TNA MT 40 66

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

S.S. "BIARRITZ"
D.S.C.
James Lang Crockart
1000
Engineer finall Howl
S.S. "CANTERBURY"
D.S C.
Master
Charles Archibald Hancock
Motor Boat "CONSTANT NYMPH"
D.B.M.
Owner
Basil Arthur Smith setuall
S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" Teldo tal
I
повтоляз
D.O.C.
hamesthod
Master
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
William Thompson
Bernard Murphy
D.S.C.
Mate
Terence O'Hanlon
D.S.M.
Gunner
D.S.M.
J. W. Watson
TOJEBN
A.B.
D.S.M.
J. O'Rowe doonignS Totdo
0.8.
W. Barnett
D.S.M.
A. Gibson
Drawers Ieldo
Fireman
Tug "FOREMOSH 87"
D.S.C.
IntooM
Master
James Fryer
JRL
S.S. "ISLE OF GUERNSEY" bee
Francis waugh Hodges.
D.S.C.
Master
Brnest Leonard Hill
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
David Douglas Robb
D.S.M.
A.B.
John Fowles retual well
Tug "JAVA"
7001290 and
Seaman
D.S.M
Master
Harry Griffith
4001990
S.S. "KING GEORGE V"
Master
D.S.G
Robert McCallum McLean
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
William MacGregor
Greaser
D.S.M.
Angus Macdonald
D.S.M.
A.B.
Donald Joseph McKinnon
S.S. "LEVENWOOD"
Master
D.S.C.
William Oswald Young
M.N. Gunner
D.S.M.
George. Knight niewaxe0
D.S.M.
Fireman
Robert Moody
S.S. "MAID OF ORLEANS"
Master
D.S.C.
Gordon Dyer Walter
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
George Frederick Tooley
D.S.M.
Q.M.
Harry Russell
Motor Yacht "MASHYRA"
D.S.M.
Skipper
G. D. Oliver
8.8. "PRAGUE"
Master
D.S.C.
Clifford Roland Baxter
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
Walter Ernest Oxenham
D.S.M.
Frederick Wm. John Rushby
Boy in

June,
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 3.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
Personnel Vessels (continued).
remaining; she started a trip but failed to make Dunkirk. On return, the original Captain rejoined with some of the original crew. She should then have sailed at 2010/3, but the Captain reported 3 engineers short at the last minute. It was not considered necessary to wait for the engineers and the Master and crew disembarked and the new crew provided for the second time. Before further use could be made of her, however, the evacuation terminated.
9. The MONA'S QUEEN was sunk by a mine on her second voyage to Dunkirk, and the FENELLA was bombed and sunk on her first voyage.
10. The MALINES who had completed two trips, refused to sail on the 1st, left Dover at 1600 on the 2nd without orders and was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southampton.
11. It was felt that trouble might occur in the ST.HELIER
and PRINCESS MAUD, and accordingly a naval party was put on board to supplement the ships crews, and in consequence no trouble occurred.
12. The outstanding ships were the MAID OF ORLEANS 6 trips, one being diverted without completing the trip, and once returning due to collision. ROYAL DAFFODIL 7 trips, on one of which she was turned back by a French destroyer -
ROYAL SOVEREIGN 6 trips
KING GEORGE V
5 trips
COTE d'ARGENT
5 trips
ST. HELIER
4 trips after having refused to
158 rgdl sail once.
PRAGUE
3 trips with full loads, bombed,
85mght severely damaged and beached on the last return trip.
13. Eleven other ships were concerned in the Operation, details of which are as follows:
27th May BIARRITZ
27th May
Damaged by shell fire and returned.
ARCHANGEL
27th May
Damaged by shell fire and returned.
QUEEN OF THE
Sunk by bombing attack.
CHANNEL
28th May
LORINA
Sunk by bombing attack.
29th May
NORMANIA
Sunk by bombing attack.
28th May LOCH GARRY
One trip.
28th May SCOTIA
One trip.
2nd June
THE
28th May KILLARNEY
Sunk by bombing attack.
One trip.
2nd June ROUEN
One trip.
2nd and 3rd
Acapt R.
June AUTO CARRIER
Two trips.
2nd and 3rd
June NEWHAVEN
Two trips.
fice of
Enclosure:-
g Officer Commanding,
Details of Personnel
ER.
Ships used.
2 June, 1940.
authorized.

-3-
nip.
Name & Address of Owners
Name of Master.
SS MAUD
London Midland & Scottish
Capt. H. Clarke.
IA
Railway,
Capt. W.H. Hughes.
L.M.S. Railway Headquarters,
Watford, Herts.
ST. SEIRIOL
Liverpool & North Wales
Capt. R.D. Dobb
S.S. Co., Ltd.,
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool, 3.
/PRAGUE
London & North Eastern
Capt. C. Baxter.
Railway Company,
26, Glengall Road,
Woodford Green,
Essex.
KING GEORGE V
David MacBrayne Limited,
Capt. R.E. MacLean.
LOCHGARRY
44, Robertson Street,
Capt. E. MacKinnon.
Glasgow, C.2.
KILLARNEY
Coast Lines Limited,
Capt. R. Hughes.
2, Crescent Road,
Kingston-on-Thames,
Surrey.
ST. HELIER
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt. R. Pitman c/o Chief Docks Manager,
Cardiff.
ST JULIEN
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt.L.S.Richard
ST ANDREW
Paddington Station, W..2.
Capt. H.C. Bond
ST DAVID
Capt. C.Joy.
PARIS
Capt. E. Biles
ISLE OF GUERNSEY
Southern Railway Co.,
Capt. F.W. Hodges
DINARD
Waterloo Station,
Capt. P. Lewis
WORTHING
S.E.L.
Capt. C.J. Munton
ISLE OF THANET
>
Capt. A.J. Hammond
60
&
These Masters took over when original Masters were too exhausted to carry on.
x Evacuation of Calais.
+ This vessel was ordered to Dunkerque laden with B.E.F. petrol and did not actually evacuate, troops.
INED
orized.

- 2 -
"AITOOB" TROTENANT
3.55
(Wednesday Having embarked the troops We trying a.m.
just Channel after I saw leaving a troopship Dunkirk was small could was full craft. then not of dark. say troops We if who these also were saw were being the on our the
JOOB" one BIOW wrecks.and when Wrecks. It. drog ___???___
The outward trip a about ahead the on arriviting:
further vessels proceeding of incident. every "Scotia" description On our completed way - we passed its return-voyage.witter
4d as many troops towards Dunkirk large and wrecks and also in we I small sa asswobelp. inspiring to see as these their vessels staft wouthers returning, their best to quite off them. In which forms each an render
We arrived and Its of were
SomaCrowding difficult outside until to as the the a shore berth ship was had at side. Dover a clear. heavy at Berthing list 10.0 a.m., was having rather waited visafely smoothly on British and 3,000 soil. of our gallant However,
[Is] Mothe formation their the swood poop engin over which was We done spent at some hours during the day birs V.d THE funne. this bewitmid-day Sheerness. 3.0 ordered a.m. and We shipped We arrived left ninety Dover for alongside Sheerness to enable coal on us hulk Thursday to proceed "Agincourt" coaling - 30th, to - about about part was then off ordered the hulk to to Margate No. tons 13 Roads buoy of until coal. to 7.0 We a.m., were Friday. then
I bombs on ___???___ ___???___
complete bunkering.
no the supplied facilities by Coaling the at Naval Margate was Authorities a Roads. difficult The proposition "Scotia" having as there were at stow THE
and carried coal was to bagged the bunkers. from the Coaster with "Jolly bags Days", and shovels, hove been shipped in this departments It was now 9.30 gave p.m., willing way. and Members untiring of assistance the crew from in all of
Altogether, ninety tons up, coal
Jatl owd they completed, ordered I me signalled to await now effect, bunkering. being and
OWJ
Saturday. "Scotia" left The Margate order was to to this came at maia?" sts
5.45
a.m.,
O, miles courses from according No. 6 buoy to Roads The various
VASIT
was opposite repeated. signalled direction. by A one rouse.instructions, "Windy off No. 6 which Dunkirk was Channel going four in -
matters mand signs aside V
I
We passed saw us a sloop going in in few the minutes opposite afterwards direction the Buoy". Transport This "Prague" signal lowered. our Commander Coust off the Dunki bow BY a now ves of
I learned later that tow the with sloop smoke had issuing had to from be and abandoned. a stem little to stern. later enemy bombers About two miles from No. 6 buoy we saw bombers, deck fire, all around and and but a kept Lewis they on for guns us. were Our We a guns counted Bren several opened ten poop side the the came boat starboard had by wa la Be helm and had us, the but engines none scored going at a hit. full speed. I Bombs manoeuvred were with dropped on the The "Scotia" were the Comma bo coming disappeared, enemy from A little vhile latery little whitht later little whille later no we this saw time several the British planes planes had drove the our planes gone than enemy
We were buoys now so approaching as to two avoid by
1.
no.
engin

- 2 -
"AITOO8" TROTSMART
trying just 3.55 after a.m. I (Wednesday Having leaving embarked Dunkirk the troops We was Channel full of saw troops a troopship who and small craft. We also were the
I could was then not dark. say if these saw were a on our outward trip it sur one DIO ___???___ about French at
The further
"Scotia"
completed its of
THE vessels the - we large and coducer off so came in In forma each sa
4d ahead and wrecks buoy trip also and small assmobelp. to see these best to render quite
THE OF ___???___ the
We outside difficult until as the a arrived berth ship was had at Dover clear. at Berthing 10.0.a.m., having
.gu the the DOO en a visafely on British and 3,000 soil. of our gallant However, owing.to the troom crowding smoothly to the shore side. a heavy list was rather waited
THE the the ___???___ IIst V.d ___???___ I
of Sheerness. which was We done spent at some Dover hours during the
BITS
bemitmad-day ordered 3.0 a.m. off and We the shipped We arrived left ninety for alongside Sheerness tons to enable of coal on us hulk Thursday to day "Agincourt" proceed coaling - 30th, to - about about part was then ordered hulk to to Margate No. 13 Roads buoy until coal to complete 7.0 We a.m., were Friday. then
THE edu of the ___???___ the the injury ou was carried shipped to the bunkers. the Coaster "Jolly Days", and shovels, hove been and the coal was the bagged Naval from Authorities Roads. Theroposition with bags having as there difficult bunkering. were at stow jailowt vd Lemphe to The wer of tr in this
It departments gave willing way. crew ninety tons of up, coal completed, was now I 9.30 signalled p.m., from in bunkering. all
OWJ
Saturday. they ordered The me order to now effect, 5.45 being and courses "Scotia" left Margate was to proceed to this came at miss" VISIT sts nes V
a.m., miles from according No.6 buoy to The various matters hand hand signs befewas was opposite signalled direction. by one Channel four -
passed repeated. us A few 6 which Buoy". was going signal in I
our Couch
We I learned saw a sloop going in in tow the smoke the and Transport a This later "Prague"
later that the sloop had issuing had to from be stem little to stern.
th S
bombers, enemy bombers but About two miles from No. 6 buoy we abandoned.
all helm deck fire, around and and a kept us, Lewis they on navigating our for guns us. were Our We saw guns counted several opened ten poop came the boat out on and "Scotia the the cont and had A the but engines going at a bridge. hit. full I speed. Bombs manoeuvred were a Bren with dropped on disappeared, coming from little while latery we saw several British planes drove our this planes time the enemy planes had
Channel We were buoys now gone so approaching than two

75
74
THE
MARINE SUPERINTENDENT
213/40/3.T.A.6
DON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
21st August 1940.
PARKESTON QUAY
STATION,
138
E.C.2.
HARWICH
IPSGATE
137
7600
18181
LS
ISA
2292
t 1940.
8
RECEIVED 21 16
sir, I have of your to Pad.
receipt of the for 20th the interesting S.S. "PRAGUE" report of on see abo 1212
you the his experiences during the Dunkirk ence 4th instant (T.M. 6213/40/
to my letter of the operation.
I
am, your Sir, obedient Servant, ct made by Captain Baxter riod his vessel was the
(Sgd) b.J. whyman from Dunkirk. I hope its.
this for Director of Sea Transport.
ly, fl am
Waves
Law
The Marine
Londonverpool Street ship and ised to return with but as had obtained one to a ship made all her passages scale charts only.
May
100. Orders to proceed were received and a departure and of 1830 was fixed. In accordance with these orders the ship time proceeded in company with "MANXMAN" and Hospital Ship "PARIS" weighed via route "Y". The weather was drizzly and misty, the visibility a
shortening as the coast of France was approached. The draught of the
G
ship was something over 16 feet and in view of the meagre information e
about the Zuidcoote Pass which was procurable from the small scale n
chart, it was decided to allow the other two ships, both of considerably
Ma less draught than "PRAGUE" to keep ahead, the ships being roughly in der single line.
STM1
The great majority of the buoys were unlit, and as remarked above the a bil, next of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and also then boat the were and crew rowing of off in their boat towards one us. varge I anu picked one them t
wave bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Letters to be addressed
74
CAPTAIN R. DAVIS
MARINE SUPERINTENDENT
THE MARINE SUPERINTENDENT
TELEPHONE
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
HARWICH 30. EXT.
NATIO
TEMPORARY LIVERPOOL ADDRESS:- STREET E.C.2. STATION, PARKESTON QUAY HARWICH
138
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS
EASTERN PARKESTON QUAY STATION
REFERENCE
TELEPHONE No: BISHOPSGATE 7500
LS
1
EXT. 2292
20th August 1940.
9097
RECEIVED 21
M1/4474/17 Pad
16
DOV
OF
FUG
The Director of bea Transport (HO)
the
Ministry of Shipping
Berkeley Square House
Berkeley Square W. 1.
see abo 1212
Dear Sir, reference to my
13th instant and your With reply further of a the report 14th made instant his by vessel was hope
STA6), of the I S.S. on now the time Dunkirk. I
this red ont will your
Yours faithfully,
Ribanio fl.
DUE ship and west, and promised to return with shart of the Dunkirk district when he had obtained but to this was evidently not possible and the ship made all her passages one and from Dunkirk on small scale charts only.
May 28th. 1700. Orders to proceed were received and a departure time and of 1830 was fixed. In accordance with these orders the ship weighed proceeded in company with "MANXMAN" and Hospital Ship "PARIS" via ted route "Y". The weather was drizzly and misty, the visibility a
shortening as the coast of France was approached. The draught of the
G
ship was something over 16 feet and in view of the meagre information e
about the Zuidcoote Pass which was procurable from the small scale n
chart, it was decided to allow the other two ships, both of considerably
Ma less draught than "PRAGUE" to keep ahead, the ships being roughly in der single line.
STM1
The great majority of the buoys were unlit, and as remarked above the a bit, were and rowing of off in their boat towards the us. Darge I anu picked them
1.
next crew wave of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and also then boat the bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

8/36 7,000 pads of 250
27
5987 3/86 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 73
S. "PRAGUE"
DEPARTMENT
To Captain R.Davis.
139
West India Dock.
STATION
Marine Superintendent.
17th. August 1940
193
Liverpool Street Station.
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
RECORD OF PART PLAYED BY S.S. "PRAGUE" DURING EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
May 27th. 2015. In accordance with orders received the ship left the
Old Dock Southampton, where she had been in port since the 24th. at short notice for steam, and proceeded to Dover via the route given by the N.C.S.O. Southampton.
May 28th, 0448. The ship made Dover and orders were received to go to anchorage in the Downs. This was done and the ship lying with the
South Foreland Lt-Ho. 261 31/4 miles by 0512.
During the same forenoon the Examination Officer visited the ship and gave me two small charts of the district, and promised to return with a large scale chart of the Dunkirk district when he had obtained one but this was evidently not possible and the ship made all her passages to and from Dunkirk on small scale charts only.
May 28th. 1700. Orders to proceed were received and a departure time of 1830 was fixed. In accordance with these orders the ship weighed and proceeded in company with "MANXMAN" and Hospital Ship "PARIS" via
1
route "Y". The weather was drizzly and misty, the visibility a
shortening as the coast of France was approached. The draught of the
G
ship was something over 16 feet and in view of the meagre information e
about the Zuidcoote Pass which was procurable from the small scale n
chart, it was decided to allow the other two ships, both of considerably
Ma less draught than "PRAGUE", to keep ahead, the ships being roughly in der single line.
The great majority of the buoys were unlit, and as remarked bove the
STM1
a bi one were rowing off in their boat towards us. varge I picked them up, also boat anu and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

8/36 7,000 pads of 250
TRA930
987 8/36 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
DEPARTMENT
Jawana. attic
Door 01501
DEPARTMENT
To
140
STATION
193
22 SEAL
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
sora visibility poor and when very near to the Zuidcoote Pass "MANXMAN" and
"PARIS" ran aground on the Smal Bank and "PRAGUE" touched starboard side.
Door.NJTS You
"PARIS" came off immediately, but "MANXMAN" stuck for some hours.
softon JIONA 610
Meeting one of H.M. Sloops, whose Captain very kindly sent a boat with и onf advice of the district and a chart marked in better detail than our awn,
AO. yo
I realized that it was hopeless for a ship of my draught to attempt the
Pass at that state of tide and accordingly returned to the vicini ty of the Nieuport Bank Buoy and anchored to let the tide rise a few feet.
"MANXMAN" joined us here a few hours later and afterwards acted in concert with us.
910 9V.SS
May 29th. 0355. Got under way again and proceeded via the Pass to
Dunkirk and when ordered to enter the port made fast just inside the end
ENJ two of the Eastern Jetty. Embarkation started almost immediately, the Naval one
03
Beach Master realized our difficulties and loaded us up in time to return
Y.S.M.
through the Pass before the tide fell too much as our draught when loaded
20
with troops was estimated to be about 6".
bns
At 0735 the ship left Dunkirk and proceeded home by the same route, signalling Dover at 1230 the same day and received orders to proceed to
Folkestone, which port was reached by 1300. Troops were disembarked and the ship coaled and watered and prepared for the next voyage.
Generally speaking, as regards this voyage, the only serious difficulty encountered was a navigational one, there was plenty of enemy action but no direct attack upon the ship by air or sea.
May 30th. 1200 The ship proceeded to anchorage off Folkestone, weather dense fog.
GHOP
SUILSIM1
a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and also rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, boat were and grew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

10/
8/36 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
DEPARTMENT
To
141
STATION
193
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
1700. In accordance with orders the ship got under way and proceeded to
STATE
Dunkirk by route "X" in company with numerous craft large and small, all naval and merchant. Certain minor departures from the official route
SHIP
were made necessary by the draught of the ship, but the weather was fine solv and much clearer and 'PRAGUE" arrived off Dunkirk at 2030, berthed well
BST
inside the outer harbour alongside the Eastern Jetty.
Troops were embarked immediately SO as to clear the ship before the tide went as the low water depth alongside was only 10 feet, but despite this, with a full load of troops when ready to sail the ship was well on the ground and it took the combined efforts of two tugs and both engines working at full power to get the ship afloat which was eventually done by 2245 when the ship left for England again. While in Dunkirk there were air raids in the vicinity but no attack on the ship. There was however a considerable amount of shell fire, several projectiles bursting in the water close to the ship.
The voyage back along the western part of the Dunkirk Roads was made at slow speed but was otherwise uneventful, the ship arriving back in the
Downs at 0600 on the 31st whence she was ordered to Folkestone where she duly arrived at 0648 and disembarked her troops.
During this voyage considerable difficulty was experienced with the coal which was of a type unsuited to the ship's furnaces and our Firemen double banked atches in order to keep steam and maintain speed.
May 31st. From 0800 when the troops were clear, was spent in coaling and watering and preparing for the next voyage after which the ship went to anchorage off Folkestone.
up
+
COUIU
and twisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevedores were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

DEBA
3/86 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
DEPARTMENT
To
142
STATION
193
THOT Yo
3
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
brem bne the
June 1st. 0315 Orders to proceed having been received, the ship was got sen under way by 0335 and proceeded to Dunkirk by route "X" again, where she
S
arrived at 0715. From about 0700 onwards the ship was subject to intense can 2000
eny € as down Junes obem ain attacks in company with other craft and we made what reply we could with one Lewis gun and one Bren gun.
Several casualties were observed among H.M. Ships, but we were too busy berthing the ship and later shifting across the harbour to take precise day notice of what was happening in this direction. The ship finally berthed at western side of the outer harbour, close outside the locks and then proceeded to load about three thousand French troops it was estimated.
June lst. 0903 Having completed loading the ship left for England once
Yo more and proceeded down the Western Roads. At the end of the channel in vicinity of No.6 "W" Buoy, the ship was subjected to a considerable amounted of shell fire from shore batteries at Gravelines. I immediately asked for utmost speed but could not, zig-zag on account of narrow ters.
The great majority of the shells fell short and none hit the ship.
1009 Buoy "W" near the Ruytingen was passed and the ship making along the homeward route towards Buoy "V" another intense air attack by dive bombers developed. Heavy fire was opened by all ships in the vicinity against these aircraft (estimated to number about half-a-dozen) and the ship kept continuously under helm. Suddenly an aircraft appeared out of the clouds almost directly overhead and swinging round, dived on the
"PRAGUE"
At this moment the "PRAGUE" was on a steady course and I ordered hard to starboard the aircraft released three bombs together while still at a up
+
COUIU
and twisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore
£ e t a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevadores were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

DITATE
7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
LONDON DEPARTMENT & NORTH To
144
DEPARTMENT STATION
To
Oit tod
STATION193
UR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
.0.5°
turn and very skilfully managed to transfer all except a handful of troops
Last at OF STATE STORE THE SECURITY
while the ship was steaming as fast as possible towards the Downs. This being completed it was possible to concentrate all efforts on saving the gota
"PRAGUE" by getting into as shallow water as possible before we found
Tew
Id ourselves unable to control the inflow of water.
of
By 1331 the ship was well inside the Downs and the Tug "LADY BRASSEY"
SOTO? eng that tuo made fast. Dover was signalled and orders were received to anchor in the
Downs. On receipt of these the ship proceeded to the Small Downs and
Tat Sw add entered the Ramsgate Channel.
Having arrived at a spot slightly North of the ruins of Sandown Castle, beganam about a mile North of Deal, the ship was gently beached, port anchor laid out and all active participation in the evacuation of Dunkirk ceased by
SNT
1730 June 1st.
OTH
of the ensuing period there is little to say except that the ship was boarded by the Admiralty Salvage Officer first thing next morning and the ship examined as thoroughly as possible the next low water.
Each time the after part of the ship drained out with the tide, all the visible leaks both in the shell plating and in the bulkheads were stopped as effectively as possible with the materials at hand, three salvage pumps were rigged in the after 'tween deeks to deal with whatever water which leaked past the plugs.
These operations were in progress until Friday June 7th. when we were towed off the beach by Tug "LADY BRASSEY" and afterwards with the assistance of two tugs towed to London finally arriving at SW India Dock at 6 R.M.
wisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore th of the
S.N.T.
a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevedores
It 1 7
to as gentin were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead.
il Fri
SEY"
(Continued)
fi

TELEGRAMS:
8/36 7,000 pads of 250
CO.
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
61
A.6.
DEPARTMENT
To
145
STATION
Extra
193
any
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
kg
I might add that during my. visits to Dunkirk I had much difficulty in
WE
berthing, due to the "PRAGUE" being so high above the Jetty and the harbour congested with smaller craft and wrecks. It was impossible to
REF.
use gangways and my crew assisted the soldiers on board the best way they
WORK
could, climbing planks and wooden rung ladders.
Bload.
(Sgd)
Master.
for airector of sea Transport.
Richard faithfully
RICHARD
z
Managing Director
STATE
as
+
twisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore
£ r t e a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevedores were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Steam 15. Navigation TRINITY SQUARE, Co. 69
68
K.C.S.
F.H. Keenlyside, Esq.,
21st August, 1940.
The Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
WJP/LK
Berkeley Square, W.1.
149
Dear Sir,
150
In the absence of Mr. Keenlyside, your letter of the
14th
I am writing to thank you for your a letter Co. Ltd. from which the gives Managing letter (WJP/LK) of the 17th August, connection rendered with by the the "QUEEN
enclosing evacuation extract from & letter vessels are small paddle from the Managing Director of the ION
thfully,
COMPANY
LIMITED.
Medway Steam Packet Company Limited.
Phelpon
Yours faithfully,
(Sgd.) FRANCIS LOYD
p.p pluse
Private Secretary.
Eastern Mail Steamer,
A was ng Troops from disvessel, numbering 500. A message was then by the OF THANET" asking him to call alongside also, and take Troops. When Within hamling distance,
Philpott, Esq. the "QUEEN OF THANET", Lieutenant ssked 'How many Troops were left came, 12000. mander Hallivell re-
"I the lot". These all safely embarked the for wounded, and again the vessel left for Margate this was on Sunday, May.
In the meantime the "PRAGUE" naving 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 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 see immediately we were hove up our anchor and kept the he twisting as I could and likely to get run down whilst the Tug underweigh as were rowing as off could see our crew of the barge and the soldier in towards the a bit, I turning to clear the bombs. I paddled destroyers shore were rt e
and of in their boat towards us. I picked them stevedores
7
next crew wave of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and also then boat the bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

STBP
General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.,
68
ess for Telegrams:
15, TRINITY SQUARE,
/CONIC TELEX."
E.C.3.
F.H. Keenlyside, Esq.,
LONDON.
17th August
The Ministry of Shipping,
Telephone:
ROYAL 3200-7.
Berkeley Square House,
(23 LINES.)
Berkeley Square, W.1.
OTH
Reference WJP/LK
Dear Sir,
150
I thank you for your letter of the 14th instant and now enclose extract from a letter from the Managing
Director information regarding the services rendered by the the "QUEEN
of the New Medway Steam Packet Co.Ltd. which gives some THANET" and the "MEDWAY QUEEN" in connection with
OF evacuation from Dunkirk. Both these vessels are small paddle steamers.
Yours faithfully,
W.J.Philpout for THE GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION W.Mhilpon COMPANY LIMITED.
p.p pluse
Encl.
vise
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. hen 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
C
early Monday morning cleaned up the beach and brought over a et 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 in 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 twisting as I could and I see immediately we were to likely hove up to our get anchor run down and whilst kept the the Tug underweigh he were a bit, rowing as I off could turning in see our clear crew the of the bombs. barge I and paddled the in towards destroyers the were shore rt and crew of barge 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,also and 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 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)

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)

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

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