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Dynams 146.
355
H.M.S. "WILDFIRE",
Sheerness.
June 5th, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of certain
proceedings affecting H.M.T. "Strathelliot" on May 30th and 31st,
June 1st and 2nd 1940.
Acting on orders received from P.M.S.O., Sheerness, I
repaired on board H.M.T. "Strathelliot" at 10.30 May 30th with
instructions to escort a convoy of motor cruisers to Ramsgate. The
executive signal was received at 1410, anchor was immediately weighed
and the convoy was picked up at 1430.
The route ordered was via 33 QZS, but as certain boats had
proceeded into the Princes Channel, I ordered course to be laid through
that channel so that we should not lose touch with them. At 1550 we
hove to and took in tow two disabled boats - the "Skylark" and
Court Belle II" - proceeding at 1635. At 1800, we again hove to to
await boats astern, and they coming up, we took in tow the "Mary Rose",
proceeding at 1840. At 1845 we were again compelled to stop, as
certain other vessels were in trouble, but these being taken in tow by
others, we got under way again at 1910.
Our orders were to close the Examination Vessel off the
N. Goodwin L.V. for instructions, but, as we approached we received
orders by R/T to prodeed to Ramsgate and to report to the N.O.I.C.
there. We arrived off Ramsgate about 2200 and came to anchor -
ordering all motor boats to make fast to the trawler. I then went
aboard motor boat "Forty Two", whose officer was a Lieutenant R.N.R.
in aommand of the boats and put off to search for three boats lost
in the darkness. These we fortunately picked up near the Gull Buoy
and escorted to the "Strathelliot". I then went ashore in "Forty Two"
and reported to the N.O.I.C. at 2305.
I was then ordered ny him to escort the convoy to Dunkerque,
but having received orders from Sheerness to return, I requested
permission to telephone Sheerness for confirmation. This being given,
I collected orders, route orders and charts, being ordered to sail
immediately. I then returned to the "Strathelliot" and asked the
Lieutenant R.N.R. to call all the officers in command of motor boats
to the trawler. They were then given orders and charts so that in
the event of their losing touch with the escort, they would be able
to proceed alone.
I arranged to hoist a red lantern of low visibility in the
trawler, so that boats could keep in touch with us in the dark and
slao arranged certain signala which were to be made on our siren to
cause the convoy to heave to, to proceed or to ease down. I gave
orders to be prepared to move off at 0200 and the officer returned to
their boats. There were eight defective boats to be towed and
arrangments were made as to which hoats were to do the towing. In the
darkness however, it was impossible to hold to these arrangements,
but all the defective boats were taken in tow by others. Anchor was
weighed at 0205 and the convoy proceeded to sea.
At the North Goodwins L.V., the convoy was hove to and all
ships accounted for; course then being set vis U.V. and W. buoys for
Dunkerque roads. The seas had by this time become very heavy, due to a
The towing was causing considerable damage to the boats, although speed
strong N.W. breeze and the boat's crews were suffering great discomfort.
was reduced to two knots and at 0640 the "Skylark's" towing bollard
tore away and she was taken in tow stern first - there being no other
point forward at which the towing wire could be secured.