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H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE" CARDIFF.
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On the 22nd May, 1940 the above vessel was in the Downs
loaded to with Army stores awaiting orders. She was instructed next day
proceed to Dunkirk, but on approaching observed it to be in
flames, and the "DORRIEN ROSE" passed three vessels outward bound,
one of which signalled that it was unsafe to approach Dunkirk, so
the Master reversed course and proceeded slowly outwards.
At 3-0a.m. on the 28th as dawn was approaching he decided
to approach Dunkirk in daylight so he set a course for Middlekerke
Buoy. At 4-25a.m. on nearing the Buoy enemy aircraft suddenly
attacked, several bombs were dropped and the "DORRIEN ROSE" retaliated
with machine-gun fire.
At 5.05 after the bombs had fallen it was observed that the
M.V. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" was sinking, so he proceeded to her assis-
tance and was requested by the O.C. to take off troups and ship's
complement, whilst the troups were being transferred the Germans
repeatedly attempted to renew the attack, but were prevented from
doing any further damage by bursts of fire from our machine-guns. At
5-25 all the troups and the crew of the "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" were
safely on board the "DORRIEN ROSE" and she then proceeded to Dover
where she arrived at 2-20p.m.
The operation of transferring the troups was carried out
expeditiously under the efficient direction of Commander M.L. Musson
R.N.R. and during the passage to Dover the Commander was of great
assistance in attending to the signals, spotting enemy planes and
controlling the troups.
On the 29th May the "DORRIEN ROSE" again proceeded towards
Dunkirk and was attacked next morning at 3a.m. by two enemy motor-craft
which circled the ship and sprayed her with machine-gun fire the
"DORRIEN ROSE" gave as good as she received and the "E" boats ceased
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their attack and the vessel continued her passage to Dunkirk were she
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arrived at 6-50a.m. She then despatched as much food stuff as
possible for the rear-guard troups and left again at 12-25p.m. with
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590 troups on board for Folkestone, she arrived at Folkestone at
8-45p.m. the same night.
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During all these aperations all the officers and members of the
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crew carried out their various duties in a cool and efficient manner, in
particular Gunner .W.Watson, Bo'sun .McFadden and A.B.John Upperton
who were on the bridge under enemy fire.
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twisting as I could and see we were likely up to our get anchor run down and whilst kept the the Tug underweigh
were as off see our crew of the barge and the soldier the
a bit, I could turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards destroyers were shore
and rowing of in their boat towards us. I picked them stevedores also
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next crew barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and then boat the
wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)