TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

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
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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
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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
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