TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE
WINDSORA
has
EMBERA
H.O.
WINDSONG WIND
COPY FOR INSERTION IN REGISTERES
Ext. 2161.
LETTER SENT
WARRIOR
30SEP1940
T.09144/S.T.N.6B.
POST ROOM
191
8.
S
&
Sons
192
30th September 1940.
LIMITED
Sir,
SCOTTISH BRANCH
I have to acknowledge receipt of
68 FOUNTAINBRIDGE
your letter dated 17th September 1940,
EDINBURGH
TELEGRAMS
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
OZONE EDINBURGH"
TELEPHONE
Operations insofar as your "VIKING"
28039
EDINBURGH
took part in these operations and to thank you for the most interesting
HARF
information which you have been good enough to supply. It is anticipated
ND
that this report will be of value in
PT.
DATE
compiling the final report which will be drawn up on these operations.
Sep. 18th 1940
I am, Sir,
The of Sea Transport, of Shipping (H.O.)
(Sgd.) A.P. MEREDITH.
Your obedient Servant, GREAT
RECEIVED
Square,
19 SEP P.M. 21
Director of Sea Transport.
R. H. Tranter, Esq.,
"Ardmore",
THE
8, Branksome Road, above Southend-on-Sea, to your circular letter, under the
Essex. on of Lieut. W. L. Douglas, M.C.
serving in the R. A. F.
requistioned for
Warrior" was originally
Dunkirk, tion of the B.E.F. from and al Authorities when she activities that time.
ved no advice as to her and whence report, relating to the passage from Chichester (from
I am however, enclosing a copy of the Master's Log, 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 Uni m
About 10.30 a.m. we arrived at Southend Pier and s/he were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

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

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
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
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DUNKIRK CLAIMS
has COMMITTEE WINDSORA EMBERA
H.O.
195
-3-
log reading 57 miles. 8.25 a.m. S.85 E Log showed 621 passed
Beachy Head light 9.15 a.m.
9.25 a.m. log 71 Beachy Head bearing N.28 W Eastbourne Pier bearing
11.am Bexhill 2½ miles abeam 11.20 St. Leonards abeam log 84.
N.25 E
11.55 a.m. Farlight 12.55 passed Dungeness. Passed 1.30 p.m. N.52 E
log 105. 3.45 p.m. Log 1121 Considerable swell whole time. Engine revs. 850 both. Dover abeam 6.10 p.m. Log 126 Strong ebbtide.
Increasedrevs to 950 both engines. Considerable amount of flotsam, inner tubes, etc. South Foreland 6.45 p.m. log 130. Deal Pier abeam
8. p.m. Log 140 Ramsgate anchorage 9.15 p.m. Log 148.
Berthed in Harbour 10 p.,. told to report to Senior Naval Officer
9.30 a.m. next morning.
ll.p.m. had to shift to allow tug "Fabia" to berth. Had Fire float
"Massey Shaw" alongside. Got rope foul of starboard screw, could not free it. Turned in 12.30 a.m. cleared rope from propellor
7.30 a.m. Reported 9.30 a.m. Explained full details of "Warrior"
to Naval E.R.A. Left 3.15 p.m. Caught 3.25 train to London.
Said goodbye to Doctor and Westwood.
REMARKS
Crew. Doctor Brydon worth his weight in gold. Worked as hard as anyone despite his years. Am very glad of the opportunity to make his acquaintance and hope to renew it one day.
Brian Westwood Hemis one of the best. Pulled his weight in very unpleasant circumstances, nothing too much trouble and always looking for something to do. Another acquaintance I was glad to make and hope to renew.
P. Gabriel Have known him for years and came well up to my expectations. A very useful man in adverse weather conditions.
Will see it out with the best. Not easily rattled amd does not complain.
Engine etc. The R.N. engines ran perfectly the whole time under very trying conditions. Never missed a beat and gave not the slightest eause for anxiety. Port engine used more lubricating oil than the other, and oil pressure was slightly lower (25-20)
respectively. Gear boxes not so good. Did not like the tendency
Ramsgate Harbour in very congested conditions, Port engine gave In full of the clutches to stick in when supposed to be in neutral.
it speed astern with control lever at full ahead. Rather unnerving while lasted. Should sugest fiting of shaft indicators near wheel as after taking on Petrol au
About 10.30 a.m. on 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
-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
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SPATIS AND
OF
Committee to deal with Claims of Small
Craft evacuation employed in the Dunkirk and subsequent operations.
Meeting held at 11 D.m. on
Wednesday 31st July, 1940 at
Room 8021A.
the Ministry of Shipping,
AGENDA.
1.
(
2.
Minutes of Mesting hold on the 24th July, 1940.
Matters arising.
3.
4,
Report of Payments for wook ending 30th July, 1%
Cases for discussion and settlement on the tables
I.
Total Loss:
B, "Warrior"
b. "Rocinunte"
-
G.H.Narrell.
-
C. "Viewfinder"
R.F.Fryers.
d.
-
L.A.London.
-
8. "Beverley"
A.R.Bell.
-
Thompson & Cordery.
II, Repairs:
N
B. "Meender"
b. "Sailing Burges:-
"Shannon"
"Hestaway"
"Ashingdon"
"Ada/Mary"
"Basildon"
"Burton",
III. Other Expenses:
8, "Elvin"
5.
Any other business.
of

Committee to deal with claims of small craft employed in the Dunkirk and subsequent operations.
Meeting held at ll.a.m. on Wednesday 31st July 1940
at the Ministry of Shipping. Room 8021.A.
.......
Present:-
Mr. Allen (Chairman)
" Moore
"
Riddell
" Wand
.....
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 24th July were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed
(a) "Britannic": Rye Fishery Officer is endeavouring to find a suitable boat.
(b) Sailing Barges:
"Ada
Mary": Agreed to Repair and negotiate settlement.
"Hastaway"
"
"
"
"
"
"
:
"Ashingdon"
"
"
"
"
"
"
:
"Basildon"
"
"
:
have valued.
"Burton"
"
If
:
"
If
"Shannon"
If
"
"
"
:
(c) "Iote": Agreed to invite owner to call and discuss terms of settlement at £1,250 - £1,400.
(d) "Count Dracula": Agreed to obtain valuation from
Messrs Tough's.
3. Report of Payments for week ended 30th July amounting to
£1,541.17.10d was presented and passed.
4. The following Total Loss Cases were discussed:-
(a) "Warrior": Agreed to offer £125 in full and final settlement.
(b) "Rocinante" Agreed to offer £300 in full and final settlement.
(c) "Viewfinder":
"
"
"
£900
"
"
If
It
"
(a) "Beverley":
"
"
"
£425
"
"
"
=
=
5. "Elvin": Claim for wages was deferred until next meeting.
6. Next Meeting fixed for ll.a.m. on Wednesday 7th August, 1940.
his alm 7/8/40.