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REPORT FROM OFFICER IN CHARGE OF DRIFTERS
321
"KINDRED STAR" & "THRIFTY" during DUNKIRK OPERATIONS -
29th May to 5th June 1940.
May
29th.
Having received orders to proceed to Dover on special
duty, all M/S gear was landed, the ships were coaled
and provisioned and left Portland Harbour at 1900
May 30th. Arrived off Dover at 1730. Reported arrival to
off breakwater and await instructions.
examination vessel and was told to anchor about 19 mile
May 31st.
Having waited outside Dover Harbour all night We finally
received instructions to enter harbour and berth
alongside Prince of Wales Pier at 1400.
I reported in person to Vice Admiral Dover and was
instructed to stand by for sailing orders.
June 1st. At 0430 orders were received to report to H.M.S. "Lynx"
for final instructions. We were then given orders to
take in tow 6 Lifeboats or similar craft with each ship
and to proceed to the beach 1 mile east of Dunkirk by
route "Y".
We left Dover Harbour with boats in tow at 07 00 for
Dunkirk via North Goodwin Light Vessel.
113 O.
Passed "W" Buoy Saw floating Mine destroyed by gun fire
from another vessel.
1330.
Passed several vessels returning from direction of
Dunkirk - some with a few troops on deck, others
apparently empty.
1400.
Passed """ Buoy. Speed made good approximately 4 knots.
1430g
Saw large Ship on her side on fire and boat blazing in the
water. Shells falling very near from shore batteries.
1530.
Attacked by dive hombers. Sent oui message " attacked by
aircraft" on R/T. Our lewis guns in action.
Several vessels were seen trying 10 enter Dunkirk Roads
but all were driven back by action of enemy aircraft and
shore batteries. We altered course to bring us outside
range of shore guns.
1610.
Again attacked by dive bombers. R/Teall sent and Lewis
Guns were again inaction.
One salvo of 4 bombs struck the water just ahead of the
"Kindred Star" scorching the paint and scattering small
fragments on the deck but. doing no aparent damage.
There was another salvo of 6 bombs dripped - 3 each side
of the "Thrifty". These bonbs birst under water throwing
up great columns of water and flooding the top bridge
and decks to a depth of several feet.
Two hands were washed overboard ut these were picked up
The tows were slipped for greater safety.
by lifeboats.
One Trawler was seen to be badly it by & bomb - afterwards
We did not stop as there were oth- ships nearer to these
sinking. Another unknown vessel as blown to pieces.
1620.
Engineer vessels. on "Kindred Star"reported:hat the boiler was
losing water rapidly also the mainiteam and feed pipes
were Returned to collect tow which had attered, all except
cracked.
1730.
3 R/T signal to Dover asking nstructions re these
lifeboats having returned indepently. for
1800.
Sent lifeboats but no reply was received.
1830.
Tow attacked by dive bombing aircra two near attacks "V" buoy. by
was slipped attheir request.
Lewis bombing aircraft, but no amage was sustained.
Again Guns again in action, also further her
high Entered Ramsgate Harbour and blew downoiler on "Kindred
Star" in order to effect repairs.