TNA MT 40 66

STATE
in
STATE
THE
doing
-7-.
Box
227
said "Well, temporarily abandoned".
shy
Total
In the interests of the human beings left onboard, I
consented to this. The Chief and Fifth Engineers went below and and drew the fires as much as possible. The natives would not go down below a second time. We mustered the natives and found
OF
only 23 onboard, 8 of whom belonged to the Saloon, 8 were Engine
Room men and 7 were deck men, and there were also 12 European
Members of the crew.
When we left the vessel she was burning fiercely aft.
H.M.S. "Pangbourne" then proceeded closer inshore and embarked some troops, being subjected to several air raids in which a good many lives were lost and the ship herself holed, so she went out of action and proceeded homewards.
On the way we fell in with an Admiralty Trawler, the
"Gracie Fields" with troops onboard. She had been bombed and wished to be towed. We towed her for several hours but as they found she was sinking they took off the crew and abandoned her.
We reached Dover about 10 a.m., on 30th May, narrowly escaping from a Magnetic Mine off the South Goodwin Lightship.
17 Derby Street
Edinburgh. 3rd June, 1940.
(sgd)R.W.Mackie,
Master.
ALL the Engineers aid excellent work au 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 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.

9th August, 1940.
18
,13/40/
TELEPHONE 1653 CENTRAL.
S.T.A.6.
TELEGRAMS "ST TUDNO", LIVERPOOL.
229
40, Chapel Street
Gentlemen, of your ust I have letter to acknowledge the the the the receipt the
8th Liverpod. August, 1940.
8th THE of
230
the of operations.
We I Your am, Gentient Servent,
E.F. from Dunkirk.
letter of the 7th instant, and in (Sgd.) B. E. Bellaray.
[uest we enclose copies of the of
Sea
Transport.
Director
Master and Officers our for
(Troop
Transport, ch took an active
The Liverpoof & Morth Ltd., irk. We also
40, to th June last.
LIVERPOOL, add or these reports were to the Principal Sea Transport Officerat Dover
-- nis request in a letter dated 5th June last.
We shall be pleased to furnish any additional information that may be considered necessary.
The Liverpool & North Wales
Yours faithfully,
Steamship Company Limited.
T.E.Shew
Secretary.
All the Engineers aia excellent work au with 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 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.

18
THE NORTH LIVERPOOL WALESAND
TELEPHONE 1653 CENTRAL.
TELEGRAMS "ST TUDNO", LIVERPOOL.
STEAMSHIP Co LIMITED
T.S. ST TUDNO.
T.S. SI SEIRIOL.
40, Chapel Street.
M. V. BI SILIO.
T.G. BREW, SECRETARY.
For
Liverpool,3.
TGB/CP.
8th August, 1940.
Your Ref.T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
230
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London. W.1.
Dear Sir,
Evacuation of B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
We acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, and in accordance with your request we enclose copies of the Reports received from the Master and Officers of our "St. Seiriol" (Troop Transport) which took an active part in the evacuation of Troops from Dunkirk. We also enclose copy of our letter to you of the 7th June last.
We would add that copies of these reports were furnished to the Principal Sea Transport Officerat Dover at his request in a letter dated 5th June last.
We shall be pleased to furnish any additional information that may be considered necessary.
Yours faithfully,
The Liverpool & North Wales
Steamship Company Limited.
T.E.Shew
Secretary.
All the Engineers aid excellent work au 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 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.

1977
SHIP
COPY
18a
The Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company Ltd.
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool.1940.
7th June, 1940.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley puare House,
Berkeley Suare,
London.W.1.
231
Dear Sir,
H.M.P.S."St.Selriol"
We have now had an opportunity of interviewing the
Master (R.D.Dobb) and various members of the Crew of our steamer "St. Seiriol" on their exploits on the nights of 27th
May and 29th May when the vessel was ordered to proceed to
Dunkirk to assist in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from that
Port and we consider it our duty to the master and Crew to bring to the notice of the competent authority the exceptional courage, endurance and devotion to duty shown by the Master and
Crew on these two occasions.
We would respectfully araw your attention to the coolness and seamanship displayed by the Master on the night of the 20th May, under heavy Gunfire and Bombing by enemy aircraft, when he succeeded in taking his vessel to the Mole and was then ordered by S.T.O. to go to the beaches and try and get troops aboard by use of ships lifeboats, which he aid. He was then ordered to return to the Mole about midnight and embarked nearly
600 Troops.
On the night of 29th may he took his vessel well in shore and put the remaining lifeboat out to go to the beach, and also was successful in picking men from the water who were survivors from other ships which were sunk by enemy action and then brought his ship safely to Port with a complement of B.E.F.men despite intense air bombing.
We have no doubt Lieut McEwen R.N. who was on duty on board "St. Seirioi" on the 29th May will confirm this, and Captain
Dobb wishes to place on record his appreciation of the gailant work and assistance he received from Lieyt McEwen R.N.
No praise is too high for the gallantry of Captain Dobb in the opinion of my Directors.
We would also draw your attention to the good work undertaken and carried through by Chief Officer.McNamee who, in charge of a ship's lifeboat with two other member of the crew, helped a considerable number of B.E.F.men to get off the beaches, and also 2nd Officer B.Jones who under similar conditions was in work. charge of another of the ship's lifeboats and did similar good
All the Engineers aid excellent work at their posts 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 Unions, 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.

2.
232
After the strain and anxieties of these two trips and after the strenuous work during the previous week, the whole of the crew were thoroughly shaken and the Military
Doctor at Dover, after he had examined them, decided without hesitation that the Master and all hands were unfit to carry on any Longer, consequently they all returned to their homes.
The majority of the Crew including Master, Chief Officer and 2nd Officer will not be fit to resume their duties for a considerable time and we feel that they have a claim under the
War Risks Insurance for Medical Attention and loss of pay caused through their exceptional experiences.
We submit this report respectfully and trust that you will receive it sympathetically and favour us with your instructions.
Yours faithfully,
The Liverpool,C North Wales
Steamship Company Limited.
(Signed) H.lan maclver.
Chairman.

(EPORT From Captain R.D.Dobb.
H.M.T."St.Seiriol". "St.
oth June, 1940.
TO The Diverpool G North Wales
Steamship Company Limited,
40, Chapel Street,
233
Liverpool.
Dear Sirs,
"St..Seiriol"
On Tuesday the 21st may at 7.30 pm. while entering Calais my vessel was attacked by Three Enemy Bombers but they failed to make a hit. While alongside more attacks were made but we managed to get away at 0.30 pm. and proceeded to Dover and then to the Downs to Anchor.
On Monday 27th May at 1.30 pm. we proceeded to Dunkirk in company with the "Channel ueen" arriving Dunkirk about 8.0 pm. alongside the Mole, but were ordered to go to the Beaches to pick up Troops, using our Lifeboats. While the lifeboats were away I was asked if i could go back to the Mole by a Destroyer as there were a very large number of troops there. it was now about 10.0 pm. and dark and heavy bombing and gunfire all around.
I got alongside the Mole in a very short time and embarked 600
soldiers and Left the Mole at about midnight. I went back to look for my Lifeboats but as they were being used to convoy troops from the
Beach to other craft 1 proceeded to Dover via the Calais route as ordered by a Destroyer. During the passage I was again attacked by
Aircraft but got away without being hit. On arrival at Dover 1 was ordereu to Folkestone to Disembark.
The M.V. "Channel "ueen" was bombed and sunk.
On Wednesday 29 29th May we left Dover at 12.30 pm. for Dunkirk to embark troops. Arrived off Dunkirk in heavy bombing and shore gunfire and proceeded to go alongside the Mole, when the Mole was bombed, also the "Fenella" which was alongside the "Crested Eagle".
+ couta not make a landing. There were no troops there so I
proceeded to the beach to embark troops follow ng the S.S. "Crested
Eagie" which had a complement of troops. The bombing was now terrific.
the "Crested Eagle" was hit and went on fire, and we Lowered our only
Lifeboat and rescued 150 men from the burning ship under very heavy
/Fire

eport from J.McNamee. Chief
165, isiington, fficer. "St.Selrioi"
Liverpool.3.
13th June, 1940.
To.mr.T.G.Brew. To.
234
Dear Sir,
1 submit the following report as equested by you.
Monday 2/ th May. at 1.30 pm. We proceeded to Dunkirk and arrived alongside the Pier about 7.30 pm. There was an Air Raid in progress. Our guns with others were in action. We landed a man on the Pier to hang on our Ropes. About 8.0 pm. Lieut.Comm.Williams.RN
came on board and told the Captain to proceed out of the Harbour, lower his boats and get the men on board from the beach. We got to the Anchorage. I lowered the first boat i/c 2nd Officer H. Roberts A.B.
J. Wishart Fireman. The 2nd boat i/c R. Thomas. J.Kelly A.B.
J. Lewis Signalman. The third boat was taken by the crew of a Trawler.
When 1 was about to lower the 4th boat we received information that there were a number of troops arriving at the Pier.
With the remainder of the Crew we still had on board we proceeded alongside the Pier. We got about 600 men on board, they were arriving in batches, about 11.0 pm. we were told there were no more men in the vicinity, so we cut our mooring ropes. On hearing more men running along the Pier we got the ship alongside the Pier again and got about ou more men on board. During our stay alongside the
Pier we had four Air Raids. While we were leaving the Pier the enemy dropped illuminated parashutes which lit up the whole sea front. Our Captain backed the vessel up the Harbour under the smoke screen made available to us from the burning town of Dunkirk.
We then proceeded to try and pick up our boats and crew, but was ordered by a destroyer to proceed to Dover via Calais. When off Calais we were attacked by bombs and Machine gunfire, the plane coming doen to the level of the Navigation Bridge, but fortunately for us a Destroyer was passing at the time and came into action and the plane was destroyed.
About 5.0 am. Tuesday 28th May. We arrived at Dover and were ordered to disembark at Folkestone.
We remained at Folkestone all day getting Fresh Water, Oil
Fuel and Stores. At 9.0 pm. we went to Anchor East of Pier at
Folkestone.

VI
2.
dnesuay 29th May. 9.0 am. Proceeded to Dover for Orders.
235
.0 pm. proceeded to Dunkirk by North Route. When off Ostend we came under gunfire from Shore Batteries, also from the Air all the way to Dunkirk. Our guns were in action all the time. 1
can only describe it as a Cavalcade of planes.
About 6.30 pm. we arrived off Dunkirk Pier to find it damaged and ships sunk on both sides of it. We got orders to embark troops from the Beach, but in the meantime the H.M.S. "Crested
Eagle" was bombed and set on fire.
We lowered the Dinghy 1/c of 2nd Officer with other men, and
1 took charge of our remaining Lifeboat with four Naval Stokers. We proceeded to the rescue of the men from the Burning Ship and brought them aboard.
After we got everybody that it was humanely possible from the burning ship we went to the shore.
On our approach to the Shore we were received with Six
Revolver Shots in quick succession from the direction of Dunkirk.
1 proceeded to where the first batch of the B.E.F. paraded, and indeed
I am proud to say their discipline was wonderful. An Officer waded out to meet the boat and inquired how many men I wanted to go into the boat. I tola him 1 could take about 50 but to let them come
10 at a time, so that we could keep the boat afloat. After the boat was loaded the boys on the beach pushed her into the deep water.
So we continued until I was ordered to come on board. We received order to proceed to Dover to get medical attention for the wounded men on board. in the meantime the Crew were doing everything possible with the Timi ted medical stores at their disposal. On our way back to Dover sometime about 1.0 am Thursday the Vessel came in contact with something which caused her to shake, also about this time we were in the Company of Seaplanes. I presume they were laying mines. About 3.0 am we let go Anchor in the Downs during thick fog.
5.0 am. Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Dover where we arrived about
6.30 am. After reportingwe had wounded on board we were allowed to proceed to the Admiraity Pier where we were met by the Medical Staff.
Sir, + have made this report as brief as 1 could in so far as my memory would carry me back.
Yours obediently.
Joseph McNamee.
Chief Officer. H.M.T. "St. Seiriol"

14th June, 1940.
Report from Mr. D.D.mcMahon.
Purser. "St.Seiriol". "St.
236
To.Mr.T.G.Brew. T.
Secretary.
The Liverpool & North Wales S.S.Co., utd.
40, Chapel Street, Liverpool.
Dear Sir,
On Tuesday 21st May we travelled to Calais light, and on entering the Harbour we were bombed, and i was rather surprised to see that none of the Shore Datteries opened fire on the enemy plane, and our own Gunners were the first to discover they were enemy planes and opened fire. When the bombing had discontinued we proceeded and tied up at the quayside. The Master then went ashore for instructions and other bombers appeared but all bombs fell on the land side.
7 understand the Master received instructions to return to Dover.
On Monday 27th May. We received orders and travelled to Dunkirk and tied up alongside the quay, but I understand instructions were received to go and pick up troops from the shore by the smaller boats.
The boats were Lowered and I volunteered to go into one of them, but told that this was not necessary. Later on a message was given to the Captain to return to the uay when the
Adjutant on the Ship and others went into the Town to see to the
Troops ready to be evacuated. Troops were put aboard and we returned to Dover for instructions. There was very heavy bombing during these operations, and our Lifeboats having already been
Launched we had to return without them. When we arrived at
Folkestone In the early hours or the morning + went ashore to telephone the Office and 1 was very pleased to see the arrival of our 2nd Officer (B.Jones) and his crew who had been picked up by a Destroyer.
Wednesday 29th May. We again went to Dunkirk in heavy bombing.
We saw the "Fenella" had been bombed also the "Crested Eagle".
On arrival we were toia to go and pick up troops from the Beach, as the Pier was not being used. The "Crested Eagle" had now become a mass of flames and we proceeded to rescue those who

15
2.
237
had Jumped overboard from the "Crested Eaglen. Others were picked up in the sealler boats.
1 personally walked along the rubber of our vessel hanging on to the Port eights 600 brought men out of the Water.
be had by this time resoued about 100 badly injured and the Chief Stewerd 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and myself rengered what first Alo we could 05 there was no Doctor on BoaΓa.
The rest 01 that night WBS spent in looking after the comforts of the troops on board, giving them Blankets and
Crothing and offering Tea and Refreshments until we reached
Lover on Thursday morning.
Yours faithfully.
D.D. domahon.
Pursor. St. Seiriol"
soi the Water.
injured
Brown and soi
Doctor the Water.
ured the cou,ng

27 th June, 1940.
Mr.T.G.Brew.
238
Dear Sir,
1 am not sure if 1 have covered the dates from our last trip to Cherbourg to the day 1 left Southampton.
Monday 20th May. We crossed to Cherbourg and arrived back in the early afternoon. About 6.0 pm. we received order to go at 4.0 am to Dover when we would receive instructions from the
Patrol Vessel.
Tuesday 21st May. Wedda not find any Patrol vessel so went to the Harbour Entrance and after some time received orders to go to Folkestone. After being at anchor off Folkestone a Pilot joined the ship and we received orders to go to Calais. As we were turning to approach the quay, straight across the entrance being handicapped by a sunken tug, three aeroplanes approached from the Sea flying slow and low. When quite near our Ship our
Bren Gunners discovered they were Enemy Planes. I could not understand, as I stood watching them, how the French Defence Guns, which the planes had flown over, had not opened fire on them until our Gunners started. Naturally when the first bombs dropped near our ship it caused a general scatter but the Master gave the order to arop anchor which saved us from fouling the sunken tug.
Most of the bombs fell in the town and started a big fire.
The Master and the Pilot went ashore for instructions as soon as we got tied up. The Town looked very deserted and badly knocked about. They were not ashore very long when more bombers appeared and dropped bombs very close, but most of the bombs again fell on the shore. The Master and Pilot returned shortiy after this raid and said the Germans were in Calais and we had to sail without anyone. The return journey was made without any incident.
Wednesday 22nd May. On our return to Dover after a lot of manoeuvring round we were ordered to The Downs but to be ready at a minutes notice. During the night we were visited by more bombers and had to move the Ship.
Thursday 23rd May. Ordered to Dover. On our arrival we were toid to Anchor which was a hard job as we could not find the space and had to keep moving. water on we received orders to

2.
239
oceed to Admiraity Pier. We found out which Pier this was and
S all ships going in had gone stern first, we did the same. I
was standing on the Top Deck at the Stern and as we passed the other entrance the tide swept the vessel off its course. I could see we were going to hit the wall if he kept on and could not understand why the 2nd Officer aid not signal the Master, as I
could see he was on the wrong side of the bridge to see this wall and had probably forgotten about it. 1 ran along the Deck to tell him but it was too late. He made a second attempt to come in stern first, but this time the tide took him even more over towards the wall, so he came in head first quite easily and then turned.
After tying up they wanted to know who we were and what we had come in for. The Master spoke to other Captains who said his accident was nothing unusual and that he should have had a Pilot the first time. The Master telephonea the damage to Head uarters and they promised to examine it in half an hour. We filled up with Water and Oil and got, 1 think, some stores on board. Later on one of the officials who came down to give some orders was taken by the
Master and shown the damage and told that they had promised to send some one to inspect same. He made a note of it.
Friday 24th May. We took on the Canadian Mounted Police including about 80 Motor Cycles. Sailing cancelled.
Saturday 25th May. The Motor Cycles were disembarked and we received orders to go to the Downs. Whilst at Anchor a Captain and Sergeant joined the Ship and reported to the Master that he was to be the
Ship's Adjutant. I showed him round the ship and gathered his duties put him in command of any thing in connection with our Vessel and the Military.
Sunday 26th May. At Anchor in the Downs and still under orders for immediate sailing.
Monday 27 27th May. Orders to proceed to Dover when orders were given to proceed to Dunkirk. When the master asked for a Pilot he was to o Col TOUNK -nt want to take the vessel some one else would, but to to Dunki the msssel with a Pilot on board, which mashe received a warm reception.
ve Viing. DS. 1 was standing by the ve vessel the Massel
May. Orders to to

3.
240
,he half doors looking out when there was a terrific explosion on the other side of the Channel and I lost my pipe. On making en, uiries 1 learnt it was a bomber brought down with his bombs still aboard. We eventually received orders to leave the Pier and go to a Destroyer for instructions. We were then ordered to lower our Lifeboats and bring the soldiers from the Shore about half a mile away. The boats were soon in the water and everyone seemed anxious to man them. We could see very little prospects of getting many from the shore so we got permission to go back to the Pier. We soon got to the Pier and tied up our own boat. The Ship's Adjutant then went along to the Pier and found Soldiers. These we soon pulled on board and as no others were to be seen we cut our ropes and returned to The Destroyer.
We picked up one of our boats and the Destroyer said he would look after the other and ordered us home. We had a warm reception the whole time we were there, but on this occasion some of our fighters were about as two planes fell into the sea near us and a third was shot down by the Destroyer, just as he was about to attack us as we left.
Tuesday 28th May. On our arrival at Dover we were tola to proceed to Folkestone. We discharged our men and filled up with water and oil.
Wednesday 29th May. We received orders to go to Dover on arrival we received orders to proceed to Dunkirk. On our way over we saw numerous ships of all sizes returning loaded down with troops.
Everything was peaceful until shortly after we reached the Belgium
Coast then from then until we reached the Downs enemy planes hardly ever left us and this time we had no assistance from our own planes.
As we approached the Pier we saw the "Fenelia" had been hit alongside the Pier and her passengers were Leaving and going on board the
"Crested Eagie". We tried to fina a berth but were ordered away to the Beach. The "Crested Eagie" left the Pier and in less than five minutes 1 saw her passing very close and 1 could see she had been hit and wondered why she dia not come alongside us and embark her passengers, Instead of making for the shore. She had no sooner grounded than she was a roaring furnace. We got as close as we

4.
241
could and managed to get more than 150 off her. Most of these men were badly burned and some without clothes. AS we had no
Doctor on board Mr. Onions was the man we had to fall back upon.
My how that man worked, assisted by the few remaining of his Staff.
AS we were so close to this burning ship we were'a good target for the numerous aeropianes. When we could see no more to be rescued from this boat we moved further away from the glow and nearer to the Shore and Pier. We got several boat loads from the shore and about 10.30 pm. after about 5a hours of this work we had orders to return.
We all worked through the night giving what first aid we could but unfortunately two died.
We also supplied Tea and what food and clothing we could.
Yours faithfully.
D.D.McMahon.
Purser.
"St.Seiriol"

Cxtract Joon any weekly Intelligine Report
No. 15 (21* June 1940). boky on T.09474. 17
BRITISH MERCHANTMEN OFF DUNKIRK.
242
The British Motorship "Royal Daffodil" 2,060 tons, under
Government charter, on May 27 brought away 900 troops from Dunkirk, a further detachment on May 28, 750 on May 29, 2,500 French on
May 30 and 1,600 on June 1. On June 2 she started back to Dunkirk again and was attacked at 1955 off the Ruytengen Bank Buoy by six enemy aircraft soon after the British Hospital Ship "Paris", 1,790
tons, had been sunk. Captain G. Johnson, the Master of the
"Royal Daffodil" reports that he saw the German aircraft mabhinegunning the "Paris's" boats containing nurses and medical personnel.
When the attack was made on the "Royal Daffodil", the aircraft dropped what the Master described as aerial torpedoes. Five of these missed, but the sixth hit the ship, passed through three decks, entered the engine-room and went out through the starboard side before exploding when just clear of the ship. The collar of the missile went through the bilge. The engines stopped and the aeroplanes machine-gunned the ship with tracer bullets, which started small fires. The ship began to make water through the hole made by the bomb and listed to starboard. Gear was shifted to the port side and the port boats were lowered to the deck and filled with water.
This raised the starboard side enough to lift the hole just clear of d the water line. Mr. J. Coulthard, the Chief Engineer, and
Mr. W. Evans, the Second Engineer, took all the beds they could find and used them to plug the hole. Mr. Evans stood up to his neck in the water in the engine room holding open the bilge valve while
Mr. Coulthard kept the pumps going. With a diesel-engine ship this was a great risk; but the "Royal Daffodil" managed to get back to
Romsgate, with the engines running very slowly, as they had three parts of water to one of oil in their system, and was able to land all the troops she had taken on board. In all she had takenoff about 8,000 British and French from Dunkirk.
id
The British Levenwood, 803 tons, was at anchor about two miles east of Dunkirk at 1200 on May 31, when she was attacked by German aircraft. Her 12-pdr. Lewis gun and Bren gun were manned. The
'ew
Merchant Navy Gunlayer, Mr. G. Knight, hit one enemy with his first shot from the 12-pdr., while the Chief Officer worked the Lewis gun.
The German aeroplane was seen to crash on the dunes. The officer in command of a naval launch then asked the Master, Captain W.A.
Young, if he could beach the Levenwood, so as to facilitate the embarkation of troops. The fore-peak tank was blown and the ship got her nose on the beach in about 8 ft. of water. The Master kept steaming slow ahead and steered allthe time SO as to prevent the ship from swinging round broadside on to the beach on the
B
rising tide. She was thus kept about a quarter of a mile from where the beach was dry. The Master lowered his own boats and got out on the "long messenger". The Chief Officer, with four men was sent through the surf, collected men from the beach and put them in a
3
boat which was then hauled back to the ship by the "long messenger"
and, when empty, hauled ashore again. From 1430 to 1750 they worked this till one of the boats was holed and the ship had to float herself red off at high tide. They were hombed allthe time but no bomb fell nearer than about 100 yards away. The Master describes the soldiers as having been "all very good indeed. They were very tired but there was no panic, and this also applies to the French troops".
Mr. R. Moodey, a ship's fireman, kept going overboard and swimming to the soldiers who were wading out to the boats. He encouraged them and swam back with those who were so tired that otherwise they might have given up. He also brought some who were unable to swim and got them into the boats through the surf. Moodey carried on in this way for three hours and al the time there was a heavy swell and much surf.
nk

16
Extract Jun adminity weekly atelligue Refund
No.15 (Lint Ime, 1940). body on on T.09474. 16
DUNKIRK BEACHES.
243
The following narrative, based on noted made at the time, has been contributed by an officer attached to R.A., Dover, during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
Wednesday, May 29.
With R.A., Dover, and his staff I embarked in H.M.S. "ESK", and at 2000 sailed for Dunkirk beaches. Halfway across the
Channel and it got dusk, huge fires showed the position of
Dunkirk and vividly lit up the eastern sky. A pall of black smoke hung over the coast. At first it seemed that the whole town must be burning, but as we approached I found that the fires were confined to an area close westward of the town and harbour where the oil refineries and storages were situated.
We steamed slowly up the narrow coastal channel and past
Dunkirk to the ten miles of beaches from which the troops were being embarked. We had on board with us the naval beach parties who were to be landed to superintend the boat embarkation between Dunkirk at the western end and La Panne at the eastern. The beach parties were put ashore in three sections at different points in the ships' boats. The night was overcast and very dark, and it was not possible to see how much activity there was inshore. Boats were few, and not many ships were lying off the beaches.
Thursday, May 30.
At 0200 we transferred to H.M.S. "HEBE" of Bray, and proceeded eastward along the coast to La Panne. Dawn found us still there, and it brought with it one of the most astounding and pathetic sights I have ever seen. Almost the whole ten miles of beach was black from sand-dunes to waterline with tens of thousands of men. In places they stood up to their knees and waists in water waiting for their turn to get into the pitiably few boats. It seemed impossible that we should ever get more than a fraction of all these men away. The immediate and urgent need was for more boats - both small pulling boats for inshore work, and power boats to tow them seawards to the ships. These we asked for, and as the day progressed many more arrived.
The weather to-day was most favourable, with low cloud and poor visibility, little wind and a calm sea. Even so, there was considerable surf on the beaches and inshore boat work was not easy. The day was spent in getting into touch with the situation ashore through S.N.O., Dunkirk, and the G.O., C. in C., and in directing ships and boats as they arrived to where they were most needed. It had been intended to keep "HEBE" free of troops for
R.A., Dover, but ships were too few and she filled up in Dunkirk early in the day. After despatching her to Dover R.A. transferred his flag to various destroyers as they waited to fill up off the beaches.
One of the great difficulties was getting empty boats back inshore. They had no boat keepers, and naturally a man, having once got off to a ship, was not keen to return inshore again.
Some of the soldiers, however, did fine work in this wayy, and went back many times.
During the whole of this day I saw no bomb drop on the beaches, nor any enemy aircraft flying low to machine gun.
There were various ships attached by aircraft, but I do not think any was hit. Air superiority was well maintained during the
- 1

early at beachearricades always we Bray appeared part to know of to the when have as of day, far tanks, this no out.townrds.evening fighter patrevening there the enemy were seemed times when sh tide which and it was came La plank Panne. pier of venthes, footway Wi as lorries, the handrail so water etc., R.E. mark were did westward. As the afternoon wore a the abandoned the enemy's hit and saw "VI bu and "CLAN
the to - get or outer twor-boats that men alongside. At could out walk ong out the to brunt boats many the late ships boats his on grass staff in embarked a get to of the evening a number of wind powe cl in most like closely to thele THE in these or three - would states In bar this have of the evening. the C. tide England MA/SB.
Friday, to 1,200 May men. 31. was in the region of 5-6 time hours to water load - line power that 18, for except 1,000 from the
Saturday
June 1 under very was as
There with During the bet encourage high the enough boats and sea dry the broached for twelve to at northerly high water work breeze most and a heavy and the La Dunkirk. were good general that west towards there the direction of numbers of enem in holding Dunkink therolding Dunkirk as it the tonly real hoperds the the hours. We all that and were Many left of be by The off from not them. The more rate than and getting the a fraction a beaches was & The beaches was & beache armies evacuation on Dunkirk, so from slow to of and close in was possible lay to
At TOTAL offing, on Ke
___???___ THE
when patrols little there trouble were sky entirely was during clear, adequate the but earlier despite part this of the the enemy aircraft could part staff much of his transferred own were way again and to many some bombs gaps until were during the which late the day. afternoon Our and fighter evening, gave
87's though was skipjack Keith All an
It close of The this bad weather and other H.M.S. days in "KEITH" small off craft dropped. Bray. up and He At enemy spent 0645, had a R.A. large things and attack on on hit the on most the beaches of the almost small craft and onshore near wind, coupled with down the stranding coast.
these time after At the 0805 second a further or third The strong ship salvo imme was diatelya moving at boiler a hi fre qu off day, the and it became tovident that toyal evident that there been was slowed the no hope greater down the of the part work of
THE sar
Bray. shelled About We from proceeded noon the "HEBE" eastwards at La and Panne were reported originally that they planned. were bringing side, then. M.T.B.
noon trouble. to try An to locate up the to shore La Panne in forced "KEITH" to withdraw towards being eastward spotting work. of La enemy Panne A observation and may have balloon battery been was which up was a early few causing in the the after-
___???___ ___???___ with w s
1430 down off by aircraft La Panne but signal 1t was was still made there asking able for to this do some miles useful to the
___???___ 10-15 attack number and at of the same time we a came tremendous under fire aerial from in a the hidden evering. shore to be At shot about executed. frequent escorting STATE THE on broke while overhead. they engaged Our a the fighters battle in which battery, large type the most her the hit went off ___???___ the to from atta B
"KEITH" was bombed ships at 1500, and beaches without through. were success. mostly The ill and
-3-
- 2 -

early part of we the appeared to day, but towards beaches always Barricades to know when have of tanks, this no fighter was the patrols, case. evening and there the enemy were seemed times when the 4
westward. a at Bray and and La out plank Panne. as far as At lorries, the Bray low the water etc., R.E. mark S were did thrown the causing the brunt wre the tide which it came that boat top approach in connection, most of high water. a was like closcly to thew the to isloping, - in get or these twotor-boats beach operations. or end. three men At alongside. of a distinct - would states The In this have to of man ri
Friday, to the 1,200 beaches men. was in the region of 5-6 time hours to load - power the that testroyer that destroyer boats to 1,000 from the bar
May 31.
as the thenelding Dunkirk therolding Dunkirk encourage high the enough it boats and There sea dry the broached was inshore for a twelve fresh the to to to only at make northerly move hours. high real boat westwards water work We breeze did about most and all this 0830, difficult. that morning, and was were possible and Many left a of heavy be The off from not them. The more rate than of and a flow fraction getting at the as of beaches many the men evacuation was off so from slow by to the end, hope of a complete close in on Dunkirk, lay to when patrols little there wers tirely trouble sky was during clear, the but earlier despite part this of the enemy aircraft armies could part staff much transferred his again and to many adequate some bombs gaps until were during the which late the the day. afternoon Our and fighter evening, gave of The bad other H.M.S. days in "KEITH" small off craft dropped. Bray. He At enemy spent 0645, had a R.A. things and off the on most the day, beaches of the weather small craft and onshore near wind, coupled up and with down the the stranding coast. large noon Bray. trouble. shelled the About to An noon to locate the La La and Panne Panne had were been reported forced in originally was to that slowed the withdraw no they down were the work eastward of enemy "KEITH" early in towards being afterexecuted. number frequent. escorting and fighters spotting at off the aircraft La were work. ___???___ aircraft same Panne La Panne time but A we it bombed was was ships made at 1500, and beaches broke able in was which for the to up they engaged the were was this evering. do a few some causing mostly to miles be useful the a battery, At shot the large to about the without ill success.
- 2 -
ate the ny observ
Panne and

bombed
(
t b
however no single After and bomb and sunk a which bomberch the tug time. and levelys were the to ap: in be be cc t. Dunkirk. Night of embarked Saturday but. At - Sunday in Dunkirk June T.B. we dayli were above it and 102 was unrortunate again and decided her sailed dropped losses up. that was the were The
Fri, to and to to 1½' scheme a legion of R.A. an MA/SB 10 to and 1-2. at bombed
WORK
this sunk, that ship she and At another had to return.
and enou the high at southward attack 0300 East without shes and evening was the very 0330. from the men on the with washerioated but encol it to there in by COL
behind itrn very Sometimes the Among vivid to week, ony one the of the vivid of us drift with the of breezes smoke over from air end the attacked he tide at tur tr up.
be bro
031
the
Monday little patrols into other ending tired stream run, in silhouette upon picture during this
Night of staff much hi, th t1 the they were Weary to brunt backed of men just The ionary men who ploddea Seavards, onlindly at tr part of blue on of most The and There was thembarked and made next all night. two on to some of them arrived however, the
Bray. off the the the day, be ri did the the on deal of shelling this a famous shellAbout noon We thousands in ___???___ ships on the evacuation possible.
harbour forges and off the air try La wo of
Night end. of the The of B.E.F. Sunday was ships away. at and and many to hit, pier the not tens a though tonight think miracle of like it these the
Monday, June 2-3.
allbut very or a
THE sunk al angsived come in, MA/SB We General had 10 at 2030. on handful had the been way we enequented. fighters number of bomb wer end ai S
in remaining one of during boat these the boats and evacuation, blue sent 2115 were on in a board fresh theginning the rifter attack on boat sent arrived, Berthing great but on should the she not was stop too lost. badly to pick damaged When him returning to but carry push water for badly as out on he pier-master tinsisted night's Dunkirk. across Commander at that operation put him on and the with early the northerly night, wind her blowing Job and and urgent off was This the the need
-4-
was/

however bombed and single bomb and sunk a which bomberch the time. and
Night of Saturday Sunday June resul passage to which T.B.V11 we were, it above and were was blew and decided her losses droppe up. that was the The this the the the the of and to push whi at and to to and of Went SB while up for 10 to and the 1-2. at again bombed
HOT
are sunk, that she had and
THE her. she
At the 2315ip half mo very to with for berthed the men the Generalengside exander. in at the Dover drift the to the the from lightest to end dn trouble come. After of had f
from left by
Dunkirk regiment still to B. order stream run, sometimes to of just mind THE over air this the the
Night did and a There the was a and made next all the The of the this F. was sunk in of damage, deal shipsr sunk Night We of Sunday Monday, hit, think it across destroyer Arrived during the to June 2-3. one at
0300 and the the a handful
2030.
1
the
A1
a n
I
the
THE
had blue him on been e
I
sent
2115
unclouded on board the way the e
Pier Berthing she was stop lost.
wereresh in theginning the too ecross the to carry push out on he her tinsisted night!s Dunkirk. operation Commander but water
We northerly the night, wind Was/ blowing urgent and off was This the need southward an behinds+ the very viv
Amon
Sometin onarrown embark

15
F.T. EVERARD & SONS, LTD.
DIRECTORS
TELEPHONES
MANSION HOUSE 9751 LINES)
EVERARD.
SHIPOWNERS.
GREENHITHE 123 12 LINES)
EVERARD
V
EVERARD, M.I.N.A.
TELEGRAMS:
EVERARD, M.I.N.A.
22 & 23 GT. TOWER STREET,
EVERASHIP, BILGATE, LONDON
J.
EVERARD, M.I.M.E.
EVERASHIP GREENHITHE
M
LONDON, E.C.3.
SHIPYARD & WHARE GREENHITHE, KENT
246
YOUR REF
DATE
OUR REF.
FSB/HL
6th June, 1940.
Mr. Eakins,
The Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON W.1.
Dear Mr. Eakins,
Enclosed please find reports of our motor vessel SEQUACITY" and sailing barges "ETHEL EVERARD
and PROYALTY" which I trust you will find in order.
Yours
For W faithfully,
ENC
OF us ura likewise.
In the meantime eleven German planes appeared overhead and bombed both the "Yewdale" and ourselves.
Another shell burst over our fiddley and put the Bren gun out of action, and wounded the chief engineer.

15a
STATEMENT BY CAPTAIN J.MACDONALD, MASTER OF MOTOR VESSEL
SEQUACITY"
247
(ef. pase 95 )
We had been lying in the Downs for several days and had instructions to proceed to Dunkirk at four a.m.
ship on Monday the 27th May 1940 in company with the S.S.
"Yewdale".
All went well until we arrived off Calais, then
I noticed some shells falling in the water ahead of us.
I then thought it was land batteries ashore firing at some mines, but soon after the shells started dropping all round my ship, and one came through the port side, at the water line in the main hold and went out the starboard side.
I sent my mate down in to the hold with some of the crew to try and patch the hold up. The next shot came through the port side of the engine room and smashed up the auxiliary engines that drove our dynamo etc., put our switchboard out of action and went out the starboard side.
This put our pumps entirely out of action for pumping water out of the hold.
Another shot came through the wheelhouse and went through the hatches, down the forehold and right through the ship's bottom.
We then shaped our course away from the shore and the "Yewdale" which was outside of us did likewise.
In the meantime eleven German planes appeared overhead and bombed both the "Yewdale" and ourselves.
Another shell burst over our fiddley and put the Bren gun out of action, and wounded the chief engineer.

Ford
In the meantime the wind increased and caused a nasty chop on the sea, which allowed a lot of water
248
to come through the hole in our side, and as we were
ROUGWA
unable to pump our hold out the ship began to take a nasty list.
Mership
I blew for the "Yewdale" to stand by us, but he did not appear to notice our signal. A British plane
0.
then appeared and saw the trouble we were in, and flew him ahead to the "Yewdale" and dropped some red flares.
He
The "Yewdale" then returned to us, and we launched him our lifeboat, and then after we got aboard the "Yewdale'
she went down by the head and sunk.
I should add that in addition to the two soldiers that worked our Bren gun, before we left the Downs we took on a young Naval rating named Evans with Lewis guns.
We had to fix these on the open bridge, and all the time we were being attacked by the planes he kept up incessant fire with the Lewis guns and stuck his job manfully.
216
vas
The "Yewdale" landed us at Ramsgate.
for ons
Note.
ype ain
The "Yewdale" after landing the crew of the red
"Sequacity" went back for another batch of soldiers to nst the
Dunkirk. She was very hadly knocked about on this voyage vas in and the mate had to have his leg amputated. The captain arrived back with his ship too badly damaged to proceed again, in
28
but the master telephoned his owners asking them for another
32
ship to enable him to go back to Dunkirk again.
LE, er tle the ere ise ers tle a
nal

and and
TO
Two
STATEMENT BY CAPTAIN T.WILLIS, MASTER OF THE SAILING BARGE
15 л
Drink
"ETHEL EVERARD
can
I
ITSP
249
We loaded Dynamite shells, and small arms
Jon ammunition and packed stores in Dover, and towed away a
acts
FTS
with the barge Tollesbury" at 2.30 p.m. on Friday
SEALL
the 31st May.
STREET
We had no definite instructions where we were to proceed to, but after towing up through the Downs the tug shaped his course for Dunkirk, and we were off Gravelines about 11.30 p.m. on Friday night. From then onwards we were continually machine gunned and bombed.
About 1 a.m. on Saturday morning when about one mile east of Dunkirk we shortened towrope and the tug master informed us we were to steerfor the beach and await orders.
We sailed on to the beach, and it was now about half ebb, and the smallswell which was on knocked us round broadside, and by this time we were being continually attacked.
21
We had a sergeant and five soldiers on board, and va fo he hailed the troops that were on the beach thinking they were the working party to discharge us, but they turned out yp to be troops waiting to be evacuated and they soon swarmed on board. They were suffering badly from thirst so they soon emptied our water tanks, and a naval cutter from the th va
Gun boat lying off then took them on board the Gun boat.
Shortly after an Army Officer came on board and asked me to allow my crew to row him off to the Gun boat,
28
and we were still being badly bombed, and about thirty
3
minutes after a naval pinnace came up to us, and instructed in us to go back to the Gunboat with the crews of the other th barges that were on the beach.
On boarding the Gunboat a naval officer informed er me they had decided to abandon our vessels, and were going to fire them.

OF
THE
FROM
Just then the Gunboat's anti-aircraft guns
250
brought down two planes with three shells. We then
FRE
proceeded to Dunkirk to pick up troops, and whilst
STaR
doing this four more planes were brought down, and after filling up with troops we proceeded to Dover.
0.
off
We oseration of
216
being hadly as for were ns
WOO
on the to ar, lowered our with the pe in out to the ed
The true st he by as in in
28
le he
50
re se rs le a
al

THE EFTS 20115 of BOURT DIVID ELO areas FLUGHT
15c
STATEMENT BY CAPTAIN H.MILLER, MASTER OF THE SAILING BARGE
beh
"ROYALTY"
251
We left Dover about 10 o'clock on Friday night the 31st May 1940 in tow of a Watkins Tug. We were loaded with ammunition, stores, and water in cans, and we had six soldiers placed on board to supervise the discharge of the
0.
cargo.
We arrived off Dunkirk about eight the following morning. When about two miles east of Dunkirk the tug instructed us to shorten the tow rope and said he was going cast off and that we were to sail on to the beach.
We were setting our top-sail to carry out this operation when a large number of German planes appeared overhead and immediately started bombing and machinegunning us.
When we arrived on the beach we let go the anchor still being badly bombed and machine gunned, and our decks
216
as were sprayed continually with machine gun bullets. There for was no-one on the beach to unload the ammunition, so we lowered our boat with the six soldiers and our crew, and roed pe in out to the tug to await further instructions.
ed
The tug got underway and afterwards we were hailed by a launch whose engine was broken down. She had twenty as five soldiers and sailors on board who we took on the tug.
in
We proceeded further along the beach towing the launch in and came across the barge "Toll the master was on
28
deck, and we offered to take him off with his crew, but was informed by him that he had 180 soldiers in the hold, le so we took him in tow and brought him back to Ramsgate and he re then Gravesend.
se rs le a
al

253
620
THE WINE AND SPIRIT TRADE RECORD.
17TH JUNE, 1940.
THE PRICE OF ADMIRALTY.
scoured for craft of all descriptions, of which about
G.S.N. CO.'S FINE WORK.
1,000 took part in the evacuation.
"Never was there a more fantastic Armada," he said. " Never a weirder collection of vessels set sail-
THE annual Pepys Commemoration Service was pleasure steamers, cross-Channel steamers, coasting held on 6th June at St. Olave's Church, Hart Street, tramps, trawlers, drifters, motor-boats and launches,
E.C.3, the Lord Mayor (Sir William Coxen) and motor and sailing barges. Every tug from the River
Sheriffs attending. The Rector (Reverend Prebendary
Thames was taken. At our request the Royal National
Wellard) gave an address on "The Price of Admiralty."
Lifeboat Institution sent 20 lifeboats from ports between Lowestoft and Poole."
The address with curious appropriateness came close
Father and son would take their light craft across upon the last hours of the Dunkirk evacuation. Pepys'
from some south coast port without a word to anybody connection with the Navy of his time is so much and bring it back full of troops. A Deal boatman took common knowledge that it is unnecessary here to his motor-boat with several rowing boats in tow and expatiate upon the good work he performed. And brought them back full of troops.
Twenty merchant craft met a glorious and selfsacrificing end.
Looking at a map, the trip might seem short
I
enough, but to avoid minefields our ships had to make
21
W
d f atic w
e t as ist ag of
The Crested Eagle, lost in the great work of evacuating the e
B.E.F. from Dunkirk, She was a magnificent steamer of the
"Eagle Fleet" owned by the General Steam Navigation is
Co., Ltd.
a round trip of up to 160 miles. The men on the ships
Cabin Cruiser Mimosa worked until they dropped, without sleep and often y
(owned by Mr. Antony Gordon, brother of without proper meals.
Mr. Luis Gordon).
The General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.-whose boats on the Bordeaux to London and other routes the work he did was done in the very centre, as it during many years have brought over many thousands ed were, of Wineland.
of tons of Wine, etc.-had several of its fine passenger en
London Wine merchants, particularly, in close steamers engaged in the memorable work of the evacuation. One steamer made repeated journeys touch in various ways with the great port of London, over and back, and two steamers were lost. When the are also familiar with many of the vessels bringing story is told, even in outline-for, as already indicated, it
Wine, etc., to London and are well aware of the great it will ever be impossible to secure all the details of one of the most remarkable naval feats in historypart played by the shipping companies - more it will reveal many stirring episodes. On this page especially the General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.-
we reproduce a photograph of the Crested Eagle in serving the Trade.
(General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.) which was lost t
in the great withdrawal. We also reproduce a photo-
Broadcasting on the part of the merchant navy graph of one of the smaller craft engaged in the heroic o
in the evacuation, Mr. Ronald Cross, Minister of and hazardous work. It is the cabin cruiser Mimosa, n
Shipping, said that they would never have a complete from Shoreham, captained by Mr. Fred Clarkson.
The boat belongs to Mr. Antony Gordon (brother of list of all the vessels that took part.
Mr. Luis Gordon, of Messrs. Luis Gordon and Sons,
Ports from the Humber to Southampton were
Ltd., sole agents and concessionaires for Domecq and

as opposite)
number
254
622
THE WINE AND SPIRIT TRADE RECORD
17TH JUNE, 1940.
Co.'s Sherries). In giving a picture of Mr. Clarkson
LICENSED PREMISES, CLUBS, ETC.,
(captain of the Mimosa) and Mr. Clark (who organised
IN 1939.
the "Brighton Navy The Daily Sketch, in its issue of 5th June, remarked that "nothing more glorious in the annals of Britain's sea history has been done
THE Report of the Commissioner of Police of the than the work of our longshoremen in the rescue of
Metropolis for 1939 contains the following remarks the B.E.F. from Dunkirk."
concerning "on" and "off" licences, etc.:-
When the full story can be told, Londoners will be proud of the gallant part played in the evacuation
LICENSED PREMISES.
of our soldiers from Dunkirk by the G.S.N. Co.'s
"The number of premises licensed for the sale of pleasure steamers which, in happier days carried intoxicating liquor 'on' and ' off' the premises thousands of holiday-makers from London and
Chatham to the holiday resorts of Essex and Kent, and increased by 4 to 7,603. The number of 'off' licences also to the near Continental holiday centres. Such was unchanged at 3,553. The number of licences for well-known ships as the P/S.s Royal Eagle, Crested
Wine and Spirit dealers is 251 and for theatres 76.
Eagle, Medway Queen, M/V.s Royal Daffodil, Royal
Sovereign and Queen of the Channel, all took their
" Applications were made by most licensed share in this hazardous undertaking. Not only premises for extension of the permitted hours on 23rd pleasure steamers of the General Steam Navigation
December and on New Year's Eve. These days were
Co. took part, but also their cargo boats. Here is what may be described as a typical performance by one of regarded as special occasions justifying the grant of the company's cargo boats:-
Special Orders of Exemption, and 14,114 Orders were
NOTES FROM CAPTAIN H. BUXTON'S REPORT.
granted. There was no increased drunkenness which
M.v. Bullfinch.
At 10.20 p.m. on 28th May, 1940, whilst at anchor in could be attributed to the grant of these facilities.
Small Downs, the m.v. Bullfinch received orders to sail at
CLUBS.
once for La Panne beaches. The ship arrived off the beaches about 4.50 a.m. on 29th May. The beach was crowded with
"The number of registered clubs increased by 216
troops but there were only a few boats bringing off small numbers. The Master received orders to beach the Bullfinch and on 31st December, 1939, the total number was and accordingly he let go the kedge anchor and headed slow
3,085. This increase is almost entirely accounted for for the beach. The vessel grounded about 5.45 a.m., but owing to the kedge anchor not holding, her stern swung to by the formation of registered clubs at fire stations the eastward and the ship was aground fore and aft with the beach.
and auxiliary fire stations. Since the outbreak of war,
After the first boatload came aboard one of the troops no less than 193 such clubs were formed.
swam ashore with a line. Two 5in. ropes were run ashore and hauled boats off and back to the beach. When the tide
"The short life of many 'Social' clubs of the type receded the troops waded off and embarked up the ship's ladders. Embarkation proceeded until the ship had about which give trouble to the police was once again
1,500 on board, during which time the ballast tanks were noticed. During 1939, 262 such clubs were registered pumped out. The ladders were then pulled up, as the ship could take no more.
and 253 were closed or struck off the register.
The troops had two Bren guns with them, which were
Proceedings for irregularities were taken against mounted one each side of the boat deck. The troops also manned the ship's Lewis gun. Bomb attacks were taking
82 registered clubs, of which 54 were struck off the place all day and after a very anxious time from 5.30 p.m.
until 6.15 p.m., the vessel floated and proceeded.
register. The amount of fines and costs imposed was
German aircraft attacked the ship repeatedly. When
£5,364 9s. 7d. and 15 persons were sent to prison in passing Dunkirk several bombs dropped close to the vessel's stern, the concussion from which caused the circuit breaker default of payment of fines.
to come out and put the steering gear out of action. The
BOTTLE PARTIES.
engines were stopped whilst the engineers effected repairs, and the ship then proceeded.
"There was a slight increase during the year in
Three dive bombers then attacked the Bullfinch from aft.
One of the Bren gunners, Sergeant Cook, shot one down into the number of known 'bottle parties' from 24 to 28
the sea. Shortly afterwards three others attacked from forward and the sergeant again shot one down. Further
Successful proceedings were taken by the police in 32
attacks were made at frequent intervals until a formation cases for liquor offences, or for unlicensed pub of Spitfires drove the enemy off.
On arrival in the Small Downs the Bullfinch received music and dancing, or for both these offences, ar.
orders to proceed to - Harbour where the troops were fines and costs amounting to £3,420 6s. 10d. were promptly disembarked.
It was afterwards discovered that the concussion from imposed. In three cases the proprietors of the bottle the exploding bombs had put both compasses out. The ship was on one occasion attacked by machine-gun fire, but only parties were sentenced to imprisonment without the one soldier was wounded. The Master of the Bullfinch stated option of paying a fine. In addition, proceedings were that he could not speak too highly of the Bren gunner who held his fire until the planes were close to the vessel and taken in a number of cases by the Customs and Excise undoubtedly saved the ship.
on evidence supplied by the police, for soliciting orders
We hope on a later occasion to give further details of the magnificent work done by the seamen and others for intoxicating liquor on the premises of the 'bottle of the General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., work of party or for failing to have a tobacco licence, or a which the directors of the company are justifiably refreshment house licence. This resulted in additional proud.
penalties amounting to £863 9s. Od."

in
8
ims: " TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
e: ABBEY 7711.
a
Any further communication on this ject should be addressed to:-
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
The Director of Sea Transport,
(address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE, d the following number quoted:-
BERKELEY SQUARE, h
LONDON, W.1.
T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6.
255
7th August, 1940.
Gentlemen,
I have to inform you that it is desired to assemble the fullest possible information regarding the part played by the Merchant Navy in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk in order that it may be preserved as a permanent record of the gallantry and devotion which were displayed during the operations.
For the purpose of such a record it is essential to include as much original material as possible, and it is thought that the owners of the majority of the ships and small craft which took part in the operations have probably received from the Masters or members of the crews reports or general accounts of their experiences which ethers would be of considerable interest.
I shall be glad, therefore, if you will be good enough to forward to this Department a copy of any such material which you may have in your possession or which you may be able to obtain from the Master or members of the crew of the to
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant, reale
DIRECTOR OF SEA TRANSFORT.
esserbal to include as much original material as possible, and in is thought in The owners gine again of the ships and small engl which tooh had in the operations have holdly received
Jan The Marters reports or members give crews some

10
259
unhellaning a
sugust.
6th August, 1940.
les
256
1
Dear Sir,
Dear
Thank you for your letter of the 3rd
August. I think it would be preferable if you could examine the documents at my office here;
items if you would lot me know what time would suit you I would arrange for a room to be put at your disposal, the documents handed over to you and an official to be available to help the convenient you. to yourself.
If be Yours sincerely, returns lot me get
M
tynard have visit your theire them
Yours sincerely,
John Marpield wish to trantm samest
John Masefield, Esq., O.M.
Burcote Brook,
Abingdon,
Berks.
to include as much original material as possible, and it is
Thought in The comes gine mymby of the ships and small craft which tooh had in the operations have holdly received
Jan the Marters reports or members the crews some hand of magage

a
10
8
one:
mpden 77
BURCOTE BROOK.
ABINGDON.
259
to the ryi which
3rd August. 1940.
and In ash
257
rates
Dear Sir, served among
I thank you for your kind reply to my letter.
u he
I could examine the reports of the Dunquerque withdrawal at your Office or here, whichever would be most writers convenient to yourself.
If they be not too bulky, perhaps you would in the let me see them here; but I shall no doubt be much in London, and reflex examining documents, next week, August 12th and later, and could visit your Office then.
Yours sincerely,
John Masefied.
wish is
I samed has me
2,000,000 5/39 JC&SLid.
file and wrishending
(1405) Wt14698/963
and
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MF Keenlyside P.P Aug. 2
il is to imbule. as much original essentual material as possible, and in is thought that the owners gine mymy of the ships and small engl which tooh had in the operations have holdly reiewed
Jan the Parters reports or members give crews some

Mr. Bellawy
258
2nd August, 1940.
Reference.
8
to write to 259 me
Dear Sir,
Cross has asked me to reply to your and mall enji which
Mr. of the 27th July requesting accumulate permission operation and in ash letter any Purther data he might to see the subject of the Dunkirk evacuation. further you in rates on are being taken to collect he
Steps and I would suggest that W.G.Hyner in, say besemed
I
information, for tnight's time you approach Mr.
and will he aa of this Department about this.
Yours Paithfully,A faithfully, that y writers sangield in the
H.
letters will private Secretary.
whend and reflus there, we have
E. Keble Chatterton Esq.
material when you w M. Keenlynde my wish is send an interim relly in Kible no. " Symand has reflect in in Port sameste
(1405) Wt14698/963
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and has the file and in other
(REGIMITE)
N. Dishe
Ms Keenlyside P.P Aug. 2
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Thought in The owners and as publible, original is
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engli which tooh had in mymy of the ships and gir small operations the have holdly received the crews Jan some Tarters reports or members give

8
Reference
259
Mr. stynent has devided to write to in owner of all the in and mill enji which tooh had in the Denkish operation and In ash them your myoge reports in, you in rates or crews. These reputs will he besemed among
The n instry's official reads and will he available no donth, for commitation y writers such as resyild, Keble in. the letters will be send and this week-end and returns should me received next week. otherise, we have no new material
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N. Dishe it is
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material to include as much essentual as possible, and engine is is
Thought in the ones gir again of the ships and small engli which tooh had in the operations have holdly reiewed crews Jan some the Tarters reports or members give

27 July, 1940.
ROYAL
VAL
60,
KNIGHTSBRIDGE,
5
MITRATE.KNIGHTS.LONDON.
TELEPHONE:
for comment
SLOANE 2121.
please nuk 27/7
Dear Sir,
Mr.
6
Some weeks ago h me 260
preciously allowed records
Draft
6
very consult some for
261
to the Dunkink episode writing.
to id you you that of the bork / am
If han from any more accumated, data showed
1 To asseble sible information meanshic h. please, A to see stayed & in would Countery permin me the evacuation
Then?
Emes faithfuls
Duntish the in
Σ. Kelle Chatter l. may
} 1st is
Round Cross, [sr. M.P.
reard of
Ministry of Shippingdevotion I
the operations during distringed se available as matural for
3
completion A writers and others interested Im years to come.
record
7 a it the hustore of such a is essential to include as much original material as possible, and in is thought that the owners gine mymby of the ships and small engl which tooh had in the operations have holdly received
Jan the Marter reports or members give crews some hand of regage

T.M. 6213/ 40/ S.T.A.6.
6
Draft
261
gestern
I sure to jn you in in is desired it to anoble the fallent hossible information regarding in had slayed y in rental Nay in the evacuation in you B.E.F. you Dunhish This order will that l. may
Amountion be presened the
Dept. as a hemaned record of the gallanty and devotion I
in which mere they distrayed
& the New during the operations. is well also he, available/ as matural for completion A writers and others a
interested /m years To/ come.
for the hustore of such record tt is 1 essental to include as much original material as possible, and in is
Thought in the owners girl mymby of the ships and small craft which tooh had in the operations have holdly received
Jan the rates reports or members give crews some hand of ragage

5
BURCOTE BROOK
SDON
sord, 12940.
1st August, 1940.
262
Dear Sir,
Dear Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 23rd July,
May
I will, of course, be pleased to let you have access to any reports received from those who took part in the
Dunkerque evacuation. The records we have received are far from complete, but we are continuing to obtain all possible information. the the
Would you be kind enough to let me know whether your intention is to call here to examine the reports at a mutually convenient time, or whether you would prefer them to be sent to you.
Yours sincerely,
O
Hgt
I and the
I shall understand that all these reports thi way.
be greatly ontiged
Your's sincerely,
John Masefield.
John Masefield, Esq., O.M.
Burcote Brook,
Abingdon,
Berks.

4
shone:
BURCOTE BROOK.
ABINGDON.
(ampden 77
July 23rd, 1940.
263
Dear Sir,
May I ask you to be so kind as to help me?
I have been appointed to write the story of the recent campaign in France and Flanders.
I wish to write at length about the evacuation from
Dunquerque.
Will it be possible for you to give me access to the logs and reports of the masters and other officers in charge
I
of the shipping and small craft which brought off the troops?
I understand that all these reports are in your care
I shall be greatly obliged if you can help me in this way.
Yours sincerely,
John Masefield.
A.M. 4 24 10, 10 REGISTRY RECEIVED JUL 18/12/

3 July,
RIC ADDRESS:
HOTAL THAMES VACID CLUB
E.KNIGHTS,LONDON.
60, KNIGHTSBRIDGE,
ELEPHONE:
S.W.1.
JANE 2121.
in her. Dure,
264
/ han how friends is the Дипкик docket, which on duly returned to Mr. Wilson Can evening.
the papers were with useps, and / a preath Mind f
for the from which In han taken.
a
If an any time punisha
Could he offained for include the list of ships, / Munic in consed h of main historical
Ror a

will
3 July, 1940.
Mese
(CREPHIC ADDRESS:
GOVER THANKS THE CLUB
317.
TRITE, KNIGHTS LONDON.
60, S.W.I. 2
TELEPHONE:
SLOANE 2121.
ear Vii,
265
/ desire to offer In my best Rowks for hair so cour-
Cously allowed the 6 perman the
Docker concerning Dunkik operations.
Such facilities are preats appreciates, and / hope presenty to punish the account also in a more permaneur book form.
has faithfull
Ω. Kene Chatracter
Ronald Cross, Lsr. M.P.
Ministre of Shipping.