TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

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
has COMMITTEE Regards WINDSORA GERBERA
H.O.
WINDSONG
SANG
193
T.S.M.Y. "WARRIOR" CHICHESTER to RAMSGATE
2.6.1940
Returned to "Warrior" 2 a.m. from Club, turned in 3 a.m.
heard creaking and found that we had grounded. Tide left her
12 inches, slight list, tide turned and we floated about 6 a.m.
Left mooring 6.30 a.m.
Piloted to bar by yacht cleared bar 8 a.m. Steered S.13 E to
Bullock Patch and NAB.S. 62 E to Boulder By and Owers, passed
Owers 10 a.m. streamed log S.85. E.
Some drifting timber loose and cans passed, and school of porpoises 3.45 p.m. Log showing 44 shifted to N.25.E passed
Beachy Head about 4 miles off. Due east and passed "Royal
Sovereign Lightship". Passed about 1 ² miles inside "Sovereign"
4.30 p.m. Engine speeds between 850 to 950. Gave my log reading at intervals to "Falcon" "Letitia" and "Idaho".
East wind increased after rounding Beachy Head and met strong head swell. "Warrior" running very easily and quite comfortable, considerable amount of flotsam everywhere, inner tubes, boxes and timber - had to keep a sharp look out. Swell increased, saw right under "Letitia" several times.
5.15 p.m. noticed "Idaho" sheer hard to Port, eased engines and watched her for a few minutes, decided she was out of control, and blew for rounding to port. Rounded and drew alongside.
Much crashing from galley when getting round, owing to very heavy rolling. Got hands to pack everything possible, nursed
"Warrior" to leeward of "Idaho" and slowly closed to. Managed had been pulled in showing 57 miles.
to get a line to her and heard she had lost her rudder. Log
"Idaho" extremely hard to handle, running in either direction and parted line after 10 minutes, got after anchor cable up, and floated pitching badly. Passed wire rope back to him, got it fast, wire pulled round after cable aboard and made fast. I rigged a rope spring a back to him on petrol can. "Idaho" picked up can and and saloon roof to take snatch of cable. Pitching run headway against wind, and must try to get both boats round and rolling very heavily, decided I could not make enough
Managed had to get both round and headed for Beachy Head.
xxxxxxxxwxxd before wind to get shelter of Beachy Head.
slow a to trip round saloon during this. Had to ease down Radio to dead keep head ease snatch of tow with occasional burst of engines to Beachy Head owing to "Idaho" almost pulling me round. to after taking on Petrol
About 10.30 a.m. an we arrived at Southend Pier and
15
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-

his
GERBERA
H.O.
-2-
194
After rail stanchion smashed down by cable. Doctor
Brydon a brick through all this, as he stuck to wheel carrying out my instructions, whilst I helped Westwood and Gabriel to get fresh lines back to "Idaho". Cable parted and took capstan with it.
Almost lost her altogether; managed to get another line back to him. Beachy Head very close now, about 1 mile away.
Time 9.45 p.m. signalling us from Beachy Head, but cannot read it, too fast. Rounded Beachy Head and Patrol Boat F. came out, asked whether I needed assistance. I asked him if he could take "Idaho"
off me. He agreed and told me to follow closely as area was mined.
Managed to get alongside Patrol boat to pass tow over. Port Boat davits badly bent and part rail and stanchions smashed when rolling heavily alongside Patrol Boat. "Idaho" in tow of Patrol Boat, and we following, much easier now. Dark, small stern light shown from F. and "Idaho". Followed over a very much changing course until lights were entinguished, word being passed back that enemy planes were overhead. Very difficult to hold Patrol boat now as
I could only see him against an occasional search light glare.
3.6.40
About 2.a.m. Patrol boat slipped "Idaho" and told him to anchor and not to move. I drew abreast and tried to drop anchor. It would not run SO had to pull 15 fthm out of locker, and cut lashing to let it run. Anchor did not bite, so had to come back to position again, and pull up another 15 fthm, cut lashing and let it go.
Anchor held this time and so shut off engines. Doctor and Westwood turned in, and Gabriel and I searched "Warrior" for any possible leaks. No leaks anywhere, so turned in as dawn was breaking.
Woke about 6.30 a.m.
3.6.1940
Had breakfast. Fresh patrol boat came out and took "Idaho" in tow.
We had to heave anchor up by hand. Got it up and followed inshore.
Waited outside Newhaven some time and tug came out and took "Idaho"
in. I followed and we berthed
12 noon. Rang Mr. Vernon to report and set to stripping anchor winch. Found winch had three inches of water in it, and armature was half submerged. Dismantled motor cleaned and dried and re-assembled. Ran quite O.K. Re-assembled winch and tested -perfect.
Mr. Vernon hadarrived and told me to carry on. Made arrangements with naval officer to leave early next morning and received sailing orders. Turned in 12 p.m.
4.6.1940
Newhaven Harbour. Left berth 5 a.m. and had to wait at harbour entrance for boom to be lowered at 7 a.m. Cleared pierhead 7.10
a.m. N.87 W to Rottingdean 7.35 a.m. Off Rottingdean turned to S.S.W.
after taking on Petrol au
About 10.30 a.m. an 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 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 CLAIMO
1
WINDSORA
should
WINDSONG
her Rigar
AMS ROYAL INSURANCE, BRIGHTON".
TELEPHONE BRIGHTON N°5711/2.
GERBERA
Royal Insurance Company Limited.
es Hill & Son
Sussex District Branch.
T AND LAUNCH 201
162, NORTH STREET19th Sept. 1940.
All Letters to be addressed
ROPRIETORS
to the Local Manager.
Brighton
W.G. Hynard Esq.,
Director of Sea Transport,
199
erry, WINDSOR
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
Hynard Esg. 25.9.40
LONDON. W.1.
Dear Sir, letter the Launches, taking
Your Ref: TO.9144/STN.6B.
nkirk. may I state I
I am in receipt of your letter of the 16th
Hill to answer This instant.
in The buisness of a)
I am collecting further details from the with our other Crews men who ent with "Windsong" and hope to let self The "Windsora" we you have the full informatin you desire for hi, CP "Gerbera". with crew your records towards the end of next week.
Yours A.C.Wallon faithfully, is that we were disapointed accross, as apparantly we outh-End.on Sea in case we
D/M.
onal There That They had on as for as we were
POPULAR TRIPS lasting 1 ±
The last moment as very large number of and 21 hours for parties of
28 and upwards.
at Shrimping Drifters Than was anticapated x they as more suitable withheld I quite agree.
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.
an Wednesday
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 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-

VESSEL
TYPE
CLAIMANT
PAPER NO.
HIRE & EXS.
REPAIRS & REPLACEMENTS S. d.
TOTAL LOSS
£.
£.
£.
S.
d.
S.
d.
"GAVINE"
M.V.
839.
F.A.Cooper
!
£100 r
T.0.9174/40
!
(from
"GAY FLY"
M.B.
T.Taylor & Sons
T.M.3800/40
6.
15.
6.
Ltd.
"GIPSY KING"
M.V.
H.W.Harvey
T.M.4094/40
3.
10.
8.
7.
17.
6.
G.Riley
14.
10.
i
"GIRL VINE"
M.V.
R.W.Weller
T.0.9562/40
21.
8.
3.
To Spl.Admy Servi
"GOLDEN LILY"
M.V.
13.
4.
119.
12.
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Capt.Cullen
T.0.9197/40
103.
W.Osborne Ltd.
12.
10.
-.
"GONDOLIER
B.Shutlers
T.O.9275/40
249.
8.
8.
160.
10.
"GONDOLIER
(Succrs.)Ltd.
234.
145.
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"GOOD HOPE"
M.V.
Bonds (Maiden-
T.M.3754/40
10.
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"GRACE DARLING
P.M.B.
C.E.Gundy
T.M.3893/40
5.
10.
8.
775.
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"GWEN EAGLE"
M.V.
W.Osborne Ltd.
T.0.9196/40
11.
1.
9.
Donald W.Hudson
1750.
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"GERBERA"
M.B.
C.Hill & Son
T.0.9657/40
13.
6.
5.
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F.V.
Sayers Bros.
T.M.4793/40
31.
12.
11.
23.
12.
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"GOLDEN SPRAY II"
M.V.
F.Roberts.
T.M.4091/40
265.
"GOLDEN ORFE"
Launch
Sandbanks Yacht
T.M.7539/40
3.
5.
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Co. Ltd.
"GERTRUDE MAY"
S.Bge.
Francis &
T.0.9300/40
40.
4.
2.
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" If
11
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2.
3.
9.
"GLENWAY"
Aux.S.
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T.0.9306/40
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9.
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10.
8.
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23.
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382.
6.
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W.F.Ellis(Capt)
1.
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1.
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M.V.
T.Penny
T.M.4970/40
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5.
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F.E.210
"GOLDEN SUNSET"
M.V.
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T.M.4965/40
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M.V.
Griggs Bros.
T.M.4976/40
8.
9.
9.
F.E.46
"GUIDE ME"
M.V.
L,F.Light
T.M.4998/40
3.
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(NN.48)
9.
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M.V.
W.G.S.Crouch
T.M.4088/40
12.
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& Sons Ltd.
8.
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29.
4.
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