TNA MT 40 66

code
176
29th
Received orders to proceed to Dunkirk. When North of are
Neiuport Buoy the vessel was heavily bombed by shore and air, machine gunned and shelled, all pitching very close alongside
Date:
and causing damage to the vessel, but through zigzagging though in a 490 foot wide channel we escaped (this channel was also congested with all classes of craft) very serious damage and with our lives. Relays of enemy machines were taking part, and when off Dunkirk we were still being heavily bombed.
Oy
The "King Orry" was attempting to berth in a very heavy
Graid, she managed to get alongside and here she received her packet (sunk) The berth I originally intended to take
Dear When I saw the situation I hailed a Drifter, and was told to keep clear. Much to my sorrow I returned to the Downs.
30th. I reported the incident, receiving orders to proceed off
Dover. We entered Dover and bunkered, and afterwards laying off for the night, during which S hands reported suffering from was shell shock.
*51st. 3-45 a.m. A Naval Party (20) men, 1 Sub Lieut. Radcliff joined with orders to proceed to Dunkirk. At 5-12 the anchor was clear and away we proceeded using a different channel this time. By this time the Crew were getting shaky (the Naval Party was a splendid idea) and we arrived alongside at 8-58, and began loading under shell fire (assisted by Crew) shells falling about
50 feet away, but no bombing. of the incendi When we had completed our were loading we left and reported at Dover, and were told to proceed to Newhaven During the whole of this time the largest Red Cross flag was kept flying, and, no doubt about it, these were deliberate attacks on
Base Hospital Carriers.
1st June. Five more hands left the ship, the excuse being that there was no means of protection or defence.ed, se notice oiled, stored I should like to add and that it is by with pride that I have g
for to mention some of my staff, and those are:-
Mr Gill
Chief Engineer
Mr Gertwright 2nd Officer.
WAS Mr Brown Quartermaster proceeded Mr Sagar Chief Steward.
These men certainly stuck to their posts, and were the being means of keeping things going to sail
I am, Sir,
On Yours respectfully, nwere quay be the (signed) 1v.L. T. RICHARDSON was to leave as wed as possible. All was in and at Master. order g the
WAS for id a of
This Port www. reached about noon, patients wore at scort once disembarked, the ship and and the hour's notice. At 0,00,0. ware to call raft to the Dovor.
Retdoy, to to Come and at most overy NO 01080 to the that the Celt the

or
FROM STATES STATES
COPY.
50
ORES 10
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.
T10 bothe TUO is DAS
in
Chief Docks Manager's Dept.
of Marine Section, and FISHGUARD HARBOUR.
Dist
14th June, 1940.
Harbour entrance, became
CDM.C/30077/S.
B.25/272.
About to
Dear Sir,
Harbour, S.S. "ST. ANDREW".
EVACUATION OF TROOPS FROM FLANDERS.
Harbour
It is reported to me that on Monday, the 20 May, at
3.0a.m. the S.S. ANDREW" left Netley for Boulogne, which was reached without incident at 11.0a.m.; and almost as soon as the ship was moored the first air raid warnings were sounded, and continued at intervals throughout the day. Although During the early raids no enemy planes actually reached the docks, the crew were kept in readiness to deal with outbreaks of fire, etc., as required by A.R.P. Regulations; also to shift ship as required by the S.T.O.
to
At 10.0p.m. the first of the night raids commenced incendiary and explosive bombs were dropped on the town,quays, and harbour, while much shrapnel was falling from the antiaircraft fire.
on Tuesday, the 21st May, at 6.0a.m. wounded from the
Base Hospitals were embarked, and at 8.0a.m. the vessel left for Southampton, which was reached, without incident, at 4.30p.m.
The wounded were absonce disembarked, and the Ship se ciled, stored and watered and placed by the S.T.O. on one hour's g
notice. At 6.0p.m. orders were received to sail at 8.0p.m.
for Cherbourg.
on Wednesday, the 22 May, shortly after daybbeak
Cherbourg was reached, but owing to lack of quay space the vessel was put to anchor until about 4.p.m. at which time she proceeded to berth at the Quay Francais.
In the early evening patients were embarked, this being completed about 10.0p.m. when orders were received to sail about 5.0a.m. on the 23rd.
On Thursday, the 23 May, at 3.0a.m. air raid warnings were sounded, and the S.T.O. appeared, saying that the quay would nbe the centre of objective, and that the ship was to leave as soon wed as possible. All was in readiness, and at 3.30a.m. this order g the was executed - the vessel sailing for Southampton.
id
1 of
This Port was reached about noon, patients were at scort once disembarked, and the ship oiled and watered, and then placed the on one hour's notice. At 6.0p.m. orders were received to sail raft at 7.0p.m., and report to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
On Friday, the 24 May, the vessel arrived off Dover, and was ordered by the Examination Vessel to proceed to the Downs and anchor until daylight.
These were reached, and at 3.0a.m. enemy planes passed over, dropping bombs so close to the ship that we felt the

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178
24/5
under water explosions. At 4.30a.m. ship again reported off
Dover, when orders were received to proceed to Calais.
Shortly after 6.0a.m. and when approaching the Port, much of it could be seen in smoke and flames, but the vessel continued, and when within two or three cables of the West Pier Head,
Shore Batteries opened fire and straddled both the ships and the
Harbour entrance, and many shells burst close alongside, and it became necessary to stand off.
Ised
About 7.9a.m. guns ceased fire, and the ship made emother attempt to enter the Port, and again batteries opened fire, although
Hospital Marks and Red Cross Flags must have been plainly seen. At this time a British Transport was seen working her way out of the
Harbour, also under heavy shell fire. At the same time guns concentrated on the ANDREW, evidently with intent to block the
Harbour entrance: so again the ship had to stand off.
Owing to the narrow channels and shoal water, no great alteration of course could be attempted, thus when the Transport and the "st. ANDREW were close together, the intensity of the gun fire was increased and directed at both ships; although these shells fell very. close, none actually found its target.
When the Transport was clear, the Harbour was again approached, and still gunfire made it impossible to enter; so the vessel returned to Dover for further orders. At 1.35p.m.
orders were received to proceed in company with the JULIEN"
to Dunkirk, which Port was reached about 4.0p.m. during a heavy air raid.
on this voyage the vessel was without charts, and navigation became difficult, although the "SI. JULIEN", who had some charts, offered every assistance possible.
Wounded were embarked between 5.30p.m. and 8.0p.m.
At this Port no provision had been made for the handling of wounded, hence there was no Medical Staff other than those carried by the g
ship to act as Stretcher Bearers.
In response to a call for volunteers, the entire crew responded. During the embarking several air raids took place and much shrapnel fell, but the job was completed without incident or injury.
At 9.5p.m., with much of the Port and town on fire, the vessel left for Dover, thence to Newhaven to disembark.
While passing Gravelines at 9.30p.m., again in company with the T.JULIEN", shore batteries opened fire. No alteration of course could be made to avoid the fire, owing to the narrow channels, thus the vessel proceeded, fortunately without damage, although the shots all fell very close on each side.
wed g the id
On Saturday, the 25 May, the wounded were disembarked at
Newhaven, the vessel was placed on short notice, and about 4.0p.m.
1
of again sailed for Dover, where, on arrival, she was ordered to the scort
Downs.
the raft on Sunday, the 26 May, at 3.25a.m. the vessel left the
Downs for Dunkirk, but shortly after 4.0a.m. she was ordered by the
Guard Ship to return to anchor. At lla.m. she was again ordered to proceed to Dunkirk, in company with the JULIEN". At 1.20p.m., when abeam of Gravelines, shore batteries again opened fire on both

DEPARTMENT SEAL
- 3 -
179
ships, while at the same time the Transport "SCOTIA", which was
20
overtaking, was attacked by small motor torpedo craft. On this
GREAT STATE
occasion, the tide being high, it was possible to make zig-zag courses, and return to Dover over the Banks.
Orders were to anchor in the Downs, which were reached at
6.30p.m.
On Monday, the 27th May, at 11.0a.m. left. Downs in convoy with "ST.HELIER", "KYNO", "ROYAL DAFFODIL", "ST.JULIEN", and two escorting Destroyers, this time by the North Sea route, making the coast in the vicinity of Ostend. While on passage, planes approached the convoy, and passed first over the "ST.ANDREW", releasing many bombs which fell very close, and off the port bow, and which subjected the ship to great shock from under-water explosions. Shortly after another salvo was dropped, which fell close to the "ST.JULIEN'S" starboard quarter. Shortly after 3.30p.m.
the French coast was sighted, and from then until our arrival off
Dunkirk Pier Heads enemy planes were constantly over head.
About 4.20p.m. the Port was reached, and the ST.HELIER"
and the "ROYAL DAFFODIL" entered; and this appeared to be the signal for enemy planes to heavily bomb the harbour, while another flight passed over us and the other ships that were waiting outside.
Countless bombs were dropped, and with such rapidity that it was impossible to take any action to avoid them. Later the "ST.
HELIER" came out of Harbour and informed the JULIEN" and the
"ST-ANDREW" that the S.T.O. had ordered that no ships should enter for fear of blocking the Harbour, the quay walls of which had already collapsed. Thus the convoy re-formed under a covering fire from the escorting Destroyers, and returned to the Downs, which were reached at 10.30p.m.
On Tuesday, the 28 May, at 11.50p.m. and while at anchor in the Downs, one or more enemy planes passed over the anchorage, and dropped several bombs all of which Dell clear.
At 3.30p.m. orders were received to proceed to
Southampton, which was reached at midnight.
On Wednesday, the 29th May, the vessel oiled and stored, while Harland & Wolffe commenced to put concrete shields on the navigation bridge. The ship was on short notice, and no liberty was given to the crew.
On Thursday, the 30th May, the ve sel sailed in the late afternoon for Dover, which was reached shortly after midnight, and vessel sailed shortly after mid-day for Dunkirk, this time alone, although the "ST. DAVID" was to follow shortly afterwards.
On the arrival of the "ST. ANDREW", a Destroyer instructed her to berth wherever she could find room, and this was done alongwe side the pier. At ordinary times this would have been considered
1g impossible, and at that time was doubly difficult owing to the ad
, large number of sunken vessels.
n esc
After berthing, which was done during a heavy air raid, t
the Authorities requested the ANDREW" to move to another part cra of the Harbour, where a portion of the quay was still standing.
When the vessel arrived at this berth, it was discovered that the ambulances had been bombed, and that they were either empty or contained dead men, while the quay was in such a state

STATE UNITED
G.W.R.
- 4 -
180
O.W.Mly Docks Manager's that it would have been impossible to load even had the occupants of the ambulances been alive. Again the ves el shifted to another
.0. 908, part of the Harbour. This also was done during 8. heavy raid.
CIM.C/3077/3.
In the new borth, impromptu gangways were rigged by the crew from planks, or any handy material which could be produced
BOOKS
from ship or store.
B.23/272.
2800
There again all hands assisted in carrying the stretchers, gas and carry was a. long one, and made more difficult by the large
091
number of Troops that were passing along to embark on other vessels;
and by bombs and shrapnel which were still falling.
Dear Sir, While this was in progress the tide was falling and the daylight going. This was important, as the ship would have been in danger of grounding or hitting submerged wreckage close under her stern when leaving. On these grounds the S.T.O. decided it would be better for the ANDREW" to leave, and instructed the "STDAVID", by morse, where to berth, in order that she may embark the remainder of the wounded and sailvat daylight. By this time the enemy was on the outskirts of the town and was bombarding the quay with shore batteries, but owing to large fires, clouds of dense smoke, and the confusion of shipping on the Pier Heads, it was impossible to say if the message was properly received.
On her way out, when passing along the Grawelines sho Navigat on the homeward passage was both difficult, and dangerous, as there were no aids to navigation, and the risk of over-running the hundreds of small craft, heavily laden with Troops, and which carried ordights, was very great. out of the Channel to avoid gan fure. Later on, air craft (apparently French)
escorted During these fourteen days, very little rest was had by any of the crew - double look-outs were kept, work as stated was done in the French Ports, and while atusea it yas too dangerous to allow the men to use the forecastles; but all carried on with 8. good will.
The next morning she proceeded to the Downs, and the day after It is evident from the foregoing that the fficers and men of sour ST. ANDREW" were exposed to great danger, and it was only g
due to their untiring devotion to duty that thousands of wounded were hurriedly evacuated from France, who otherwise would have been left on the piers to die. sok or the usual aids to navigation and the fact that many vessels had been sunk in the fair-ways since her last leaving that Port. At 8.00/0100k that evening she entered Dünkirk, where Yours faithfully, morning.
Duting the whole (SGD.) J.D. REED. town, quays, etc.
were subjected to terrific bombardment by air and Land, and It became necessary, owing to the laok of for the reamen, Fireman, Stewards etc. to load the wounded themselves.
I hope to be able to report on the Item DAVID" in the course on of ca few daysing the wounded and placing they in the nots etc.
to wed
This work was exceedingly difficult, as the whole area
1g the was in a bad condition, and there was not even any gangways available nd for passing the stretcher cases on board, However, the Ingineers n of whole time of the embarkation.
constructed & wide and useful gangway, which was used during the scor the
W.J. THOMAS, ESQ., craft
CARDIFF.

ons at
G.W.R.
49
20113
STATE
When G.W.Rly Docks Manager's Dep to Newhaven via Dover Marine Section,
Fishguard Harbour.
SEAL
were
CDM.C/3077/S.
was 20th 181
June
1940.
On the B.25/272.
that was from
Dris sts. 'St. David".
loss of
EVACUATION OF TROOPS FROM FLANDERS.
Dear Sir, and in the
It has been reported to me that the "st. David"
under the command of Captain Joy on the 24th May was ordered to Dunkirk, via Dover, to evacuate wounded from thatarea.
She arrived at that Port on the morning of the
25th and lay alongside receiving wounded until that evening,
During the whole of the time the town and quays were being subjected to severe bombing.
On her way out, when passing along the Gravelines shore, she came under heavy gun fire, and one large calibre shell fell within less than the Ship's length ahead of her.
at
The vessel was then manoeuvred out of the Channel to avoid gun fure. Later on, air craft (apparently French)
escorted her until she was clear of danger.
About midnight she arrived at Newhaven, where all here wounded were landed.
to
The next morning she proceeded to the Downs, and the day after, the 28th May, received orders to proceed to Dunkirk once again to evacuate more wounded.
difficult owing to the lack of the usual aids to navigation and
The weather was very misty, and navigation made very the fact that many vessels had been sunk in the fair-ways since her last leaving that Port. At 8.00'clock that evening she entered Dünkirk, where she remaired until the next morning.
were subjected to terrific bombardment by air and land, and it
During the whole of the night, the town, quays, etc.
became necessary, owing to the lack of R.A.M.C. ashore, for the board receiving the wounded and placing them in the cots etc.
carrying them down the quay as required, with the Medical Staff on geamen, Firemen, Stewards etc. to load the wounded themselves, we
This work was exceedingly difficult, as the whole
1g was for in a bad condition, and there was not even any gangways available area nd constructed passing the stretcher cases on board, However, the Engineers n e whole a wide and useful gangway, which was used during the
SC
time of the embarkation.
et

-2-
182
rrate
When all the wourlded available were loaded the vessel proceeded to Newhaven via Dover where she discharged all her wounded.
On the passage, however, she ran over submerged wreckage, and it was necessary to examine the bottom of the "st. David" before allowing her to proceed to sea again.
On the morning of the 30th May, while at Newhaven it was discovered that Second Engineer Jamieson was missing from his vessel. Later he turnedup at Fishguard, parently suffering from loss of memory.
At about mid-day Captain Joy received a medical certificate from the Medical Officer in charge of his vessel, indicating that he has not fit tp proceed to sea, and early in the afternoon
Mr. Cardy, the Divisional Marine Manager of the Southern Railway at
Newhaven, informed me by telephone that Captain Joy had collapsed.
Chief Officer Mendus, then took command of the "st. David"
but unfortunateltly, the crew refused to proceed to sea without the aid of an escort or without the vessel being fitted with guns, which procedure, of course was out of the question, as she was a
Hospital Ship. No immediate action was taken by the Naval
Authorities, although it was suggested that the men be placed under arrest.
The next morning the men were mustered by Captain Mendus, and they then agreed to proceed as usual, the vessel leaving Newhaven at 9.2 a.m. and proceeding toDunkirk via Dover.
When nearing the French coast the vessel was subjected to heavy air attack, the bombs exploding so close to the vessel that the under-water explosion shook her severly, and by this time the navigation to Dunkirk was made much mo e difficult, apparently owing to more wrecks and the fact that Dunkirk was under a pall of smoke and fire.
At 8.15 a.m. on the 31st May the "st. David" arrived aff
Dunkirk Breakwater, but was signalled from the shore that she was not to enter for the time being; so Captain Mendus stood off with his vessel awaiting further orders.
During this time the vessel was again subjected to seven separate air attacks, on one occasion a magnetic mine fell so close ahead of the vessel, that it was necessary to reverse the Engines to avoid contact.
Twenty minutes later another mine blew up less than 100 feet ahead of the vessel, lifting her partially out of the water.
wed
1g t ad n o:
SCO
th craf

FOR
BAX 478 118
183
-3-
or no Ted 40 Briwo E.S.W
Later another magnetic mine droped only four feet away from the starboard quarter, but, fortunately, this time did not explode.
To revoceN
The splashes from the sea fell on the deck of the vessel as she mine entered the water. Other mines were dropped, but the vessel
Issuey 1008
apparantly avoided them all. At the same time the "St. David" was subjected to heavy machine gun fire.
At 10.p.m. the "St. Andrew" backed out from Dunkirk and stignalle d
FROM
to the "St. David" but owing to the fires and smoke in background the Andrew's swinging at that time it was not possible to get
?
the signal; so Captain Mendus went close in to Dunkirk and signal led ashore by morse and also hailed ashore by megaphone but receivedno reply.
The town had been subjected to heavy bombardment by field guns and enemy aeroplanes again attached the "st. David" dropping paracgute flares to enable them to see their target more clearly.
At about 1.0.p.m. on the 1st June Captain Mendus made one more attempt to get into Dunkirk but failed, and in the circumstances decided to return to Dover for further instructions.
The vessel was continually worried by air craft on her return passage and she anchored off Dover at 6 a.m. that day feeling that her troubles were over for the time being.
However half and hour later a terrific explosion occurred within
20 yeards of the Port Quarterm and it was subsequently discovered that the Port Engine Shaft and other machinery had received multiple damage and that the Compasses were more or less useless.
Captain Mendus made contact with the Naval Authorities, who ordered him to Southampton for repairs, but owing to great diffcutuly in navigating his vessel during hazy weather and without proper compasses or aid to navigation, he did not arrive at that port until the next dau, the 2nd June.
se g
Captain Mendus would like to mention that during the time his vessel was at sea, and at Dunkirk, the Navigating and Engine-
Room Officers, and Ratings, àlthough tired and weary, carried out their duties with great coolness and courage, particularly when loading wounded under fire in France.
Yours faithfully,
Sqd. J.D. Reid.
W.J. Thomas Esq.,
CARDIFF
wed g the
Lid in of escort f the craft

tothe
COPY.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.
benefits
Chief Docks Manager's Department,
Marine Section,
Weymouth.
of
B.S.28488.
5th June, 1940.
184
AA
Dear Sir,
"In
30%
BUS
S.S. "Roebuck".
ong
I confirm my telephone message of to-day informing you this vessel arrived and b erked at Weymouth at 12-40 p.m.
The vessel left here for Dover on May 29th and on arrival at that port was instructed to proceed to La Panne, a small Belgian seaside resort nine miles east of Dunkirk.
the When approaching Dunkirk following the Channel in accordance with instructions, the "Roebuck" was struck in the
0705/31
stern by a destroyer. The damage is fortunately slight, a few plates being dented, a frame forced, the belting torn and one of the deck leads snapped.
was
La Panne arrangements were being made to take troops from the open beach when an urgent order was received to proceed at once to Dunkirk.
On arrival off Dunkirk it was not possible to enter at once as the "St. Julien" and another vessel were occupying the available berths. When the "St. Julien" came out the
"Roebuck" went alongside and loaded 45 cot cases, 70 wounded and about 385 troops making total of 500, nd conveyed these safely to Dover.
The Authorities at Dover would not permit the vessel to make another trip as the Master was given to understand he was the only vessel engaged in the evacuati on work that had not been degaussed.
Having regard to the fact that the whole of the crew knew before departure from Weymouth the work on which they were about to be engaged and the extra danger which they would run that as the vessel had not been demagnetised, I report with pride the whole of the crew were only too pleased to under take the work, and they appear to have done remarkably well.
at are known asking if in view of the fact that magnetic mines
Portland I have to-day been in touch with the Degaussing Officer bet to be in the vicinity of Weymouth the vessel could now dealt with, and the Officer states that Portland is be already dealt overloaded th work and the S.S. "Roebuck" could not wed
Ministry of Shipping.
with unless a priority order is received from the g
and an o
Channel sail for Guernsey to take up their regular sailings on the
The Crew of the "Roebuck" are being rested and will esco ff the
Islands traffic tomorrow night.
rcra
Yours faithfully,
(sgd) D.G. HOPPINS.
W.J. Thomas Esq.,
CARDIFF.

47
13th August, 1940.
Extract from letter dated 31st May from Station Master,
Kingswear.
185
Gentlements
S.S. "The Mew".
regeipt
Further to your telephone conversation last evening, I
beg to submit the following fuller details.
At about 6.45 p.m. I received a personal telephone call from the N.O.i/c Dartmouth, Capt. L. Cunliffe, stating that the Admiralty wished "The Mew" to proceed to Dover. As the works would be of hazardous nature, it would be necessary for the crew to volunteer for the job. I immediately got in touch with the Master and we interviewed the various members of the crew available and we only had one refusal. We then visited the N.O.i/c and informed him that we had a volunteer crew and he thereupon asked for the vessel to sail at Midnight as it was wanted at Dover by Midnight Friday. On consulting the Chief
Engineer it was found that Coal would have to be bunkered and
Oil obtained so that a sailing at 4.0.a.m. could be arranged, but that he estimated it would take 38/40 hours to reach Dover owing to having to clean fires enroute. I informed Capt. Cunliffe that I did not anticipate the boat could arrive there before 8.0.pm.
Saturday and he accpeted this and instructed me to send the boat and as we had no coal in our bin, he arranged with the Dartmouth
Coaling Co. to supply 10 tons of coal for bunkers, as the quantity on board was only sufficient to take the boat to Dover. In order that a sufficient supply of oil could be taken I obtained from the
River Dart Steamboat Co. 20 gallons of lubricating oil and 5
gallons of paraffin. I obtained provisions considered necessary and to provide freshwater, I put a Traffic Department rotary pump se aboard. This met with the approval of the Crew.
g
The crew who volunteered and have gone with the boat are:-
T.J. Palmer.
Master.
Deckhand.
G.G.Challicomb as Mate.
W.L.Pink.
Chief Engineer.
Fireman.
F.Coombes.
as Engineer
R.Gill.
Fireman
Nighwatchman
S.R.Legg as Fireman
Supny
S.G.Vercoe as Deckhand.
These men readily volunteered for the task and they greatly apprefiated your kind message. They were in good heart and said they would do their best. The vessel left at 6.0.am.
wed today in company with a Motor boat belonging to the River Dart g the
Steamboat Co. The necessary instructions and route were obtained and from the N.O.i/c and the Master has to report to the N.O.i/c Dover an of on arrival for instructions".
escort ff the rcraft

3
CLARKE
WAR,
15th August August,1940.
STRIKE.
o BE PAID BY PURCHASER. LOCKOUT & ACCIDENT UNLESS OTHERWISE CLAUSES & ACCEPTANCE STIPULATED.
186
COMPANIES CLARKE. BILGATE. LONDON. LIMITED. 45
EWART LOCAL DIRECTORS AND BRANCHES:
R EVANS.
the
H. JAMES c. GALBRAITH, GLASGOW. CARDIFF.
R. STEVENS.
J. FLISHERI
MIDLAND AREA.
WILLIAM WAUGH)
NEWCASTLE TYNE
Gentlemen, Hynard, I have to your scknowledge letter you of for theley the
HULL BELFAST. BIRMINGHAM. FORTH PORTS.
NOTTINGHAM. SHEFFIELD. SOUTHAMPTON.
LIVERPOOL. NEWPORT.
WEST HARTLEPOOL ETC.
Director ceipt Berkely of thank made by the
14th August 1940
32d
187
Berkeley
Dear of during llamy
Sir, enclose I am, Gentlemen, the ex of a repoyour I of to the they servant, the 7th
'escribing
Dunkirk.
Clarke & Companies stephend.
the and descriptio wards full 01 troops, and soon we ent
GO Dunkirk passing numerous wrecks.
Off Di
JI Enemy Planes attacked the shipping, but qu eared with our Planes on their tails.
Threading our way agn the numerous wrecks at the harbour entrance
I proceeded into Jue harbour against the ebb tide, and received orders to berth alongside the Pier. It was now noon and soon about 200
Soldiers were embarked and they quickly disposed of the food we had cooked for them. The crew were assisting in the embarkation, and were also kept busy preparing more food for the hungry troops. Several
Officers, including a Padre and a Doctor boarded, and I gave them the
]
use of the Cabin Accommodation to make themselves comfortable. The
V
Steward from nowon was continuously employed in getting meals ready
0
for the Army Officers who were starving, having had but one meal during the last three days. The Doctor who was Jewish, on being told there was pork in the stew, replied "I do not care if there are dead dogs t]
in it, I am going to have my share it smells so good".
11
ewman an eso off +
aircr

LES & OF OFFERS POST ARE UNLESS MADE SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS OF OUR FORM OF CONTRACT INCLUDING WAR, STRIKE, LOCKOUT & ACCIDENT
TURN OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. DUES. WHARFAGE & EXPORT TAX, IF ANY, TO BE PAID BY PURCHASER, UNLESS OTHERWISE CLAUSES & STIPULATED. ACCEPTANCE
TEPHENSON CLARKE AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES LIMITED.45 LIMITED.
TELEPHONE: MANSION HOUSE 3270. TELEGRAMS: STEPHENSON CLARKE. BILGATE. LONDON.
DIRECTORS:
LORD HYNDLEY, G.B.E., CHAIRMAN.
LOCAL DIRECTORS AND BRANCHES:
JOHN P. STEPHENSON CLARKE.
EWART R. EVANS,
CARDIFF
VICE-CHAIRMAN.
JAMES c. GALBRAITH, GLASGOW.
NORMAN BELLERBY.
H. R. STEVENS,
MIDLAND AREA.
EDWIN WILLIAM GANDERTON.
J.C. FLISHERI
NEWCASTLE UPOM- TYNE.
JOHN CRANDON GRIDLEY.
WILLIAM WAUGH)
WILLIAM R. HANN.
BELFAST. BIRMINGHAM. FORTH PORTS.
WILLIAM McGILVRAY.
4.ST DUNSTANS ALLEY.
HULL. LIVERPOOL. NEWPORT.
FREDERICK CHARLES PILLEY.
NOTTINGHAM, SHEFFIELD. SOUTHAMPTON.
JOSEPH W. RODGERSON.
LONDON, E. C.3.
WEST HARTLEPOOL ETC.
LC/HM
14th August 1940
W.G. Hynard, Esq.
187
Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkely Square House,
Berkeley Square, W. 1.
surbellamy
Dear Sir,
With reference to your communication of the 7th instant, Ref. T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6., we have the pleasure to enclose herewith copy of the official Abstract of Log of the
S.S. "NEPHRITE", also a report compiled by the Captain describing the experiences of this vessel during the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Yours faithfully,
For STEPHENSON CLARKE AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES LIMITED.
and soon we entered the narrow channel to Dunkirk passing numerous the the descriptions were passed proceeding homewards Full 01 troops, wrecks. but quickly disappeared with our Planes on their tails.
and Off Dunkirk a squadron of Enemy Planes attacked
I berth alongside the Pier. It wąs now noon and soon food
Threading proceeded into the harbour against the ebb tide, and about 200
shipping, our way through the numerous wrecks at the harbour received entrance orders to were embarked and they quickly disposed of the we and had
Soldiers for them. The crew were assisting in the embarkation, Several were cooked also busy preparing more food for the hungry troops. them kept including a Padre and a Doctor boarded, and I gave The the
Officers, the Cabin Accommodation to make themselves comfortable. meals ready
]
use of from nowon was continuously employed in getting meal
V
Steward Officers who were starving, having had but one told there during
0
for the Army three days. The Doctor who was Jewish, on being dead dogs was in it, I am going to have my share it smells so good".
the last pork in the stew, replied "I do not care if there are t]
wed
11
g t and wman o:
an esco off th aircraf

31st May, 1940.
44
188
The S.S. "NEPHRITE" was lying at anchor off Deal, loaded with Military Stores, and awaiting sailing orders, when about 6.00
a.m. I was called by the Officer of the Watch who reported that the
Examination Tug was alongside. I did not feel too pleased at turning out as German 'Planes had been over us during the night and
I had been up until daylight, but the Examination Officer's first words cleared the atmosphere. I was ordered to proceed immediately to Dunkirk to evacuate troops, and to jettison any cargo I deemed necessary so that as many troops as possible could be embarked.
Calling out all hands I told them what was required and they turned to with a will stripping the hatches, and soon drums of oil and cases of cargo were going over the side.
Meanwhile I received route instructions and fresh water for drinking purposes from the Examination Tug, and at 6.30 a.m.
the vessel was under way pro eeding through the Downs. The weather was fine and clear with practically no wind, and the sea was calm.
After an early breakfast, which was to be our only meal of the day, I inspected the holds and decided that with a little levelling down of cargo the holds would carry a large number of tropps. Decks were cleared and hatches arranged so that other troops would be able to sit above the holds, and I estimated that
I would be able to carry 900 men.
I then gave orders that food from the cargo be prepared for the reception of the troops, and cases of various foods were assembled by the Galley. About 10.00 a.m. 'Planes were observed but did not bother us, and soon the Belgium Coast, which had been hidden by a pall of smoke, came into sight, also the sounds of violent gunfire and exploding bombs, which we had heard throughout the previous week, was becoming more intense. Ships of all sizes and descriptions were passed proceeding homewards full of troops, and soon we entered the narrow channel to Dunkirk passing numerous wrecks. Off Dunkirk a squadron of Enemy Planes attacked the shipping, but quickly disappeared with our Planes on their tails.
Threading our way through the numerous wrecks at the harbour entrance
04
I proceeded into the harbour against the ebb tide, and received orders to berth alongside the Pier. It was now noon and soon about 200
Soldiers were embarked and they quickly disposed of the food we had cooked for them. The crew were assisting in the embarkation, and were also kept busy preparing more food for the hungry troops. Several
Officers, including a Padre and a Doctor boarded, and I gave them the use of the Cabin Accommodation to make themselves comfortable. The
V
Steward from nowon was continuously employed in getting meals ready
C
for the Army Officers who were starving, having had but one meal during the last three days. The Doctor who was Jewish, on being told there was pork in the stew, replied "I do not care if there are dead dogs t]
in it, I am going to have my share it smells so good".
1:
wed g the and ewman of an escort off the aircraft

-2-
ear
189
About 1.00 p.m. I was ordered to shift alongside the S.S.
ROEBUCK" to avoid taking the ground, as I was drawing more than 14
'eet of water. Destroyers, Trawlers and Hospital Ships were arriving continuously, and the embarkation of the troops and wounded proceeded
1990
without interruption, notwithstanding the efforts of the German Bombers
TO
who were continually coming over the port and dropping their bombs.
Lewis Gunner Mellis was continually in action with his Gun and soon had some willing assistants from amongst the troops, who collected ammunition from the other troops and kep the Lewis Gun trays full. About
3.00 p.m. I berthed alongside again and on being asked by the Pier
Commander when I would be ready to sail, replied "I have come for a full load of troops so why sail before I am full up it only means more ships will be required".
The Commander informed me that he had to dispatch the
Destroyers as quickly as possible, and that I could assist the embarkation by taking troops whenever a jam occurred on the Pier, so I carried on accordingly. About this time, the Germans were particularly active, and shore A.A. Guns, Destroyers and ships were hitting back with everything they had. Occasionally a few shells whined overhead and fell into the Harbour, but did no material damage. Numerous air battles were in progress and several machines came down, some of the Pilots baling out.
At 6.00 p.m. the Pier was crowded with French Troops, most of them keen to board the Destroyers in the hope they would be landed in
French Ports. Observing a lot of them coming on board, having a feed and going ashore again, I had a conference with a British Army Captain and a French Major, and decided that if the French Troops would not embark that the ship should sail. I estimated that I had 500 Troops on board, about 70 of them French, and the French still refusing to embark I reluctantly cast off and steamed out of the Harbour.
The homeward roûte was a wonderful sight, hundreds of small craft of every description were seen making towards Dunkirk. Meanwhile the German Bombers were busy, large flights of them appearing and dropping their loads all over the place. I organised a party of ten sildiers on the Forecastle Head with orders to fire at any aircraft coming within ranage. Gunner Mellis was putting in some great work with his gun, and it was afterwards reported to me by an Army Officer that he had registered hits on three enemy 'planes, two of which came down; in fact, the Officer hearing of his excellent shooting went to stand by him with his glasses and observed him shoot down an enemy fighter plane. The Pilot baling out was eventually picked up by a tug about half a mile astern of us. At this time there were more than seventy enemy planes overhead dropping their bombs all around us like hailstones, but our luck held good and we escaped undamaged, but
I feel sure that some of the small boats being towed towards Dunkirk were either hit by the bombs or swamped with the huge columns of water caused by the explosions.
At Dusk the North Goodwin Lt. V. was sighted and navigating the vessel through the Downs in the dark I dropped anchor off Deal at
11.30 p.m. to await daylight to proceed to Dover. Most of the troops

"00"
of
-3-
BW
to bus dw I Беог thos moth "T95 VIEW
0.
West,
190
Houds ere now fast asleep in the comforting knowledge that they were at ome, but during the night we had our usual nightly visit in these parts from 'Jerry', but after our strenuous day one solitary raider did not worry us. At 5.00 a.m. on Saturday the 1st June I proceeded to
Dover and there eventually received orders to disembark troops at
Folkestone.
2012
I was just conning the ship alongside Folkestone Pier at
8.30 a.m. when a violent explosion occurred. We had had another lucky escape as a megnetic mine had gone off on its own in the fairway we had just traversed.
100%
Disembarking the troops at once commenced and was completed by 9.30 a.m. our little ship having brought safely home 504 Troops, shalds including some 15 British Officers and some 70 French Officers and men.
The troops after their grim ordeal were in wonderful spirits and I was greatly struck by their clean appearance, especially that of our own countrymen, who as soon as they had satisfied the pangs of hunger immediately washed and shaved themselves in readiness to land in England.
The grateful thanks and expression of admiration both from
Officers and Troops on their safe arrival home was a real tonic and recompense to my crew, who had all given up their berths to the soldiers and gone without food and sleep to make our soldiers as comfortable as possible. The crew were keen to carry on their good work but the powers that be decided otherwise, and it was not until later in the month of June that we were called upon to play another episode in the final evacuation of France.
(Sgd.) C. G. WEST
MASTER.
se
04
nowed ng the and wman of an escort off the aircraft

43
TTA THE BE THEY Bay
ACT OF LOG of S.S. "NEPHRITE"
Commanded by Capt. C. G. West, O.B.E.
on a voyage from Deal Roads to Bunkirk
191
and back to Folkestone.
31st May, 1940.
I
a.m.
Received orders from examination steamer to raise steam dw immediately and proceed to Dunkirk to piek up as many troops as
THE
as possible and to jettison any cargo, we may deem fit for the safety of ship and troops.
53d
6.30 a.m. Weigher anchor and proceeded. All crew employed jettisoning deck cargo of highly inflamable spirit.
On to
Noon
Berthed at Dunkirk Pier and commenced embarking troops, crew assisting in embarkation.
At Berth Vessel under constant fire from shore batteries and aircraft.
5.0.8
Ship's gunner in constant action and crew assisting in embarkation throughout.
6 p.m.
Completed embarkation of 504 British and French officers and troops.
6.15 Pame Cast off and proceeded to England. Throughout passage across, large formations of enemy aircraft continuously attempted to bomb vessel. Ship's gunner was in constant action, and direct hits were observed on three enemy planes, two of these planes were observed to crash, one of which was an enemy fighter plane whose pilot decended into the sea by parachute.
11.30 Anchor off Deal Roads awaiting daylight.
Vessel escaped undamaged from enemy action.
1st June, 1940.
5.05 s.m. Weighed anchor and proceeded to Dover.
5.45 a.m. Arrived off Dover. awaiting orders.
7.a.m.
Received orders proceeded Folkestone.
8 a.m.
Arrived off Folkestone.
8.30 a.m. Berthed and started disembarking troops.
ed
9.30 n.m. All troops disembarked.
(SGD.) C. G. WEST, Master.
Lov in
S an wman an es off airc

LINES. LIMITED.
of inch
Crescant the
40
Kingston-m Lurrey Kimmes the assist ine day in in the May, we 194
M.6213/40/S.T.A.6
15th August, 1940.
lternative routes,
As we left at night,
TM.
round past Calais
192
11 navigational aids
The Sir, Director have of to acknowledge the receipt WF/MH, chor off Gravelines e. With the break of
The sky was of your Square letter of the 14th August'
ng oil dumps and ilitary to prevent and to thank you for the most ving off Dunkirk interesting report made by the Master
'S, while other vessels
;ime, we were keeping and Chief Officer of the s.s. "KILLARNEY" letter
Company's ships, which of the regarding 7th their experiences during to ng her come up astern which you of account by the were watching her,
Mas Dunkirk operations. the a terrific explosion, and of the the "KILLARNEY" in the Sir, of the ud of smoke. When the from Dunkirk am, the mainmast aft had
I am, Your obedient Servant, ard part heeled over result of a magnetic
Your (Sgd.) obedient B. E. BELLAMY
nt alongside the
Director of Sea Transport.
ing troops of all ases. Some of these
Secretary.
ur days and four
The Secretary
Lines Limited, extreme difficulty canine population vith us. These
IS, as their own
SURREY.
see them trying to were shot on the nessed an attack aircraft.
Bombs fell all planes drove them off.
ner, but none registered a hit. Eventually our fighter to
This
On completion of loading troops we returned by the same route as we had taken to come in, and on passing
Gravelines again the fun started. Sailing quietly along, the tired and weary troops stretched R. out all over the ship, snatching their for the Ministry) managed by
G.S.N.)
Lowed ing th
GS and our entrance enemy
Newman of bombs. A call for assisted th an escort the British Mission two destroyers had previously would INIVIA be waiting for the me aircraft off the consisting port. This of attack lasted for half an hour when returned to Ostend.

COAST LINES, ADMINISTRATIVE LIMITED. 4
TELEGRAMS
2, Crescent Road,
40
COASTWISE.
KINGSTON-ON-THAMES
Kingston on Thames, ine day in May, we
TELEPHONE
assist in the
194
KINGSTON 4541-4
Surrey.
lternative routes,
YOUR REF.
OUR REF.
TM. 6213/40/8.T. 6.
As we left at night,
WF/MH
ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE COMPANY.
round past Calais
14th August, 1940
11 navigational aids
The Director of Sea Transport, chor off Gravelines
20
e. With the break of
Ministry of Shipping,
193
The sky was one
Berkeley Square House, ng oil dumps and
Berkeley Square.
ilitary to prevent
LONDON W. 1.
ving off Dunkirk
PS, while other vessels
"KILLARNEY"
ime, we were keeping
Sir,
Company's ships, which
With reference to your letter of the 7th instant, I beg to enclose here- to for the purposes of the record ng her come up astern with, which you refer, copy of an account by the were watching her, and Chief Officer of the experience a terrific explosion, and
Master of the "KILLARNEY" in the evacuation of the ud of smoke. When the the mainmast aft had
B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
ard part heeled over
I am, Sir, result of a magnetic
Your obedient Servant,
Drame nt alongside the ing troops of all ases. Some of these
Secretary.
r days and four extreme difficulty anine population
15/16/19
15
ith us. These
GROUP
AUG
S, as their own
12
940
see them trying to were shot on the
ENCLOSURE.
nessed an attack aircraft.
Bombs fell all ner, but none registered a hit. Eventually our fighter planes drove them off.
On completion of loading troops we returned by the same route as we had taken to come in, and on passing
Gravelines again the fun started. Sailing quietly along, the tired and weary troops stretched out all over the ship, snatching their for the Ministry)
by
G.S.N.)
Lowed ing the
GS and ouo
Newman of entrance enemy bombs. A call for assistance an escort the British of Mission two destroyers had previously would INIVIA be waiting hour when for the me aircraft off the consisting port. This attack lasted for half an returned to Ostend.

COPY
S. Y. "KILLARNEY"
40
Anchored in the Downs, one fine day in May, we received orders to proceed to Dunkirk to assist in the
194
evacuation of the B.E.F. We were given alternative routes, one for daylight and one for night time. As we left at night, we took the darkness route, which took us round past Calais and then along the coastline eastward.
Owing to misty weather, and all navigational aids being obliterated, we were compelled to anchor off Gravelines till daylight. This we did without trouble. With the break of day, we hove up and proceeded to Dunkirk. The sky was absolutely black with the smoke from burning oil dumps and tanks, which had been set on fire by the military to prevent their being of any use to the enemy. Arriving off Dunkirk
Breakwater, we had to lay off for some hours, while other vessels were filling up with troops. During this time, we were keeping a look-out for the "LOCHGARRY" one of our Company's ships, which was also on the same mission.
We saw a steamer much resembling her come up astern of us, using the daylight route. Whilst we were watching her, trying to ascertain who she was, there was a terrific explosion, and the centre part of her disappeared in a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared away, her stern portion from the mainmast aft had vanished, and in about two minutes the forward part heeled over and sank. So passed the "MONA'S QUEEN" as a result of a magnetic mine.
About an hour after this, we went alongside the
Breakwater, and immediately commenced embarking troops of all regiments, and including several stretcher cases. Some of these cases had been carried by their chums for four days and four nights. Whilst embarking the troops, we had extreme difficulty in preventing what appeared to be the whole canine population of France and Belgium from taking a passage with us. These animals had attached themselves to the Tommies, as their own people had fled, and it was rather pitiful to see them trying to get aboard after their new friends. Hundreds were shot on the quay to prevent their starving to death.
Whilst we were alongside, we witnessed an attack on a ship just outside, by German aircraft. Bombs fell all round her, but none registered a hit. Eventually our fighter planes drove them off.
On completion of loading troops we returned by the same route as we had taken to come in, and on passing
Gravelines again the fun started. Sailing quietly along, the tired and weary troops stretched out all over the ship, snatching their for the Ministry) maged by
G.S.N.
Lowed ing the
GS and our
Newman of entrance enemy bombs. A call for assisted an escort the British of Mission two destroyers had previously would be waiting hour when for the me aircraft off the consisting port. This attack lasted for half an returned to Ostend.

OTH
To
BERO
-2-
195
barl first decent rest for days, three German batteries of six inch sht
30%
TOTAL
guns opened fire on us. The first shot fell just short of the port wing of the bridge. We immediately put the ship astern on to the
STATE
shore and increased speed and zigzagged. Our engineers rendered yeoman service by belching out smoke in an effort to form a screen.
This manoeuvring also caused a certain amount of anxiety owing to the fact that we were sailing over sand banks out of a swept channel, and we were not degaussed. In all, about ninety shots were fired, and the whole action lasted about forty minutes. It
0808
FLAT
is with great regret that we have to report that one shell registered a hit on the after end of the boat deck, and falling amongst a group of men, killed eight and wounded thirty. We happened to have one R.A.M.C. doctor on board, and he tackled his task with great zeal, and very mediocre assistance from our
Medicine Chest, as gunshot wounds and the dressings thereof are not included in the Board of Trade statutes!
About a quarter of an hour after the shelling had ceased, and we were once more breathing more or less freely, an enemy aircraft appeared overhead and let a burst of machine gun fire just over our masts. We manned our Lewis guns and waited to welcome the raider on his next round, but to our great delight a
Spitfire came right out of the clouds on to the German's tail, and giving him a good burst of his guns sent the enemy crashing in flames into the sea, on our port side, about 600 yards away. We did not dally any further to look for survivors.
Later, in response to our wireless signals sent out during the bombardment by the shore batteries, three of our bombers appeared and escorted us. After flying round a bit they indicated to us to alter course, which we did, and eventually sighted a raft bearing one French Officer and two Belgian soldiers. The raft, when we got alongside of it, was a very flimsy affair, made of old wood and an old door. The commissariat of the raft was most complete -
two tins of biscuits and six demi johns of wine. Also, carefully lashed on the raft was a bicycle of ancient vintage. We picked up the occupants, and the troops had extreme difficulty in explaining that they could not accommodate the bicycle, but could manage to find efficient storage for the demi johns. In the finish we didn't get either.
On proceeding, quietness reigned, and never to any of the crew have the white cliffs of Dover looked so welcome as when se they loomed up through a slight haze. We steamed into Dover Harbour g
and alongside the quay, discharged our troops, and landed the killed and wounded. When this was accomplished, we went to the oil jetty, and had to wait for several hours while other ships were bunkering.
This did not really cause a great deal of inconvenience, as, in the manner of all good sailor men we turned in and slept.
So ended an episode of the "KILLARNEY" at Dunkirk.
R. HUGHES. Master.
G.H. Clark. CHIEF OFFICER.
infor the Ministry) managed by
Lowed ing the
GS and our entrance enemy
Newman of bombs. A call for assistance an escort the British of Mission two destroyers had previously would be waiting for the me aircraft off the consisting port. This attack lasted for half an hour when returned to Ostend.

YO
sa to bas so visa your 0.03m bne benes 20
39
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W.L.
15th August, 1940.
loat
7
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
A record is being compiled in the Ministry of Shipping of the part played by the Merchant Navy in the Dunkirk operation, and the owners of the vessels concerned have been approached for copies of any reports they may have received from the Musters.
The Southern Railway state that reports from the Masters of their steamers have been submitted to you through the P.S.T.O.
In the circumstances, would it be possible, please, for you to supply copies of the reports, or, alternatively, to loan the originals for inspection? The names of the Southern Railway steamers in question are:-
LORINA, NORMANNIA, CANTERBURY, MAID OF ORL ANS, BIARRITZ,
AUTOCARRIER, PARIS, ISLE OF GUERNSEY, DINARD, WORTHING,
ISLE OF THANET, HYTHE and WHITSTABLE.
(Sgd.) B. E. BELLAMY.
for
La
Director of Sea Transport.
o ship)ii p.s. "GOLDEN
SOVEREIGN"
channel
#
cl
#
S.S. "ABUKIR"
passenge for by steamer G.S.N.
r the Ministry)
Lo in
GS an our
Newmar entrance enemy ---
A call for th an es bombs. the British Mission had previously would be waiting for me off consisting port. This of attack two destroyers lasted for half an hour when the airc returned to Ostend.

Mr. Dilke
36
COPY FOR - MR. W. G. HYNARD,
Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square, W.L.
197
WJP/LK
13th August, 1940.
The Right Hon. Ronald H. Cross, M.P.,
Minister of hipping,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.L.
Dear Bir,
EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Further to our Chairman's letter of the 27th ultimo, we understand that you wish to collect information
Navy in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from regarding the services rendered by the ships of the Merchant for THE GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION CO. LTD.
e
Northern France and Flanders and we, therefore, take the
,wo which liberty of attaching copies of a few confidential reports we have received from various sources. If it would
Yours faithfully, be of interest to you we should be pleased to forward the
Company when we are able to obtain same.
similar information regarding other vessels owned by this so perience coasting and home trades, and the special knowledge and passenger vessels of this Company operate chiefly cargo in the
As you are aware, in normal times the and tense ming and which our Masters and Officers have of the channels exut under them to find their way to the beaches and berths coasts, enabled approaches to the Northern French and Belgian
15.0
y to and their ships, their shallow draft was also of the pleasure the difficult conditions. In the case of a
journeys good bunker capacity enabled these vessels assistance make backwards and forwards with a minimum of delay. to
O t.
The copies of reports enclosed, refer to:-
ship)iight m.v. "ROYAL SOVEREIGN"
m.v. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" (cross channel
O.
ch the
19
p.s. "GOLDEN EAGLE
(cargo vessel managed by G.S.N.
(Passenger paddle steamer
" passenge cut
S.S.
"ABUKIR"
rd in-
Lowed for the Ministry)
ing the is and
Newman of th an escort our entrance bombs. enemy A waiting for me aircraft off the the consisting British the the the half be an hour when the port. returned to Ostend.

Nywari hand durect colleg P
Mr. Dilke sent have would him your is
37
14th August, 1940.
vigation Company Ltd 6
14/8
are P 16th
I understand you collecting
15, Trinity Square,
Dear Sir,
Mr. Cross has asked me to thank you 198 london.Ec.3.
for your letter of the 13th August and for the enclosed copies of confidential reports
13th August, 1940.
199
which you have received. As you say, Mr.
Cross is anxious to collect as much informa- M.P., tion as possible about the services rendered
LTD.
by merchant ships, and he would certainly be very interested to see any similar informa- M
DUNKIRK
CO.
tion which you may be able to forward about ish 's letter of the 27th to collect information other vessels owned by the Company.
the ships of the Merchant tion of the B.E.F. from e
Yours faithfully, e, therefore, take the
Yours faithfully
F. H. KEENLYSIDE
ew confidential reports
C
sources. If it would pleased to forward e
Company
Private Secretary.
vessels owned by this
,WO
same.
:
W.J. Philpott Esq.,
The General Steam Navigation Company Ltd.
nal times the cargo and the erate chiefly in the so for THE GENERAL
and enabled approaches them to the Northern French and of the channels our Masters and and the Officers special have knowledge and exunder the difficult to find their way to the beaches Belgian berths coasts, tense pleasure conditions. In the and ming and their ships, their shallow draft case of the jut journeys backwards good bunker capacity enabled was these also of assistance make
15.
and forwards with a minimum vessels of delay. to y tb
The copies of reports enclosed, refer to
L a m.v. m.v. "ROYAL "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" (cross channel:-
)
to
SOVEREIGN"
p.s. "GOLDEN
"
O t.
s.s. "ABUKIR"
" passenger ship)iight for the Ministry)
by steamer) G.S.N.Co.
ch the cut rd in-
Lowed agreed.
my cluding out lines of the crew, and port sailed soldiers aircraft by the and British flew Belgi over S.S. was dopping "MARQUIR" sent out Verey as Mr. lights Newman and of ing the entrance bombs. enemy A for assistance informed me for that me an off escort the the consisting British This be an waiting hour when the aircraft port. returned to Ostend.

The General Iteam Navigation Company Ltd
ALEGRAMS-GLYCONIC TELEX LONDON
ELEPHONE-ROYAL 3200.7 (23 LINES)
CLORE
CODEs-PRIVATE
15, Trinity Square,
BENTLEYS PHRASE
SCOTTS 10TH EDTN.
A.B.C. 5TH EDTN.
BOE
London.E.c.3
Bofons
20mg
OUR REFERENCE WJP/LK
only
NUTOP
YOUR REFERENCE
13th August, 1940.
199
SECTO
The Right Hon. Ronald H. Cross, M.P.,
Minister of Shipping,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.1.
Dear Sir,
EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Further to our Chairman's letter of the 27th último, we understand that you wish to collect information regarding the services rendered by the ships of the Merchant for THE GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION M.Philpott CO. LTD.
Navy in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from
Northern France and Flanders and we, therefore, take the liberty of attaching copies of a few confidential reports
Yours faithfully, which we have received from various sources. If it would be of interest to you we should be pleased to forward e
Company when we are able to obtain same.
similar information regarding other vessels owned by this
,WO
As you are aware, in normal times the cargo and the passenger vessels of this Company operate chiefly in the
10
coasting and home trades, and the special knowledge and perience and which our Masters and Officers have of the channels exenabled approaches to the Northern French and Belgian coasts, tense them to find their way to the beaches and berths ming under the difficult conditions. In the case of the ut and pleasure ships, their shallow draft was also of
15.
journeys backwards and forwards with a minimum of delay. to their good bunker capacity enabled these vessels assistance make y to
L a
The copies of reports enclosed, refer to:-
)
m.v. "ROYAL SOVEREIGN"
m.v. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" (cross channel to
"
o t.
p.s. "GOLDEN EAGLE
(cargo vessel managed by G.S.N.Co.
(Passenger paddle steamer)
" passenger ship)
S.S. "ABUKIR"
for the Ministry)
ch the cut
.rd in-
Lowed ing the agreed. my cluding out entrance lines of the crew, and enemy A port sailed soldiers the and British Belgi S.S. was dopping "MARQUIS" sent informed waiting out Verey as me for Mr. that lights me Newman an off and escort the of bombs. the consisting British the be an hour when the aircraft port. returned to Ostend.

COPY.
REPORT ON LOSS OF H.M.T. "ABUKIR"
May 24th for the Downs for orders, arriving there in the
We cleared from Southampton on the afternoon of morning of May 25th where we received orders to proceed to
Ostend, to land supplies for the B.E.F., arriving off that port about 20.00 of the same day.
The town was then in flames and the majority of the buildings on the sea front were in ruins, the quays and signal stations being absolutely deserted. The pilot boarded me when I was almost in my berth and informed me that apart from a few French Naval Officers there was no-one of any authority in the port.
I interviewed these Officers who apparently had no knowledge of my ship, but suggested that I should start discharging at day-break.
On the way back to the ship I met a British Army lorry driver who told me that a Lieut Harris with 38 British troops who were adrift from their units were standing by at a farm about five miles outside the town. We went out and brought them in but on our arrival back at the ship we were bombed SO intensely - the quay being the target - that I
decided to abandon the ship until daylight. At 02.00 on May
26th I managed to get into telephone communication with the
British Mission at Bruges, who instructed me to commence discharging, which I did with the assistance of the troops and the ship's crew. We were bombed off and on throughout the day.
Later on the British Mission informed me that a British bomber had made a forced landing at Ostend and would I try to make contact with her crew. Lieut. Harris and myself located these men at the Stane Aerodrome. After firing the machine, the two officers and two men who formed her crew joined my ship later on in the afternoon, bringing with them the machine guns and instruments of the destroyed bomber. On the way back from the
Aerodrome we picked up another 25 British troops who had also been separated from their units, also two wounded R.A.F. men.
At 20.00 on the 26th May the bombing became so intense that once again we abandoned the ship until day-break, resuming work with the assistance of Dutch Army deserters. Throughout the day German aircraft were continually bombing us and at 15.
they started dive bombing and machine gunning us so heavily tb once again I decided to abandon the ship, having had two casualties, one being an R.A.F. gunner shot in the arm and a
Belgian civilian shot in the left eye. Getting through to
Bruges again they instructed me to cease discharging and to what Army vehicles I could, the rest to be destroyed, also t.
British Mission had decided to evacuate by my ship that night
I suggested sailing after dark at 22.00 to which the agreed. The Mission boarded me and at the stated time I cut my lines and sailed with approximately 220 people on board including crew, soldiers and Belgian refugees. I was followed out of the port by the British S.S. "MARQUIS". On clearing the entrance enemy aircraft flew over dopping Verey lights and bombs. A call for assistance was sent out as Mr. Newman of the British Mission had previously informed me that an escort consisting of two destroyers would be waiting for me off the port. This attack lasted for half an hour when the aircraft returned to Ostend.

STATE
and the DROP. dw wse TOW CX 21. BOX OFFICE and SHE
COPY.
H.M.S."GOLDEN EAGLE".
and
Due c/o G.P.O.
To
LONDON.
202
by
21.6.40.
COMMISSION
We arried about 2000 troops over from Dunkirk.
Q
On our first trip we came up to the survivors of the "WAVERLEY" which had just been bombed and sunk. They were had in the water and had been machine gunned after the ship returned to Margate to land them.
sunk. With so many of the men wounded and exhausted we
The next time we arrived off the beach east of
Dunkirk at 8 a.m. and left at 9 p.m. It was a slow job getting men off the beach with only the two boats belonging to the ship. We were attacked on and off all the time by bombers but our pom-poms appeared to hold them off each time until fighters arrived. We eventually had to leave our position on off the beach owing to heavy artillery fire. An aeroplane was overhead spotting for the guns. Finally we went inside the harbour and filled up with troops. There were about 1500
on board. While inside the harbour an attack was made with about 50 planes. Although a number of ships were alongside the pier none were hit but bombs fell uncomfortably close.
The last time we went was at night. We were ordered to be alongside the east pier at 1 a.m. The ship arrived off
Dunkirk at that time and we did not go in until 3 a.m. The order had been given to retire when we were told to go in and get what we could but be out again by 2.50 a.m. We got inside and alongside the pier but got nobody. The block ships then came I in and told us to get out. The shelling was very heavy and think we were very fortunate not to be hit. In getting away one of the sponson springs was caught in the port wheel.
We stopped outside to clear it. The loose was out but it was tightly bound around the banjo with so many got turns that it would have taken a long time to cut away. We were the
With only ship in the roads except a destroyer, all others having gone.
to daylight breaking and shells getting close the only thing do was to chance it. The wheel made a lot of noise, the we got back, but it did get us back.
grease pipe carried away and the banjo was rather warm when
(signed) F. BARNES
Chief Engineer.
to the ship,
After sailing,
SD
Hereplane
Test up,
È
dipping away blown

33
m.v. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL"
203
This vessel was requisitioned for Government Service as a troop and carrying transport on 8th January, 1940, when lying in the river
Fal.
She proceeded to Dover, where she arrived on 15th January and fitted out for the Service. Fitting out was completed on the 20th
February, compasses adjusted on the 21st, and the first passage made on the 23rd February to Boulogne with 492 troops returning from leave. Five Lewis Guns and Sixteen R.A. Gunners were attached to the ship for defensive purposes.
The vessel continued in this service fairly regularly during
March and April, one voyage being made each day, and carried on an average about 500 troops per passage, and about 13,000 in all.
After leave for troops was stopped, about lstMay, the vessel ran with mails, King's Messenger and troop details until 18th May.
The Irish Guards were carried to Boulogne for final defence of that port, and wounded and R.A.M.C. details brought back to Dover on the 22nd May.
On the 19th May a special voyage was commenced to Dunkirk for refugees, but the ship was stopped off Gravelines and eventually returned to Dover without proceeding to Dunkirk.
On 23rd May, the vessel proceeded to the Downs anchorage, returning to Dover on the 24th and anchoring in the Cuter Harbour until the morning of the 27th. The vessel's Lewis guns were in action against enemy aircraft on the nights of the 23rd and 26th.
On the morning of the 27th May at 5,00a.m. orders were received to stand by to proceed to Dunkirk, vessel victualled and watered and proceeded at 2.00p.m. Arrival at Dunkirk was about 3.00p.m., making fast to Eastern breakwater, about 50
troops were taken on board, after which the ship was ordered to anchor off the beach and send boats ashore for troops. Four boats were sent away and made several trips bringing off about
200 troops.
Fresh orders were then received to return to the Eastern
Breakwater and complete. Poats were hoisted inboard, except one which could not be traced in the dark. Vessel re-secured to breakwater, the balance of men were taken on board, making a total of about 920, and at 2.55a.m. on the 28th proceeded on the return voyage.
During the whole of the time in Dunkirk Air Raids were in progress, bombs being dropped through thick smoke indiscriminately and several wrecks on the banks being also machine-gunned.
For tunately none fell close to the ship.
After sailing, at about 4.15a.m., half-an-hour before sunrise, an aeroplane was observed approaching on the starboard bow about
2,000 feet up, distinguishing marks not being decipherable, this plane circled and dived when on the port beam. Lewis gun fire was then opened from the ship, but 3 or 4 bombs had then been released which straddled the ship a little abaft the mainmast. The slight delay action of these bombs caused an upward explosion which broke the vessel's back, the starboard propellor shaft and rudder, the stern dipping into the water. The wireless aerial had also carried away and No.5. boat was blown across the deck.
-1-

Det no and
BE
-2-
204
TES THE STATE and SEAL ONE SEAL LOKE THE and
$110
eroplane again circled and approached the part bow, dropping more
Lewis gun fire was continued as guns were able to bear, the through two lines of tracer bullets from the forward two guns, the bombs which fell about 100 feet away and, after apparently passing plane flew away to the eastward.
Meanwhile the aerial had been rehoisted and an S.O.S. sent of
STRATO
OFF
out, the four remaining boats swung out, and the troops ordered on
ROUN
the loud speakers to vacate the after end of the ship and walk
DRN
were forward, in order to life the after end as much as possible.
the
A slight electric wire fire was extinguished in the after the
STATE
HOTOR
dining saloon. Pumps were started on the two after lower saloons.
Reports from Carpenter shewed that water was making rapidly in the after four compartments, therefore orders were given to lower away
THE
ES
boats and fill them. This work proceeded in good order.
Y
STATE
OF
The S.S. "DORIEN ROSE", a store ship proceeding to Dunkirk,
OF
was standing by and, as the weather was fine, was requested to come alongside forward and the two vessels were secured port bow to starboard bow to prevent troops all going to one side and listing the "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
The troops were then ordered over the rail to the other ship, this work proceeded smoothly, the lifeboats meanwhile making an extra passage, having discharged their troops into the "DORIEN ROSE".
By 5.20a.m. all troops had been transferred. A further inspection was made, and water was found to be gaining in the stewards store room and engine room and by this time the bow was out of the water. It was therefore decided to abandon ship.
Confidential papers were collected and final tra nsfer was completed by 5.25.
name, 0540 Clear of harbour. 0866 flossing nine 50
The "DORIEN ROSE" let go and proceeded to Dover, arrival being at 2.30p.m., and the passage being without further untoward incident, and during part of it the destroyer H.O.5. acted as escort. The four lifeboats were towed for extra security in case of further attack, but during the passage two broke away and were lost.
10.10 anchored 031 Pier, 18.15 arrived alongaids of Pier.
38.80 left Matgato Pier. 1735 arrived off La Panis and teseared beary Give bombing attmch out with bony ludgen
1800g have up anchored and procesded to noolas Refe "Dellficat" Indian with troopehashore, 1825 "Bullfinch" affort and prosseded. 1080
commenced embarking trodgs from benches.
by BOTH 0410, have RP and processed lower down beach. 0420
Ang None Grouper 0530 vesselfull, ast to Number: 1928, arrived was Margate, 1136 alenguido of Sergane Pier disgnbarking troops. 1300 Left Cargate, 1785 shehered off Hunking on
Instructions. 1830 enchorad and ambariting steepe,
Way 8165 0130 hote of and prosession. 0515 sported as buy to plan 92 Four nurvivors of n Tradel situature which bad this
UTID arraved aleachide Plac, 0030
hova up and processed

3th
STATE
street to
Jues
COPY
the
PARTY
H.T. "ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
32
OF
to
205
este abouto
In reply to your communication of June 5th asking for a narrative
THE
of events in connection with the evacuation of Dunkirk, I have pleasure in replying as follows:-
THE SOUTH THE & UTATE OF Should at JOON 3 CREA STA
May 26th whilst laying in Southampton roads received orders to get ready to proceed at two hours notice.
May 27th at 1320 received orders to proceed to Dover and at 1500
OF Date THE DEIOS of FRE OF
hove up and proceeded on passage. 2340 passed through Folkestone gateway.
May 28th 0020 received visual signals from Dover to anchor in Downs.
ST
1150 saw first raid carried out on shipping but raider successfully the driven off. 1740 received orders to sail at 2030 for Dunkirk, using prescibed route.
May 29th 0250 arrived off East Jetty Dunkirk and anchored, whole west side of town in flames. 0445 hove up and proceeded to Eastern Jetty.
0455 in berth and commenced embarking troops. 0535 ship filled with troops, each man having been given a lifebelt and received instruction on same. 0540 Clear of harbour. 0858 reported floating mine to patrol vessel.
0925 stopped by examination vessel and ordered to Margate Pier.
10.10 anchored off Pier. 12.15 arrived alongside of Pier.
13.30 left Matgate Pier. 1735 arrived off La Panne and witnessed a heavy dive bombing attack carried out with heavy losses to shipping.
1800, hove up anchored and proceeded to assist m.v. "Bullfinch" laden with troops&ashore. 1815 "Bullfinch" afloat and proceeded. 1820
commenced embarking troops from beaches.
May 30th 0410, hove up and proceeded lower down beach. 0430 embarking more troops. 0530 vesselfull, and proceeded to Margate. 1025, arrived off Margate, 1135 alongside of Margate Pier disembarking troops. 1300 left Margate. 1735 anchored off Dunkirk on naval instructions. 1820 anchored and commenced embarking troops.
May 31st 0130 hove up and proceeded. 0315 shopped at Dyke buoy to pick up four survivors of a French steamer which had been bombed.
0710 arrived alongside Margate Pier. 0830 anchored off Pier. 1805, hove up and proceeded towards Dunkirk.

(2)
the TS the THE you cdusy of
May 31st Continued
206
2210 anchored off Pontoon Pier at Dunkirk. 2240 ordered by H.M. Ship to La Panne, hove up and proceeded. 2315 anchored off La Panne.
June 1st 0220, troops on board, terrific bombarding and shelling of
SOUTH
beach taking place so have up and proceeded. 0615, anchored off
USA
Margate roads. 0745, hove up and proceeded to Pier. 0830 at anchor
FORM
under 1 hours notice. 1315, left for Dunkirk. 1520, attacked and bombed by enemy aircraft, three bombs dropped; avoiding action taken.
1552, attcked and bombed by aircraft, three bombs being dropped, again took avoiding action, and by doing so definitely saved ship.
Now came under heavy fire from enemy position at Gravelines Pier, and as two ships appeared to be blocking channel returned to Margate for instructions. 1730, arrived Margate roads. 1900 vessel under
1 hour's notice.
June 2nd 0115 received orders to sail. 0140 received orders not to sail. 1800 left anchorage. 2000 passed Hospital ship Paris, having been bombed and ship's company in lifeboats, but all very cheerful and proceeded to Dunkirk. 2100 Heavy firing from shore batteries.
2130 arrived at Dunkirk and commenced embarking French troops from middle pier in harbour. 2205 cleared harbour with more than complement of troops.
Monday June 3rd 0155 arrived at Margate Pier and commenced disembark*
ing troops. 0203, anchored off Pier. 1200 returned to Pier. 1400, four seamen and two catering staff leave ship. 2015 left for Dunkirk.
2055, dense fog, visibility reduced to nil, but continue towards
Dunkirk.
Tuesday June 4th 0115, had slight collision with unknown steamer off
No. 3 Dunkirk buoy. 0220 arrived at middle pier in harbour. 0255, overladen with troops and left pier, cutting our own forward ropes.
Heavy gun fire continuously; leaving harbour saw crew of unknown vessel being rescued by small boats. 0600, arrived Margate after 1
hours dense fog, and disembarked troops and at 0700 departed to anchorage. 2000 hove up and proceeded to Southampton. 2355 "Royal
Sovereign" light vessel abeam.

world
Como
(3)
31
SECRET
207
STATE
June SOUT anchored at PAILWAY
to
Total voyages made 7.
584
Yours
11,000. Trops carried on WATERLOO 6 voyages, STATION. exact GERS number OFFICE unknown but WATERLOO approximately 5100
STATE
THE
so z
12th August, 1040.
ups
(Signed) T.Aldis.
Sir,
Master.
of the
7th
August, that 10 is the wish of the Ministry that their by should the
2118 reference to
I note assembled 817 information regarding the part played Dunition, be in the evacuation of the B.B.F. from willing
Merchant for Navy 83 this Company is concerned, I shall be licd to acaist so to the full in the provision of the necessary esterial,
1 kntever, that emports from the Masters of vegeela englished In the evacuation were and
P.S. submitted T. O,, and possibly in the circumstances there be the Southern to the Place Officer Commanding Dover, through will
DO need to take further steps.
The matter has already been mentioned to Capenin
Julia of the Ministry, but perhaps you will let me total L:
Lican do anything more.
is
: an, 352,
Your Servent, our
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
Loudon, W.).
Tos is the Wiere
AND the senical
91 are Catering repartment cub

en
31
DIVIDO adoo,000'11 000
&
TW
SOUTHERN RAILWAY
RECEIVED
Vw
OUR REPLY PLEASE
DTE THIS REFERENCE
151/16
16 1940
TELEPHONE
GENERAL MANAGERS OFFICE,
WATERLOO
H.XG. 1929/40.
5100
WATERLOO STATION, S.E.I.
12th August, 1940.
208
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 7th August,
I note that it is the wish of the Ministry that there should be assembled all information regarding the part played by the
Merchant Navy in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk, and so far as this Company is concerned, I shall be willing to assist to the full in the provision of the necessary material.
I find, however, that reports from the Masters of the Southern Railway vessels engaged in the evacuation were submitted to the Flag Officer Commanding Dover, through the
P.S. T. 0., and possibly in the circumstances there will be no need to take further steps.
The matter has already been mentioned to Captain
Smith of the Ministry, but perhaps you will let me know if
I. can do anything more.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
E.7. E.7.Missenden Line
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London, W.1.
Amaria TTO платта TTO TTO TM TATUO am TO Ra *seued 'unn
Purser the.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
The Chief Steward E.4.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and wounded, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

OM
DAVID MACBRAYNE, Ltd.
44 ROBERTSON STREET
WP/JWA.
GLASGOW,
T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6.
Your
Ref:
14ᵗʰ 14 August, 1940.
209
Gentlemen,
I have to thank you for your letter WP/JWA of the 12th August, 1940, and to inform you that the
Department sees no objection to reports being obtained from the Masters of your two vessels which took part in the Dunkirk operations as the Masters and crews of
His Majesty's Transports are not subject to Kings
Regulations. The Department will accordingly await these reports with interest.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) B. E. BELLAMY.
C>
Director of Sea Transport.
David Macbrayne, Ltd.,
44, Robertson Street,
GLASGOW, C.2.
Gun, by permission 01 the onler Engineer, with ellect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS,
MACBRAYNE. GLASGOW."
TELEPHONE: CENTRAL
2
(PRIVATE BRANCH EXCHAN
OM
DAVID MACBRAYNE, Ltd.
12th August, 1940.
REFERENCE
44 ROBERTSON STREET,
To
Director of Sea Transport,
GLASGOW, C.2.
WP/JWA.
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
RECEIVED
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.1.
Your Ref: T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6.
16
210
Dear Sir, in
Your letter of the 7th August has been received, and we have read with interest that it is proposed to assemble to the fullest all possible information regarding the part played by the Merchant Navy in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
Having regard to the purpose we are naturally gratified to be able to have recorded the fact that two of this Company's vessels were included in this wonderful display of seamanship.
However, our attention has been drawn to the fact that there is some reference in the King's Regulations that private records are not to be kept or given during the period of hostilities. Being apprehensive on this matter we should be glad of your guidance that in fulfilling your request we are not transgressing any such regulation - if such regulation is still in existence.
On hearing from you that we are free to allow such records to be taken and produced, we shall arrange forthwith with the masters of the two vessels concerned. Naturally we have every desire that the exploits of our two vessels should be included
The with those of others.
Yours faithfully
DAVID MACHRAYNE Asherch LIMITED,
General Manager.
the
Gun, by permission OI une onier Engineer, Will CII eirect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.Momahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

BOBEUIRO
AM
"
(HO)
THE
SUPERINTENDENT
28
___???___,
& NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
1.6213/40/STA6.
PARKESTON QUAY
form,
14th August 1940.
92
HARWICH
1940.
are Teed
212
Sir,
211
14
DISN'T
ven
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter M1/4474/17 of the 13th instant to and to say that at the moment only information regarding the ships which took part in the Dunkirk evacuation is being collected. If at a later date it is decided to collect information about the following operations, the Department will
7th instant addressed to be pleased to communicate with you again.
oodford Green has been
The report from the Master of the
"PRAGUE" is awaited with interest.
the Master of the "PRAGUE"
I am, Sir,
P was engaged on the me she was beached at Deal,
Your obedient Servant,
,and will forward this fers to the "PRAGUE" and the
(Sgd.) B. E. BELLAMY, nkrik but others of this nkirk, St. Valerie, Havre, m these places: I should
DIRECTOR OF SEA TRANSPORT.
e Masters' reports on
The Marine The Supervintendent,
London and North Eastern Railway,
Liverpool Street Station, lly,
E.C. 2.
if am
MARINE SUPERINTENDENT:
to Prote un, by permission OI the onier Engineer, WI on ellect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.4.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the wounded, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

PTAIN R. DAVIS
Letters to be addressed
INE SUPERINTENDENT
THE MARINE SUPERINTENDENT
TELEPHONE
TEMPORARY ADDRESS:-
ARWICH 30. EXT
LIVERPOOL LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS
NAT
E.C.Z.
STERN PARKESTON QUAY STATION
TELEPHONE
BISHOPSGA
PARKESTON QUAY
No:
&
DISABLED
7600
REFERENCE
STATE
EXT. 2292
HARWICH
M1/4474/17
13th August 1940.
212
T.M. 6213/40/S. T.A.6
8.7171
14
The Director of Sea Transport
RECEIVED
Ministry of Shipping,
18
Berkeley Sgu re House,
Berkeley Square.
London ". 1.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 7th instant addressed to this Company at 26, Glengall Road, Woodford Green has been passed to me for reply.
I am obtaining from the Master of the "PRAGUE"
evacuation report from Dunkirk up to the time she was beached at Deal, a cover ing the period his ship was engaged on the after being bombed by enemy aircraft, and will forward this to you in due course.
Your letter only refers to the "PRAGUE" and the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkrik but others of this
Company's vessels were engaged at Dunkirk, St. Valerie, Havre,
Cherbourg etc. in the evacuation from these places: I should be glad to know if you would like the Masters' reports on these evacuations also.
Yours faithfully,
Roam
MARINE SUPERINTENDENT:
un, by permission 01 une oner Engineer, with ellect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D..Momahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

S
AR SERVICE
c
W
2
'TH
S
SUTON
TELEPHONE: LEITH 37088-9
ONDON
TELEGRAMS: "TRANSHIP. EDINBURGH"
annual
Scottish Co-operative WHOLESALE Society LTD.
213
HB/MS
COASTAL SHIPPING DEPARTMENT.
6 JOHN'S PLACE.
LEITH, 13th August 19⁴⁰.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.I.
REGISTRY 8
Dear Sir,
Your Reference T.M.6213/40/STA.6.
With reference to yours as above, dated 7th August, in relation to service given by the Merchant Navy during the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk.
We wish to advise you that we have made contact with the
Master of our ship and that we hope to be in the position very shortly of sending you on the type of information which you require. You will no doubt note accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
Transport Manager.
un, by permission 01 the oniel Engineer, with ellect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.Momahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

CONSTANTINE LINE
TELEGRAMS:
CONSTANT MIDDLESBROUGH
UNE & S
TELEPHONE 3445
.6213/40/S.T.A.6
YORK HOUSE,
MIDDLESBROUGH.
11th August, 1940.
8th August, 1940.
214
Ref.
Sir, zz
215
I have to acknowledge the receipt of
16
your letter B/23 of the 8th instant and to thank you for the copy of the report of the
Master of the S.S. "LEVENWOOD" regarding the
DUNKIRK.
part his vessel took in the Dunkirk ipt of your letter of the 7th h copy of a letter we operations. S.S. 'LEVENWOOD"
in the evacuation of
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, in letter the number he was able to the beach n conversation he states
1t was mostly British soldiers, the
He lso mentioned states in that his he letter is
'VENWOOD's" twelve pounder
3
Director of Sea Transport. and dunes.
We had a very rough time
W.W. Constantine, Esq., with us that the letter
Joseph Constantine Steamship Line Ltd., lone in a very modest way.
York House,
MIDDLESBROUGH. 1", we manage this vessel g Co. Ltd., to whom we er in order that they may reply direct to you.
Yours faithfully,
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
Plane alboundays
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD.
ll
Come antime
DIRECTOR
his Danis
10/8
(W.W. CONSTANTINE)
ENCLOSURE
Gun, by permission 01 the Chiel Engineer, with ellect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

CONSTANTINE LINE
TELEGRAMS:
JOSEPH CONSTANTINGTEAMSCO L!! LINE LTD
CONSTANT MIDDLESBROUGH
TELEPHONE 3445
LONDON OFFICE.
YORK HOUSE,
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE & SONS,(LONDON) LTD.
BALTIC EXCHANGE BUILDINGS,
19-21, BURY STREET,
MIDDLESBROUGH.
LONDON, E.C.3.
CANADIAN OFFICE,
B/23
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD.
309, BOARD OF TRADE BUILDING,
MONTREAL,P.O.
8th August, 1940.
Ref. No. T.M. 6213/40/S.T.A.6.
RECEIVED
215
The Director of Sea Transport,
10
AUG 1940
Ministry of Shipping,
16
LONDON, W.1.
Dear Sir,
S.S. "LEVENWOOD" AT DUNKIRK.
We have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 7th instant and enclose herewith copy of a letter we have received from the Master of our S.S. "LEVENWOOD"
concerning the part his vessel took in the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk.
He does not mention in the letter the number he was able to rescue from the beach but in conversation he states that it was approximately 100, mostly British soldiers, the remainder French. Captain Young also states that he is quite satisfied that the aeroplane mentioned in his letter was definitely shot down by the "IEVENWOOD's" twelve pounder gun, and crashed in flames on the sand dunes.
We know the Master and Crew had a very rough time at Dunkirk and think you will agree with us that the letter expresses the good work which was done in a very modest way.
With regard to the "CORINIA", we manage this vessel on behalf of the North West Shipping Co. Ltd., to whom we have forwarded a copy of your letter in order that they may reply direct to you.
Yours faithfully,
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
Plane alboundays
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD.
ll
W.W.Comeantine Come antime
DIRECTOR
his Danis
10/8
(W.W. CONSTANTINE)
ENCLOSURE
un, planes. by permission OI the onier Engineer, with ellect on enemy
The Chief Steward.4.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D. McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the wounded, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

COPY.
24a
BASSO & Co.
Boucrase
Automation
"LEVENWOOD",
HIGH STREET GARAGE
Merchants,
DOVER.
WEYMOUTH.
& Contractors,
1.6.40.
216
Telephone )
Adminatis
Messrs. J. Constantine S.S. Line Ltd.
Salvage
Committee
Dear Sirs,
Since being requisitioned I have been unable to get in touch with you to inform you of the position of the ship.
MEDIALS
I am loaded with military stores but owing to
NAMING recent events have been unable to get them discharged.
CLSO SUPERIES)
I was ordered to Dunkirk to take part in the evacuation of the troops.
VALLAGE
In doing so I was ordered by the Naval authorities to run my ship on the beach, this I did and as there was a lack of small craft and a shortage of time I launched my lifeboats and with the help of all the crew embarked as many soldiers as possible.
I continued as long as possible although the soveme increasing surf was making it very difficult to get the lifeboat back to the ship again. As the tide was turning,
I was having difficulty in holding my ship in position, but seeing the soldiers standing waist deep in the water, I
encouraged my men to make one last trip to the beach. This they did, but unfortunately coming out through the surf the
AND boat was swamped. I managed to save all the men and also the boat, the boat gear was lost.
weart
IND
I got the ship off the beach safely and have landed the troops in a home port.
15 among
The crew worked splendidly, at times swimming to the boats with the soldiers.
STOCK or
SEVERIORA
NOPES
During the whole day we were heavily bombed, some
CANT XM falling close to the ship. In one raid there were over forty enemy planes over us bombing and machine-gunning, but
I am very pleased to report that we brought one enemy aeroplane
TAX
down with our 12 pounder gun and that we were helpful in driving off raiders with our Bren and Lewis guns.
All the crew are uninjured.
received.
I am awaiting further orders from the D.S.T.O.
Yours faithfully,
Sgd. W.O. Young, Master.
P.S. One of the lifeboats was slightly damaged and I have effected temporary repairs by patching the side of the boat.
un, by permission 01 une onier Engineer, with ellect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

23
All Offers and Sales are subject to the usual Strike, Lock-out, War, Accident and other Contract Clauses.
BASSO & Co.
HEAD OFFICE:
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
"BEN NE'VIS,"
and
Wholesale Merchants,
HIGH STREET GARAGE,
GYPSY LANE,
Agents & Contractors,
WEYMOUTH.
SE
WEYMOUTH.
TB00
Telephone: WEYMOUTH 641.
Contractors to Admiralty also
Your Ref.:
8th August 1940.
you
Salvage Contractors
Our Ref.:
and Dredging.
217
TIMBER, SCRAP IRON
Dear Sir,
AND
METAL MERCHANTS
With reference to your letter T.M.621/40/S.T.A.6
-
of the 7th instant, I am sorry to say that the "KITTY"
MARINE AND
LAND MOTORS, left Weymouth with the intention of taking part in the
DYNAMOS, &c.
-
evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk, but she did not
HAULAGE
CONTRACTORS
reach that destimation in time, which was very unfortumate,
-
therefore, there is nothing to report.
MACHINERY OF
EVERY DESCRIPTION
-
BUYERS OF
GOVERNMENT
SURPLUS STORES
-
SHIP BREAKERS, DIVER
AND SALVAGE
Rothersick,
CONTRACTORS
Initiali 1011 RECEIVO * 01 A.M. & 01
-
Yours faithfully,
STEEL GIRDERS AND
ANGLES ALWAYS
IN STOCK
-
Y.Basso.
LARGE STOCK OF
MANNILLA ROPES
The Ministry of Shipping,
KEPT IN STOCK
Berkeley Square House,
—
Berkeley Square,
London, W.1.
WE PAY CASH ON
DELIVERY
Lloyds Bank, Weymouth
All Goods offered subject to being unsold at time of your acceptance being received.
ALL the Engineers aid excellent work at and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M. Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.4.Onions, 2nd Steward Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

22
I
-EPHONE anshallamy Hook 168 (3 LINES)
II
6213/40/ S.T.A.6.
10th August,1940.
HALL,
2000
DEPARTMENT
CAYZER.
THERWICK,
CAYZER,
CAVIER,
218
BASINGSTOKE, HANTS.
THE
Sir,
J. have to acknowledge the receipt
8th August. 1940.
letter FB/NT of the 8th August
E
of your to thank you for the most interesting "CLAN
219
and report by the Master of the S.S.
MACALISTER" regarding the Dunkirk operations.
ter of
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, copy of the Master
(Sgd.) B. E. BELLAMY.
General Manager, Director of Sea Yours Transport.
The & co., Ltd.,
LTD.
Basingstoke, Hants.
She ford mager
Encl.
All the Engineers aia excellent work at uneil
Gun, planes. by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on a Bren enemy and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M. Rivett) manned
Purser the D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
The Chief Steward 5.4.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and wounded, there being no Doctor on board.
All the medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

YZER, IRVINE & Co, LTD.
TELEPHONE Hook 168 (3 LINES)
MANAGERS OF
THE CLAN LINE STEAMERS LTD.
LONDON. GLASGOW & LIVERPOOL.
TYLNEY HALL,
TELEGRAMS:
"CAYZER, Hook, HANTS"
FB/NT.
ROTHERWICK,
OUR REFOE
"CAYZER, GLASGOW"
"CAYZER, LIVERPOOL"
BASINGSTOKE, HANTS.
T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6
8th August. 1940.
W.G. Hynard, Esq.,
Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House.
219
LONDON. W.1.
Dear Sir,
We are in receipt of your letter of yesterday and now have pleasure in enclosing copy of letter and report received by the writer from the Master of "CLAN MACALISTER".
Yours faithfully, per pro CAYZER
Encl.
All the Engineers aid excellent work at their and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M. Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, planes. by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

anive
17 Derby Street,
COPY
Trinity,
Edinburgh. 6.
3rd June, 1940.
F. Bedford Esq.
220
Tylney Hall,
Rotherwick,
Basingstoke, HANTS.
Dear Sir,
S.S. "CLAN MACALISTER".
As instructed by Captain T.W. Young, Marine Super-
I beg to enclose my Report upon the circumstances you intendent, leading up to the loss of the above vessel which I hope will find in order.
Regretting very much the loss of such a fine ship with so many lives and trusting that this Report will not reflect unfavourably upon any of her crew.
I am, dear Sir,
Your obedient Servant, in
(sgd) R.W. Mackie,
Master.
S
Encl.l.
ALL the Engineers aia excellent work at peede and we understanu the 4th Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.Memahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

21 b
COPY
221
REPORT OF LOSS OF S.S. "CLAN MACALISTER" BY ENEMY
ACTION ON 29th MAY 1940 AT EAST DUNKIRK ROADS.
Dosa
I beg to report that this vessel arrived at Southampton about 8.30 a.m. on the 27th May 1940. Loading of Army Landing
Craft (A.L.C.) commencedat 1 p.m., and finished at 6 p.m. after there had been loaded:-
2 Boats on No. 2 Shelter Deck Hatches.
2
"
"
Upper Deck Hatches.
1
11
=
Port Side, Upper Deck.
1
"
"
Starboard Side, Upper Deck.
2
"
"
After Deck at No.4 Hatch also a quantity of Petrol and Lubricating Oil for the said Craft which was stowed abreast of the fore rigging on both sides.
During the course of the day rough accommodation was rigged up by shore labour for the 45 Naval ratings with their small arms, ammunition and stores in No.5 Shelter Deck and accommodation was found in the officers' quarters for Captain Cassidie, R.N., and
2 Lieutenants, R.N.V.R., who were in charge of the A.L.C.
At 3 p.m. I was called to the Naval Control Office and given a route to the Downs where I vas to close the Examination
Vessel for further orders. We left Southampton at 6.30 p.m., and arrived at the Examination Vessel in the Downs about 8.30 a.m. on
28th May and asked for orders. The Examination Officer said he would go inshore and signal for orders for us. About midnight a/
All the Engineers aia excellent work at uneil and we understanu the 4th Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand did heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

TTOA TO THE
222
-2-
a Naval Officer came off with orders for Captain Cassidie and myself from the Admiralty. I was to proceed at once as near Dun-
OF
kirk as possible, there discharge the A.L.C., and their crews, and then it was suggested that I might make a rendezvous with Captain
CANADA
Cassidie where the boats, if damaged, could come and be repaired.
These were verbal orders. I was given a route through the
Downs to Dunkirk also the position of some dangrous wrecks. I
did not like proceeding in the dark through the Downs among those wrecks and so many ships at anchor without lights, and I told
Captain Cassidie that I should have had a pilot. The Naval Officer had departed by this time. I laid down on the Chart all the route and the wrecks and I told Captain Cassidie again that I did not like the job in the dark. He then said "If you don't like to go, Captain, give me a course to steer and put the boats in the water and I'll take them across". I felt that was a challenge to our ability, so started to heave up right away and was underweigh by l.a.m. on the 29th. I picked our way through the Downs, narrowly missing one of the wrecks to the westward of the Goodwin
Sands. At 3.30 a.m. we heard an S.O.S. -"Unknown steamer torpedoed at Kaempfe Bouy" and, as our route was to pass south of that buoy, I wanted to avoid the area and asked permission from a
Patrol Vessel to steer direct for Dunkirk across a "Forbidden to
Anchor" area, but he said "No". I spoke to Captain Cassidie and he/
All the Engineers dia excellent work at and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M. Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D. McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

ADA
1001270
and
-3-
223
Should
DEAT
EB
he said "you can take me as close as you can, Captain, discharge
It my Craft and then go back home". At 4 a.m. the Naval ratings
DEPARTMENT
nerty started filling up their Craft with Petrol and Stores and getting
LISBO
everything ready. We followed the track to Dunkirk East Roads and arrived at 9 a.m., and anchored about 5 cables west of No.6
Buoy in 7 fathoms and started to dicharge the Craft. A Destroyer came close and the Commander shouted "I want you about 2 miles further east, Captain, and you can drop the boats while under weigh". When I told this to Captain Cassidie, he said "No, No, carry on. I'll run the boats there quicker. I have told him so."
We finished unloading the Fore Deck and, while the men were stripping No.2 Hatch beams off, we started on the After-Deck. We had just lifted our first craft into the air when Destroyer D.54
dashed past at full speed and set up so much wash as to cause the shipmto roll so heavily that the men lost control of the guys and the craft swung violently from side to side with the crew on board.
The 2nd Officer then loweredthe craft down a little to try to get control of it but it damaged itself and the other one on deck, SO
they became unfit for service. Captain Cassidie left in the 3rd boat and his 2 Lieutenants in the 4th and 5th boats. That was the last I saw of them. We discharged the six sound draft, then asked a Destroyer which was closer inshore embarking troops if he had any fresh orders for me. He replied Carry out your original orders".
As/s/
All the Engineers aia excellent work at Their and we understand the 4th Engineer Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward Onions, 2nd Steward Brown and
Purser D.D.Memahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

neo 1973 HOTH
STO
CREAM
4.
224
As I had no definite orders I asked if I could assist them by taking
VITTS Bne any more troops back, some having already come on board uninvited.
(By the time the 3rd boat was in the water the 1st boat was back your with troops from the beach.)
Then a signal was passed which we understood to be that
Destroyer D.16 would put his troops on our ship, then return for more, and I could sail thereafter. D.16 stopped ahead of us and then we received a signal to cancel previous orders and await further orders. D.16 then dashed off for home. I then shifted my anchorage a little further east, then I was told to stop, so dropped anchor just south of No.6 buoy, leaving a channel between our ship and the buoy.
About 3.45 p.m. an air raid was made over the ship and when it had passed we found our vessel on fire aft in No.5 hold, on deck and on the Gun Platform. No.5 Hatch beams had been cut and twisted. The combings burst out and the hatches all dropped below and were on fire. On the Port side there was a large hole in the deck, the plates being pushed downwards at the after end of the hatch abreast of the Tonnage opening, also another large hole in the wooden sheathed deck further aft and the Crews quarters were a mess of twisted beams and wreckage. On the Starboard side of the deck about the same distance aft, there was another hole where a bomb had penetrated the deck and burst, as the hatch combings/
ALL the Engineers aid excellent work at uneri and we understanu the 4th Engineer Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.w.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the wounded, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

RESOURS
of office
5.
225
STOP
FROODS
The combings on that side were full of holes and most of the dead didi were lying on that side as far as I could see. When we were seen to be on fire H.M.S. "Malcolm" came alongside and started taking the soldiers off and some of the crew that were injured.
grom
Two lines of hose were passed onboard and started playing into
No.5 Hold, but could not reach the Gun Platform which was alight.
The ship's hose was brought into use, but as the Deck Service
Pipe had been broken and holed in places, we did not get much pressure. While this was going on a Party were dumping the
Petrol out of the two damaged A.L.C. also the ammunition from around the Gun Platform. (The High Angled Gun Breech Block was seen to be wrenched off.) While the wounded and troops were being transferred to H.M.S. "Malcolm" some of the native crew had got onboard and the Commander intended to put them back on the ship, but the Aeroplanes were coming at us again so she cast off, her Commander giving me a new course to steer. We continued with the hose aft, but the fire soon gained on us, and, as we had to take cover again while the raid was on, it soon got a good hold.
Rifle ammunition was also popping off every few minutes, SO it became too dangerous togo near. When we found the Engines and shafting were alright and that the steering gear seemed to work I
decided to try to put to sea. We had no sooner started to heave away/
All the Engineers aia excellent work at wiell and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M. Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D. McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.

Jany sto
TO
TO
drive
-6-
226
sonth of away, when the Areoplanes came on us again and dropped bombs, one of which just missed the fore end of the bridge on the Port side, own stopped our Gyro Compass and shook the ship from stem to stern.
&
on
The Chief Officer had left the windlass running and took oover one under the Forecastle Head. Whenthe Raiders had pa ssed, we tried our Telemotor but found that it was broken, so we stopped the windlass. I called the Engineers up and told them our position. It was hopeless to get aft to see if the Steam gear was intact for no one could stay aft and steer owing to the fire and there was the danger that our spare ammunition in the
Tonnage opening would explode at any moment. Just as I
suggested going aft (but was stopped by my Chief Officer) the first of the big shells went off.
As it then seemed to me that we could not get to sea and steer through the Sandbanks and that we seemed to be a ship marked for destruction by the enemy who were dive bombing at us frequently, we signalled a Destroyer which was embarking troops inshore from us that we wanted assistance. He did not answer but H.M.S, "Pangbourne" a Mine Sweeper, which was entering the
Roads came alongside and, when I told the Commander that the not
Telemotor was broken and that I could/get out clear, he agreed to take us on board. He pressed me to say that I wanted to abandon the vessel but I would notuse that word, SO the Commander said/
All the Engineers aia excellent work at unein and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes.
The Chief Steward E.4.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to the rescued.