TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

ILA
-8-
in spite of a bit of rope round her port propeller, there was far too much rope at Dunkirk, made excellent headway.
There was a north easterly breeze blowing which raised a bit of a lop which was on our starboard baby on the course to the
Foreland, this was just where it was not wanted under the circumstances.
43
Most of the battens carried away and the canvas patching was flapping loose at the bottom over the main damage but she was still only making water in very small quantities as the bad damag above water line and she would have been as dry as a chip an reasonably smooth water.
We calculated that we could get round the Foreland without shipping too much and that we should then have the wind and water pretty well astern, and this proved to be the case so that we shipped no more water after that though there was a fair amount of motion for a time.
We had & chart, but no compass, owing to the bomb splinter at Dunkirk, but it was a sunny day and a course just outside the angle of the light on the water sommed about right. In point of fact we picked up every buoy directly on our course.
We had no dividers on board but using a piece of string to measure the distance on the chart between two buoys and comparing this with the tatitude scale on the bottom of the chart, found that we were doing approximately 15 knots and she must have averaged about 12 knots for the trip although we had to go a bit easy before we had rounded the Foreland.
Soon after we had got through the boom one of the usual busy drifters came pounding after us, flicking her signal lamp which, as usual, we could not read, but we eased up to let her come nearer and, as was off to our starboard a bit, we gave Cairngorm a bit of a sheer to starboard, which gave the drifter a fine view of our flapping patch, this seemed to tell the drifter all he wanted to know about us ur.
and he just waved a hand and turned back.
ned
We tied up in the motor boat basin, landed our crew and reported about 20.00. As soon as we had reported to the
1.
Commander in charge of the motor boats, he enquired if we had dined yet, and finding this was not so, book us into the of
Mess for dinner at once.
air
We slept on board Cairegorn that night, and on Friday the 7th June I was duly examined by the Medical Officer and chased about to two or three different individuals and eventually signed off, as from the date of expiration of my three days'
O
Dunkirk leave.
For this extremely pleasant outing, in the best of good company, I was paid at the magnificent rate of £23 a month and all found as Master of a vessel.
These temporary employees of the navy, signed on under naval discipline, achort periods are not provided with any uniform, and are not bound to wear any uniform, so one saw the
10 And south-east England, and a heap of people who had just come
Club caps and jackets of nearly every Yacht Club in the Thames,
/lub town as they were. As I always keep my ship clothes, including cap and reefer on board, I wore them the whole time and commissions in the R.N.V.R.
net several other members of the Club who had got their
Basipo ng me em,

HO
216x
COUNT DRACULA
/STN 6B
2, Blondin Avenue,
2nd October 1940.
Northfields, sir,
Ealing T.5.
44
I have to acknowledge receipt of
24/10/40.
your letter dated 20th September, 1940.
enclosing reports on the Dunkirk
1.0.)
operations insofar as your vessel use,
CONSTANT NYMPH took part in these operations, and to thank you for the most interesting information which
D. 9144/STN.6B.
you have been good enough to supply.
It is anticipated that this report will it Dracula".
be of value in compiling the final repat which will be drawn up on these e. regarding the Dunkirk operations.
in requisitioned at the time
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, was not able to accompany
:, from the Master that the
Director of Sea Transport.
Dunkirk and brought back to
A.B. Smith, Esq., rip.
Westfield,
Rodney Road, fter taking the men on board
New Malden,
Surrey.
ds away, lifted her clean out und an even keel.
On
P back to Rams gate she developed clutch slipping, and was eventually towed into Ramsgate Harbour.
On her trip from Ramsgate to Richmond, she sustained considerable damage. Previous to that no damage was sustained.
The repairs have been effected, and I take this opportunity of thanking again the Ministry of Shipping for the prompt and fair settlement, which enabled me to have my boat repaired.
I am happy that she has been of some service to our Country.
Yours faithfully,
K. Cliener.
Directorol Sea Transport.
ng me em,

COUNT DRACULA
2, Blondin Avenue,
Northfields,
Ealing W.5.
45
24/10/40.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping (H.O.)
Berkeley Square House,
W.1.
Dear Sir, your Ref. T.O. 9144/STN.6B.
Re: "Count Dracula".
In reply to your favour regarding the Dunkirk evacuation, my motor cruiser was requisitioned at the time without my knowledge, so that I was not able to accompany the boat.
I understand, however, from the Master that the
"Count Dracula" made 4 trips to Dunkirk and brought back to
Ramsgate 75 B.E.F. men on each trip.
On the first trip after taking the men on board a Nazi bomb dropped about 25 yards away, lifted her clean out of the water, but she luckily found an even keel.
On her last trip back to Rams gate she developed clutch slipping, and was eventually towed into Ramsgate Harbour.
On her trip from Ramsgate to Richmond, she sustained considerable damage. Previous to that no damage was sustained.
The repairs have been effected, and I take this opportunity of thanking again the Ministry of Shipping for the prompt and fair settlement, which enabled me to have my boat repaired.
I am happy that she has been of some service to our Country.
Yours faithfully,
K.
cliener.
Director of Sea Transport.
ng me em,

VINITAL
H.O.
FALCON II
tn.2161.
righton Municipal Hospital,
Elm Grove,
9144/STN6B.
29th October, 1940.
Brighton, 7.
47
46
Sir,
19th September, 1940.
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 24th October, 1940
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofar as your vessel
"COUNT DRACULA" took part in these
'ALCON 11'.
operations and to thank you for the information which you have been good sels were required for the enough to supply. It is anticipated t Dunkirk, I offered my vessel, that this report will be of value in y 31st arranged with a crew of compiling the final report which will ssel to be taken to Dover or be drawn up on these operations.
ssage was received in the evening essels were to proceed, but on
I am, Sir, t) orders were received at
Your obedient Servant, d to proceed, and as there was no time again he crew, she sailed under a crew detailed by the Chichester Yacht Co. She was proceeding to Dover but, probably to the crew being unaccustomed to the particular some trouble was experienced and she put into Shoreham.
Director of Sea
Transport.
The she was taken from Shoreham to
Newhaven and the channel to St. Valerie. From accounts grim time, and four bombs exploded
K. Greiner, Esq. the tunately, only resulted in a burst
2, Blondin Avenue, allons of Diesel oil. This narrow
Northfields, later quite independently, by a
Ealing, W.5. of who, prior to the war, had a
W the 'Falcon 11'.
erie to Newhaven the vessel was taken over by the naval authorities, and is now doing routine coastal patrol duties.
The vessel can be regarded as an 'old-timer' as she did useful service in the last war (not under her present name), and having come safely through that, it is hoped that she may have the same good fortune in her second period of service.
Rekin
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.1.
Director of Sea Transport.
ng me em,

FALCON II
2/3/19
Brighton Municipal Hospital,
Elm Grove,
RECEIVED
Brighton, 7.
47
RY
OF 18 18
19th September, 1940.
Sir,
Re: 'FALCON 11'.
At the time small vessels were required for the evacuation of the B.E.F. at Dunkirk, I offered my vessel,
Friday the above-named, and on May 31st arranged with a crew of local yachtsmen for the vessel to be taken to Dover or across the channel. A message was received in the evening of this day that no more vessels were to proceed, but on
Satus Saturday day the following day (June 1st) orders were received at
Chichester that vessels had to proceed, and as there was no time again to collect the crew, she sailed under a crew detailed by the Chichester Yacht Co. She was proceeding to Dover but, probably owing to the crew being unaccustomed to the particular vessel, some trouble was experienced and she put into Shoreham.
The following Sunday she was taken from Shoreham to
Newhaven and went across the channel to St. Valerie. From accounts they had a pretty grim time, and four bombs exploded near the vessel which, fortunately, only resulted in a burst fuel tank containing 260 gallons of Diesel oil. This narrow escape was later confirmed, quite independently, by a
Lieutenant of the R.N.V.R. who, prior to the war, had a yacht at Chichester and knew the 'Falcon 11'.
Returning from St. Valerie to Newhaven the vessel was taken over by the naval authorities, and is now doing routine coastal patrol duties.
The vessel can be regarded as an 'old-timer' as she did useful service in the last war (not under her present name), and having come safely through that, it is hoped that she may have the same good fortune in her second period of service.
Rikd
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.1.
Directorol Sea Transport.
ng me em,

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,

KINTAIL
HO
KESTREL
Extn.2161.
LETTER Stre
TANKERTON TONER
PROVIDER
1 OCT1940
T.09144/S.T.N6B.
POST
ROOM
30th Sep tember, 1940 31, Military Pooad,
62
Gentlemen,
58
Pooyal Harbour,
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the 24th
Poamsgate.
a
September enclosing report on the
W
Dunkirk Operations insofar as your
"Gondolier King", "Gondolier Queen",
November 4th I940
S
re
"Gondolier III" took part in these th operations, and to thank you for the information which you have been good up enough to supply. It is anticipated that this report will be of value in compiling the final reports which will be drawn up on these operations.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant, le Skippers to forward their
MEREDITH,
Dunkirk. All the ships statements I have had copied,
4, Southampton Senior,
J.H.
Director of Sea Transport.
The Poole and Swanage Motor and Speed
Boat Company, Limited,
Yours Faithfully.
Gondolier Fleet,
West Quay Shipyard,
Poole, DORSET.
were doing their JOU, ew riciency, with which those chaps crew. troops Their in no action time. made our work easier, and we filled myself up and with the admiration of
(Signed) Walter W. Cribbens.
Skipper.
October I940
ng ne em,

KINTAIL
STANLEY ROWDEN,
STEAM TRAWLER OWNER AND
FISH SALESMAN.
Telephone 595.
31, Military Road,
Royal Harbour,
Ramsgate.
63
Copy of Statement from Skipper of the S.T. "KESTREL"
Re Dunkirk.
One of the most outstanding incidents to come under my notice, was the action of one of our dstroyers.
We had had a quiet, uneventful crossing in very fine weather on this particular morning, and orders were to enter Dunkirk Roads, by the South Channel. This Channel runs very close to the shore, to the southward of Dunkirk, and part of this shore was in enemy hands. As we entered this channel a destroyer, came to meet us, and got between us and the shore and escorting us for some distance, and letting out a smoke screen, shielding us from the shore. All the time the destoyer's gun were blaxing away, and his anti-aircraft guns were in action with many enemy planes, that were overhead.
The destroyer went ahead, and as he passed us, we got a cheery wave from the officers on the bridge, and most were doing their job, that drew the admiration of myself and of the crew. It was the cool efficiency, with which those chaps crew. Their action made our work easier, and we filled up with troops in no time.
(Signed) Walter W. Cribbens.
Skipper.
October I940
Ag the em,

/
LADY CABLE
JON
M
EKED
PAPER
u, Rd w,
Ext. 2161.
LETTER S
1 OCT1940
T.09144/S.T.N.6B.
POST ROOM
25th Sept 1940.
4
30th September 1940.
Sir,
6.8
the evacuation
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25th September 1940
enclosing report on the Dunkirk k
Operations insofar as your "KINTAIL"
took part in these operations and to thank you for the information which you
He with I men have been good enough to supply. It is anticipated that this report will be of value in compiling the final report were needed which will be drawn up on these operations.
dunkirk, / man
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, she left Dover
(Sgd.)
MEREDITH,
Director of Sea Transpo arge arrived naval Dunks sas on'
W. E. Turner, Esq.,
28, Leicester Villas,
Hove. 3.
ips from beach ened about 500
t with load
ID:
es to sgate, discharged a
left for Door there where of the then Lorquay my man though unhu bow inany home naval officer of rating way wished to leave the
4 re- returned fuelled 9 left Dover immediately for the Dear ca.
the Lady bable continued under and other vessels
&
up on the Dunkirk Sands full of water, and as it was impossible on account of the draft of the Life-boat to do any more, the Life-boat set off for Margate. The Life-boat's activities were close to Neiuport (?) and on the homeward journey
4g me em,

/
L
LADY CABLE
Drs. MADIGAN & McCARTHY
11, Rd w,
YLAND 4177.
328, HIGH ROAD,
LEYTONSTONE, E.11.
25th Sept 1940.
69
0
Dear mrs Mott.
940.
Very sorry for in the evacuation delay, but we have had to of pay for drains I of course
1940, ink business in Londow is bad - Ralis ble with I men
).
nothing from the Boro Billposling Co have gone up 9 we have received he ood were needed sena was started ted in a bomb dropped about quite dess vill dunkirk, / man but did no damage that is apparent.
yours sincerely (to the house)
she left Dover nt,
M.A. Madigan he arrived Dunks on'
harge naval sad
Director of Sea Transport.
Mrs. Bradcot, C.W. Motts, trips from beach
Braddens Torquay, Hill Road, West, escued about 500
i
Devon.
left with load
10.
es to
Imsgate, discharged d
there men of then afterwarm left for Door
Q
where the Lorquay man though unhu inany way wished to leave the bow of fuelled 9 left Dover immediately for the Dear ca.
returned home naval officer & rating
& re- the Lady bable continued under up on the Dunkirk Sands full of water, and and other as vessels it was more, the Life-boat set off for Margate. The Life-boat's impossible on account of the draft of the Life-boat to do any activities were close to Neiuport (?) and on the homeward journey
4g me.
em,

LADY CABLE
Rradcot, will, Rd w,
25th Sept 1940.
T.09144/S.T.N.6B.
70
2nd October 1940.
Madam, the evacuation
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25th September 1940, irk.
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofar as your vessel
"LADY CABLE" took part in these ble with I men operations and to thank you for the information which you have been good enough to supply. It is anticipated
5 were needed that this report will be of value in compiling the final report which will be drawn up on these operations.
dunkirk, / man
I am, Madam, she left Dover
Your obedient Servant, he harge arrived naval Dunks sad on'
Director of Sea Transport.
Mrs. C.W. Motts, trips from beach
Bradcot,
Braddens Torquay, Hill Road, West, escued about 500
left with load
IC.
Devon.
es
0
Imagate, discharged a
there where the Lorquay man though bo men 7 then afterwarms left for unhu Dorr
Q
inany returned home naval officer & rating way wished to leave the of fuelled 9 left Dover immediately for the Du. sa.
& re- the Lady bable continued under and other vessels up on the Dunkirk Sands full of water, and as it was imposs ible on account of the draft of the Life-boat to do any more, the Life-boat set off for Margate. The Life-boat's activities were close to Neiuport (?) and on the homeward journey
4g me em,

cler, "Proceed straight to Dunkisk," and so,
OH ect away from the forctund, we saw hundreds of as 72
gaing to Dunkrite, we went with them.
The Queen
We came in sight of the Gravelines
'ent. K.G.
Bt.
it 6.45 P.M. and then proceeded about three miles e Goloille raite. O.B.E.
off share into Dunkink, at about 7.0.p.m we saw ution the first 1 the German Bombers. about 40 of them and we dodged and zig-zugged about making for
76
the shone all the time, about dusk, (we had nr time to see after times now.) we came inshere, but the swell made it impossible to get any where on d ber, 1940.
the heach, we saw littrary hundreds of army cars on the beaches, and seeing we couldn't get any
.N.6.B.
soliduio off by granding an versel we went along to the dock, where with the now appoaching clarkness we were straining uses eyes to look out for weeks
We picked our first load of men up tion's
O
from outside the jetty and were the first loat away gate
0
to the loat which we hansferred them to,ahe was L
d i
called the "Inly"
m
10.
The more powerful loats "Renown."
"Defereder" and "Relicince caught us up going lack to d
in the pitch black, to the clock. (all loats cast
Q
away from each other, when the arroplanes same)
and so we were Part to go into the dock
Enclosure
RECEIVED
25 SEPP.M.
Culaminium
25
new
18
Secreta more, impossible the on account of the draft of the Life-boat to do as any it on the Dunkirk Sands full of water, and and other vessels was activities Life-boat set if for Margate. The Life-boat's were close to Neiuport (?) and on the homeward journey
4g ne em,

73
The Queen the second time,
'Cent. K.G.
Bt.
The load was orgain put on the Titly e Goloille raite, O.B.E.
md back again we went, Part hoat again, the ution other loats being about two hundred yards ahread.
On gering in for the third bine,a
76
shell birst in between the Part bout of them, and us, that we turned back, to go out, but the signaler d
iber, 1940.
we had on board, and had only been "act" for about rix week, and never been under fine, said Wave me got to go in again" so we went in
N.6.B.
We passed the others going int of for their last journey and then a voice houled us from the docks, we Perided up again. and also
, towed a life loat full of solides as well, there, as tion's
O
we couldn't find the "Tilly" we put an loand sgate
0
the a trawles, which was truing another, and
Jun a
i that in tum was touring two afeboats, one runk in
10.
and the other with suilors in. We didn't know es so our coune home, so we also made fast, soon we saw another loat coming
Q
up behind us, it was the "Renoun, and yelling that they had engine trouble they made fast to
Enclosure
RECEIVED
25 SEPP.M
18
Secreta impossible the on account of the draft of the Life-boat to do any on the Dunkirk Sands full of water, and and other as vessels it was more, Life-boat set if for Margate. The Life-boat's activities were close to Neiuport (?) and on the homeward journey
4g me em,

74
The Queen stem and we tomed them, about, 3/2 fathems
'Cent, K.G.
rope being the distance behind us, that was
Bt.
e Goloille at + 1.15 am, and tired out, the enineer and raite. O.B.E.
seaman and signilar, went to tern in. as an ution work reemed reasly done, we were congratulating
76
an selves, 1 when at # about 1.50, a terrible explorion look place, and a hail of wood spinters came down on 'oun cleck. In the pitch clark you iber, 1940
could see nothing, and after the explorion, we hurd nothing. and we could du shothing, except pull in the tow tope which was just as we passed it t
N6B
the Renoun about 24 of an hour before, but not a sign of phat insted boat of Renown.
We left our tower, at 8.30
next day (sat) and as the fine trawler got CA
tion's
O
0
round her propellor, we proceeded to Ramsgate i
and rope reported, and then proceeded to Screthend, which d
we arrived at 3.30 p.m. We reported at orn station
TO
es then our job was done.
so
Down Knoth a
foloping same will help you.
Q
k
Your obedient servant,
Enclosure
RECEIVED
25 SEPP.M.
Culaminium
25
18
Secreta more, activities impossible the Life-boat on account on the set of Dunkirk if the for draft Sands Margate. of full the of Life-boat water, and other and to do as vessels any it was were close to Neiuport (?) and on The the Life-boat's homeward journey ag ne em,

FOR INSERTION IN REGISTERED
LETTER SENT
HO
Axt. 2161.
LIFEBOATS
30SEP1940
Patrons
POST 8. ROOM
Lajesty King. Her Majesty Queen
75
HerMajesty Queen Mary
T.09144/S.T.N.6B.
Ent:- H.R.H.He Duke of Kent. K.G.
30th September 1940.
Spairman The Hon. George Goloille irman:- Sir Godfrey Baring, Bt.
Lieut:-Golonel C.R. Satterthwaite. theraite. O.B.E.
Sir, fe-Boat Institution
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 24th September 1940
untary Contributions enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofer as your "LETITIA"
Depôt
76
took part in these operations, and to
Hertfordshire thank you for the most interesting information which you have been good nunication enough to supply. It is anticipated hould be that this report will be of value in
Secretary compiling the final report which will
24th September, 1940.
be drawn up on these operations.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servan
Your Ref: T.0.9144/S.T.N.6.B.
(Sgd.) A. P. MEREDITH.
Director of Sea Transpor
I beg leave to the receipt of your letter
A. Dench, Esq., tant dealing rices of this Institution's
Fairlight Cottage, on of Dunkirk, and to
Billet Lane, of ports made by the
Leigh-on-Sea, and of the rgate and Ramsgate
Essex. the two Life-boats which operated in the evacuation with their own he other Life-boats employed being by Naval
Coniss of which I iclose were forwarde to
Mr.
linistry
; on the 26th July.
to
Committee have made suitable monetary rewards to the crew of the Margate and Ramsgate Life-boats, and have addressed a letter of warm appreciation to each station, th felt that as the - services were carried out under Ad
Orders it would not be proper for them to make awards of
+
Institution's medals or any other honorary award.
I am, Sir,
RECEIVED
Your obedient servant,
Enclosure
25 SEPP.M.
18 1888
Culaminium
Secreta more, impossible the Life-boat on account on the set of Dunkirk off the for draft Sands of full the of Life-boat water, and other and to do as vessels it was activities were close to Neiuport Margate. (?) and on The the Life-boat's homeward any journey
4g me em,

LIFEBOATS
Patrons
His Majesty The King. Her Majesty The Queen
Her. Majesty Queen Mary
President:- H.R.H.The Duke of Kent. K.G.
Chairman:- Sir Godfrey Baring, Bt.
Founded 1824
Deputy Chairman The Hon. George Goloille
Secretary:- Lieut:-Golonel C.R. Satterthwaite. Satter thwaite. O.B.E.
Royal National life-Boat Institution solely by Voluntary Contributions
Life-Boat Depôt
76
Telephone number and
Telegrams
Boreham Wood. Hertfordshire
Elstree 1755
The are Director of Sea Transport,
Any further communication air on this subject should be
CRS/H
addressed to The Secretary
24th September, 1940.
0
Ministry of Shipping, H.O.,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London, W.1.
Your Ref: T.0.9144/S.T.N.6.B.
Sir,
I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant dealing with the services of this Institution'
Life-boats in connexion with the evacuation of Dunkirk, and to enclose for your information copies of reports made by the
Honorary Secretary and Coxswain of the Margate and Ramsgate
Life-boats. These were the only two Life-boats which operated in the evacuation with their own crews; the other Life-boats employed being manned by Naval ratings.
Copies of the reports which I now enclose were forwarde to Mr. Guttery of the Ministry of Shipping on the 26th July.
to
While my Committee have made suitable monetary rewards to the crew of the Margate and Ramsgate Life-boats, and have addressed a letter of warm appreciation to each station, th felt that as the services were carried out under Ad
Orders it would not be proper for them to make awards of
Institution's medals or any other honorary award.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Enclosure
RECEIVED SEPP. M.
18 1887 ALTISTINO
Culaminium
Secreta activities set ff for Margate. The do more, impossible the Life-boat on account on une of Dunkirk the draft Sands of full the of Life-boat water, and and other to as vessels any it was were close to Neiuport (?) and on the Life-boat's homeward journey ng me em,

CRS/S
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION.
77
SERVICES OF THE MARGATE MOTOR LIFE-BOAT, "LORD SOUTHBOROUGH",
IN CONNEXION ITH THE EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
Report by the Honorary Secretary, Mr. P.E.V. Gellatly, The Cottage
Bridge Road, Margate.
On the morning of the 30th ultimo an official from the Admiralty telephoned the Coxswain asking him if he and the Crew were prepared to go to Dunkirk to bring off troops. To this request the Coxswain at once complied. He was then told to report to the
Senior Naval Officer at Margate, this he did and was told to accompany an Admiralty motor barge which towed the Life-boat across the Channel to save petrol. About midnight the Admiralty barge in trying to find the shore at Dunkirk ran aground, the
Life-boat tried, unsuccessfully, to tow her off, and the Commander then asked the Coxswain to run a stern anchor and wire away which he did. This manoeuvre managed to get the barge afloat. The
Coxswain then decided to go into the shore, he soon heard shouts and came across some French troops. These were taken aboard the
Life-boat and were then transferred to the Admiralty barge. The
S
barge Commander then asked the Coxswain to find some English troops.
The Coxswain went into the shore again and found some English troops which were taken aboard the Life-boat and these were transferred to the barge. These troops informed the Coxswain that there were two stretcher cases on the beach and could they be rescued. The Coxswain said this would be possible if they could be brought off to the Life-boat. The Life-boat went into the sands again and was this time joined by a naval boat from a destroyer and this boat brought the two stretcher cases to the Life-boat, which after filling up with more English troops transferred all aboard to the barge. The Life-boat then went in again and loaded un with troops and returned to the barge whose Commander told the Coxswain to take the troops to a destroyer. This was done. The Life-boat went into the sands on several more occasions and transferred many
B.E.F. troops to the destroyer. The weather became bad with a fresh N.W. wind making a surf on the shore so that the troops were unable to reach the Life-boat, and they were being drowned between the Life-boat and the shore and the Life-boat was unable to give them any assistance. Owing to these circumstances the Life-boat drew away from the shore and came across some men on 3 rafts who
Date were trying to pull off on to an Admiralty barge by means of a rope but they were being washed off the rafts, one of which capsized. With very great difficulty the Life-boat managed to rescue those washed off together with the occupants of the other two rafts. All these men were transferred to the destroyer.
During this operation the Coxswain was told by the Captain of the destroyer to lay off as his ship was being attacked by aircraft.
By this time all the boats from the destroyers and other vessels were washed up on the Dunkirk Sands full of water, and as it was impossible on account of the draft of the Life-boat to do any more, the Life-boat set off for Margate. The Life-boat's activities were close to Neiuport (?) and on the homeward journey ng me em,

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

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

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
her COMMITTEE WINDSORA GERBERA EM
H.O.
WINDSONG
WARRIOR
William Douglas & Sons LIMITED 192
HEAD OFFICE:
SCOTTISH BRANCH
DOUGLAS WHARF PUTNEY
68 FOUNTAINBRIDGE
LOND ON
PUTNEY 6666
A
EDINBURGH
TELEPHONE
TELEGRAMS
(PRIVATE EXCMANCE)
"OZONE EDINBURGH™
REGISTERED TELEGRAPHIC CABLE
TELEPHONE
ADDRESS "IBIDEM LONDON
28039
CODES ABC ST*EDITION BENTLEY
EDINBURGH
EST. 1878
DOUGLAS WHARF
PUTNEY
LONDON S.W.15. ENGLAND
OUR REF.
YOUR REF.
DEPT.
DATE
WHB/ES
Sep. 18th 1940
aucd.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping (H.O.)
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square, W. 1.
2711 RECEIVED 19 SEP P.M. 21 1 OF
Sir,
Your Ref. T.0.9144/STN.6
B
I am replying to your circular letter, under the above reference, on behalf of Flight Lieut. W. L. Douglas, M.C.
owner of "Warrior", who is at present serving in the R. A. F.
Although I understand that "Warrior" was originally requistioned for service in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from
Dunkirk, she was taken over by the Naval Authorities when she reported at Ramsgate, and I have received no advice as to her activities since that time.
I am however, enclosing a copy of the Master's Log, and report, relating to the passage from Chichester (from whence she was requistioned) to Ramsgate, in the hope that some of the remarks contained therein may be of interest to you.
Yours faithfully,
Enc.
after taking
About 10.30 a.m. on we arrived at Southend Pier and s/in were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE
WINDSORA
has
GERBERA
EM
H.O.
WINDSONG
-4-
196
in the dark it is difficult to keep looking down engine room hatch to see what shafts are doing. Should also suggest fitting two rear view mirrors in wheel house to givebetter view astern.
In connection with the towage of "Idaho" should suggest fitting a heavy ring plate on top of petrol and gas store to enable tow rope to be made fast and all gear, rails etc. aft of this made removable to allow for sweep of tow rope. Control was very difficult when towing from right aft in a heavy sea.
Should finally suggest the carrying of a long 9" bass warp for towing if required as it has so much more spring.
Finally I came to like "Warrior" very much and respect her. A
good sea boat and no great vices, obviously the product of practical knowledge and great interest. X Log appears to over register.
K. S. BROWN
Skipper for trip.
X Note
This log was borrowed from POPSJOIE.
after taking on retrol
About 10.30 a.m., an Wednutay 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-

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
WINDSORA
has
EM
H.O.
GERBERA
61.
LETTER SENT
WINDSONG
(S)
TELEPHONE: BRIGHTON No 5711/2.
+/S.T.N.6B.
1
OCT1940
30th POST September 1940
ance Company Limited
Gentlemen,
197
District Branch,
I have to acknowledge
198
receipt of your letter dated 18th
ORTH STREET,
September 1940, enclosing reports on the Dunkirk Operations insofar as your "WARRIOR" took part in these
Brighton!
1st
October,
1940.
operations, and to thank you for the most interesting information which you have been good enough to supply. It is anticipated that this report will be of value in compiling the final
- Small Craft - Yacht -
report which will be drawn up on these
IG".
operations.
your of the 16th instant, I now have
I am, Gentlemen,
L desire for your records of the part
Your obedient Servant, the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
(Sgd.) A. P. MEREDITH.
len of 29, Hill Road, Littlehampton, ehampton.
The following is a
Director of Sea Transport.
r its own power on May 30th, arriving de until the following morning, when
Messrs. William Douglas & Sons Ltd., ave orders to proceed to east of
S.
Late that afternoon instructions
Douglas Wharf, nte
Putney, S.W.5.
Early on the morning of June 1st djoining Basin where, with five other a trawler, to Dunkirk.
W e made we
.ers had already been given by the Captain
We were on the point of making for the w
Jy dive bombers, one large salvo just missing our trawler. We were ordered to cut adrift and make back, it was every man for himself. Two or three times we were lifted or shot up with the detonations, in fact, it was marvellous how the boat stuck it.
There were several small and has two large transports put down quite close to us. Every moment we thought it would be our turn for the machine guns which the Huns were using on small craft.
of
Meanwhile, there was wreckage all around us. One of the craft alongside was in trouble with its engines, and we gave them a hand getting their engines going, after which we proceeded on our course back to Dover.
Eventually we got by across the Goodwins when darkness set in. We made the "Downs" and moored to a tug until daybreak, finally reaching the east harbour of Dover about 7. a.m. on as
June 2nd, where we reported our return. After a while a naval crew took over the yacht and we then made our way back to Littlehampton where we reported.
ther
P.T.O.
after taking on Petrol at Gravesend.
About 10.30 we arrived at has 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-

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
WINDSORA
her
EM
61. OR INSERTION IN REGISTERED PAPERS
H.O.
GERBERA
LETTER SENT
I
WINDSONG
144/STN6B.
(S)
TELEPHONE: BRIGHTON N° 5711/2.
-5DEC1940
POST ROOM
5th December
1940.
6
ance Company Limited
Sir,
15
District Branch,
198
I have to acknowledge receipt of
ORTH STREET, your letter dated 27th November, 1940, enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations, insofar as your Motor Boat
"ADVANCE" took part in these operations
Brighton!1.
1st
October,
1940.
and to thank you for the most interesting information which you have been good enough to supply. It is anticipated that this report will be
- Small Craft - Yacht -
of value in compiling the final report ONG".
which will be drawn up on these operations.
favour of the 16th instant, I now have ou desire for your records of the part
I am, Sir, f the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
Your obedient Servant, rden of 29, Hill Road, Littlehampton, tlehampton.
The following is a
(Sgd.) A. P. MEREDITH.
for Director of Sea Transport.
ider its own power on May 30th, arriving tside until the following morning, when gave orders to proceed to east of
C. P.Dick Esq., ions.
Late that afternoon instructions nte
25, Fountain Court, sin.
Early on the morning of June 1st
Buckingham Palace Road,
D adjoining Basin where, with five other
S.W.1.
ar" a trawler, to Dunkirk.
W e made we rders had already been given by the Captain
We were on the point of making for the beach when we were heavily raided by dive bombers, one large salvo just missing our trawler.
We were ordered to cut adrift and make back, it was every man for himself.
Two or three times we were lifted or shot up with the detonations, in fact, it was marvellous how the boat stuck it.
There were several small and two large transports put down quite close to us. Every moment we thought it would be our turn for the machine guns which the Huns were using on small craft.
of
Meanwhile, there was wreckage all around us. One of the craft alongside was in trouble with its engines, and we gave them a hand getting their engines going, after which we proceeded on our course back to Dover.
Eventually we got by across the Goodwins when darkness set in.
We made the "Downs" and moored to a as tug until daybreak, finally reaching the east harbour of Dover about 7 a.m. on
June 2nd, where we reported our return.
After a while a naval crew took over the yacht and we then made our way back to Littlehampton where we reported.
ther
P.T.O.
after taking on Petrol at Gravesend.
About 10.30 a.m. 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-

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
WINDSORA
her
EM
GERBERA
WINDSONG
TELEGRAMS: ROYAL INSURANCE, BRIGHTON."
(S)
TELEPHONE: BRIGHTON No 5711/2.
Royal Insurance 9M68 Company Limited
Lussex District Branch,
All Letters to be addressed
162, NORTH STREET,
198
to the Local Manager.
Brighton 1st October, 1940.
Dear Sir,
Your Reference TO.9144/STN.6B. - Small Craft - Yacht -
"WINDSONG".
With further reference to your favour of the 16th instant, I now have pleasure in sending you the information you desire for your records of the part played by small craft in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
The crew was comprised of A. Barden of 29, Hill Road, Littlehampton, and T.H. Falkingham of 4, Talbot Road, Littlehampton. The following is a description given to me by Barden.
The yacht left Littlehampton under its own power on May 30th, arriving off Dover the same night and anchored outside until the following morning, when contact was made with Inspection Boat who gave orders to proceed to east of
Harbour and there await further instructions.
Late that afternoon instructions were received to proceed to Submarine Basin.
Early on the morning of June 1st nted it was refuelled and the next move was to adjoining Basin where, with five other boats we were taken in tow by "Kinder Star" a trawler, to Dunkirk.
W e made close to Dunkirk Beach about 4 p.m.
Orders had already been given by the Captain of the Trawler to have engines running.
We were on the point of making for the beach when we were heavily raided by dive bombers, one large salvo just missing our trawler.
We were ordered to cut adrift and make back, it was every man for himself. Two or three times we were lifted or shot up with the detinations, in fact, it was marvellous how the boat stuck it.
There were several small and had two large transports put down quite close to us. Every moment we thought it would be our turn for the machine guns which the Huns were using on small craft.
of
Meanwhile, there was wreckage all around us. One of the craft alongside was in trouble with its engines, and we gave them a hand getting their engines going, after which we proceeded on our course back to Dover.
Eventually we got by across the Goodwins when darkness set in. We made the "Downs" and moored to a tug until daybreak, finally reaching the east harbour of Dover about 7 a.m. on as
June 2nd, where we reported our return.
After a while a naval crew took over the yacht and we then made our way back to Littlehampton where we reported.
there
P.T.O.
after taking on Petrol at Gravesend.
About 10.30 a.m. Wednutay 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-

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
WINDSORA
her Riger
GERBERA
Charles Hill & Son
BOAT AND LAUNCH 201
PROPRIETORS
ALSO AT 15, ALBANY ROAD, actail.
The Ferry, WINDSOR
WINDSOR
Motor Launches
UnBellamy w.g. Hynard Esgs. 25.9.40
for Hire:
M.L. "EM"
seats 32
Dear Sir
M.L. GERBERA" " 28
In reference to your letter, Re Launches, taking
M.L. "WINDSORA" 28/
M.L. "AVONDALE" 12
part in Evacuation of Dunkirk, may I state I
have been asked by Ins.. Hill to answer This
SKIFFS, PUNTS
letter as I am a partner in The buisness of a)
DINGHIES & CANOES
CAMPING PUNTS
volenteered to go down with our other Crews
A SPECIALITY.
-
Taking one Launch myself The "Wendsora" with we
On Hire by the Hour, Day also sent The m.L. Ehi, CP "Gerbera". crew or Week.
-
of 2 men each Launch,
All First-Class Comfortable
Craft.
my account of the above is that we were disapointed we did not have to go accross, as apparantly
-
Terms Reasonable.
we on reserve at south- End. on Sea in case we
-
were wanted, The reason as far as we were
Write for Quotations.
I
told were by The havel personal There That number They had
POPULAR TRIPS lasting 11
at The last moment a very large of and 21 hours for parties of
28 and upwards.
Shrimping Drifters Than was anticapated x they more suitable withheld I quite agree. as been They could cross the Channel Instructions under There in charge of "Eternal Wave" to deliver the vessel at Southend Pier, where we proceeded after taking on Petrol at Gravesend.
on
About 10.30 a.m. ^ 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-

aft cl in you put be
~~
bisory of provisions got
DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE.
to ARTION IN REGISTERED PAPERS
of
LETTER SENT
Ext. 2161.
1 OCT1940
WOLSEY
my
1.09144/S.T.N.6B
POST 4 ROOM
Cottage,
There
Lower Teddington Road,
30th September 1940.
ampton Wick.
middle
Gentlemen,
202
September, 1940.
I have to acknowledge receipt of
203
your letter dated 25th September 1940
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
Operations insofar as your "WINDSORA",
"EM" and "GERBERA" took part in these operations and to thank you for the information which 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 operations.
I am, Gemtlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
MASSACHUSETTS
MEREDITH,
Director of Sea Transport.
Messrs. Charles Hill & Son, ar had served as one
The Ferry,
Windsor.
ection Officer at
Service, and he so Sheerness. He lock and in the running order and the filled, but had no time to clean out the filters and carburetters or to attend to other details which would have been seen to in ordinary circumstances.
We left Teddington Lock about midnight and arrived at Greenwich Pier about 2 a.m. when the tide turned and we endeavoured to sleep for about an hour, and then continued our journey. At Tilbury we received instructions from the Naval Officer in charge of "Eternal Wave" to deliver the vessel at Southend Pier, where we proceeded after taking on Petrol at Gravesend.
About 10.30 a.m. on we arrived at Southend Pier and 29/5
Wednutay 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-