TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

DET
H.O
to
I
activity, thankful under the we cliff, were not and spotted, at the mercy for of the raiders
2161
102
ST
anchor Here at we Ramsgate. so we kept going now on Motor there only, was greation besides. I
M.
day, (C.M.B.) took returning his crew They were over full mostly told to of Dunkirk to went stay until (for now further I know) orders Office
144/S.T.N.6B.
20th October, 1940.
yac was the have these Navy a excursions daily seemed short and rest when provisions, but tired so as a launa acknowledge
10
unshipped, us to their roll and so errands heavily though of that salvation, always I thought in for for a a quiet fresh time wind when sprang they returned THE you It you from But they were very not pleased with they their could results get it. of The they the Gente gen of
THE THE THE the on
1
took and had aboard to lay her It even were was further though splendid a I mystery had in, plenty they in with came doing of more mast cable back all protection and from they out, spars their possibly we by twice might the could up, THE THE THE causin under drawn final up Servant, on these be
4/5.T.
mt,
AUK
spoke It of their daily dangers. for the troops for to me the the night stores runs, and and necessaries nights' never a duties momen they
I
am, port could be left done, of satisfaction with orders mentioned, could to re-fuel be seen, however, and when I how was relieved told that I was, the and their looks me single-handed on June to 6th. return Here to the Cowes. Officer - and Portsmouth men disembarked, Harbour We about
5.0.p.m. Ramsgate 2.0.p.m. June 5th arriving return to Portsmouth. job accordingly was well
Director of sea Transport.
in to see
I was me. very pleased to get back and my Mother and Father very leaving relieved White Road, A.J. Riding,
4'
Isle of Wight. maing in our fu
My Signature s. Riding o'clock on the haval you any tin dedint Lervar
V. Downdrow.
as
"Naiad Errant" was with us saw we being second, when ar
"Westerly" I burst don't into know, About flames for which three I and never miles I come took over ou tu to a the dark water object I made my way -1"
mentioned, however, could be when and ne a to 6th. return Here the a

OF
MINOTAUR
104
Evace
I2 OF 4PR a, at
H.M.Y. MINOTAUR
sea yacht club, the Director For walton 10-H/H1. on- haz.
ministry of evakuatin
B.C.X.
Sil your The me ref: T.O. 9144/S.T.N. GB.
05
soot
M.V. MINOTAUR
1,10
and request furcher delay.
now enclose report re Dunkirk
115
12
nor scacoly in what
12
detail it you're account I have in as affearing in our foat fournal. left
I am fin your dedient Lervans
P. Downdrow.
early as of
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with i a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed the water I made my way over to him and fished him out wit

MINOTAUR
1123141
104
INFORMATION &
H.M.Y. MINOTAUR
yacht club, the Director as waltom-on-hay. walton - on- haz.
10-4/H1.
B.
ministry % thipping.
Sil your The ref: T.O. 9144/S.T.N. GB.
05
M.V. MINOTAUR
steam,
LIO
and request furch delay.
now enclose report re Dunkirk
115
120
hor scaooly in what
12
detail it you're account, have in as affearing in our foat fournal. left
I am time your dedient fervans
V. Downdrow.
11/3
if
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with i dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed a the water I made my way over to him and fished him out wit

October,
STATES
(Revised
105
an Evacuation Part ofth B.E.Y. from Dunkink.
played by M.V.I MINOTAUR
ony mortlake Sea Scouts and arth person in a a as Scoutmaster myself of th 1st
B.
charge of their motor vessel MINOTAUR
during the evacuation of the B.E.7.
from the Dunkirk instruction were that
0
veskel would be taken own foot steam pinnace converted for front by The prinscare is an bx-naval 45
05
LIO
Craining purpose and engined with of
115
moored feliof paraffin engine She is on the Thames at mortlake
120
the miles above is for some
125
realer advanlage that would
130
strange therefore made
13
the resented 29th 110 may clock a on haval th night Commander of up
9
5
C de are me instructions himself as my home and
- "minotaur downstriam proceed and report with
Sheerness as early as possible
11/39
Bf
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it burst object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed j a the dark water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

(Revised ear
106
an Assistant Sioutmartes and
By midnight the Crew was found, downives am we were underway 30/5
a a scout 8.30 of 16, besides myself
B.
water and stopping for fuel made Southend were store ch way.
the vesbee would be taken our though the instruction were that
0
by a nowal Crew at Sheemes
05
be avilians ec fortunity for Wanteer felt full well that there would
LIO
115
their vessels ls remain as they would in he of
120
able to handle they crass would
12
greater a advantage, a stop strange at a pick made uh one serv of the Yroop's Rown front who had and well was served versed as in Engineer the are on board keeping our engin ruming my She of has giving trouble manly all
11/3
of
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with i dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed a the water I made my way over to him and fished him out wi.

face
107
ror he croom address cateing transport and beach had stopped there ab we reported ar Grewesend, took ls report ls fouthend. at 8pm 30/5
on furcher stores and were the we made fouchend were asked whech we were fir li proceed ls had assistant be ger back ls all
05
London so I fut hin ashore helped together bring with the the vessel scout who down had
115
and was unwilline that he should
12
this The engineer carried penation on
Com any furch and next we mornin made Ramsgale an 9am
31/5
is he and had freen fuel and received detailed
We look on further store t instruction ls proceed ls a specified
30
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of he
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with:
dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed a the water I made my way over to him and fished him out wi

October, 1935.,
(Revised
109
had Come back and now in dh boak that had gove, across harbourd and had mounted that Jerry had Captured the machine hine gun covering the beach, B.
were our of courseny such was not the position the whole of Dunkints was
0
but we did not know this still very much in on hands
05
and is now ship liteboak was
LIO
faxfective weacher was perfect and we
115
soon picked uh the French coast
120
as and then Dunkink harboar had we proceeded wen Cantrously on
125
nearing wrecks Coaper because of ch
13
debris many o lines, and man
Having love,Indeavouring tol floor catters
&
and life found things fairly quiet of towing gov small on with open our ships allowed boals Fladen of
11/39
H
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed i the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

October,
(Revised
110
ih soldiers out to the troop transport inchored off in deep walls, or of evading our ship from th ofen th transports and proceeding our ls this method of working
B.
was satisfactory but slow and could have been speeded wh manned the ship boat to lapert
Considerably if naval Crews had
0
spent case had days handled on the in oar beache in their lived and soldies, who had in many cases
05
ls expecting Unfortunately now heavy much ship lifeloat was
LIO
115
as hand with the lifeboak as I had was in ho position ls give a
120
my hand more than full with
125
instru boar keeping the propelle
131
135
having 81 ploating lines, many of the transports d rudde free I from the aozen
9
d life he th beach and floor cutters to
1
his i have them the off when full all troof who we like
11/39
Has
"Naiad Errant" being second, anw
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed in the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

(Revised
CSAGE.
113
ea li rub however a trawler took off our soldier and we returned ls our East for a few hours sleep
Coast base, refuelled and turned in
B.
minitan made as, chough we
The was the only Crip the reported h make a second trip, as make only very fast ships were we were instructed to standly
0
05
ls usequent croning
LIO
with
115
120
as "Minoteur" Could mn make ih C second Crip I joined
125
lug "Yossa which was
13
leaving at Spm. far night convaying a couple of small moth named boat One of the your
"Jeannett" a fa a remember sure (though I am not as all of thin) only had / handa ds 11/39
/
3f
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, anw
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with i a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

(Revised
MESSAGE.
55
unrel
114
(heist lowed us across Casting us off board so I joined her. the 'Fossa'
as Dunkink harbour Intrance and bring off addiess to load up our jor was ls run in to the mole
B.
the Yossa In running int th harbour the motor boals steering
5
00
repairing it could be found
Cable broke and no means of In meantime che toda had
105
herself. got int the moband filled
LIO
uh with soldies. steaming
115
our she picked us up and took us naval in with laden an open
120
125
with soldier which was
13
only making 3 on 4 Knots under an power harboug the proceeded
13
our of Dunkink but ran ng and aground quick soon afterwards transferred to ch Cuttin was unable have to off. I
which Cast off ls make it Ohr ds 11/39
/
Her
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed i the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

October, 1935.,
(Revised
NAVAL MESSAGE.
55
a are
115
sayth back The Officer in charge the Course he was steering of and it was soon apparens from
Cutle had no charts char he and not know he Course
B.
back. He admitted that the was so d radily let me take the helm
5
He said he had intended following
00
the but general lost stream cand in boals the going darkness back
105
dam Came when we were alour we made very slow progress and
LIO
115
half way back. It was interesting
12
la see reactions of th Hereh
12
Adin aking Johoulder when us a Jerry plane started a
Shem the plane was still king when nothing seemed to worry
X
medway he off it suddenly
8
nds.
Course and rose inks the we eventually made Ramsege ds 11/
of
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of he
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with:
a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed the water I made my way over to him and fished him out wi.

October, 1935.,
(Revised
NAVAL MESSAGE.
55
116
caken over I get beek bout 10. 30 in the the morning having being taken for a survifivor
On landing was annyed as until I realised how Chrly d
B.
fees scrupty I must have looked.
5
law heard that th
00
hap its soldiers caken off f tug Yssa which had grounded,
105
has alendoned, later releaving
LIO
a airect hit from a Jerry plan.
115
How true the is d whech th
Yosa did even get back 1a not
120
really know.
125
I understand the mober boar
131
with has th also broken alandoning calle
135
Downdrow.
14
T. TOWNDROW.
A
ds 11/39 H.
space for the order
"Naiad Errant" being second, anwn and DROW: for bunkirk.
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed in the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

SAGE.
(Revised
October, 1935.,
Ext. 2161.
MINOTAUR
55
117
445/S.T.N.6B
achr Club.
60
21st February, 1941.
walton Essex. hage 65
70
ir, m.v. "MINOTAUR".
75
I have to acknowledge the
14/2-41.
receipt of your letter of 17th February
80
and to state that it would be appreciated if you would forward the report of your experiences in taking the above vessel to Dunkirk.
ferener T.0.9144/STN. 85 BB.
90
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
V. MINOTAUR.
95
Sqd H.C RIGGS.
Dunkink.
100
has as long ago
105
asked crews me for an for Director of Sea Transport.
my perienen in taking LIO 115
T. Towndrow, Esq.,
H.M.Y. "Minotaur", l brunkink
Yacht Club,
120
Walton-on-Maze,
Essex.
In have a report
125
please if it is les nor the two know. late. I request will you it 131 135
preshed for time for som 145
delay but I have been monch lacending for
I am the
Your rechint (49543) amant Wt. 30557/D,5886 250M pads
11/39 His for the order y. Tohnarow. (Petty office
"Naiad Errant" being second, and KOWNDROW. OIL for Dunkirk.
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed in the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

WAR TRANSPORT
XXXXXXXX
NAID ERRANT
2161.
LETTER SENT
119
170CT1941 8
120
AD, WIMBLEDON COMMON.
J.S.44/S.T.N.6B.
October, 1941.
October 1941.
Sir, have to acknowledge receipt of
I letter of the 13th October your enclosing a report on the Dunkirk operation in so far as your M/Y
operations and to thank you for the
"NAIAD ERRANT" took part in these he 16th September by Able Seaman most interesting information which yed by this you have been good enough to supply.
B.E.F from Dunkirk.
It is anticipated that this it Servant, 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) H. C. RIGGS
Director of Sea Transport.
R. K. Taylor Nightingale, Esq., other
22, Wool Road,
WIMBLEDON COMMON.
SCENED
x ver
1100
ary
"
and
STATE
10. I
and breakwater at four oclock the next morning. At the time appointed we were there, finding other boats of the same type, waiting for the order to move. We moved into "line ahead", the
"Naiad Errant" " being second, and were off for Dunkirk.
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed in the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

NAID ERRANT
TELEPHONE: WIMBLEDON 0040.
120
K.TAYLOR NIGHTINGALE.
22, WOOL ROAD, WIMBLEDON COMMON.
13th October 1941.
TN6B
Sir,
Y.Naiad Errant
Referring to your letter of the 16th September
1940, I enclose a copy of an Account by Able Seaman
Samuel Palmer D.S.M., of the part played by this motor yacht in the evacuation of the B.E.F from Dunkirk.
Your obedient Servant,
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping, (M.O)
Berkeley Sq. House,
Berkeley Sq.London.W.1.
E.l.
other millia RECEIVED 15 RECEIPTRY OCT
ver ary
" and
10. I
and breakwater at four oclock the next morning. At the time appointed we were there, finding other boats of the same type, waiting for the order to move. We moved into "line ahead", the
"Naiad Errant" being second, and were off for Dunkirk.
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed in the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with
-1-

121
M.Y. "NAIAD ERRANT"
at
DUNKIRK.
1940
by
ABLE SEAMAN SAMUEL PALMER. D.S.M.
The adventure began with a sudden draft from
Devonport to Ramsgate. For one night at Ramsgate I was billetted with other seamen in the Fun Fair Ballroom, and the next day action began. I was told off with another seaman, two ordinary seamen and two stokers, to take over two motor yachts, the "Naiad Errant" and the "Westerly".
Being the senior hand, I detailed one seaman, an ordinary seaman, and one stoker to take charge of the "Westerly" and tooks the remainder on board the "Naiad Errant" with me. I
thought she looked the better of the two boats.
I had the petrol and fresh water tanks filled and took on provisions. During the day I was told that a rendezvous had been made for eight boats outside the breakwater at four oclock the next morning. At the time appointed we were there, finding other boats of the same type, waiting for the order to move. We moved into "line ahead", the
"Naiad Errant" being second, and were off for Dunkirk.
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed in the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

123
and during the period we had to wait for the flood tide to come up and take us off Jerry's bombers came over several times, bombing the ships and machine gunning the soldiers on the beach. We were lucky not to be hit, for we had only the soldier's Bren guns to defend us.
The Captain would not let me go when I
asked him if I could return to my own ship, but by now some Tommies had parked themselves in the "Naiad Errant"
and, after clearing the tow rope from the propellors, had got her engines going. The tide was coming in fast- it must have been between seven and eight oclock (I had put my watch out of action swimming)- and the rising water floated the ship, also my boat. I waved to the soldiers and made gestures to them to bring her alongside, which they managed to do, although the ship was well under way.
I sang out to my crew to come down with me, but apparently they had had enough of it- they did not show up, but there was no time to argue. Both the ship and my boat were under way, SO just as the "Naiad Errant" came alongside I jumped down alone, and got her clear of the ship, which promptly increased her speed and went towards
England.
The "Naiad Errant" was packed full. I glanced back at the petrol tank gauges and saw that they registered half-full. There was nothing to do but to scrounge some more. A boat was moored in the fairway and I reckoned she would be fair game. As luck would have it she was full of petrol in two gallon tins, SO I fisted six of them and put them in my tanks. Just as I thought we were all set for home- the. engines gave out! I could not get back to the boat that was moored and we began to drift on to
3

126
boat up and returnine to in the daylight. Much the same thing happened- bombs dropped around me and the machine guns rattled overhead, but I
was not so much worried about that as about keeping the engines running and I was thankful to have no more trouble with them.
I did not see my original "crew" again, SO I
dont know how they got on. No doubt they returned safe and sound, as I and the "Naiad Errant" did.... the job had been done.
NOTE
"Naiad Errant" a twin screw motor yacht of 9.12 gross tonnage (7.56 register tonnage) was built by William
Osborn Limited of Littlehampton for Major and Mrs R.K.T.
Nightingale and launched there in June 1939. She was registered at Littlehampton No. 167764 in 1939.
In May 1940 she was lying at Clarks Wharf Sunbury on
Thames when she was requisitioned by Admiralty during her owners temporary absence in Bath, and steamed down river the same night by Mr.H.C.H.Clark of Messrs Horace Clark
& Son, Sunbury - on -Thames assisted by a crew composed of members of the Sunbury Auxiliary Fire Service to Ramsgate where she was handed over to Admiralty.
On return from Dunkirk she was retained by Admiralty refitted at Clark's Wharf Sunbury on Thames and has since formed part of the "Mosquito Navy" engaged on coastal patrol service. Her Owner Major R.K.T.Nightingale M.C.
is one of the crew of M.L. "Lady Ruth" of the Middlesex
Flotilla of the Upper Thames Patrol (Home Guard) Able Seaman Samuel Palmer D.S.M is now serving on H.M.S.Jackal.