TNA Unclassified 1

601
2
566
led for Hun kish at 0 300 on heay 31ˢᵗ
8
anse of speeds.
th borough", their T slower to process independently "Lady to me pany with Q "No. meen's 101" Channel & ordered Hoppers jallions Reach and Queenischamel assued at the each to the East of Hem kisk Newbour at about osio may 31ˢᵗ.
Lnd
Their to the effing like we could only take gallions Reach eventually managed to get about few tooops mising the forenoon and early efternom.
official attached to the army.
one Belgian soldies and me French potal
123 French and British troops, including at The Hoppers sailed independently from Huntrite discretion various times rusing the evening at the
Hun of the Skippers tsailed from time kirk 3,st in " fallion's Reach at 2230 m of twas set considerably H my coutse in takin
Ouring to enemy air attack during the night avoiding action and tid not asswe at
Ramsjalie until about 700 on time in whence troops. twas ordered to margate to disembath
1 & I: 1
clear general of the suit, throw a propert line to the pulling boats and then tow them out to the ships. One boat, heavily laden with men in full equipment capsised just as it we managed to recover one who revived after was reaching us. most of the men sank like stones treatment. but
While doing this our screws became foul of some obstacle and rendered useless. In spite sunken of the anchor and vain efferts by other boats, the strong suit and ebbing tide soon drove us aground.

602
2
557
take this opportunity to mention the splentid eart played by the 'Lady South borough the Ad not have a neval officer onboard, and because dependently the brought It more troops than her speed was forced to operate largely od.
any of the other Hoppets and the itialive and skill displayed by her Sk ipper and Chew in ind
The in thusidsm keeness of all about her to ambarking lioobs from the beach return to Hunkish was repeatedly in evidence at 0300 on time 5ᵗʰ in accordance with order under received at margate tsailed for Portsmouth, taking
Lady South borongh" "Fotemost (Sub Lientenant K.H.
my command the Happers "Queen's Channel mathin R.N ) and " No. W.24"
the We were delayed until 0700 in the Howns until
Chamiel had been twept
In a position approximately 10 miles south of
28
the Royde sovereign Light House (in number allion's Reach)
personnel of the French havy, bound from Hum havel kith took in tow a Ftench fishing vessel, in by to Hower truly handed her over to the auth orities in hewhaven.
2
line 00° 30 W after 1700, and thota fee
Owing to the weather, restriction on passm if a feed water in several ships, tanchosed at henhave at 21 June 58
Neeba involve are cocomanyo FÜR 1 power Noals TO run m boats just have me Brundrow a line to the pulling contany burds out to the ships. One boat, heavily it a: B aviewary the men sank like stones but map for du equipment capsised just as the decessary atcas drive the time who revived after treatment.
became foul of some asseciation sudered useless. In spite
Where DONE belowood toolble Internatesto by other boats, the strong news 6. brove us aground.

603
568
hewhave On time 6ᵗʰ in accordance with in stare china received at
Ports mouth.
Heft the Happets and proceeded personally to while engaged in ferrying troops from funkish beach, one of gallion's Reach's boats was lost and the rema in in boat twamped with the subs ment loss of some bottom boards, and crutches.
in those the honour to be,
Sir, your obedient servant,
7.h I tohnston,
WHALE IBLAND
Sub. Lienten ant Roy al havy.
idea was for the power boats to nun in boats just clear of tow them out to the ships. One heavily it general the suit. throw a line to the pulling boat, and then in full equipment capsised just stones as but laden with men most of the men sank like after treatment.
we was reaching to us. recover one who revived of some managed this our screws became foul In spite sunken and vain efferts by other aground. strong
While doing obstacle and rendered useless. boats, the suit of the and anchor ebbing tide soon drove us

604
2
569
H.M.B Excellent.
12 June.
Sir,
He
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events covering the period 2200 Wednesday 29th May until the morning of saturday June 1st
In accordance with verbal orders, 9 sailed from
Portomouth in H.M.S' EXCELLENT'S A/A motor Boat about 2200 May 29th. The following afternoon it became necessary to put in to Dover owing to insufficient fuel to proceed to Ramsqate. While refuelling I received orders to remain at Dover.
about michight I got sailing orders to proceed at once to BRAY DUNES to assist with the terrying operations between the beach and waiting ships.
and went straight inshore. There was heavy sust
Early on Friday morning we arrived off BRAY
and many of the pulling boats which the soldiers were manning from a jethy of abandoned army transports appeared to be in difficulties. The general idea was for the power boats to nun in just clear of the suit, throw a line to the pulling boats and then tow them out to the ships. One boat, heavily laden with men in full equipment capsised just as it we managed to recover one who revived after some was reaching us. most of the men sank like stones treatment. but
While doing this our screws became foul In of spite obstacle and rendered useless.
sunken the anchor and vain efferts by other boats, the strong suit of and ebbing tide soon drove as aground.

605
Once ashore, and 9 got in touch with a party
Engineers to be made arrangements for the of stern whatever raised in an attempt to clear boat had become foul of them. While this away being done I took the crew and a party of we some way along the beach to where an abando sole cabin-cruiser lay. she appeared to be in good condition; after considerable effort and mus hampered by bompandment and machine attacks from berman aircraft she was ever refloated. I left her in charge of my consway the rest of the crew,.1 with orders to carry on previously. When I returned with the soldiers original place it was obvious that my A/A
boat was of no further use. The most import articles were removed to safety: Secret chai the Captain of the minesweeper PRINCESS ELIZ
and Aldis hamp to the Royal Curps of Signa had only a rbicycles lamp.
With the aid of more soldiers we got a ships back into the sea and made several trip became badly holed so I abandoned he took over another one. By this time my in the private motor-boat had been force in as the engine appeared rather too 70
and almost redhot. They rejoined me life-boat and we did a pulling Jerry for the remainder of the time. There being the exhausting and of slow. five private oars with cans, darkness, buses work was etc) the submerged and the the suit sing the difficulty of operating from con transports run out into the sea and

606
570
ch other by single planks. shortly before midnight we ade our last trip. The Princess Elizabeth was full up ud the object of much shell-fire; on We-boat was lowly breaking up and the cnew were exhausted fter a day of fairly continuous fire from land nd bombing and machine gun attacks from the air.
They could not have carried on any longer. We were iken onboard the Princess Eligabeth and arrived it mangate next morning. I reported with my cnew t
Dover and on being informed that we would not ene required any further, returned to H.M.S. Excellent.
I have the honome to be
41
2.1.5. 06
Sir,
Your absectent servant.
w
13 JUN 1940
WHALE ISLAND
a.w. m. Matthew.
(sub. heat. R.N)
ZA
he Captain life
H.M.S. Excellent.
S.

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Wednesday, possible route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed dommand for arrived at Dover p.m.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Flag 0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 feet. (Commander Low water Dunkirs approximately by shortest
Dover Officer-in-Charge, on board). Dover and Lieut. Coundr. Dennis Casalet. staff of
Cleared screws. ORRY. Fouled porews on submerged up 11
from H.M.S. KING 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked S.O.N.T.B's, survisors
0300. H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed In started.
accepted tow from Engines wouldwetart. 0200, Thursday, freekage. 30th, reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk hardour. 0400. Completed and bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunidipt
Engines most
Tel. Hii. 3211 306 Broam Rill Road 7
Calford, 571
X
12-6-40
London S.E.G.
Dear Sity Herewite a rough report of part them by "Is Fagur in evacuating of Dunkish not much I'm afraid but you will note that we did bring back the
1- think this is what is callul for by
C.P.G.O. 1700, Could you flears have + typet and mach to look presentable
EXCELLENT
your
J3JUN 1940
NHALE INLAND
It. @

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Page 1
5
Wednesday, possible 0100, least route over shallow 1940. minefield. At 2100 sailed Low for water Dunkirk at by Dover shortest p.m.
H.M. 29th D/C May, motor boat under my command arrived
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cumdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's, staff of depth over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, approximately
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor bont was used of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing
Engines most
H. M.S. EXCELLENT 608
PORTSMOUTH
12-6-40572
REPORT ON EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
the Rmour to render the following report, in accurdance have with Confidential Portsmouth General Order 1700, of first taken by H.h. Tug "SiFagan" in evacuation of BEF.
0708 (APPROX) FRIDAY 31 "MAY - Orders received from P.A. Donn to take from Dunkish.
three Thomes Saiting Barges in togo and proced a to stretch of heach east of Sunkirk where Barges were to he beached to act as embarRation Pontouns for BEF.
Two of these Darges undere filted with ausectling engines.
I supplied them with necessary towing Rawson and this taking they in low.
instructed them to proceed atside Harburr to facilitate
0830 (APPROX.) 1 Procuded outside hurbum and took Banges in third tow the length of tow from how of stragan" to stems of to be Bange being approve 200 fathers, and Rausers had not (APRROX) strong secured enough to for masts towing. of Banges as other fittings were
1000 Sands. Processed with tow vip channel through Gooduria as tar an Rad average to be speed nursed of Kurts mg Could 4 made good
1115 channel By opprose. (APPROX.) Destroyers at High arrived to. and Water 12 w then at Bary Junkisk vessels Bury as constantly instructed passing and this Course at through a high distance was speed. the set of wash to 71 enter caused miles
300 the the some essential, marks directive (APPROX)' mumeries rish Hrikension after twards - was that amind dark, sanotbanks faccepted sheed Dunkish in draught was wast Channel as felt north it reduced / of of could was en ship and of not recognised, on proceeded being date nearing affreace. was and in that at the an the 14feet, 2105 on stad lack one and was but of of owing to dfficialty of avoiding the medican only pareed whichs at Easterly slow with sheed the

CONFIDENCIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
$
H.M. D/C motor OPERATIONAL boat under DYNAMO.
Wednesday, possible route 29th over May, shallow 1940. At 2100 my sailed dommand for arrived at Dover p.m.
0100, least depth over mines minefield. 6 feet. Low water Dunkir's approximately by shortest
Flag Dover Officer-in-Charge, on board). Dover and Lieut. (Commander Commar. Casalet. staff of from H.M.S. KING 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked Dennis 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors
Cleared screws. ORRY. Fouled porews on submerged up accepted tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, weekage. 30th,
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed In and started.
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots the to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat of Flag Officer, Dover for
Engines most
609
lay withs tow were and fould the in numerous the 2 darkness Jush on having three in occasions, the Channel, and 573
the must of third lighter was camisdaway.
30 Saturday "June- Harbour alroam, further Cantine Rad to be exercised as no chart uses mailable for Channel East of Dunkink, direction being obtained by haiting following passing Vessels.
(affrom) Received
0230 (approse.) 1 my Coeswain Petty officer BASTABLE- volunteered to take the shiff ashare, taking ABLE SEAMAN NEALE, to this I shiff was lumored and sent in.
investigate suitable hosition for hearting the Banges, and
0300 Capture.) - Received signal from Beach requesting boat to take off British Soldiers, and decided to heart the &
Barger using one with awaithing enginer to fatch of the to Lightermen and as many troops as we Could camey and small engines- - the Lighterman to return in own on finally its own beach third tighter Barge by sending it in was Thingly my estimated position at this time
3 mids East of Dunkish.
Banges to the were Lightermen. hanled claim to shih and instructions given
0340 without (apparme) - Barger slipped, and am with took the are bow engain in - heard tow and went a head engines to hass rund
1355 (approse.) sunk I with Aircraft in a By very ese plasion short and hund, occurred / found and the myself ship callupsed in the water and mg one of which my and Telegraph near the two
P.H& was and suring the sinday slowly, Barge 1 these out were reached Barges with contacted my Criswain in the skiff Rad adrift landed officer sent a party two of British Trans whose and
Corporals with him Quanding to organing

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
8
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my dailed dommand for arrived Dunkirk at Dover Deme possible least depth over shallow minefield. Low water by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Commdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
0100, over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, approximately staff of
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled porews on suimerged wreokage.
Cleared screws. Engines Wouldwetart. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towad In and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk hardour. ohoo. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing
574610 610
Engines most thin disposition and 3 to me guide that the he Banges. had amroal occumed, appose. also of Operamin later informed the ship when the explosion and that that bout eschlosion affeared to 8° drawn the Funnel of shih.
venty yards from was Caused by a bouth from aircraft, He then of woulded the twenty. officir and Ships Company, two officis and to pick up survivors, the ratings were saved, one officer - the D.G. Brown Boats:
and an stoker were wounded.
In addition to the seventeen maral ratings lat them was one initian who had Come on board from one of the Barges.
a complete list of survivors and ratings lost, including this when together with the two Antorals, were later friked hh
Civilians, was given to the Captain in Charge at Ramsgoste by I & passing hig filled with troops and landed at Ramsgutes
Bastable Consider the murked zeal and initiating of Patty officer worthy of special commundation
I have the hunnur * h your Obedint Servant il Coptain
H.m.S Emallent
Luit. Canth
Portsmonth

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
1
8
Wednesday, possible route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor shallow 1940. boat minefield. At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived Dunkirk at by Dover 9.m.
Flag 0100, officer-in-Charge, least depth over mines 6 feet. (Commander Low water approximately shortest
Dover on board). 2300 Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis Cazalet, staff of from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Arrived Dunkirk. Picked S.O.M.T.B's, survisors
Cleared screws. Fouled screws on submerged up 11
accepted tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. Proceeded to H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in 30th, started.
bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed and casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due no to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunsire
Engines most unsatisfactory.
574 610
of Oserwin later informed me that he amount approve.
thin disposition and 3 to guide the Banges. had venty yards from the ship when the explosion occumed, also that escplosion was Caused by a bouth from aircraft, and that the hand afterred to 8° drun the Funnel of shih. He then proceeded to pick up survivors, of the twenty-five officis and Ships Company, two officers and bise ratings were saved, one officer the D.G. Brown Boats:-
and are stoker were wounded.
In addition to the seventeen maral ratings last them was one civilian who had Come on board from one of the Banges.
whom, together with the two Antorals, were later pripad hh
Civilians, was given to the Captaine in Charge at Ramsgote a complete list of surverois and ratings lost, including this by & passing tig filled with troops and landed at Ramsynts
Bastable worthy of special communition.
I Consider the musked zeal and initiation of Patty officer
I have the honour th &
your Obedint Servant
The Captain
Luit. Cand
Hhr S Emallent
Portsmouth

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Page 1 of
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest p.m.
H.M. 29th D/C May, motor boat under my command arrived at Dover possible over shallow minefield. Low water approximately
0100, least depth over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harhour. 0400. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
CONFIDENTIAL.
575
Subject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
From... The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
Date..
14th June, 1940.
To.....
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
a
In accordance with C.P.G.O. 1700, the report on operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
)
11e)
Lieutenant in Command.
ted utes ans ricer from S.S. PARIS. (hospital Picked ship). up 6 Picked lifeboats up wounded and survivors took men in from tow.
wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, to weight of tow. spoke
Spanish. 2005. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due
(Continued
)

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived at Dover p.m.
possible 0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 Low water Dunkirk by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, feet. (Commander approximately
Cleared screws. Fouled screws on submerged from Dover H.M.S. KING ORRY. Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors on board). 2300 Dover and Lieut. Crundr. Dennis Casalet, staff of accepted Proceeded to H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in 30th, and started.
tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due no to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
Lieutenant Hamilton Meikle assumed command of 40 ft.
ships fast motor boat and manned it with:-
Petty Officer John Luckins. P/J 103170, coxswain of the D/C
motor boat (as coxswain).
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT) (as Lewis
Gunner).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. P/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
Hamilton Meikle, and it was with difficulty that he could persuade them that orders were necessary before proceeding immediately to
Dunkirk. The boat was capable of 20 knots and one stripped Lewis gun was transferred to her from H.M. D/C(boat, MORE the other gun being in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
40 ft. motor boat assisted M.T.B. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
in regulating rescue traffic to and from Dunkirk.
Sunday, 2nd June.
motor boat escorted M.A.S.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
but 40 ft. due to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
Dunkirk to see aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch if boat was required for any purpose. ship. Proceeded Sighted formation of enemy 1910 Air attack. Duration All petrol minutes. cans
87215 to assistance. dive-bombing and machine günning. Between spare 30-40 M/G
pierced and near 1930. Took offices
JU 97's and miss bomb strained boat. off Captain and some from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 survivors tow.
bullet holes, no (hospital casualties. ship). Picked lifeboats up wounded and took men in from wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow. spoke
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued

6.6
LOG of the m.v., "SEINE" Official.160693 of Roohester.
580
Crow:-
Master - C.V. Cogger.
j
Mate - H.L. stafford.
Engineer L., Godden,
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
Tednesday Sailed from Rochester at 7. 0 a.m. for S.R.O. Jetty,
May 22nd 1940
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived
579
614
Dynam 399 578
FROM
CAPTAIN OF DOCKYARD, CHATHAM.
DATE
17th June, 1940.
TO
ADMIRAL SUPERINTENDENT, CHATHAM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
577
Page 2 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated
14th June, 1940.
2115. Transferred all survivors to a SUN class tug. 40 ft.
motor boat making water and liable to sink. SUN tug took motor boat in tow hoping that self-bales would keep boat afloat.
2130. Abandoned 40 ft. motor boat in tow.
Monday, 3rd.
0415. Arrived Dover in tow. Secured. 0700 motor boat awash, due to leaks. 0800. Hoisted motor boat out. Crew returned to D/C motor boat.
I should like to bring to notice the coolness of Patty
Officer J. Luckins in obeying my helm orders with calm and promptitude during the extremely difficult period when the boat was being heavily attacked. on Sunday, 2nd June, Also at
Dunkirk on 29th/30th May his coolness was also noticeable.
The accurate shooting and calmmess of A.B. Cole who hit at least one enemy aircraft with the stripped Lewis gun, was very praiseworthy during the air attack on Sunday, 2nd June.
D/C.
III

SECRET
III.
No. 477.c.c./40.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
Forwarded. A letter of appreciation has been written to the Company.
2. The Officer referred to in Seine's report, on 29th May, was Lieutenant Commander
P.M. Filleul, of D.M.O's staff at Sheerness.
The Nore,
24th June, 1940.
KADMIRAL.
Yr
VICE ADMIRAL
27 JUN 1940
*
*
DOVER
123RC VII-REGHAMMOS
oner ИОС IS
Lynano
ПИОЙ SHT

616
OG of the m.v.g "SEING" Official No.160693 of Roohester.
580
j
6
Crow:-
Master - C.V. Cogger.
Mate - H.L. Stafford.
Engineer Is, Godden.
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
May 22nd 1940 Sailed from Rochester at 7. 0-a.m. for S.R.O. Jetty, ednesday
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived
579
HEAD OFFICE
MAIDSTONE OFFICE
BRICK WORKS
REGISTERED OFFICE
TELEGRAMS "BARGES" ROCHESTER
EARL STREET
OTTERHAM QUAY
12 WATER LANE. E.C.S.
TELEPHONE: STROOD 7295-6-7
TELEPHONE
RAINHAM KENT
TELEPHONE ROYAL 4214-5
NEAREST STATION STROOD SOUTHERN RY
MAIDSTONE 4022.3
TEL RAINHAM (MENT) 01151
TELEGRAMS COASTING BILGATE
LONDON & ROCHESTER TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
DIRECTORS: E.A.GILL M.I.N.A. GILL A.A.HUTSON PEARSON
SAILING & MOTOR SHIPOWNERS
CANAL ROAD
BRICK MANUFACTURERS
LIGHTERMEN AND
SAND BALLAST
GENERAL FREIGHTAGE
GRAVEL AND
CONTRACTORS
ROCHESTER
GENERAL MERCHANTS
YOUR REF.
OUR REF
DATE
EAG/CC
15th June 1940
Commander L.F.N. Ommaney.
Assistant King's Harbour Master,
H.M. Dockyard,
CHATHAM.
Dear Commander Ommaney,
You said you would like to have a sight of the reports of our men who were employed on the Dunkirk episode.
Three of our auxiliary barges were so the employed, "CABBY" the was ordered Southwards so we have been get
"THYRA" "PUDGE" and "CABBY". After unable the service to in touch with him to find out what he did.
In addition to these, our motor vessel
"SEINE" which is a Coaster of about 220 tons d.w. was also employed and I enclose also, his report.
consider they are worth the them notice on of the C. in C. perhaps you If you will be good enough to pass to him.
Yours sincerely,
VICE ADMIRAL
27 JUN 1940
*
DOVER

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LOG of the m.v.s "SÉINE" Official No.160693 of Roohester.
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in to
Crow:-
Master - C.V. Cogger,
Mate - H.L. Stafford.
Engineer L., Godden.
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
May 22nd 1940
Sailed from Rochester at 7. 0 a.m. for S.R.D. Jetty,
Tednesday
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived alongside 2.0 and waited to load.
May Thursday 23rd 1940 Lying alongside S.R.D. Jetty waiting to load.
May 24th 1940
Triday
Lying at Buoys off S.R.D. Jetty waiting to load.
May 25th 1940
Sturday
Lying at Buoys off S.R.D. Jetty waiting to load.
May 26th 1940
Sunday
Lying at Buoys waiting to load.
Orders cancelled and instructed to proceed to
Tilbury Basin.
May 27th 1940
-
Monday
Arrived at Tilbury Basin and took on board 200
lifebelts; instructed to get a month's stores on board and stand by.
May 28th 1940
Tuesday
Received orders at 3. 0 p.m. to go alongside Tilbury landing stage to be demagnetised; 11. 0 p.m. ordered to get vessel into position; 12 midnight commenced
Degaussing wired.
May 29th 1940
Wednesday
Finished Degaussing wired 6. 0 a.m. commenced loading
3,500 petrol cans of drinking water. Finished loading
10,a.m. and proceeded to Shell Mex Thames Haven and bunkered 694 gallons of Fuel and 80 gallons of paraffin.
Left at 1. 0 p.m. and arrived in Sheerness Dookyard about 3. 0 p.m. having been delayed some time outside of ccr.
Sheerness by patrol. Arrived at Sheerness and took on
FILLEUL
board one Officer and four Naval Ratings; had compass adjusted; loaded another 1700 petrol cane water ex M.T. "Hurricane" and proceeded to La Panne at 6. 0 p.m.
arrived in the Gore Channel and anohored at dark.
May 30th 1940
Aursday
Weighed anchor in Gore Channel 4. 0 a.m. off Nieuport,
Belgium about 3. 0 p.m.; bombarded by shore batteries;
arrived at Bray, France and asked French Soldiers to take water ashore for their comrades. They said they did not require water and jumped on board, letting their boats drift away. I asked some of them to take boats back to shore for the others but they did not understand me.
A little later we were informed that B.S.F. were further down Coast, we proceeded about three miles and arrived off
La Panue, enquired of British Officers if fresh water was needed, they replied in the nagative, took on board as many Soldiers 88 we could take, French and British, and
Just westward of Nieuport, bombarded again by shore proceeded back to Ramsgate, leaving about 7. Q p.m.
batteries about 16 shells being fired at us, every one midded. In crossing North Sea this night, one bomb near us and on two occasions machine gunned, dropped 1 observed no British Aeroplanes taken aboard. during no this casualties day. On this voyage 352 men were

LOG m.v. SEINE" Official No. 160693 (continued)
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May 31st 1940
Friday
At 1.30 a.m. dropped anohor off N. Goodwin, waited for daylight for Ramsgate, weighed anohor
4.30 a.m. off Ramsgate 6.30 a.m., landed our
Soldiers 8. 0 a.m. and taking with us a different
Offi cer and another four Naval Ratings, proceeded back to Dunkirk for troops. Arrived off Dunkirk about 5. 0 p.m., anchored with just enough chain to hold vessel, engine kept running; about 5.30 p.m.
20 enemy bombers appeared and performed; driven off by our warships gunfire, one being brought down;
they appeared about 20 minutes later and were again beaten off; in the meantime our anchor was weighed and we kept the vessel on the move; after they had gone we went close into the shore and picked up our full complement of troops, mostly British, and at
8. 0 p.m. proceeded to Ramsgate, not being troubled any more this day by the enemy.
We did not count our troops on this voyage but calculated their number to be 320.
June 1st 1940
Saturday
Proceeded to Ramsgate on a course get by the
Naval Lieutenant in charge, for N, Goodwin
Light-Vessel we were carried further to the South than we allowed for and struck the Goodwins; the sea was smooth and there was no wind and the tide was flowing; we knocked several times before we got off at 4. 0 a.m.
We a rrived in Ramsgate about 9. Q a.m. being delayed outside Harbour by Authortties.
We put our troops ashore about 9.30 a.m. and were told to have a couple of hours break and proceed back to Dunkirk at noon.
12 noon proceeded to Dunkirk, arrived about 8. 0
p.m., vessel very heavily bombed for over an hour, went alongside Dunkirk Pier, took on board full complement of troops, and at 9. 30 p.m. proceeded back to Ramsgate.
June 2nd 1940
Sunday
Arrived Ramsgate 7. 0 a.m. and landed our troops.
Instructed to lay off at anchor and await orders.
The crew have worked continuously throughout these operations, four days and nights, without rest.
Today we had some sleep.
June 3rd 1940
Monday
Waiting for instructions
June 4th 1940
Received orders at 4.30 p.m. to proceed to
Tuesday
Sheerness. Weighed anchor 5.15 p.m.
outside Sheerness 10.15 p.m.
June 5th 1940
Arrived Sheerness Dockyard at 8.0 a.m. and
Wednesday put remaining stores of lifebelts, petrol N. cans Wall etc. ashore. Whilst lying alongside
H.M.S. "Caliban" ran head first at our starboard quarter, denting two plates and breaking rubbing band; two plates were also dented on port quarter as a result of our vessel bumping heavily agains the piles.

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
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We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m., towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend, thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to di go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them as they had been left on the beach with 8 in for the Frenchmer to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

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On the Sunday June 2nd. we were loaded up with stores with orders
6
to tow to Dunkirk and slip the barge into Harbour and leave ner, which order was cancelled during Sunday morning, and on Monday morning they discharged the cargo again and I was ordered on
Monday afternoon to proceed to Strood, arriving at 10.30 on
Tuesday night, the 4th June under sail.
Wages received - Master £8.8s.10d.
Mate £5.14s.1d.
All the time we were at or near the shore, from 5. 0 a.m. to 2. 0 p.m.
enemy bombing continually went on and we were the target for machine gunfire three times but luckily missed the fire. About 12 noon ten R.A.F. Fighters came over and drove off about 30 bombers. I
SaW them shoot down four. Although all sorts of guns were firing all round, not one piece of shrapnel fell on board. But five bombs fell very close between us and a trawler on the way back and the barge was lifted out of the water about a foot.
Damage to barge in sundry places, grazed and spintered, bollard on the port bow badly strained and also on the starboard quarter.
The engine was also damaged,
1 - 7" and 2 - - 4" Bass ropes broken.
My full name and address is:-
Edward Walter "Rosme", Filley. 86 Jersey Road, Strood. Kent.
Mate's name:- James 87 Doherty. Dickens Road, Maidstone.

I William Watson am Master of the auxiliary barge "PUDGE".
We were requisitioned on the 29th May whilst lying outside the
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6
Millwall Dock, towed to Tilbury, given three days rations, and then to Southend. The "OCEAN COCK" towed us to Ramsgate and subsequently to Dover with the barges "DORIS" "ENA" and "TOLSBURY".
We arrived at Dover at about 2.30 on the 30th May. We lay alongside the Prince of Wales Pier for the rest of that day and were told we should probably load in the morning.
On May 31st at about 8.30 a Naval Officer called the Captains ashore and asked for Volunteers to go over to Dunkirk and said that nodody could be forced to go but he would be very grateful for any volunteers and preferred the auxiliary barges.
There were about 17 barges lying at Dover and all volunteered.
Six barges were selected, three auxiliaries and three sailing barges,
"PUDGE" "LADY ROSEBERRY" "DORIS" "H.A.C." "DUCHESS" and "THYRA".
The three auxiliary barges "THYRA" "LADY ROSEBERRY" AND "PUDGE"
each proceeded forthwith out of the harbour with the other three
-
barges in tow and were picked up by a. big tug. The tug which picked us up was the "ST. FABIAN" and the "PUDGE" was on the hook with the
"DORIS" next and the "LADY ROSEBERRY" third.
The tug which had just arrived from the South Coast gave us as big
7" wire which was made fast round the mast case, under the windlass and through the fairlead in the bowboard, and we arrived under the shore close to Dunkirk during the hours of darkness that night ( I
am not sure of the time).
We had some trouble in locating the inshore channel as the Captain of the tug did not seem to know the locality and apprently had no chart. By the time of daybreak on Saturday, we were about

three miles to the Eastward of Dungirk and there were thousands
621
of men on the shore shouting and after consulting with a Destroyer the Captain of the tug ordered me up on a short tow rope (despite
585
6
my warning them my stem might be knooked in); instructed
"LADY ROSEBERRY" to start up his engine; piok up the "DORIS"
and get ashore ready to pick up the troops.
Whilst they were doing this, I was getting my engine going and within a very few minutes by the time the "LADY ROSEBERRY" and
"DORIS" had navigated up round the head of the tug and I had slacked astern of the boat, there was a tremendous explosion and the tug had apparently been blown up by a mine. It was only half light at the time and I immediately lowered my small boat to look for any survivors.
I picked up one Stoker who subsequently proved to have a broken leg and whilst we were pulling him into the boat, another man who proved to be the Mate, climbed over the dinghy side. Just at this moment I saw another small boat pproaching and hailed them, to find that they were the crews of the two barges which had sunk in the explosion. They had scrambled aboard their boat before their barges sunk. Everything happened so quickly that it is difficult to remember everything but my barge seemed to be lifted bodily out of the water by the explosion and I was relieved when I found she was still afloat although making water badly.
By this time my barge was the only remaining vessel of the flotilla and I had the injured man aboard and there appeared to be no other survivors.

622
I applied to the Destroyer for instructions who told me to
586
proceed back with the injured man.
After we had proceeded about 5 miles, another large tug (I believe one of Watkins) picked us up and towed us back to Ramsgate where we arrived at about 11. 30 on Saturday morning. When we arrived at Ramsgate, a launch took the injured man ashore and a second boat landed the other members and I was sent to Pebble Bay, to await further instructions.
It is interesting to note that the Stoker with the broken leg was on watch in the boiler room at the time of the explosion and was blown out of the stokehold before he found himself in the water.
My crew consisted of twomen only as under:-
Captain - W. Watson. 10 Victoria Street, Strood. Kent.
Mate -
A. Hall. lives aboard the barge.