TNA MT 40 66

57
I swung the ship and berthed on the store jetty at the root of the East Pier and soon the troops started to board carrying badly wounded men on stretchers.
Shell fire continued; shells falling on either side of the
Pier, one damaging the handrail on the east side abreast of the ship, the pier is about six feet wide at this point.
Bombs fell at intervals from aircraft flying in the pall of smoke over the town and fires were observed to start in many places.
At 1001 having on board 650 Officers and men 18 wounded, 4
French and 2 Belgian Officers, the Naval Embarkation Officer decided to sail me as the shell fire was getting more and more accurate
I could probably have taken 20 or 30 more. The holds were full hut there was a little space on the forecastle head.
On leaving the Pier a number of shells fell on each side of the ship, one bursting under the starboard quarter. No damage was suffered to the ship or troops. The vessel lying ahead appeared to be damaged by this salvo (Malines).
The voyage back to Dover was uneventful except for a distant air attack on vessels arriving and a few shells falling over apparently from our unfriendly battery.
Dover was reached at 1640 after making a detour of some miles to avoid mines laid the previous evening.
During the passage my hands tended the wounded and provided tea etc., to the tired but wonderfully cheerful troops, until water ran out.
I would like to emphasise that the conduct of the whole crew was splendid throughout under most trying conditions. The engine room staff kept a constant head of steam and the many difficult manoeuvres were executed promptly. The Chief Engineer Mr. J.Bamforth shewed leadership of his men by his example.
The Deck Officers and men embarked the troops rapidly and filled the ship to capacity and carried stretchers from the quay. The helmsman Able Seaman S. Walker obeyed every order I gave him and shewed skill and coolness when entering and leaving the port, when the rest of the crew had to take shelter. We remained at Dover under immediate steam for four days but were apparently not again required.
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently.
(Signed) R.W. Morford.
Master.
When off the No. 3 beach in addition to many other craft sunk and aground our S.S. "LORINA" was observed, broken backed and aground.
R.W.M.

19
The latter were made as comfortable as possible in the Restaurant and
Saloons. The discipline of the troops was exemplary.
Subjected as usual to attacks from bombing planes but no hits registered. Returned to Dover on the morning of May 31st.
Proceeded again to Duhkirk at 0030 on June lst. arriving just before daybreak and berthing at the end berth of the East Mole. Low water and wrecks made berthing more difficult.
Requested by S.T.O. to remain alongside and permit destroyers to embark troops over our decks, as our gangways to Jetty were more efficient.
Remained in berth about six hours enabling two destroyers to load.
We then took on board 1856 troops (including about 400 French troops)
By this time it was daylight and the enemy bombers became more active, both when the ship was alongside and after leaving for Dover at which port we arrived during the morning.
On the evening of the same day orders were received to proceed to
Dunkirk. Left at 2030.
While leaving Dover Harbour, H.M.S. Worcester collided with us, holing shell plating and causing damage too serious to permit us to go to sea.
We returned and anchored in Dover Harbour.
Total numbers carried from Dunkerque duringthis period - 5469.
(Sgd.) G.D. Walker
Master.

105
phone:
BURCOTE BROOK.
Hampden 77
ABINGDON.
97
so
Dear Mr ellamy, 31/8.
Many thanks for the copy of the notes.
I am grateful to you for so kindly looking after me, and for making my task so easy.
Will you please thank Mr Edwards from me, and apologize to him for my not staying for the cup of tea he generously promised? The work took less time than I had expected, and I
went on to work elsewhere when I had ended.
With many thanks for all your help,
Tours sincerely
John Marepied.
W.J.P1
T
se
Manager, his
Heinkels left, in the between
Germans disembarked blew it to dived pieces. on to However, the berth we which got the back we had Pier just Needs, vacated and practically in the Downs our for troops. a little On rest 24th. May we were to ordered Dover safely to to and set day congested. off at noon as per we We got were orders at anchor and a as route in Dover the for Downs harbour on Saturday was so getting go evening. rather anchorage Next but to a certain buoy. instructions. On nearing Our the route took Dunkirk, us about 4 we miles accordingly off Calais instructions nearing the buoy I saw it was not the it certain. saw a On buoy a little further inshore position and steamed I could towards not see the to buoy, make loose and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately buoy on the let on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single hell guns was and
1.

Steam SQUARE 104
103
Monthorn necessary
F. H. Keenlyside, Esq., was
Ministry of Shipping,
6th September, 1940. 49
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square, W.1.
Sir,
98
Dear Sir, tter of the 17th ultimo, I
by the Chief Engineer of
Thank you very much for your th the evacuation of the letter of the 3rd September, with
1 will see that this vessel which you were good enough to enclose particulars of the work done
99
by the "ROYAL EAGLE" in the roops evacuation of the B.E.F. from
Dunkirk. As you know, we are anxious troops including to have as full details as possible of this operation and we are very grateful to you for helping us.
tloads of wounded.
Yours faithfully, aithfully,
COMPANY LIMITED.
F.H. KEENLYSIDE
This ussed is not away
Une we sent compatulatory off shore all night.
letter tourt. presumably few dents in ship but no because she mostly French troops.
ounded arrived some very commin ssimed service
ШК
b/a nd arrived Sneerness 6 p.m.
p.m. as Evacuation was
.J.Philpott, Esq.
Mn Hypand of
The General Manager,
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Co., Ltd.,
General Manager's Office,
DOUGLAS.
Yours
IV
the
Germans in fact
Heinkels dived on to the berth which we had just vacated and practically blew it to pieces. However, we got back to Dover safely and disembarked our troops. On 24th. May we were ordered to go to anchorage in the Downs for a little rest as Dover harbour was getting rather
25/5
congested. We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday evening. Next day at noon we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we accordingly set off as per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles off Calais to a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the buoy, but saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to make certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.
P.T.O

General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.,
103
n°0
" for Telegrams:
15, TRINITY SQUARE,
ONIC TELEX,"
DNDON.
LONDON, E.C.3.
F. H. Keenlyside, Esq.,
Telephone:
Ministry of Shipping,
ROYAL 3200-7
(23 LINES).
3rd Sept. 19 40
Berkeley Square House,
:ference WIP/LK
Berkeley Square, W.1.
now
OF
one
Dear Sir,
Further to my letter of the 23th ultimo, I
YOU
now enclose copy of a report made by the Chief Engineer of
GALOGE
the "ROYAL EAGLE" in connection with the evacuation of the
B.E.F. from Dunkirk, from which you will see that this vessel
OF
made three trips in all:
99
First Trip - landed 800 to 900 troops and
Second trip - landed 1800 to 1900 troops including
40 wounded.
Third trip - Picked up three boatloads of wounded.
Yours faithfully, for THE GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY LIMITED.
up Dunkirk ship. arrived Proceeded at dusk waited off shore all night.
Shelling heavy all night and a few dents in ship but no one hurt.
French drifter brought off mostly French troops.
Last hour three boat loads of wounded arrived some very bad cases, Left at daylight and arrived Sneerness 6 p.m.
3rd June but were recalled at 8 p.m. as Evacuation was finished.
on day.
of service
The General Manager,
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Co., Ltd.,
General Manager's Office,
DOUGLAS.
aniss left, in
Heinkels dived on to the berth which we had just vacated and practically blew it to pieces. However, we got back to Dover safely and disembarked our troops. On 24th. May we were ordered to go to anchorage congested. We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday evening. Next 25/5
in the Downs for a little rest as Dover harbour was getting rather day at noon we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we accordingly set off as per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles off Calais to a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the buoy, but saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to make certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.

102
H.M.S. "ROYAL EAGLE"
Statement of Lieut. R. Helyer. Chief Engineer.
100
Dunkirk Evacuation.
Strai ts of Dover May 28th.
Left early May 29th and arrived Le Panne about 9a.m.
Ships A.A. Guns in action all day, heavy bombing during the day but not hit. Left at dusk and arrived at Margate
Pier at Daylight 30th May. Landed between 800 - 900
troops.
Left Margate 30th and arrived about 1 p.m. Before arriving Le Panne shelled by Shore Gun Batteries from upper end of beach, but no damage. Again ships A.A. guns in
Action. bombed during day but not hit. Left at Dusk and arrived 7.30 a.m. 31st May Sheerness. Machine gunned at night coming back by Plane but think it was only guide for
M.T. Boat as French Destroyer 3 miles Astern went up.
All troops were taken from beach and landed between
1800 to 1900 about 40 wounded. 011, watered and cleaned up ship. Proceeded to Ramsgate left on 1st June for
Dunkirk arrived at dusk waited off shore all night.
Shelling heavy all night and a few dents in ship but no one hurt.
French drifter brought off mostly French troops.
Last hour three boat loads of wounded arrived some very bad cases, Left at daylight and arrived Sneerness 6 p.m.
3rd June but were recalled at 8 p.m. as Evacuation was finished.
on that day.
The
General Manager,
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Co., Ltd.,
General Manager's Office,
DOUGLAS.
Yours anis the left, in blew it to pieces. However, we got back to Dover safely and
Heinkels dived on to the berth which we had just vacated and practically disembarked our troops. On 24th. May we were ordered to go to anchorage in the Downs for a little rest as Dover harbour was getting rather congested. We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday evening. Next 25/5
day at noon we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we accordingly set off as per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles off Calais to a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the buoy, but saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to make certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.

B
101
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Cor_Limited
101
General Managers Office.
T. M. 6213/40/s. T.A.6.
Douglas
A/DE.
F.N.6213/40/S.T.A.6,
1940.
1st September, 1940.
The Director of Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berke Sir, House,
Berkeley Square,
LO I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
Dear Sir,
A/DE of the 28th ultimo and to thank you for the reports of the Masters of your Company's ships which took part
I have received your relating to the from which the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
evacuation is required.
I am, Sir,
The reports from the Masters of the
"FENELLA" deal chiefly with the Your obedient The Servant,
Master these of the "LADY OF MANN" includes some details of Pullice.
ships being lost in that operation.
evacuation have had of the the B.E.F. copied from Le in sgd.) B.E Bellamy herewith.
-
of You the "MONA'S QUEEN", one from joined left her will obser for Director of Sea Transport. who the the work ship on the 28th. May, and of Captain on that day.
The
General Manager, material which I forward of service
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Co., Ltd.,
General Manager's Office,
DOUGLAS.
Yours faithfully.
administ lobert
I
only left, in fact between the Pier Germans as the
Heinkels blew dived on to the berth which we had just vacated and practically it to pieces. However, we got back to Dover safely and disembarked our troops. On 24th. May we were ordered to go to anchorage in the Downs for a little rest as Dover harbour was getting rather congested. We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday evening. Next 25/5
day at noon we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we accordingly set off as per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles off Calais to a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the buoy, but saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to make certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.
Master.

ALL TRAFFIC CARRIED SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE OF THE COMPANY AS EXHIBITED IN THEIR OFFICES AND ON BOARDTHEIR STEAMERS.
B
The Isle ofMan Steam Packet Co Limited.
(INCORPORATED IN THE ISLE OF MAN.)
102
TELEGRAMS
"STEAMERS, DOUGLAS"
TELEPHONE N?
DOUGLAS 1101 (5 LINES)
R.W. CANNELL,
General Manager's Office.
GENERAL MANAGER,
OUR REFERENCE
YOUR REFERENCE
A/DE.
T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6.
Douglas 28th. August, 1940.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.1.
Jiglio, 11/18/19 30 16 AUGISHD RECEIVED A 11121.
Dear Sir,
I have received your letter of the 22nd. instant, from which I note that the material relating only to the Dunkirk evacuation is required.
The reports from the Masters of the "MONA'S QUEEN" and
"FENELLA" deal chiefly with the evacuation from Dunkirk, both these ships being lost in that operation. The report from the
Master of the "LADY OF MANN" includes some details of the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Le Havre, Brest and La Pallice.
I have had the reports copied in extenso and enclose same herewith.
You will observe that there are two reports regarding the work of the "MONA'S QUEEN", one from Captain Duggan, who left the ship on the 28th. May, and of Captain Holkham, who joined her on that day.
I trust the material which I forward will be of service to the Department.
Yours faithfully,
Robannett please Is aniss Dans
General Manager.
in the
Germans disembarked blew Heinkels it to dived pieces. on to However, the berth we which got the back we had to just Dover vacated and practically congested. a little rest as Dover harbour was go in the Downs our for troops. On 24th. May we were ordered safely to to and anchorage day at We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday getting rather Next to per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles accordingly Calais set off noon as we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we evening.
but a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the off certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to buoy, make instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.

COPY.
steamer "RUSHEN CASTLE".
2nd. July, 1940.
R. W. Cannell, Esq.,
103
General Manager.
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 28th. June requesting a report from me as Master of H.M. Transport "MONA'S QUEEN" when on her last voyage from Dover to Dunkirk.
I joined the "MONA'S QUEEN" on the 28th. of May. On the evening of that date, I received orders to leave Dover in the early morning of the 29th. to carry fresh water to Dunkirk and return with troops. Everything was uneventful until we reached to within about half a mile off Dunkirk, when the ship was mined and sank within two minutes, the survivors being rescued by the destroyer "VANQUISHER".
With reference to the request for names of Officers and personnel who should be recommended, I can only say that the conduct of all survivors was exemplary.
not An outstanding example of bravery was witnessed by some of the survivors. It appears that H. Craine, Chief Cook, showed the greatest courage and disregard for his own safety when noticing that
Mr. Morgan, the Chief Steward, was unable to get away from the ship through injuries, he went back and rescued him knowing that the ship was rapidly sinking; further particulars can be obtained from Mr.
Morgan,
Chief
Steward.
Owing to the port Another meritotious act was that of 955244, Gunner J. Osborne, of the 253/64th. Field Regiment R.A., who rescued Mr. R. Gallagher, the Purser, and swam with him to the warship which was taking survivors to England. Unfortunately Gunner Osborne's self sacrificing heroism was unavailing as Mr. Gallagher died on board the warship before arrival at an English port.
took home, of
Duke I trust that this report will meet your requirements.
Canadian troops and all day that was off. Then Yours obediently, of ammunition and embarked the Irish of E's for Boulogne, It (signed) A. KHAM
cranes to load the ammunition, but willing soldiers we had the landed in Master.
embarked BE many troops as we
British,
RE the Germans only left, in fact
Heinkels dived on to the berth which we had just vacated and practically blew it to pieces. However, we got back to Dover safely and disembarked our troops. On 24th. May we were ordered to go to anchorage in the Downs for a little rest as Dover harbour was getting rather congested. We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday evening. Next day at noon we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we accordingly set off as per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles off Calais to a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the buoy, but saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to make certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.

1640.
COPY.
H.M.T. "BEN-MY-CHREE", c/o G.P.O., LONDON.
3608M Istema
Mr. R. W. Cannell,
3rd. July, 1940.
General Manager.
104
Dear Sir,
In
Taby
JIOGY
In answer to your letter, herewith are details of the part played by the "MONA'S QUEEN" in the recent operations off the Dutch,
I
SEAL
Belgian and French coasts. The facts and circumstances are very plainly remembered by me, although I may not be quite certain as to the exact dates, I think I won't be very far off the mark.
TOTAL
Firstly, our experiences started when we left Dover for
List
Rotterdam on the 14th. May intending to evacuate Dutch troops etc.
Unfortunately we did not succeed in that because when we arrived at the mouth of the River Maas, the place was a raging inferno, even the river was afire with oil from destroyed tanks. We did our best but were beaten back. German bombers were overhead and tried to get us, but did not succeed as we HERE were very often enveloped in dense and choking smoke. Finally we were ordered to return to Dover and arrived there on the evening of the 15th. May. We left Dover again that night for Ostend and arrived off Ostend following morning, the authorities there would not let us in and we had to anchor. Whilst laying at anchoré we were attacked twice with bombers, but with our Lewis guns and the guns of a small Dutch vessel we beat them off. We entered Ostend about noon in spite of the fact that magnetic mines had been dropped in the harbour.
They had swept up some of them, not all. In Ostend we embarked
British, Dutch, French and Belgian refugees, men, women and children.
We left Ostend about 5-30 p.m. (16th) and arrived Folkestone at 10 p.m.
Owing to the trouble with passports etc. we did not get away from that port until noon (17th.) when we were ordered to Southampton. When we arrived at Netley Anchorage, we got orders to fill up with fuel and water and return to Ostend and to call at Dover for stores, arriving in Dover on the 18th. The Ostend trip was cancelled as the Germans had already got there. Then on the 19th. we went to Boulogne and as far as I can remember that was the night that G.H.Q. at Boulogne was bombed and we took home, amongst others, the Duke of Gloucester and his staff. The
Duke was wounded. Arrived back at Dover on the 20th. We then loaded
Canadian troops and stores for Dunkirk, but after they had been aboard all day that sail was off. Then we loaded about 400 tons of all kinds of ammunition and embarked the Irish and Welsh Guards, also a demolition squad of R.E's for Boulogne. It took fourteen hours at Dover, with cranes to load the ammunition, but with the work of my crew and a few willing soldiers we had the stuff landed in three hours. Then we embarked as many troops as we could carry (amongst them there were many wounded). Units from all Allies, British, French, etc., also women and children and we left Boulogne just as the Germans were coming in. We had only left, in fact were between the Pier Heads, when a squadron of
Heinkels dived on to the berth which we had just vacated and practically blew it to pieces. However, we got back to Dover safely and disembarked our troops. On 24th. May we were ordered to go to anchorage in the Downs for a little rest as Dover harbour was getting rather congested. We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday evening. Next day at noon we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we accordingly set off as per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles off Calais to a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the buoy, but saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to make certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.

RE
to
OF SOX THE OTHER to do
COPY.
9, Berkeley Street,
DOUGLAS.
108
Date 1991 need to ed Idsaso FIO D.S.D
R. W. Cannell, Esq.,
General Manager,
I.O.M.S.P.Co.Ltd.
Dear Sir,
The enclosed letter is a short account of our experiences in the "LADY OF MANN".
xemseds my gind on bas as to
I have only put in when we were actually attacked, without any of the side shows, but there are two incidents I have omitted. The first was on the 31st. May at Dunkirk. Our gunner v.sal got the credit for shooting down a German plane and was congratulated by French Officers on the spot.
uso
20
second was when we were attacked off La Pallice.
The The were machine gunning us, when suddenly killed him. one stopped.
I am planes sure that we disabled the gunner, or the Pier the were dropping the other Yours truly,
Shells were dropping the starboard bow (signed) Thos. C. WOODS.
marching holed by down flying Master. lifeboats over five hours shell fire. All the time from of us on the wharf from the were killed thirty yards Several ahead soldiers disembarking about 5 p.a. for we Folkestone, were under berthing best and shell attack. entering We Dunkirk aniled arriving about all 5 the at widnight and where the were disembarked. for Dover,
Saturday, 1st. June.
destroyers arrived off the port Left about Dover 11 p.m. Saturday and got evening orders for Dunkirk, wraing Left to for whit orders and as no orders came by from 3 e.m. two Sunday
Mairalty. Dever obeying strict instructions from the
2nd. June.
11-45 instructed by la charge to whit
Left Dover 8-30 P.O., off Dunkirs Pier as by off
2
that came OII in boats.
the harvour, we only had Dover, a few
Monday, 3rd. June. the coast. The Poles
Left Dover 6-30 p.m. of arrived at Dunkirk 10
10-15 p.m. went inside the Piers. Could not get a berth or anyone p.m.
to take ropes, kept manoeuvring inside the Harbour until 12-30 a.m.
4th. June, when we got made fast. Embarked about 2000 troops and had to leave at 1-45 a.m. as water was ebbing. I was afraid ship would ground. Had intermittent dense fog in the passage back arriving at Dover about 6 a.m. and disembarked troops. 8 p.m. left
Dover for Plymouth arriving in Plymouth on the 5th. June. Left
Plymouth Friday June. evening 7th. June, arrived Southampton 8th. June.
1.
P.T.O

E.R.O. 6986
COPY.
9, Berkeley Street, eJI
DOUGLAS: ISLE OF MAN.
R. W. Cannell, Esq.
June for
Havre.
Arrived a
Cape
General Manager, pood
I.O. M. Steam Packet Co.Ltd.
10.1
DOUGLAS.
they them.
12-30
bomber
,Tis
Dear Sir, four French they hit they one
You asked me to write a short account of our experiences in the "LADY OF MANN" of the evacuation of the various ports.
the of the
Friday, 31st. May.
by world
We arrived at Dunkirk about 11-30 a.m. and had to wait outside the pier heads for orders to enter which we got to
303
about 1-30 p.m. All the time we were waiting there were continuous
COM
waves of German planes coming over 40 at a time. The anti-aircraft barrage from all the ships about and our fighter planes going up and intercepting them, kept them from being able to drop any bombs close to the shipping. About 1-30 p.m. we got a berth at the pier and commenced embarking French casualties from the French hospital.
We took 1500 casualties on board, of which 300 were strethher cases, also 500 other French troops and 1000 British. All the time we were at the Pier the German planes were coming over, their bombs were dropping the other side of the Pier about 40 yards from us.
Shells were dropping alongside us, and we had seven holes made in the starboard bow close to the water line, also three lifeboats holed by flying shrapnel from the shells. Several soldiers marching down were killed about thirty yards ahead of us on the wharf from the shell fire. All the time from entering Dunkirk for over five hours we were under bomb and shell attack. We sailed about 5 p.m. for Folkestone, berthing there at midnight and disembarking all the troops, leaving at 4-30 a.m. for Dover, arriving about 6 a.m. where the casualties were disembarked.
they came
Several
Saturday, 1st. June. to move the the Left Dover Saturday evening for Dunkirk, arrived off the port about 11 m. and got orders from two destroyers to wait orders and as no orders came by 3 a.m. Sunday morning left for Dover obeying strict instructions from the
Admiralty.
Sunday, 2nd. June. PALLICE.
Left Dover 8-30 p.m., arrived off Dunkirk Pier heads at 11-45 p.m., instructed by Admiral in charge to wait off
Pier heads, as there was no room inside, stood by within hailing distance until 2 a.m. when Admiral ordered me to leave for Dover, as time would not allow to go inside the Harbour, we only had a few
French soldiers that came off in boats.
Monday, 3rd. June.
Left Dover 6-30 p.m. arrived at Dunkirk 10 p.m.
10-15 p.m. went inside the Piers. Could not get a berth or anyone to take ropes, kept manoeuvring inside the Harbour until 12-30 a.m.
4th. June, when we got made fast. Embarked about 2000 troops and had to leave at 1-45 a.m. as water was ebbing. I was afraid ship would ground. Had intermittent dense fog in the passage back arriving at Dover about 6 a.m. and disembarked troops. 8 p.m. left
Dover for Plymouth arriving in Plymouth on the 5th. June. Left
Plymouth Friday evening 7th. June, arrived Southampton 8th. June.
1.
P.T.O

E.R.O. 6986
- 2 -
HAVRE.
110
Left Southampton 4-30 p.m. 8th. June for Havre. Arrived off
Cape "La Havre" about 10 p.m. and anchored, nothing unusual happened
*XIS
until 11 a.m. 9th. June. We were now about fifteen ships at anchor, when three German dive bomber planes came over, they attacked two
AIM
French ships and just missed them. 12-30 p.m. six dive bomber
9dd planes came and attacked us and four other ships. Three French ni which they hit and set on fire and an English ship which they also hit, the bomb just missed us by 20 ft. We were now called inside the boom defence at 2 p.m. Six more planes came over and attacked tism Juods a. French battleship and us, a salvo of bombs fell between the battleship add the "VIKING", missing them by about fifty feet and
29VSW
another missed us by about 20 feet. 3-30 p.m. another attack was
TIBD
made on us, by the bombs missing us by about 20 ft. Bombers came over several times afterwards but did not attack us. At midnight bas
I was ordered into the port, a drizzling rain at the time,
2/3
visibility poor, no pilot or light buoys, but we got in without any mishap. When getting to the Pier there was another air raid and I
had to stand off till it was over as everyone had taken shelter, no one left to take our ropes. 1-45 a.m. Monday 3rd. June, we made fast at the pier, troops came dribbling on board till 6 a.m. We had about 2000 British troops on board. We sailed for Cherbourg arriving about 10 a.m. and disembarked the troops and waited orders.
Later got orders to embark the same troops and we sailed with them at 6 p.m. for Southampton, arriving inside the boom defence about
11 p.m.
BREST.
Saturday, 8th. June.
4 a.m. Left Southampton for Brest, arriving about 4 p.m. Went into Dock at 6 p.m. and commenced embarking troops as they came along. Several air raids during the evening. At midnight was told not to move the ship under any consideration as the Harbour and Channels outside had been mined.
Sunday. All day troops kept coming on board. We sailed at
5 p.m. Sunday with not less than about 4000 soldiers and arrived at
Plymouth about 4 a.m. Monday 10th. June and disembarked.
LA PALLICE.
Midnight, Monday 10th. June.
Left Plymouth for La Pallice, arrived and anchored off La Pallice about 7 p.m. on Tuesday 11th. June, awaiting orders. 3 p.m. Thursday 13th. June, destroyer "МАСКАҮ" came alongside and put a few refugees on board us and told us to standby to go into Port as he had heard rumours there were some Russians Poles making their way to the coast. The "MACKAY" left us at 4-15 p.m.
4-30 p.m. two German bombers came out of a dense smoke bank at us and opened fire with their machine guns. One passed on each side of us, dropping bombs which burst not more than 15 ft. from the ship. The vibration was terrific. One man was hit by shrapnel and put in hospital on arrival at Plymouth. We were now ordered to heave up anchor and proceed to Plymouth. After getting under way, we found our compasses to have about 14°E deviation on Westerly courses and
14° W deviation on Easterly courses and very irregular. We were escorted by the destroyer to Plymouth where we arrived about 6 p.m.
on Friday 14th. June.
(signed) Thos. C. Woods.
Master.
1.
P.T.O

67
Extracts from letter from the Managing Director of the
NEW MEDWAY STEAM PACKET CO. LTD.
151
14th August, 1940
The "QUEEN OF THANET" which was stationed at Grantnam in the Firtn-of-Forth and Flotilla Leader of Minesw eepers received instructions on Thursday, during the evacuation to proceed to
Dunkirk. On arrival there, this vessel with many others proceeded to take in Troops off the beach under terrific bombing and shell-fire from the Germans; in spite of this she took in several hundreds of Troops and proceeded to Margate Jetty where they were disembarked. Arrangements were then made for her to take in oil fuel and proceed again to Dunkirk, as soon as possible; she arrived over the following evening, and again took on board several hundred more Troops and many wounded, and again proceeded to Margate Jetty, disembarked the Troops, and after taking in Stores and water proceeded again for Dunkirk. When more than halfway across the Channel they noticed a Steamer which had evidently been bombed and loaded with 3,000 Troops was in difficulties and seriously damaged; on arriving close to the vessel she proved to bettieLondon North Eastern Mail Steamer,
"PRAGUE".
A destroyer was alongside transferring Troops from disabled vessel, numbering 500. A wireless message was then received by the "QUEEN OF THANET" asking him to call alongside also, and take off the Troops. When within hamling distance, the Commanding Officer of the "QUEEN OF THANET", Lieutenant
Commander Hallivell, R.N.V.R., asked 'How many Troops were left on board' and the reply came, '2000. Commander Hallivell replied, "I will take the lot". These were all safely embarked including the few wounded, and again the vessel left for Margate
Jetty; this was on Sunday, May.
In the meantime the "PRAGUE" having been lighted was able
I
with precaution to proceed under her own steam to Dover on Sunday
I
night. "QUEEN OF THANET" again proceeded to Dunkirk, and o
early Monday morning cleaned up the beach and brought over a t
few Troops including 47 wounded. The total number of Troops
W
brought over by the "QUEEN OF THANET" was 4,000 plus wounded.
d
Lieutenant Commander Hallivell has since been promoted Commander o
"MEDWAY QUEEN" This vessel I understand made three or four trips to Dunkirk and each time brought over her full complement pl of about 800 passengers. I am endeavouring to get in touch with the Commanding Officer of the "MEDWAY QUEEN", but each al occasion she was lying so far from the pier that I was unable to
De jo of th
I see immediately we were hove up our anchor and kept the he twisting as I could and turning to likely clear to get run down whilst the Tug underweigh were rowing as could see our crew of the barge and the in towards the a bit, I the bombs. I paddled destroyers shore were and crew of barge off in their boat towards us. I picked soldier stevedores e
t next wave of bombers "DUCHESS" were overhead. that had anchored in the Roads, them up, and also then boat the
(Continued)

67
Extracts from letter from the Managing Director of the
NEW MEDWAY STEAM PACKET CO. LTD.
151
14th August, 1940
The "QUEEN OF THANET" which was stationed at Grantnam in the Firth-of-Forth and Flotilla Leader of Minesw eepers received instructions on Thursday, during the evacuation to proceed to
Dunkirk. On arrival there, this vessel with many others proceeded to take in Troops off the beach under terrific bombing and shell-fire from the Germans; in spite of this she took in several hundreds of Troops and proceeded to Margate Jetty Where they were disembarked. Arrangements were then made for her to take in oil fuel and proceed again to Dunkirk, as soon as possible; she arrived over the following evening, and again took on board several hundred more Troops and many wounded, and again proceeded to Margate Jetty, disembarked the Troops, and after taking in Stores and water proceeded again for Dunkirk. When more than halfway across the Channel they noticed a Steamer which had evidently been bombed and loaded with 3,000 Troops was in difficulties and seriously damaged; on arriving close to the vessel "PRAGUE". she proved to be the London North Eastern Mail Steamer,
A destroyer was alongside transferring Troops from disabled vessel, numbering 500. A wireless message was then received by the "QUEEN OF THANET" asking him to call alongside also, and take off the Troops. When within hamling distance, the Commanding Officer of the "QUEEN OF THANET", Lieutenant
Commander Hallivell, R.N.V.R., asked 'How many Troops were left on board' and the reply came, '2000. Commander Hallivell replied, "I will take the lot". These were all safely embarked including the few wounded, and again the vessel left for Margate
Jetty; this was on Sunday, May.
In In the meantime the "PRAGUE" having been lighted was able
I
with precaution to proceed under her own steam to Dover on Sunday
I
night. "QUEEN OF THANET" again proceeded to Dunkirk, and o
early Monday morning cleaned up the beach and brought over a t
few Troops including 47 wounded. The total number of Troops
W
brought over by the "QUEEN OF THANET" was 4,000 plus wounded.
a
Lieutenant Commander Hallivell has since been promoted Commander o
"MEDWAY QUEEN" This vessel I understand made three or four trips to Dunkirk and each time brought over her full complement pl of about 800 passengers. I am endeavouring to get in touch with the Commanding Officer of the "MEDWAY QUEEN", but each al occasion she was lying so far from the pier that I was unable to
De jo of th
I
as
I
see immediately we were likely hove up to our anchor and kept the Tug he could a twisting bit, and I turning to clear the get bombs. run down I whilst the destroyers underweigh were were and rowing as off could in see their our boat crew towards of the barge and paddled the soldier in towards stevedores the shore rt e
next crew wave of of barge bombers "DUCHESS" were overhead. that had anchored us. I picked in the Roads, them up,also and then boat the t
(Continued)

58
M.V. "SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR".
EVACUATION OF B.E.F. FROM DUNKIRK.
165
Regarding the part taken by the above vessel in the evacuation of Dunkirk, there is very little to tell.
When these operations were begun we were loading ammunition in Newhaven, Sussex and this was completed on the evening of Tuesday 28th May. Orders were then received that this ship was required for other duties and the cargo just loaded was to be discharged. Work to this end was begun on the morning of Wednesday 29th May and completed the same day, after which we shifted and bunkered to full capacity.
On Thursday 30th May at 5 a.m., we sailed from Newhaven with instructions to proceed to Dover for orders. On arrival at
Dover, about noon, I spoke to Examination Vessel and was informed that we were going to Dunkirk to embark troops and that we were to anchor and await further orders. At about 5 p.m. we were ordered into South Downs where we were to close the Examination Vessel which would provide us with sailing orders and routing instructions.
On receiving these routing instructions I asked the
Examination Officer where the troops were to be embarked, and whether I had to enter the port of Dunkirk and I was told that
I would receive further instructions from British Naval Craft when I arrived off Dunkirk. At about 8 p.m. we sailed from the Downs and at about 11 p.m. arrived off Dunkirk Piers where several vessels were patrolling but none of these was able to give me any information as they all appeared to be in the same position as ourselves. One of them informed me, however, that there were sunken craft in the entrance and therefore it would not be safe to attempt entering during the hours of darkness so
I decided to keep on the move, at slow speed, until daylight.
There were several enemy aircraft over during the night which were engaged by our own or Allied Fighters, and driven off.
By 5.30 a.m. on Friday 31st, it was daylight and I
decided to proceed into harbour and we moored alongside breakwater at 6.30 a.m. The Germans, who were about five miles to the westward of Dunkirk, had the range of the breakwater and were keeping it under almost continuous shell fire, but fortunately neither the ship nor any member of the crew was hit, although overhead. shells were falling all around and occasional shrapnel bursting
The embarkation began immediately on arrival and after we had embarked 50 stretcher cases, 150 walking wounded and about
350 able men, we were about to sail when just then an hospital ship came alongside and it was decided to transfer all stretcher cases and walking wounded from our ship to the Hospital ship.
This was completed in about forty minutes and I then had to wait and fill up again with able men. At 10.30 a.m. we sailed with 550 men on board, including seven stretcher cases.
I had orders to discharge these men at Ramsgate but on arrival there I found there was not sufficient water at the pier for my ship and I had to go to Margate where we arrived at 4 p.m.
After discharging troops we were about to leave again for Dunkirk but discovered that our degaussing cable was cut and owing to this I was ordered to anchor and await orders, which I did.
After the evacuation was completed I was sent to Sheerness to have degaussing wire repaired, after which I was ordered back to Newhaven where we arrived on Saturday 8th June, 1940.
(Signed) T. S. ROBERTSON, Master.
o0o

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

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

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

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/

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.
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