TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

Officer in could be oney ha nt that ed go
11th June, 19
In accordance with last nights instruction I am sending a report e
the fishing fleet from the Eastern District sent for the evacuation of th tish
Expeditionary Force.
ed on
On 30th May, shortly before 1700, I received your telephone messa so, of ould all boats capable of crossing the English Channel should be ordered to at once. I at once got in touch with suitable persons, usually the Cd wer
Hannam g
thirty of statistics, at different points round the coast and explained to th extreme urgency of the situation. Contact with the different stations established as under:-
Wells.
1700.
Yarmouth.
1915.
Leigh-on-Sea.
1710.
Maldon.
1935.
Harwich.
1730.
Burnham.
1940.
Deben Estuary.
1740.
West Mersea.
1945,
Sheringham.
1800.
Orford.
2010.
Brightlingsea.
1805.
At some stations it was evident that the Naval Authorities were also II
in the same matter and yachts were also being detailed. Early in the day
Lieut. Cator, R.N.V.R., from the Small Vessels Pool had visited Lowestoft a
Yarmouth to select yachts and I remained in touch with him during his visit.
the evening I visited Kessingland and found that the boats, mostly with car a
engines and no reverse gear, were unsuitable for the service. This also ap to Aldeburgh. At 2110 Mr. Hannah notified that the two large Sheringham Whll boats had sailed. There was no discussion of terms or conditions. The sed fishermen simply knew they were urgently wanted and they had a pretty good id why. Some left for Lowestoft immediately they came ashore from the fishing grounds. Early on the morning of June 1st I reported on the situation to N.O
Lowestoft as the little ships had to be routed, supplied with fuel and etc. by all him. He asked me to take full charge of the operations. This simplified th work and by noon 16 vessels from stations to the North of and including Lowes were ready for the first stage of their journey complete with petrol, paraffi water and 4 days provision. These sailed at 1420. Others were standing b as under orders but were eventually not required. The vessels from stations of Lowestoft came for the most part under direct orders from local naval authorities. Lists of all vessels advised by our various representatives in the attached schedules.
La
Volunteers for crews were not lacking and it is of passing interest tha youngest volunteer was 141, a Coastguard' S son Peter Haines, a sea scout, and the eldest man was 73 (Mr. C.A. Pegg). The latter has now returned to his crab fishing and the Coastguard's son has been appointed messenger to the 1st. Lieut,
Naval Base, here. In view of the difficulty likely to be experienced by the fishermen when dealing with the Naval Authority at Harwich and Ramsgate it was
B
agreed that Mr. Graham should accompany the party. This proved a most
Later satisfactory arrangement and his handling of the variety of problems which arose
200
called the highest praise from the fishermen. The following is his report:-
9th J
1030
"We left Lowestoft for Harwich at 1420 on 1st June in a group of sixteen
Rose boats. T. Nielsen of Wells was Chief Skipper. The subsequent movements of these
Q. &
sixteen vessels are known up to the time they reached home ports again. It will
10th 1820. June be some time before the movements of vessels from other stations are fully known and reported by local fishery officers. One vessel, the "Boy Fred" HH.15, was in
Minist company with my party for operations from 5th - 7th June.
1300.
The following narrative of the movements of the sixteen and the "Boy Fred" is
All V
constructed from my log and from records in the Fishery Office.
rts, exc
1st June.
T.O. Har
Tony L.N.40 (Leader), Malvina L.N.15, Bessie LN.16, 8. and JJ. LN.88.
1420 Left Lowestoft.
Rose LN.76.
Little Admiral LN.85, all of Wells.
Ace, IN.27.
Aunty Guss IN.29,
Jane Hannah IN.98, of Blakeney.
Rose LN.19, Seagull LN.203, Amity LN.47, of Brancaster.
Edna YH.119, Liberty II YH.104, of Sheringham.
Narcissa IT.38, Winston LY.142, of Lowe toft. ich.
2000 Spoke to Examination Vessel of
2150 Moored in Harwich

Sanders Navments and od thenight could money hat that so
- 2
2nd June.
Several vessels were found to have developed serious engine defects, nd
.ed
OZ
ng to the long passages, for which some of the engines were unsuitable. Also, bulden consultation with Naval Authorities at Harwich it was decided that some of
Han the craft were not likely to be useful, owing to age, small size, or lack of power the
Fine vessels were selected to continue the voyage to Ramsgate and after standing for orders these nine vessels proceeded.
1255. Left Harwich harbour.
Ace (Leader) Q. and J.J., Rose (LN.76), Bessie, Malvina,
Jane Hannah, Amity,
Narcissa,
Winston.
2010. Entered Ramsgate.
3rd June.
On request four vessels and crews volunteered for service in Commander Le
Mesurier's opration; but finally were not required. Warton, engineer of
Narcissa, tool part in Vice-Admiral Taylor's operation.
4th June.
0930. Eght vessels and "Boy Fred" HH.15 took part in landing French soldiers from troopshis at anchor outside in the fog.
1100. Fllowing vessels selected for operations under Captain Selby:-
Ace, Bessie Rose, Q. & J.J., Malvina, Narcissa, Winston, Boy Fred.
The folloing men volunteered to go in the vessels:-
Bessie
T.lielsen.
Rose
R.
Pegg
Ace C. Warton
W.1. Cox
J. Bishop
M. Graham
W. Long
J. Barnes
Narcissa Albrow.
T.E. Scotte:and J.T. Greengrass not required.
Later on le Jane Hannah was also taken and G. Long was anxious to go in her, bu was not ruired.
General sisfaction was expressed with the work of the volunteers and there wer no casualies.
5t₂ June.
Aperationn progress. Malvina and Winston were discarded in Dover,
Q. & J.J. in msgate and Jane Hannah was brought in so that six vessels were used:-
Jane Hanna Bessie, Rose, Boy Fred,
Narcissa,
Ace.
6th June.
Operation ompleted.
7th June.
Heard "JanHannah" had been lost. Reported loss of "Jane Hannah" and damage to all her vessels to S.T.
1530. Le: Dover.
Narcissa (lader).
Bessie towig Ace.
of
Rose towingMalvina.
Boy Fred toing Winston.
Later Narcissa ad to take both Boy Fred and Winston in tow.
2200. Arrved Ramsgate.
8th June.
1045.
Left Ramsgate.
a
Narcissa (lealer). Q. & J.J.
Rose and Malvina towing Winston.
Bessie towing Ace.
Amity.
Later Narcissa helped tow Winston.
2000. Arrivel Harwich.
9th June.
don
1030. Left Harwich.
Rose (leader) with Narcissa, Bessie, Ace, Malvina, Winston all in tow and
Q. & J.J., Amity, Aunty Guss.
1820. Arrived Lowestoft.
10th June.
Ministry of Shipping surveyors visited vessels and noted the damage.
1300. Vessels proceeded to home ports.
All vessels named in this report have been reported as having reached their home rts, except the Boy Fred. This boat was left in Ramsgate on 8th June and
T.o. Harwich was notified that evening. He promised to inform her owner.
M. GRAHAM.
/Before

-7-
pubs around the harbour in about two minutes, and a seething crowd gathered round the Naval Office near the entrance but this proved to be a pure navy job and they were only taking the minimum number necessary, so as to have more room for the
STATE
and troops, only Naval Officers were chosen and a very small proportion of those available at that. The correspondent who had been coming with me, a competent motor boat man himself, had seen there was little chance of our getting away on Saturday and jumped another boat which got across that night so he got his real experience all right, I may say most of the correspondents down there went across at least once.
42
By Tuesday morning, 4th June, the real operations were over and senior officers were turning up from different places to try and straighten out records, etc., among them the
Commodore from Sheerness who had looked after us thoroughly there. I was coming along to the exit from the Harbour from my wretched house-boat to lunch on shore and this Commodore was standing near the entrance talking to a post-Captain whom
I did not know by sight; when I was within 20 yards of them
One nice price boat shifting was dones by using the dight brage, which was stronger than the tide act against'st, to take this hulk across 2/3 do the Commodore happened to look in my direction, promptly the harbour width rhut her within 2 you of and firmly "Constant Nymph". Considering that he had exchanged where she was to tie up on the for side.
Ihad some assisions moments half way through this wolution, but was very proud when it succeeded pointed towards me with a very pleasant smile, said loudly about 20 words with me a week before when busily engaged over all the possible wants of 20 or 30 motor boats, this officer must have a memory for faces and names that would leave an experienced hotel keeper blushing in despair. As my boat would not move, except by manhandling, and we often had to shift in this manner for one reason and another, and the show seemed to be over, I busied myself in trying to obtain a passage for myself and crew back to Sheerness as a large number of boats had already gone and quite as lot of drifters etc. were laid up in the Harbour, while the crews had their three days Dunkirk leave.
The difference in the town was most marked, naval uniforms were becoming comparatively rare. Unfortunately a lot of the senior officers concerned with the motor boat side seemed to have gone on leave by this time and it was not until Wednesday evening that I could get any useful information. I then found that an officer was supposed to be coming over from Sheerness on Thursday, 6th June, to take a boat named Cairngorn back to Sheerness and it was suggested that I might accompany him if the boat could be found, apparently two officers were looking for her at the moment as nobody knew where she was.
On returning to my boat I found that Cairngorn was lying amongst two or three others just astern of me and had received a nasty bump on the starboard busy which had smashed seratched quite a bit of the planking; it proved later on examination that two of the ribs had been broken at the top.
On Thursday morning, 6th June, the expected Officer arrived, and proved to be a very young man just down from
Oxford and waiting to get into the Air Force who had taken this boat to Dunkirk and had then been back to Sheerness for some reason.
The compass had been smashed by a bomb splinter on the other side, but the damage to the hull had apparently been done in harbour while he was away. As the damage was pretty well all above water line we got the navy carpenters to patch it with canvast and battens, obtained a chart, filled up with petrol and got under way about 14.30. My crew, on being given the choice of going back to Sheerness by rail or helping us two to navigate the crock back to Sheerness at once elected to come by sea, three of them never having been to sea before.
The boat was a beauty, a 45 foot twin screw Thorneycroft, and

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
PAPERS
INSERTION IN
SENT
HO. 8, Leicester Hove 3. Villas,
TOAD.
STANLEY ROWDEN,
STEAM TRAWLER OWNER AND
FISH SALESMAN.
Telephone 595.
31, Military Road,
Royal Harbour,
Ramsgate.
64
Copy of Statement from Skipper of S.T. "Tankerton Towers"
Re Dunkirk.
During the afternoon of May 3Ist, after taking aboard some boat loads of soldiers, we decided to steam in shore to pick up some more, when we came across a motor-yacht disabled.
This we took in tow. After about an hour her tow rope fouled our propeller, which we could not free. I knew would should be seen by a Patrol ship at some time or other so, we went on with our work, getting as many soldiers aboard, which at this time proved a mixed lot, British and French.
Every available space aboard was taken up by a soldier, cabin, fish hold, wheelhouse, decks, even in the engine room.
Sometime in the evening, I cannot give the correct time, a
Patrol ship, did arrive, an d took us in tow.
It has since occurred to me, that no one thought of the predicament we were in, and the only concern of everyone was to get the troops aboard. In between times we were kept amused by the way our men, of the Navy, were shooting down the divebombers, just like rooks.
(Signed) Jack Hannaford.
Skipper.
October I940

KINTAIL
OF INSERTION IN
LETTER SENT
HO.
8, Leicester Villas,
Hove 3.
EXTN. 2161.
8NOV1940
PO8T ROOM
25th September, 1940.
9144 N6B.
8.
8th November, 1940.
P.M.
Sir,
66
21
67
I. have to acknowledge receipt of enclosing report on the Dunkirk Operations of September 1940, I
your letter dated 4th November, 1940, insofar as your vessels "KESTREL", m craft "Kintail" during
"TANKERTON TOWERS" and "PROVIDER" took three volunteers, L.J.
part in these operations, and to thank ns Hove: Clifford Wright, you for the most interesting information George Pettit, 4 Seal View which you have been good enough to supply. It is anticipated that this report will be of value in compiling the 0th, under instructions final report which will be drawn up on Lcer at Shoreham, Commander these operations.
H. M. S. Lynx on the evening onwards we were placed under
I am, Sir, ed with the De-Gaussing Squad
Your obedient Servant, also used for trans-shipping occasions. I left my vessel had been requisitioned.
(Sgd.) A. P. MEREDITH
to give you fuller details
Director of Sea Transport.
ny one incident from another ith no more than two hours
Stanley Rowden, Esq.,
31 Military Road,
Royal Harbour,
RAMSGATE.
4g

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE.
MEMORANDUM for the Ministry of Shipping re the unsuccessful attempt of the Owner of M.C. "Wolsey" to assist at the Dunkirk
204
evacuation.
"Wolsey" had been out of commission about seven months and was lying covered with a tarpaulin at
Burgoines Boat Yard, Hampton Wick, on Tuesday the 28th
May 1940, with about 30 gallons of pool petrol in her tanks.
On the evening of that day I received, about 7 o'c. a telephone message from J. Offer who was in London, to the effect that Lieut. Laycock of the
Admiralty wished my craft to be delivered at Sheerness as soon as possible after daybreak on the following day.
Mr. Offer at the outbreak of war had served as one of the crew of "Wolsey" when I was Section Officer at
Lambeth Pier in the River Emergency Service, and he agreed to help to deliver the boat to Sheerness. He arrived at Hampton Wick about 11. o'clock and in the meantime I had got the engine in running order and the water tank 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., 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-