-Lieutenant Commander, ReNoV.R., an Engineer Sub-Lieutenant, R.N., two Petty Officers Artificers and one leading Artificer, investigating the question of our engine trouble.
One not unimportant item was that the magneto was simply dripping away, and here I rather suspect the activities of my stoker rating who was the senior again of my crew, who had been using the oil can I know, but he seemed to be quite familiar with petrol engines and I certainly did not see trying to oil the magneto, but I noticed a change of expression on his face when the Mag. was tached and foynd to be actually oozing oil. This, however, was not the only trouble and it is a mystery to me that that boat was ever brought round to Ramsgate from the Thames as the experts worked on her until 20.00 that night, by which time they had succeeded in getting a spark, and we got the engine running again. We raised anchor and tarted to take her for a trial run round the harbour. This went all right so long as we were going dead slow but on getting a clear space between two ships at anchor and opening throttle, there was no increase in speed but a most terrible noise from the clutch which was obviously slipping badly. The Engineer-Lieutenart
Commanded who was with me on the little bridge was very amused, he had identified the engine on sight as a very old Camel Lorry engine converted and I think he realised that all my efforts at joggling the clutch lever and putting the gear lever in and out of neutral were not going to have the least effect as the thing was pretty hopeless. As it was quite clear that nothing could be done except move her ahead at dead slow, I brought her over to the side and tied up out of the fairway.
While the gear was in neutral and the fore and aft ropes were already being secured, I had, as an additional precaution, kept my foot hard down on the clutch pedal which was right down on the deck, so that the clutch should have been well out with a good al to spare; in spite of this she suddenly commenced to go gently astern and bisk no amount of clutch joggling or verification of the fact that the gear lever was most clearly in neutral, seemed to have any effect for a moment or two, when she started to go slowly ahead. It was clearly unsafe in a crowded harbour to have this wretched engine running at all so I called down to the stoker to switch off the engine and have her manhandled for the little adjustment that was required to get her tied up securely. Again the engineers worked on her until 23.50 that night and all day Sunday, 2nd
June, they took down pretty well everything. The final report was that the engine was worth about £10 and it would cost £20
to repair it,so they did not propose to do any more about it, and I found myself living on a house boat with my own crew of four ratings and a lodger in the shape of another stoker rating whose original boat had been lost somehow with his kit. He had been supplied with a new kit at Merrie England, the temporary Naval barracks, and being a friend of my stoker rating thought he might as well throw in his luck with us.
By this time the beach show was well over and the last contingents were being brought off from Dunkirk Jetty itself by destroyers, etc., this being a deep water job.
There was a rumour round the harbour precincts just before lunch time on Sunday that volunteers were wanted to fetch the last of the Dunkirk troops off the Jetty, this cleared all the

CAPERS
KINTAIL
GIPSY KING
HO
Betts lms Houses
:
Beach Street
T. 09144/STN 6B
RECEIVED
11th October 1940.
Deal Kent.
51
52
Gentlemen,
I have to acknowledge receipt of in sent to your letter dated 2nd October, 1940
enclosing report on the Dunkirk operations insofar as your vessels
: letter on
"FERRY NYMPH"and "SOUTHERN QUEEN"
took part in these operations and to thank you for the information which
Q Fred Hook you have been good 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
Gipsy King.
operations.
Boat.
/ to Dunkirk
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant, about 48. hourd were under shell tayed there
Messrs
Director J. Harvey of & Sea sons, Transport. Brith fire, He stayed
17,
Beach should like to mention
West Poole. Quay Road, soldier was off
Brown We shew who did a brave just loaded boat with troops.
He saw a pontoon with Soldiers in, being
Swimmer swomped deciseded with waves Brown bring the to go over the side
Yours faithfully y. Roberts
IV. G. Hyband Esq
Director of Sea Transport.

-ADERS
PERS
VINITAN
OR
GIPSY KING
KID
or of Betts
QUE
REGISTRY
A.M. 27 SEP
RECENEE
&
171811
4 oflms Houses
Beach Street
Deal Kent.
7
Dear Sir.
52
In refferance to letter sent to
Mr g Riley Fam writing the letter on behalf of Myself Harry Brown Q Fred Hook
O.
who where the crew of the Gipsy King.
a small Motor Boat. He went to Dunkirk about about the 28 hoursh May, He stayed there
48 One were under shell fire there and till Machine gun fire, He stayed the Beach I should like to mention every Britch soldier was off
Harry Brown shew who did a brave action, We just loaded boat with troops.
He saw with a pontoon with Soldiers in, being
Surmmer dwomped deciseded waves Brown being the to go over the side
Yours faithfully of. Goberts.
Tv. G. Hynand Esq
Director of Sea Transport.

REGISTERED -NT PAPERS 1
KINTAIL
HO
with a rope, he tied it to pontoon and saved the Soldiers from being
53
drowned. jam Writing this letter as
Fred Hook a Marry Brown are in the
Mineuropepers I am Sending Brownsoddress
Mr Farry Brown
4 bufuld Road Deal.
Mr of Hook
Boatmen Rooms
Exchange Deal. theet
My of Betty
4. oflms Houses
Beach Street of this letter is Satisfactory please Deal. would you give me a reply yours of Betta
Yours faithfully y. Gobuts.
Tv. G. Hynand Esq
Director of Sea Traneport.

COPY FOR INSERTION IN REGISTERED PAPERS
LETTER 8ENT
HO
KINTAIL
Ext. 2161.
GOLDEN SPRAY
30SEP 1940
POST ROOM
brown т.о9144/з.т.п.6.в.
8.
eal.
30th September 1940.
55
in
Sir,
54AY
at Dunkirk
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter undated, enclosing report on the Dunkirk Operations insofar as your "GIPSY KING" took part in these operations, and to thank you for the th many thanks most interesting information which you have been good enough to supply
It is went with my
94
anticipated that this report will be of value in compiling the final report there arrival which will be drawn up on these operations with the other brats that well toored there) other I Your am, obedient Sir, tines Servant, placed in the
P.M.
boat to form the crew, and here any to the shore as close as (Sgd.) AP MEREDITH. the solduis to wode out to her and Serrica them toana
Director of Sea Transport
A. to Betts, the Esq., awaiting shih
3 this transklanes. time 4 Alms Beach Houses, Street, being heavily ed by energy
Deal, were enstled my six boxits loads of soldius Kent. when the swell caused of the destroyers who round and round caus the 114
beam and filled nergemat The solders and the crew of the ly boat were picked up by one of the other boats and put on a distroyer and were landed at Dover.
Trusting this information will he placed one your is record and of hge
Yours faithfully of. Gobuts.
IV. G. Hynand Esq
Director of Sea Transport.

KINTAIL
GOLDEN SPRAY
30
9.40
Rose a brown
Geal.
55
Pe 116.73. Golden Spray." at Dunkirk
Dear Sir
-Your letter to hand with many thanks
One of my crew namely. James Onwell went with my 94
boat to Dunkirk from Deal, and on therearwal at Dankerk. that is with the other boats that will toused there) other naval ratings were placed in the boat to form the crew, and proceeding to the shou as close as possible to enable the solduis to wade out to her and ferred them toana from to the awaiting ship. During this trans.
action there were being peavily bombed by energy planes. Theye were enabled to furry six bouts loads of soldius when the heavy swell caused by the destroyers who were turning round and round caught the 114 Boat on the beam and filled the solders and the crew of the ly boat were picked up by one of the other boats and put on a distrayer and were landed at Dover.
Trusting this information will he placed one your record and of hge
Yours faithfully y. Gouts.
IV. G. Hywand Esq
Director of Sea Transport.
on

KINTAIL
HO
GONDOLIER KINS
2161
GONDOLIER QUEEN
GONDOLIER
THE
& SWANAGE MOTOR & SPEED BOAT Co., Ltd., proprietors he
1. 09144/STN 6B
2nd October 1940
FLEET
57
of 56 Boats.
SITPOLE 352 (Hand Office and Bnawbriest
I have CLIFFS to acknowledge receipt of
All communications to the Manager your letter dated 30th September,1940.
Shipyard, 4, HIGH STREET, enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofar as your vessel
POOLE,
GOLDEN SPRAY took part in these
DORSET.
operations and to thank you for the information which you have been good
24th. September 1940.
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.
Transport,
(H.O.)
Bes.
Sir,
,
Round the Your obedient Servant,
25 RECEIVED SEP.M. 21
Islands: are Certified bythe Board of Trade.
Director of Sea Transport.
YACHT
BUILDERS & ENGINEERS.
F. Roberts, Esq.,
Rose & Crown, ce to your communication
PASSENGER LAUNCHES Deal.
our Gondolier King, Queen and No.3, out in record time to
ESTIMATES FREE
them for the evacuation of
B.E.F. Duskirk.
We to understand that the
"King" and served a very useful purpose.
These boats could have been manned by volunteers of this Company, but unfortunately for them, it was found that their services were of greater value in preparing other boats of the Fleet for a like purpose.
We might mention, that be sides these three boats, seven others of the Fleet were put into commission, but unfortunately not in time to be of service.
Yours faithfully,
For
POOLE D'SWANAGE MOTOR
BREEDBOAT Co. LTD.
anothers
L
ng ne em,

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

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

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
has COMMITTEE WINDSORA EMBERA
H.O.
195
-3-
log reading 57 miles. 8.25 a.m. S.85 E Log showed 621 passed
Beachy Head light 9.15 a.m.
9.25 a.m. log 71 Beachy Head bearing N.28 W Eastbourne Pier bearing
11.am Bexhill 2½ miles abeam 11.20 St. Leonards abeam log 84.
N.25 E
11.55 a.m. Farlight 12.55 passed Dungeness. Passed 1.30 p.m. N.52 E
log 105. 3.45 p.m. Log 1121 Considerable swell whole time. Engine revs. 850 both. Dover abeam 6.10 p.m. Log 126 Strong ebbtide.
Increasedrevs to 950 both engines. Considerable amount of flotsam, inner tubes, etc. South Foreland 6.45 p.m. log 130. Deal Pier abeam
8. p.m. Log 140 Ramsgate anchorage 9.15 p.m. Log 148.
Berthed in Harbour 10 p.,. told to report to Senior Naval Officer
9.30 a.m. next morning.
ll.p.m. had to shift to allow tug "Fabia" to berth. Had Fire float
"Massey Shaw" alongside. Got rope foul of starboard screw, could not free it. Turned in 12.30 a.m. cleared rope from propellor
7.30 a.m. Reported 9.30 a.m. Explained full details of "Warrior"
to Naval E.R.A. Left 3.15 p.m. Caught 3.25 train to London.
Said goodbye to Doctor and Westwood.
REMARKS
Crew. Doctor Brydon worth his weight in gold. Worked as hard as anyone despite his years. Am very glad of the opportunity to make his acquaintance and hope to renew it one day.
Brian Westwood Hemis one of the best. Pulled his weight in very unpleasant circumstances, nothing too much trouble and always looking for something to do. Another acquaintance I was glad to make and hope to renew.
P. Gabriel Have known him for years and came well up to my expectations. A very useful man in adverse weather conditions.
Will see it out with the best. Not easily rattled amd does not complain.
Engine etc. The R.N. engines ran perfectly the whole time under very trying conditions. Never missed a beat and gave not the slightest eause for anxiety. Port engine used more lubricating oil than the other, and oil pressure was slightly lower (25-20)
respectively. Gear boxes not so good. Did not like the tendency
Ramsgate Harbour in very congested conditions, Port engine gave In full of the clutches to stick in when supposed to be in neutral.
it speed astern with control lever at full ahead. Rather unnerving while lasted. Should sugest fiting of shaft indicators near wheel as after taking on Petrol au
About 10.30 a.m. on we arrived at Southend Pier and 29/5
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-

DINNCTRK CLAIMS
COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH CLAIMS OF SMALL CRAFT
EMPLOYED IN THE DUNKIRK OPERATIONS. AND SUBSEQUENT EVACUATION
MEETING held at 10.30 a.m. on WEDNESDAY,
24TH JULY, 1940, at the MINISTRY OF
SHIPPING - Room 8021A.
AGENDA:
1.
Minutes of Meeting held on the 10th July.
2.
Matters arising.
3.
Report of Payments for fortnight ending
23rd July 1940.
4. Cases for settlement and discussion on the table:-
Owner or Owners.
(a) "BRITANNIC"
H. and J. Budd.
(b) "COMMODORE"
J. Coleman.
(c) SAILING BARGES -
"SHANNON"
A. J. Peters.
"HASTAWAY"
S. J. Peters.
"ASHINGDON"
"ADA MARY"
"BASILDON"
W. H. Theobald & Co.
"BARTON"
(d) Any other.
5. Any other business.

SPATIS AND
OF
Committee to deal with Claims of Small
Craft evacuation employed in the Dunkirk and subsequent operations.
Meeting held at 11 D.m. on
Wednesday 31st July, 1940 at
Room 8021A.
the Ministry of Shipping,
AGENDA.
1.
(
2.
Minutes of Mesting hold on the 24th July, 1940.
Matters arising.
3.
4,
Report of Payments for wook ending 30th July, 1%
Cases for discussion and settlement on the tables
I.
Total Loss:
B, "Warrior"
b. "Rocinunte"
-
G.H.Narrell.
-
C. "Viewfinder"
R.F.Fryers.
d.
-
L.A.London.
-
8. "Beverley"
A.R.Bell.
-
Thompson & Cordery.
II, Repairs:
N
B. "Meender"
b. "Sailing Burges:-
"Shannon"
"Hestaway"
"Ashingdon"
"Ada/Mary"
"Basildon"
"Burton",
III. Other Expenses:
8, "Elvin"
5.
Any other business.
of

Week
Arrow"
th"
DYNAMO OPERAT
Empress"
Queen of England"
"New White Heather"
"St. Patrick"
"Shamrock"
"Skylark III"
4. A statement of outstanding claims other than for
Total loss was also considered. It was agreed that the few cases remaining did not justify the formal continuance of the Committee and the Secretary was authorised to deal nnotel 10887
with them on lines approved by the Committee for similar cases in the past, referring any difficulties that might arise informally to the Treasury and Sea Transport Dept.
Representatives when available after meetings of other
Committees. With regard to "Mare Nostrum" and "Papillon"
P.C.O. (S.T.) will assess the claims for missing articles etc., with a view to making offers in settlement.
18 OT
5. The Chairman promised to draft a report on the work
2
of the Committee and to submit it to the other members for their approval.
His

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE.
Meeting held at 11.a.m. on Thursday 21st November, 1940.
at the Ministry of Shipping, Room 5087.
Present:
Mr. Allen
(Chairman)
If Simmons
11 Moore
"
Riddell
" Wand
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 6th November were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed:
(a) "Renown"
Agreed to put case back for valuation.
(b) "Sceneshifter"
Agreed to interview owner's solicitor.
(c) "Brywyn"
Agreed that owner should again be interviewed by representative of
P.C.O. (S.T.)
(a) "Moss Rose"
Agreed to obtain from Fisheries Officer full technical details of this and two other Deal boats "Britannia" and
"Golden Spray".
(e) "Madame Sansgene" Agreed to pay £1,000 on account pending confirmation of valuation.
(f) "New Prince of Wales" Agreed that P.C.O.(S.T.) should recommend a valuer.
3. Report of Payments for period ending 20th November amounting to
£1,970.8.7d was presented and passed.
4. The following cases were discussed:-
1. TOTAL LOSS:
(a) "Gwen Eagle"
Agreed to offer £1,750 in full and final settlement of all claims arising.
(b) "Peggy IV If
Agreed to offer £175 in full settlement.
(c) "Ma Joie"
Agreed to offer £250 in full settlement.
(a) "Aljanor"
Agreed to offer £2,500 which is the insured value and is the sum first claimed.
(e) "Doris"
Agreed to offer £35 each in full
"Edina"
settlement.
"Medora"
11. LOST CLOTHING:
"Lijns"
Agreed to maintain the attitude that the Department does not accept liability.
When
4/12/60

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE.
Meeting held at 11.a.m. on Wednesday, 6th November, 1940
at the Ministry of Shipping, Room No. 8021A.
Present:
MR. ALLEN
(Chairman)
" SIMMONS
" MOORE
" RIDDELL
" WAND
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 23rd October were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed:
(a) "Renown" Agreed to inform owner that the Department will pay
£500 on account if desired while arrangements are made for a valuation.
(b) "Sceneshifter" Agreed to confirm verbal offer of £850.
(c) "Brywyn"
Agreed to wait reply to letter of 5.11.40 and generally to adopt the principle that owner must prove his claim.
(d) "Rosabelle"
Agreed to arrange for Mr. Wimpenny (Fisheries
Officer) to contact the owner and explain
Department's position and without committing
Department, unless it were apparent that claimant would accept, offer settlement of £100.
(e)
"Moss
Rose"
Agreed to ask Mr.Wimpenny to obtain a comparison of the Deal Boats lost.
(f) "Mare Nostrum" Agreed to inform owner that the Department is not satisfied that evidence has been produced to show that the articles covered by the claim were on board.
3. Report of payments for period ending 5th November amounting to
£4,074.7.2a was presented and passed.
4. The following cases were discussed:-
TOTAL LOSS:
(a) "Madame Sansgene" Agreed to refer papers to Mr. Barnett for a valuation in view of a possible relationship between claimant and builder;pointing this out and also that had the relationship not been apparent, Department would have paid as claimed in all probability.
1
(b) "Sunshine"
Agreed to pay £203.10.0₫ as claimed.
(c) "Viking III"
"
"
"
£12
It
"
(a) "Southern Queen" " " pass to P.C.O. (S.T) to arrange
(for a valuer.
,
(e)
"Pioneer" Agreed to pay £400 as claimed.
D
(f) 16 ft Boat.
" " If £12 as claimed on
(completion of Letter of Abandonment.
(g) 10 ft. "Dinkey" Agreed to pay £12 as claimed on
(completion of Letter of Abandonment.
)
(h) "New Prince of Wales" Agreed to offer insured value
(£5,000.
of fit Due
11
21/11/40

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE.
Meeting held at 11.a.m. on Wednesday 23rd October, 1940 at the
Ministry of Shipping. Room No. 8021.A.
Present:
MR. ALLEN (Chairman)
" MOORE
"
RIDDELL
"
WAND
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 26th September were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed.
(a) "Sceneshifter" Agreed to refer the case to Mr. Barnett of
Watson & Co.Glasgow.
(b) "Brywyn"
Agreed to maintain committee's attitude unless owner produces evidence of loss or value.
(c) "Vanitee"
Agreed to offer £700 which is sum stated by owner on T619 to be acceptable.
(a) "Stonehaven"
Agreed to offer £500 in full settlement.
(e) "Bullpup"
Agreed to offer £450 - the insured value.
(f) "Rosabelle"
Agreed to offer £75 in full settlement.
3. Report of Payments for period ending 22nd October amounting to
£5,834.15.8d was presented and passed.
4. The following cases were discussed:-
(a) TOTAL LOSS:
"Thetis" Agreed to offer £225 in full settlement.
"Moss Rose" Agreed to make comparison with other Deal Boats
"Maid of Honour" Agreed to offer £425 (Tough's valuation)
( in full settlement.
"Minikoi" Agreed to require Letters of Administration in favour of the widow before opening negotiations.
"Princess Lily"
}
Agreed to forward forms T619 and at the
"Court Belle II"
same time to offer, if required, advances on account of 2/3rds of insured values.
"Hanora"
Agreed to offer £565 in full settlement.
"Miranda"
Agreed to settle at owners claim of £20. 1
"Triton"
Agreed to settle at owners claim of £1,500
"Two Rivers"
Agreed to offer £370 in full settlement.
"Sarah & Emily"
Agreed to settle at owners claim of £30, if, after enquiry, boat had not returned.
à
"Wolsey"
0 2
Agreed to offer £250 which is sum stated by owner on T619 to be acceptable.
Barges (8)
hings
Agreed to negotiate settlements up to the valuation figures.
(b) Repairs & Replacements:
)
"Mare Nostrum": Agreed to pay the repair bill as recommended on survey report, to refer to P.CO(S.T) for valuation of missing of articles and to take no action on expenses claim, until reasonably presented.
lle"
"Kit Cat":
Agreed to settle claim at £12.
6/11/40

Committee to deal with claims of small craft employed in the Dunkirk and subsequent operations.
Meeting held at ll.a.m. on Wednesday 31st July 1940
at the Ministry of Shipping. Room 8021.A.
.......
Present:-
Mr. Allen (Chairman)
" Moore
"
Riddell
" Wand
.....
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 24th July were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed
(a) "Britannic": Rye Fishery Officer is endeavouring to find a suitable boat.
(b) Sailing Barges:
"Ada
Mary": Agreed to Repair and negotiate settlement.
"Hastaway"
"
"
"
"
"
"
:
"Ashingdon"
"
"
"
"
"
"
:
"Basildon"
"
"
:
have valued.
"Burton"
"
If
:
"
If
"Shannon"
If
"
"
"
:
(c) "Iote": Agreed to invite owner to call and discuss terms of settlement at £1,250 - £1,400.
(d) "Count Dracula": Agreed to obtain valuation from
Messrs Tough's.
3. Report of Payments for week ended 30th July amounting to
£1,541.17.10d was presented and passed.
4. The following Total Loss Cases were discussed:-
(a) "Warrior": Agreed to offer £125 in full and final settlement.
(b) "Rocinante" Agreed to offer £300 in full and final settlement.
(c) "Viewfinder":
"
"
"
£900
"
"
If
It
"
(a) "Beverley":
"
"
"
£425
"
"
"
=
=
5. "Elvin": Claim for wages was deferred until next meeting.
6. Next Meeting fixed for ll.a.m. on Wednesday 7th August, 1940.
his alm 7/8/40.

Committee to deal with claims of small craft employed in the
Dunkirk and subsequent operations
Meeting held at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday 10th July, 1940
at the Ministry of Shipping Room 8014.
Present:-
Mr. Robson (Chairman)
Mr. Simmons (Treasury)
Mr. Allen
Tatal
Mr. Moore
Mr. Riddell
Mr. Wand
1. Minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd June were agreed as amended.
2. Report of Payments for the week ended 9th July amounting to
£508.4.5d. was presented and passed.
3. Various claims for Loss of Earnings discussed. It was agreed that the basis of settlement should be Hire as prescribed by Rates of
Hire Section for comparable craft, increased at the committee's discretion to compensate owners for a short term engagement.
4. Agreed that the Ministry of Shipping Solicitor should be asked to formulate a Notice of Abandonment to be signed by owners before payment is made in settlement of Total Loss Compensation, in cases where the Department has not been able to obtain definite information of Total Loss.
5. Announced that Mr. G.J. Allen of the Accountant General's
Department will be the chairman of the committee for future meetings in the place of Mr. W. Robson who is being evacuated to Blackpool.
hid alm
24/7/40

COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH CLAIMS OF SMALL CRAFT EMPLOYED
IN THE DUNKIRK AND SUBSEQUENT EVACUATION OPERATIONS.
MEETING held at 10.30. a.m. on WEDNESDAY,
3rd JULY, 1940, at the MINISTRY of SHIPPING
Room 8014.
PRESENT:-
MR. ROBSON (Chairman)
MR. SIMMONS (Treasury)
MR. MOORE
MR. RIDDELL and
MR. WAND.
1. Minutes of the Meeting of 24th June were agreed.
2. Report of payments for the week ending 2nd July amounting to £334.5.2. was presented and passed.
3. Proposals put forward by Mr. Moore for settling claims in respect of sailing barges were considered.
(1) Rates of Hire.
Agreed as in the Schedule before the
Committee.
(11) Compensation for total loss.
General principles agreed.
Two valuations will be called for normally, with a third when necessary, (Suggested the fee for a valuation be limited to £5 5/5/. 14 this could be
15/5/-
arranged.
4.
Service of Tugs. Committee considered and agreed
Mr. Moore's report as follows:-
(a) Dunkirk Operation.
Messrs. Watkins will make no charge for the use of their craft. Other tug owners ask for payment of one day's hire while towing barges etc. to Ramsgate or Dover and one day's hire for time spent returning to Gravesend, but they will make no charge for the time spent during actual operations.
(b) Other Evacuation Operations.
Coastal towage rates will apply for the whole period of employment, plus the two days in relative cases referred to in (a) above.
The rates are those already being paid by the
Department for other work by the same tugs.
It was agreed that the Committee should meet again at 10.30. a.m. on Wednesday, 10th July,
1940.
WRoban 10/7/40.

COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH CLAIMS OF SMALL CRAFT EMPLOYED
IN THE DUNKIRK AND SUBSEQUENT EVACUATION
OPERATIONS.
Meeting held at 3.p.m. on MONDAY, 24th JUNE, 1940, at the
Ministry of Shipping, Room 8014.
PRESENT:- MR. ROBSON (CHAIRMAN) MR.SIMMONS (TREASURY)
MR. MOORE, MR. RIDDELL and MR. WAND.
AGREED to extend the work of the Committee to cover all evacuation operations where conditions of short term service apply.
AGREED to arrange in suitable cases for local payment by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through Port
Fishery Officers, or by Ministry of Shipping Representatives, of all sundry items of purchases.
AGREED to payment being made after necessary certification of clearly defined and straightforward cases without direct reference to the Committee; such payments to be scheduled and reported to the Committee at the meeting following payment.
AGREED that the Consultative Officer attending Survey shall, in suitable cases, endeavour to find a basis of settlement for cost of repairs which shall be submitted for the approval of the Committee.
AGREED that the Committee shall meet at 10.30.a.m. on each
WEDNESDAY, commencing JULY 3rd, 1940.
W.lobm 3/7/40.

&
STATE
1989 / OF
COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH CLAIMS OF SMALL CRAFT EMPLOYED
IN THE DUNKIRK- AND SUBSEQUENT EVACUATION
Staff of
OPERATIONS.
of
(e)
DEPARTMENT
Meeting held at 3.p.m. on MONDAY, 24th JUNE, 1940, Ministry of
Shipping, Room 8014.
PRESENT:-
MR. ROBSON (CHAIRMAN) MR,SIMMONS (TREASURER)
MR. MOORE, MR. RIDDELL and MR. WAND.
AGREED to extend the work of the Committee to cover all evacuation operations where conditions of short term service apply.
AGREED to arrange in suitable cases for local payment by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through Port Fishery
Officers or by Ministry of Shipping Representatives, all sundry items of purchases.
AGREED to payment being made after necessary certification of clearly defined and straightforward cases without direct reference to the Committee; such payments to be scheduled and reported to the Committee at the meeting following payment.
AGREED that the Consultative Officer attending Survey shall, in suitable cases, endeavour to find a basis of settlement for cost of repairs which shall be submitted for the approval of the Committee.
AGREED that the Committee shall meet at 10.30.a.m. on each Tednesday, commencing JULY 3rd, 1940.

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE.
Reference.
MINUTE SHEET.
I will deal with the cases other than the Liner Companies in the first place:-
"EMPRESS"
Total
Losses.
were opened.
"QUEEN Before were The the Department a the against The claim OF Solicitors claims Owners received, original ENGLAND") the a of claim properly Estate was have £2,250. prepared dealing Owner the been of could and claims £1,750. formulated offered died for with be to were soon meet. the to settled the for The go found after for "Queen Estate offers to the some on The and negotiations to "Impress" of the position were now we be time, England" widow, are higher made not but awaiting £1,300. able today are she £1,230. than when the to died. is, against the they the have highest that the
Department is prepared
Solicitor's reply.
"NEMO
Owned IV". the by Total boat two men Loss. and who for claim loss of £4,500. earnings has as compensation until offered they the are highest for able the to loss figure replace of that the it boat. is prepared The Department to pay for the loss of the boat, i.e.
£1,028. been a very troublesome Owners' case Member and has of recently Parliament been to the the This subject has of a letter from who has the replied maintaining rests. the Department's Parliamentary attitude. Secretary, There for the moment the position
"NEW
WHITE HEATHER". claim Total from Loss. the Owners was £3,000. figure They have the since
Department said they would could settle go to is for £1,325. and we are awaiting a reply to
The original £2,000. The highest this offer.
"QUEEN
requires branch are doing what they can to find after a all have
The Owner replacement of the engine which was suitable Our
BOADICEA". will Damaged. not accept settlement on a cash destroyed. basis and
Technical but if this is not possible, we may Loss. to engine, treat the case as one of Constructive Total
"WHITE
WATER.". at Damaged. late date, would not accept the estimate of and the cost of of the Boat Yard where the vessel now of
The Owner, repairs a which had been agreed between our Surveyor lies.
the The proprietor case has been reconsidered and there is prospect a very early sèttlement.
INGLIS & MILLS. Sundry craft. Damages and Losses.
all 9 craft are involved in this claim. Although the our
Surveyor In met the Owners and concluded a settlement in losses sum of £321.18.-. it was later found that the damages and incurred were not the result of the Dunkirk operations, although of the craft had originally been inspected and considered for some that operation. They subsequently became involved in, firstly, the evacuation of Ramsgate Harbour, following Dunkirk and then in the bombing of the Port of London. It has been found necessary to look further into the history of these craft.
Investigations are not yet complete, but if it is considered that the Government is liable for the sum involved, either by way of preparation for the Dunkirk service, or for treatment under the War Damage Act, the case will go to the Treasury for special consideration. It will be very difficult to separate the
(1502) 28899/1063
incidence of liability.
1,500,000 939 JC&SLtd
Gp644 229
(REGIMINT)
CODE 5-34-0
Contd... [OVER

COPY.
June, 1941.
The Secretary,
Ministry of War Transport, this arrange
Sir,
The Committee appointed by authority of your minute of the tostantialth corres-11
of
7th "Dynamo", has now finished its work, subject to the exceptions
June, 1940, to deal with claims arising out of the Operation mentioned at the close of this report.
Committee has met on nineteen occasions, and, with the in for receipt the of a
July throughout. The Committee also appended claims exception on the latter's departure for Blackpool, has dealt with
The that Mr. G.J. Allen succeeded Mr. W. Robson retained as Chairman its those to cases apply original from membership operations "Cycle" and "Aerial". The statement and the hire was arising shows the number and character of the cases dealt with, period service expenditure authorised.
The claims received fell roughly into three major classes:-
1. Hire and expenses.
lost longshoremen
2. Repairs and Replacement.
was
Found made
3. Compensation for Total Loss.
compensation arrange as expenses other than total loss were concerned, to deal with the for and was procedure clearly defined So of far the and Committee competent straightforward was officers to authorise cases, of the in the Department, consultation Secretary payments with approval. made some
150
being technical scheduled or other and reported Committee's to the Committee agenda for being covering crowded by he to masses be met expeditiously. It was also arranged, nature from of
This procedure of items prevented on which no the question of principle arose in and the enabled hope total avoiding claims to delay in boats the were settlement ordered of to claims prepare of the and the stand Fishery by for the only to fishermen whose "Cycle" and "Aerial", that authorised Officers to
Taunches, subsequent Ministry operations of Agriculture and Fisheries should the experiment be was and of the of the Department. But part not of traffic settle them on as behalf was hoped, owing to some reluctance, without specific on the
They do were authority; the operation. officers and In the it was end, some however, time of before it correspondence, worked the well scheme and by came enabled officers claims full who were to so successful concerned, to deal with claims into etc.
which be the considered best position with the to minimum deal with cases evidence. where decision often depended in on circumstantial rather than direct dealt with by the Committee direct, it was generally possible In cases to obtain of evidence dealing of with payment claims in was the comparatively case of wages and stores and regards the process the loss of equipment, however, it was a their fairly general of everything portable, what was owing on simple. experience As that while vessels were there re-delivered was no evidence, to board to the in the first instance. of such The Committee a nature as had to to justify the advice assumption of the owners conditions stripped under which they were taken up, as decide to whether articles claimed would probably for were have been on board, and, with offer. the The that technical they felt officers, bound to in arrive most cases at a reasonable to give to the sum to claimant desirable the benefit
Committee what was aboard. This was particularly had been since, of the doubt owing as to the to omission of an on-survey, the claimants relieved of their onus of proof.
/A

- a 1210.
- 3 -
In a considerable number of instances no claim has been made by owners, who have felt proud that their vessels, and, in some cases, their services, were privileged to be used at Dunkirk. In other cases, owners have been content to accept the cost of essential repairs, or compensation for lost equipment.
As mentioned above, there are now outstanding a small number claims for compensation for the loss of vessels, mainly of a of commercial character; but it is considered that, where the Secretary is negotiations should be completed by the Committee for Compensation Wurtzburg, unable to complete on the lines already laid down by this Committee, the Total Loss, now sitting under the Chairmanship of Mr. C.E.
for addition there are a few miscellaneous claims outstanding consulting for repairs
In etc, which the Secretary has been instructed to deal with, the members of the Committee informally where necessary.
conclusion, the Committee desire to place on record W.A. their appreciation In of the zeal and ability shown by its Secretary Mr.
Wand.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servants,
(Sgd) G.J. ALLEN.
A.L. MOORE.
E.B. SIMMONS.
C.S. RIDDELL.
BR.

as: " TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
one: ABBEY 7711.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, further communication to 1. on this subject y should be addressed
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
The Director of Sea Transport,
(address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE,
LONDON, W.1.
and the following number quoted:-
Ministry NOTICE of Shipping has now made arrangements Owners to
The claims for expenses and losses sustained by Dunkirk.
deal of vessels with used in the evacuation of personnel from retained the vessels which were used are being separately.
on Government Some of service and these will be dealt with be for a
TO
Claims amount in of compensation and should show should in be detail respect of other vessels should
3
reasonable expense was incurred. They
2,350.9.5
how the loss or evidence or vouchers which may be 1940 available to:-
supported and should by be any forwarded not later than 30th June
8.1.10
Mr. W.A. Wand,
Room 8015,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
London, W.1.
12th June, 1940.
(2)
209. 9.
C-aims for now small retained with craftunder reports permanent included some
Trading Committes Trading Committee Ltd. the Netherland payments Shipping the have of Committee and used lifeboats. Evacuation normal
&

TRE
/
July, 1941.
Your Reference
Julian, Pulch committee. 9/7/41
2nd
Treasury Reference 45924 01
Dear sir the 27th,
Thank you Dynamo very Etc. much for letter of I
June 1941.
and prompt wiven to should and any the the rapid I which really dealt he work with Yours as
Sinistry Julian of Foley, war Cronsport, are to be complimented on their good work.
Yours sincerely,
G.J. Allen, Esq., I.S.O., Road, M.B.E.
Loors, EDG.
76 Corringham
N.W.11.
Rc
E1
be it the some al with before the scheme came into full operation. In the end, however, it worked well and enabled claims to be considered with the minimu of correspondence, by officers who were in the best position to deal with cases where decision often depended on circumstantial rather than direct evidence.
In cases dealt with by the Committee direct, it was generally possible to obtain evidence of payment in the case of wages and stores and the process of dealing with claims war comparatively simple. AS regards the loss of equipment, howev
/it

MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
27th June, 1941.
5.0.9436. Dear Mr. I Allen, have set seen out to the settle report claims of the arising work of piece out the of
Committee This was a very good
Operation of minimum work efficiently of Dynamo. fuss. I and think Secret quickly that ry the done are members with to be the of
Committee and the work.
the complimented on their good
Yours sincerely,
G.J. I.S.O., Road, M.B.E.
Rc
E
De it the some al with before the well and enabled claims to be considered with minimu scheme came into full operation. In the end, however, the it of worked correspondence, by officers who were in the best position to deal with cases where decision often depended on circumstantial rather than direct evidence.
cases dealt with by the Committee direct, it was generally In possible to obtain evidence of payment in claims the case comparatively simple. AB regards the loss of equipment, of wages and stores and the process of dealing with howev was
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MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
27th June, 1941.
0.9436.
Dear Mr.
Moore, seen the report of the work of out the of
Committee Operation I have efficiently set Dynamo. out to This settle and quickly was claims a very done the arising good members with piece the of of work of fuss. I think that to be minimum Committee and the Secretary are the complimented on their good work.
Yours sincerely, good
A.L. Moore, Esq.
Rc
E
be it the some al with before the scheme came into full operation. In the end, however, it worked well and enabled claims to be considered with the minimu of correspondence, by officers who were in the best position to deal with cases where decision often depended on circumstantial rather than direct evidence.
In cases dealt with by the Committee direct, it was of wages and stores and the process of dealing with howev was generally possible to obtain evidence of payment in claims the case comparatively simple. As regards the loss of equipment,
/it

MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
27th June, 1941.
1.
ear Mr. Riddell, seen the report of the work of
I have set out to settle claims arising good piece out of of
Committee Operation work efficiently of Dynamo. fuss. and This I quickly think was that a done very the with members to the be of te he e
sinimum Committee and the Secretary work. are the complimented on their good e
Yours sincerely, er
C.S. Riddell, Sea Transport Esq. Department, ac
E:
be it the some al with before worked the well and enabled claims to be considered with minimu scheme came into full operation. In the end, however, the it of correspondence, by officers who were in the best position to deal with cases where decision often depended on circumstantial rather than direct evidence.
In cases dealt with by the Committee direct, it was generally possible to obtain evidence of payment in claims the case of and stores and the process of dealing with howev was comparatively wages simple. A6 regards the loss of equipment,
/it

MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
27th June, 1941.
9436.
1.
ear Simmons, seen the report of the work of out the
I have set out to settle claims arising good piece of
Committee Dynamo. This was a very with the
Operation efficiently and quickly done members of he of work of fuss. I think that the to be the minimum the Committee and the Secretary are complimented on their good work.
Yours sincerely, e
ter
E.B. Simmons, ESQ.,
Treasury tehall, S.W.1.
ea at
E1
Baid be it the some al with before the well and enabled claims to be considered with minimu scheme came into full operation. In the end, however, the it worked of correspondence, by officers who were in the best position to deal with cases where decision often depended on circumstantial rather than direct evidence.
In cases dealt with by the Committee direct, it was generally possible to obtain evidence of payment in claims the case of wages and stores and the process of dealing with howev was comparatively simple. AS regards the loss of equipment,
/it

MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
36.
27th June, 1941.
r. Wand,
1941.
I have seen the report of the work of the mittee set out to settle claims arising out of
Operation Dynamo. This was a very good piece of work efficiently and quickly done with the minute f the minimum of fuss. I think that the members of O
the the Committee and the Secretary are to be nd, complimented on their good work.
Blackpool,
Committee nd
Yours sincerely, haracter the except and jor land, Esq.
concerned
Secretary i. Department.
in of the
0
the ed the
Rc hich met
E'
iding shermen ery ould be at the some al with before the scheme came into full operation. In the end, however, it worked well and enabled claims to be considered with the minimu of correspondence, by officers who were in the best position to deal with cases where decision often depended on circumstantial rather than direct evidence.
In cases dealt with by the Committee direct, it was of wages and stores and the process of dealing with claims was generally possible to obtain evidence of payment in the case comparatively simple. As regards the loss of equipment, howev
/it

10 June, 1941.
The Secretary,
Ministry of War Transport.
Sir,
The Committee appointed by authority of your minute of the 7th June, 1940, to deal with claims arising out of the
Operation "Dynamo", has now finished its work, subject to the exceptions mentioned at the close of this report.
The Committee has met on nineteen occasions, and, with the exception that Mr. G.J. Allen succeeded Mr. W. Robson as Chairman in July on the latter's departure for Blackpool,
Juny every has retained its original membership throughout. The Committee also dealt with claims arising from operations "Cycle" and
"Aerial". The statement appended shows the number and character of the cases dealt with, and the expenditure authorised.
The claims received fell roughly into three major classes:-
1. Hire and expenses
2. Repairs and Replacement
3. Compensation for Total Loss.
So far as expenses other than total loss were concerned the procedure of the Committee was to authorise the Secretary to deal with clearly defined and straightforward cases, in consultation with technical or other competent officers of the
Department, payments made being scheduled and reported to the
Rc
Committee for covering approval. This procedure prevented the
Committee's agenda being crowded by masses of items on which no question of principle arose and enabled claims to be met expeditiously. It was also arranged, in the hope of avoiding delay in the settlement of claims of this nature from fishermen whose boats were ordered to prepare and stand by for the
Officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries should be subsequent operations "Cycle" and "Aerial", that the Fishery authorised to settle them on behalf of the Department. But the experiment was not so successful as was hoped, owing to some reluctance, on the part of the officers concerned, to deal with claims without specific authority; and it was some time before the scheme came into full operation. In the end, however, it worked well and enabled claims to be considered with the minimu of correspondence, by officers who were in the best position to deal with cases where decision often depended on circumstantial rather than direct evidence.
In cases dealt with by the Committee direct, it was generally possible to obtain evidence of payment in the case of wages and stores and the process of dealing with claims was comparatively simple. AB regards the loss of equipment, howev
/it