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TNA / MT 40 66

TNA MT 40 66

TNA MT 40 66
Collection details

TNA MT 40 66

Ministry of Transport records containing a Dynamo vessel list and reports from masters and crews engaged in the evacuation, covering 1940–1947.

Holding archive
TNA
Collection reference
MT 40 66
View the archive catalogue entry ↗

Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40/66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Showing only pages tagged with the vessel name Foremost 87. Tags are exact matches from this collection’s OCR tag index. Clear vessel filter ×

8 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 1 of 1 Showing document pages 18–288 of this collection
Page ImageOCR textOCR tags
18 Page 18 Log in to enlarge

Page 5.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
DOGGER BANK
HANDY BILLY
DORIA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
DREADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
DREADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
DUCHESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
DWARF
HYTHE (Coaster)
D.1)
IOLANTHE
D.4
)
IOTE
D.7
(Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
D.9
Launches)
JABA
D.16
JACINTA (Trawler)
D.C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
D.G. 694
JANIS
D.G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
EASTBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
EDWARD NISSEN
JORDAN
EDWINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
ELIZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
E.M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
EMPRESS
KITCAT (M.B,)
EMPRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
ENDEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
ENTERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ERICA
LADY SHEILA
ESKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
FAIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
LANSDOWNE
FERVENT
LAROC
FISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
FOREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
FOREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
FORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
FORSA
MADAM SANSGENE
FOSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
FRIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
F.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
GALZAR
MARASOLE
GAY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
GLENWAY (Barge)
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
GLITTER II
MARQUIS (Tug)
GOLIATH
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
HAIG (W.D. Craft)
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
M.F.H. (Lighter)
HALFWAY
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
Sunk
Continued)

108 Page 108 Log in to enlarge

ING
PART
VF ELS TAKING PART IN THE DUNKIR
QUA
Master
Owners.
Tug
SUN"
H. Cole x
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd
1019128
"SUN III"
F. Russell
X
do
"SUN IV"
C. ALexander
X
do
"SUN V
W. Mastin
X
do
"SUN VII"
G. Cawsey do
"SUN VIII"
S. Smith do
"SUX X"
W. Fothergill
Latter is. Gamern do
Stm Tommis Co.
SUN XI"
J. Lukes x
do
X.
"SUN XII"
(Mee) B. Mastin X Litter to Was washin, na)
do
Actician
"SUN XV"
mate,
J. Belton
X
do
XX08SAXX
XXXXXXXX
Elliot Steam Tug Co., Ltd
"CONTEST"
H. Bates x
/
"CHALLENGE"
C. Parker x
do or
"FOSSA"
G. Finch x
Gaselee & Son, Ltd.
"BETTY"
G. Leeks
X
do nsit rk's ials
"CRESTED COCK"
T. Hills
X
The Gamecock Steam Tow
"OCEAN COCK"
A.V. Mastin x
do my
WATERCOCK
W. Fothergill (This Tug went to do Dover only
FOREMOST 87"
J. Fryer
Managed by W. Watkins, Lt.
"FAIRPLAY ONE"
S. Wright & G. Finch do
(1084
"CERVIA"
W. Simmonds
William Watkins, td.
992,000
Gpt
"DORIA"
(REG
A. Mastin do
"FABIA"
F. Smith do
"GONDIA"
C. Pratt do
"HIBERNIA"
B. Youseman
X
do
"JAVA"
W. Jones
X
do
For
(Continued)

172 Page 172 Log in to enlarge

Isnol force of the explosion blew the bows right off, throwing all
One of these either went through the bows of No.2B boat occupants into the water.
explosions of these bombs.
The ship was severely shaken and damaged by the verrects rescue of those that were in the water. No. 4B boat when lowered to th
Remaining life-boats were immediately lowered and sent to
Lord Pri the water, immediately swamped as part of her side was blown in, board. Myself, the Chief Officer, and Quarter-master Capps were left
Tell
A Naval speed-boat approached about this time and took us off
We then went to No. 4B boat which was swamped and took the occupants off her into the speed boat.
her.
thro
As the ship was so badly damaged, and there were a number of
WAS
casualties from the bombing, and anticipating another attack, I decide to abandon the ship.
with her
The speed-boat picked up all lifeboats and towed us until we met boats cast adrift.
the tug "Foremost 87", when all personnel were transferred to her and
The tug then proceeded to Dover, and landed everyone there.
boat believe no ship was in sight but a small motorcraft which personally I
From before the first attąck, until the arrival of the speed took to have been a decoy was stationary close to the Red buoy, and bombed, immediately steamed away.
no notice of our signals of distress, but on the ship being behavious every of my Officers and crew. The discipline wish to stress excellent the
During the whole of these operations, I
At no performance time was any being panic carried shown. out with calmness and was precision.
VISV admod Jud
(Signed)
E.A.
Biles.
5th 03 Master.
June, 1940. besewol 8BW qide BA
7938W anixem Jon
I to were
OJ
esoelq 02
to foode has колентете vistatbammI V.d
.nwob-sbiecu beforto sensiq vurene nglene

281 Page 281 Log in to enlarge

COPY.
64
EXTRACTS FROM LOG.
22nd May, 1940 to 6th June.
156
s.t. "PERSIA"
a May.
Left Gravesend 9-0 a.m towing barge "CELTIC" and Motor barge
AFFORD" for Dover, anchored Southend 11-0 a.m. for signal to proceed.
ve up at 2-15 p.m. Arrived at Dover Submarine Base 9-30 p.m., made ast at West Wall 9-45 p.m.
3rd May.
Underweigh at 10-30 a.m. Towed barge "CELTIC" to her unloading berth, then made fast at West Wall at 11-0 a.m., standing by.
24th May,
Underweigh at Noon. Went in Dock took in 19 tons 7 cwts. of coal, finished at 2-30 p.m. Made fast at Submarine base at 2-45 p.m.
Standing by.
25th May.
Underweigh at 5-15 p.m. with Tug "FOREMOST 87" towing
Destroyer "H.73" stern first for rtsmouth.
26th May,
Anchored at 6-20 p.m. abreast of Nab Tower, Port being closed.
Hove up at 7-30 p.m., anchored Destroyer off Ryde at 1° p.m., our services being finished. Anchoring Tug at 1°-15 p.m. for the night.
27th May.
Hove up at 6-30 a.m., steaming for Dover. Arriving 5-20 p.m.
made fast in Submarine Base 5-30 p.m. Standing by.
28th May.
Underweigh at 11-15 a.m. Shifting small craft, etc., until
4-50 p.m. Then made fast at South Wall at 5-0 p.m. Standing by.
29th May.
Underweigh at 9-0 a.m. Twwing Dumb barges "SARK" and
"SHETLAND" for Dunkirk. Tow parted abreast Goodwin Fork Buoy.
After some careful operations we got connected up again. Tow again parted and was connected up and we arrived and anchored 4 miles east of Dunkirk, at 5-0 a.m. on 30th May.
30th May.
Underweigh at 12-45 p.m. Received orders to tow barges to
East Pierhead Dunkirk. On arrival we received orders to anchor barges as close as it was prudent, and motor boat would pull them on the beach. Left Dunkirk 4-° p.m. with soldiers and equipment, anchoring in the Downs at Midnight.
31st May.
Hove up at 5-45 a.m. proceeded to Dover, made fast at Prince of Wales Pier at 7-0 a.m.
(Continued)

285 Page 285 Log in to enlarge

COPY.
61
EXTRACTS FROM LOG WHILE AT DOVER
s.t. "FOREMOST 87"
160
Wednesday, 22nd May.
Lying in Dover Harbour awaiting orders. At 8-30 a.m., received orders to proceed to Calais. Cleared Eastern Entrance Dover
Harbour at 8-45 a.m., arrived Calais Harbour 11-0 a.m. Air Raid on.
Received instructions immediately ón entering Harbour to force lock gates which had been disabled by bombing by Enemy aircraft, air raid still in progress. Forded locked gates, time taken being 12 hours, and received orders to get S.S. "KATOWICE" loaded with refugees out of Dock as soon as possible. I did this and towed S.S. "KATOWICE"
clear of Galais Harbour and into Calais Roads, finishing at 2-0 p.m.
then returned to Calais Harbour. Aerial combat going on overhead.
Immediately on entering Harbour again, received orders to proceed to Calais Roads to assist S.S. "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH" from
Roads to Harbour and to get her in at all costs. "CITY OF CHRIST-
CHURCH" in company of Dëstwoyer being bombed from the air. Took hold of steamer at 2-45 p.m. and towed same into Calais Harbour.
While endeavour to do this, three mines (magnetic) were exploded by French Trawlers ahead of "FOREMOST 87" and "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH".
Things looked very uncomgortable. We managed to berth steamer in outer Dock Calais, finishing at 4-30 p.m. I then received orders to proceed to Calais Roads again for s.m. "WILLIAMSTOWN" as things were a bit quieter. Took hold of vessel at 5-30 p.m. and towed same from anchorage in Calais Roads to berth in Outer Dock Calais Harbour, finishing at 7-30 p.m. Made fast astern of S.S. "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH"
at 7-45 p.m.
Thursday, 23rd May.
Lying in Calais Harbour. At 2-30 a.m. told to take hold of S.S. "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH" and tow at once out of Harbour. While taking hold of S.S. "CITY OF CHRESTCHURCH", orders were to let ship lay. There was a 'Fifth column' scare and two men were put under arrest. "FOREMOST 87", however, still kept ropes made fast to the steamer. At 1-30 p.m., ordered to take hold of "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH", official this time, and to tow out clear of Harbour to Calais Roads.
Got vessel clear of Harbour and into Roads. At 2-40 p.m. returned to Harbour and received orders from Naval Authority to proceed to Dover for Water and Stores. Left Calais at 3-10 p.m. and arrived at Dover at 5-30 p.m. Air Raid in progrees when leaving Calais.
Friday, 24th May.
Lying in Dover Harbour. Received on board stores and water.
At 11-6 a.m. received orders to proveed to Calais. Cleared Eastern
Entrance to Dover Harbour at 11-D a.m. and arrived Calais Roads at
12-30 p.m. Heavings Heavy gunning and bombardment on the shore.
Situation too bad for "FOREMOST 87" to attempt making entrance to
Calais. Steamed about vicinity of Calais Roads. Situation getting worse, with gunfire and aerial bombing. I decided to return to Dover, arriving there at 4-50 p.m.
Saturday, 25th May.
Lying in Dover Harbour, awaiting orders. At 4-30 p.m.
received orders to tow "O.R.P.BUZA" (Polish Destroyer) from Dover to
Portsmouth. "BURZA" having been bombed on the Forecastle head, damaging plates and bulk head under water. Took Destroyer in tow, stern first, at 5-80 p.m. and cleared Dover Harbour Eastern Entrance
6-0 p.m. (Arrived Portsmouth with "O.R.P. BUZA" 10-0 p.m. on 26th
May, Sunday.
(Continued)

286 Page 286 Log in to enlarge

COPY.
EXTRACTS FROM LOG.
161
t.FOREMOST 87"
Sunday, 26th May.
Arrived at Portsmouth towing "O.R.P. BUZA" stern first at
10 p.m. Slight Fog.
Monday, 27th May.
Coaling and storing in Portsmouth Harbour.
Tuesday, 28th May.
Left Portsmouth Harbour 6-0 a,m. Steamed towards Dover
Harbour, arriving and making fast 6-0 p.m.
Wednesday, 29th May.
Lying Submarine Dock Dover Harbour. At 3-30 p.m. Ordered to assist m.v. "RUYA" from berth to berth. Tooke hold of vessel at
4-0 p.m., finishing 4-15 p.m. At 4-20 p.m. took hold of S.S. "KING ORRY"
and assisted from Eastern Arm Dover Harbour to Sea, eastern Entrance
Dover, finishing at 4-50 p.m.
Thursday, 30th May.
At 8-0 a.m. received orders to proceed from Dover Harbour to Dunkirk. On nearing Dunkirk Harbour heavy bombing and shelling in progress. Went inside Harbour and received instructions to take barges
"SARK" and "SHETLAND", which were at anchor off St. Malo beach, in tow and to beach same on the shore 100 yards apart on St. Malo shore,.
Dunkirk, - Heavy aerial bombing and ground gunfire going on while doing this job, shrapnel splinters hitting deck very hard. Finished this and steamed inside Harbour again. Things getting worse but everybody happy. Troopship "PRAGUE" unable to get away from Eastern Arm Dunkirk
Hatbour, loaded with troops, so took same in tow and towed out clear to
Dunkirk Roads. Told to stand by and assist in any way. One or two little jobs leading Destroyers to berths in the dark rendered - heavy shelling and air raids still in progress. At 12 midnight told to return to Dover.
Friday, 31st May.
Returned from Dunkirk arrived Dover at 6-0 a.m. At 2-0 p.m.
received orders to take two sailing barges in tow to Dunkirk. Took hold of same at 2-45 p.m. and towed to Dunkirk. Orders received were t beach them at St. Malo Beach. This was accomplished under heavy bombing and shelling. The beach was one mass of troops. Time of beaching barges was 11-0 p.m. The sky was lit up with fires caused through bombing and shelling. Returned to Dunkirk Harbour, told to keep clear of heavy barrage which was prevailing and to stand by outside Harbour. Still steaming outside Harbour at midnight.
Saturday, 1st June.
At Dunkirk standing by. Assisting in anything and everything possible. At 2-0 a.m. received orders to return at once to
Dover. Arriving at Dover at 7-30 a.m.
Sunday, 2nd June.
Lying at Dover Harbour. At 3-30 p.m. received orders to take lifeboats R.N.L.B. "CECIL and "LILLIAN PHILPOTT" and "R.N.L.B.
THOMAS KIRK WRIGHT" in tow to Dunkirk Towed same to given position then did job of work with Hospital ship "PARIS" survivors who had been bombed and machine-gunned by Enemy aircraft.
(Continued)

287 Page 287 Log in to enlarge

COPY.
EXTRACTS FROM LOG.
16%
(3)
s.t. "FOREMOST 87".
Sunday, 2nd June.
Rendered assistance to 95 survivors - five of these being nurses who were seriously wounded, also some of the crew of "PARIS"
who were scalded badly by boilers exploding. We also took 13 Spaniards on board from small boat. Landing all survivors (including lad of sixteen dying through injuries received in bombing of "PARIS") at Dover on the morning of 3rd June, Monday, at 4-30 a.m. at Admiralty Pier,
Dover.
(Signed) J. Fryer.
Master of Tug "FOREMOST 87"

288 Page 288 Log in to enlarge

COPY OF STATEMENT REGARDING SURVIVORS FROM HOSPITAL SHIP
"PARIS"
163
by s.t. "FOREMOST 87"
June
Wednesday, 5th May, 1940.
Dear Sir,
On Sunday afternoon, the 2nd June, I received orders from
Naval Authorities Dover to proceed to Dunkirk. My orders being to take Lifeboats R.N.L.B. "CECIL & LILLIAN PHILPOTT and R.N.L.B.
"THOMAS KIRK WRIGHT" in tow to assist in evacuating troops from
Dunkirk Harbour and Beach.
I cleared Eastern Entrare of Dover Harbour about 3-50 p.m.
with Lifeboats in tow, and on instructions before leaving towed towards given position where I had to cast lifeboats.o: I arrived at this position and was giving lifeboat coxwains courses for Dunkirk
Harbour, when, on hearing aircraft overhead and several explosions,
I noticed to the southward of me a Hospital ship which proved to be
S.S. "PARIS" of Newhaven, in, as It thought, difficulties. I at once altered my course, irrespective of routing instructions, towards said vessel, and onnnearing same I noticed several of her lifeboats full of survivors who had survived this bombing and machine-gunning which
I was afterwards informed had happened. I at once gave orders to crew to get lines etc. ready to take these survivors on board, some of whom were Sisters who were very seriously injured, also some of crew whod been badly scalded.
I managed to get all of the 95 survivors out of our boats, some of which were half full of water, on board of "FOREMOST 87", and did everything to make wounded (one of whom passed away on board Tug
"FOREMOST 87") as comfortable as I could, and then headed at full speed towards Dover.
I had hardly altered my course when I noticed another boat full of people. I stopped engines and on nearing this boat I found that it had 13 Spaniards aboard. I ordered these to be taken on board and kept apart from survivors of "PARIS" as I was uncertain of their Nationality, and I was unable to gather from them how and when they came to be in the boat I found them in.
I headed for Dover, time being about 10-50 p.m., at full speed. Arriving at Dober Pierheads Eastern Entrance about 3-30 a.m.
on Monday, 3rd June, and received orders to proceed direct to
Admiralty Pier and land survivors, this I did as soon as possible, everything being ready on shore to assist in this job of work. I
kept Spaniards on board until they were escorted ashore by armed guard, who no doubt found out more about them than I could.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) J. Fryer.
Master of s.t. "FOREMOST 87".