TNA Unclassified 1

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
X3+30
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 107. 447
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 68 405
M.T.B. 67, 443
M.T.B. 16,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
CHICO
D.C.M.B., 484
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 476
M.A.S.M. No.7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8.V487
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
493
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
WEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
TARANSAY

2.
364
342
Greatly to the Waster's disappointment, X 213's machinery was not in a good enough condition for her to be used.
78. Owing to a misunderstending, not here, which I have been unable to trace, the motor boats which should have hours later. Suspecting that the fifth column was at work reached Sheerness from the Thames Adid not arrive until 24 Lou 30ᵗʰ hi
I informed your Chief of Staff, D.S.V.P., V.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C.s Ramsgate and Margate of the circumstances, and of my intention to ignore any such messages. No possible harm could have been done by sending boats on, at any rate as far as Ramsgate. Had these boats not been delayed, they would have been available on the last day on which evacuation from the beaches was still going on. Some of them were employed on the last two days in the vicinity of Dunkirk.
8. The type of machinery fitted in many of the boats and its defective state, presented F.E.O. and Sheerness Dockyard with some difficult problems and a great deal of hard work, which was tackled, night and day, with great zeal and energy.
Some of the boats broke down later on, much to the disappointment of their crews, who had done their best. Most of them, I think succeeded in joining other boats and making at least one trip to the French coast.
9. The total number of craft prepared for service and sent out from Sheerness was as follows:-
100 Motor Boats
10 Lighters
7 Schuits
1 Oil tanker
6 Paddle Steamers
10. On Sunday June 2nd, having got away all the personnel and everything afloat that was sufficiently in good condition to do useful service, I went to Ramsgate with Commander Troup, arriving about 1600, in order to help N.O.I.C. and to endeavour to assist in the cooperation of motor boats with larger vessels.
I went in with a group of Schuits and slow motor boats to the beach at St. Malo les Bains, where a British Officer who had just got back reported that there were British troops who had been unable to get into Dunkirk. None were found. I
have no doubt however from later enquiries that they had got into the town. A volunteer whose name I have not yet been able to get, landed from one of the Schuits and walked along the beach to make sure there were none left. We brought him off and his boat's crew, and a number of French soldiers who were pulling for England in a small boat.
Commander Troup took the fast Army motor boats into
Dunkirk alongside the centre pier and brought off 79 French troops when his boat was rammed by a French tug and had to be abandoned.
11.
On Monday night I took a group of slow otor boats up to the Quay Felix Faure, at the top of Dunkirk harbour.
I went on ahead in the fast boat "Marlborough" to identify the quay. The motor boats were led in by the "Mermaiden",
Sub Lieut who did very well to find the place in the dark. 300 French Marines were embarked in the motor boats and a French Trawler. Their bearing was excellent.
As the quay was now clear, and machine gun fire was getting a little near, I decided not to get the motor boats back on the chance of another load of troops. At had the misfortune to scrape over some masonry that had fallen this period through no fault of the Officer at the wheel, we from the quay, losing our propellers and rudder.
Sidmonth- willing (Sea cader lical

2.
368
/
Quai Felix Faure, June 3rd - 4th.
- 346
For the final evacuation, 12 of the best slow motor boats were to proceed on tow to Dunkirk and thence to the
Quai Felix Faure some way up the main harbour. I started in the leading motor boat but transferred to the Army fast boat "Marlborough", in order that I might if possible get into contact with the French Naval Authorities and make sure we had got to the right places, and also to give us a boat to get away in, leaving the motor boats free for ferrying.
2. Our quay was not easy to identiy, even in the light that remained, and I was very glad that I had gone ahead of the tow. The quay was deserted, but after a time some troops passed along the road in rear, on their way to the Avant
Port. Sub Lieutenant Karminsky who came ashore with me as interpreter, tried to find someone to tell me whether we had got to the right place but received the reply # sorry
I'm a stranger" Eventually we found we were correct.
About 2300, 300 French Marines arrived and explained that they were all we had to take off. Then followed a good rad.
half hour of waiting for the motor boats, which had been delayed on passage. I sent the "Marlborough" to look for them, and soon after 2330 was relieved to see them coming.
The leading boat "Mermaiden" Sub Lieutenant
Beale had done very well to find the place in the dark. Some of the boats had missed their way and no doubt went into the Avant Port where I expect they did good work. My anxieties were entirely relieved by the arrival of a large
French trawler, who took all that the motor boats could not and had room for more. Sub Lieut. Karminsky tried to induce the Officer of some troops returning along the road to embark, but they said they had their orders and could not vary them.
3. By about 0200 the quay was clear and as machine-gun fire was getting a little near I decided not to get the motor boats alongside this part of the harbour on the chance of another load and so re-embarked in the "Marlborough" and started to move down harbour. In avoiding two French vessels, we had the misfortune to strike a heap of fallen masonry which removed our propellers and rudder. After some adventures fully described in the attached narrative by
Sub Lieut. Edge-Partington, we got a tow and returned to
Dover.
4.
The three Officers in the boat with me were Sub
Lieuts. Don, Edge-Partington, and Pool. All did well, and showed coolness and resource in the somewhat interesting situation in which we found ourselves.
5.
The report from "Mermaiden" has not yet been received. The Sub Lieut. in command did well, and his name also deserves mention.
Rear Admiral.
D.M.O.
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.

390
-
(-2-)
367
Sub.Lieuts.Don, Edge- artington and Pool, Coptein,
Navigator and Coxswain of the Army fast boat "Marlborough"
in which I sailed on 3rd.-4th. All these showed themselves good officers and remained cool and resourceful in the somewhat interesting situation in which we found ourselves.
Sub. Lieut. Pool, while I was ashore looking for the
French Marines, took a rench motor Bicycle, started it with the help of the Stoker and rode round to see what was happening. I would not have allowed him to go but
B.
I am delighted to find we have young Officers of his spirit.
Sub.Lieut.
on 3rd.took the motor yacht "Mermaiden", leading the rest, up to the
Quai Felix Faure under very difficult conditions. He wait took off one load of Marines and came back again in time to tow out an Admiral's barge that had broken down.
I have not yet received the report which will be forwarded when it comes.
26.
landed from the Schuit on
2nd.-3rd, walked along the beach at St. Malo les Bains to make sure no troops were there. Subsequently went to help the motor launch "Singapore" which was aground, although it was daylight, and finally came away with me.
This gentleman was a member of one of the yachting accociations and I hope it may be possible to trace him.
6.
Although the following Officers did not come under my personal observation, I was in close touch with them at
Sheerness, and draw attention to their names in case their names have not been brought forward elsewhere.
CommanderE.C.Cordeaux, Senior Officer, "Eagle"
minesweepers. He was of much assistance to me personally in promulgating the instructions given to the motor boats.
from his full knowledge of the situation on the beaches.
Lieutenant A. Tyson, in command of Schuit "Neiger".
lie did at least five trips between Sheerne und the beaches, he missed the operation on 2nd-3rd and I did
A.
not therefore meet him in action, but I formed a very favourable impression of him.
7.
A
list of all R.N..R.N.R.,R.N.V.R. taking part and civilians who signed on for the operation is attached.
(Sgd) Taylor.
*Sea Cadeb Sidmoult Willing

398
5.
exception of the one I towed back (MERMAIDEN).
(a) As regards recommendations for officers and ratings who did well during these operations, the following officers known to me did well: but I am unable to say whether they did better than many others who must of necessity remain anomymous, since there was no time to collect names. I can only say that, frompersonal observation, the spirit, both of young officers and ratings was magnificient. One had only to ask for volunteers for crews to receive more applications than were necessary.
(b) Officers names.
Lieutenant J.V. WILKINSON R.N.J
Lieutenant R.E. LLOYD R.IN.
Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.O. R.N.R.J
Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD R.N.R.J
Lieutenant WALKER R.N.V.R.:
Lieutenant J.E.L. MARTIN R.N. (late "Pelican")
Lieutenant FLETCHER R.N.R. (late at Invergordon)
(a) I also respectfully submit for Their Lordships consideration that letters of appreciation might be written as follows:-
To The London Fire Brigade
.) for the services of their fire-float LADY MASSEY (?)
The Alexander Towage Company
) for the services of their
H.J. Alexander the St John: Wharf- Wapping E.I. tugs SUN, SUN IV, & SUN IV.
The Watkins Tug & Towage Company) for the services of their
Natkurs Ltd 112 Funchusch st- London E.C.S.
tug TANGA.
(b) As regards the tug RACIA of the Watkins Company, the master of this vessel was obviously unwilling to go over to Dunkirk, although he did actually go on the nights of 31st. May and 3rd. June. On the 3rd of June he was under the orders of Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.JO.
R.N.R.
(c) The spirit of the masters and crews of the other tugs (especially the SUN tugs) was excellent. The owner of the Alexander Tug
Company was himself the captain of the tug SUN IV, and a young
Trinity House pilot volunteered to navigate this tug throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot remember his name.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
Managina to inector
Edward. K.
Commander R.N.)

583
r contd.
and steering and was with tola jury the rmudder. craft would Berthed in Ramsgate nardou morning be repaired 8.8 soon
I again left that in the evening with a War Dept Motor Boat arriv
Dunkirk late evening and troops were again transfer the larger ships. When this operation was completed at sho
2am a return was made to Ramsgate. On Tuesday the 4th June ordered to return to sheerness, out a few minutes before the Petty Officer on the' Mermaiden" advised me he was nel having an officer to navigate the vessel back to weymouth myseli to Commander ----- R.N. for this Job and was told we left at 8pm that night and arrived and perthed at weym the next day wednesday 5th June 1940.
Leck

556
H.A.S. HORNE LDG. Six
R.F.R. B.16726,
JUNE 13TH 1940.
M.L. MERHAIDEN, c/o HOTER EDNARD
Dury PERFORMED 34 M.A. MERMAIDEN WEYMOUTH DORSET
AT EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
of 6.30PM.A procession to.) met May
& 2 D.10
Wed 29/5/40, went to Sharmes, There 80/5/40, of was put 555
Winest resuain ith of a small open motor boat named Two Revers:
X of Ho known) (Christian to drive name the & molor, off be and not Sea known) horris and RNRof molored howshoff 90%
Ldg Sho Williams of Devenport RNB. (Chrishian name to allowal ach, sharted arriving at Dunkirk early hours of Frid morning roby b Dunkish to help evacuale she Goldiers from the in to bring of Proces
Lighter Y C 72
offree in charge dent Mortimore RNR
We Left Sheenen about 1.20PM on the 30/5'4 4a arrive at Ramsale X ancher about 8PM weaks food
We left arain about 10PM for Dundur, but the weather became jerry we ancher about IAM
About JAM, the per lifted & we proceed an our every to Dunkuk were we non Set arrived East End of Dunkuh about # ats / clink
+ anchored, the weather was a With chapper.
about 5PM Sat the solders started comin in the sheff to get about & when we left then wouldn't be a salder -1 be thout seen for about 50 yds when side of us, so
7.15PM. sat. we got up ankon of just as -we got about out and JAM. Dunkin, 1.6.40 we we brake took rown, 2 Boate ss - we Your androw of waited for & bug I come from
Ramsgele + tow us we arrive theerness about 0.6.60 8AM
We left Ramigate in your for tood when we got, to theemess we
Considery the the young crew they were very good
Yc 72 to chalhan

or
83
contd.
morning and steering and was with tola jury the rmudder. craft would Berthed in Ramsgate hardour left that evening with be repaired 8.B soon as
I Dunkirk again late in the evening and a War Dept Motor Boat arrivi
When this troops were again transfer the larger ships. operation was completed at sho
2am a return was made to Ramsgate. On Tuesday the 4th June ordered to return to Sheerness, out a few minutes before 0
the Petty Officer on the" Mermaiden" advised me he was neld having an officer to navigate the vessel back to weymouth, myself to Commander ----- R.N. for this Job and was told 1
we left at 8pm that night and arrived and berthed at weym the next day wednesday 5th June 1940.
LeaR

588
556
W.A.S. HORNE LDG. SFO.
R.F.R. B.16726,
JUNE 13th 1940.
M.L. TERMAIDEN, c/o HOTER EDNARD
DUTY PERFORMED By M.A. MERMAIDEN WEYMOUTH DORSET.
AT EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
eft of 6.30 processes to.) met Myzz
& 1 & Maidi RNR
A Wed 29/5/40, went to Sharrneys, Thurs 80/5/40, of was put
555 allmed reswain with of a small open moher boat named Two Revers:
P.H. yoto of Christian to drive name the & moher, off be and not Sea known) horris name of howshoff off known) Ldg Sho Williams of Devenport Christian to allowal ach, rood b Dunkish to help evacuak she Goldiers and molored from the in i sharted arriving to bring at Dunkirk early hours of Frid morning l of Proofs b HMS.Wimchelson
Dauting
Lighter Y C 72
I
553
offree in charge Lent Mortimore RNR
We Left Sheenen about 1.20PM on the 30/5 40
x arrive at Ramsgale X anoher about 2PM weath good
We left asain about 10PM for Dundur, but the weather became joyy we anchor about 14M
About JAM, the for lifted a we proceed an our every to Dunkuk were we non Saf arraved East End of Dunkuk about # or civel
,
+ anchored, the weather was a lettle chopher.
about 5PM Sat the solders started comin in the sheff to get about & when we left then wouldn't be a salder 1 be seen for about 50 yds when side of us, so thout
7.15PM. sat. we got up anks of just as we got out and Dunkin, we took Boate is - we Your about 3AM. 1.6.40 we brake avoun, and or + of waited for a bug to come from
Ramsgele + tow us we are & theerness about 0.6.40 8AM
We left Ramigate in Tow for when we got to theiress we took
Considery the the young crew they were very good
Yc 72 k chalthan

$ 10
5
83
contd.
and steering and was with told jury the rmudder. craft would Berthed in Ramsgate harbo morning left that be repaired.8.8 soon
I again late in the evening with a War Dept Motor Boat arri
Dunkirk when evening and troops were again transfer the larger ships. this operation was completed at si
2am 8. return was made to Ramsgate. On Tuesday the 4th Jur ordered to return to Sheerness, out a few minutes before the Petty Officer on the" "Mermaiden" advised me he was ne having an officer to navigate the vessel back to weymout myseli to Commander ----- R.N. for this Job and was told we left at 8pm that night and arrived and perthed at wey the next day wednesday 5th June 1940.
List

588
556
W.A.S. HORNE LDG. Sio
R.F.R. B.16726,
M.L. MERHAIDEN,
JUNE 13th 1940.
c/o HOTER EDNARD
WEYMOUTH
DUTY PERFORMED 34 M.A. MERMAIDEN DORSET
AT EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
eft Heyminth of 6.30PM.H processes to.) met May to
& l & Maid one ymouth
555 advist
A
Wed 29/5/40, went to Sharmes, There 80/5/40, of was put okswain of a small open moha boat named Two Revers:
ith Ldg Sho Williams of Devenport RNB Christian name off to allowal
R.H.
of known) to drive the molor, and Sea forris RNRof Lowsboff pho Christian name & off be not known) and molored in robe b Dunkish to help evacuak she Goldiers from she ach, arriving at Dunkish early hours of Frid morning
. Send sharted to bring of Proofs S.Winchelsea See on Revisions
S..l 0 Q Link hiers a iteamshis I decided
Lighter YC 72
585
officer in change Least Mostimore RNR
554
Left Wingmouth 29. 5.40
cture Sheerness - " -
Left - 30 -
Amount Ramgots 30-5-40
Left 30.5.40
Avenue Dunkerk EAST 11.5 40
Left with Soldins 7.30.31.5.40
Arme Ramogote 1.6.40
Left for shenness 6.6.40
of chalhan
Liftchathan for Weynoult job complete
7.6.40
h Amer P.O.
the crew played their Pack very well endeed considery they were young.

$ 16
contd.
morning and steering and was with told jury the rmudder. craft Berthed in Ramsgate
I again left that evening with would be repaired.a.s nardour soon
Dunkirk late in the evening a War Dept Motor Boat 3.8 %
the larger ships. and troops were again transferre arrivina
2am a return was made When this operation was completed at ordered to to Ramsgate. On Tuesday the 4th June shortly the return to Sheerness, out a few minutes before due
Petty Officer on the Mermaiden" advised me he was neld having an officer to navigate the vessel back to weymouth. up 1
myseli to Commander ----- R.N. for this Job and was told to we left at 8pm that night and arrived and perthed at weymouth the next day wednesday 5th June 1940.

W.A.S. HORNE LDG. So
R.F.R. B.1672
M.L. MERMAIDE
JUNE 13th 1940.
c/o HOTER E.)
WEYMOUT
DUTY PERFORMED 34 M.L. MERMAIDEN DORS
AT EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
Lept Heyminth of procession to.) we
& / 2 Maid RNR
Wed 29/5/40, went to Sharmes, There 30/5/40, of was put 555
am its Ldg Sho Williams of Devenport RNB. (Chrishian name 098- to kswain of a small open moha boat named Two Revers:
all to (Chrissian name & off be not known) and molored known) to drive the mober, and Sea horris RNRof Lowshoff
Lobs b Dunkish to help evacuak she Goldiers from she to ch, sharted arriving at Dunkirk early hours of frid morning beach to bring of Proofs b HMS.Winchelsea See eng on prove camships m work the under surf East of the which Dunkirk be was of piers presty her as a heavy 4 Heamship gave of some logh f decided to shelter one of
P
falls which were hanging from her davits
In heligged has as a boat rope made first to the s/s sterm get our boat out clean of he Gurf, bout
/
chelsea in she morning when going in from the we out which I think was lowing to the shock of for load of Folders our engine k
coge explosion of the bombs which in is were the dropping
9
a around, we carried on beach of raded up with Goldiers hauled out our boat be per
4 boat cope regged to the Oftern of the steamship who gnabed to motor lannch which gave us her sofe d howed us to the Winchelsea and continued lo low when going alonglide of Winchelsea with the last load to and fro, all the daywill lake in the evening
6
eart ordered us she Crew of the: Two Rivers abound nk ach h Dover and then went on to Pharmeses ready
Gless and could only drift about we were brought with the molor broke down and baking we were and ady to take another boat acrosses if needed

$ 10
5
83
contd.
morning and steering and was with tola jury the rmudder. Berthed in Ramsgate
I again left that craft would be repaired,8.8 na
Dunkirk late in the evening with a War Dept Motor Boat BOOK
the larger evening and troops were again tran a
2am ships. when this operation was completed at
8. return was made to Ramsgate. On Tuesday the 4th:
ordered to return to Sheerness, but a few minutes before the Petty Officer on the Mermaiden" advised me he was I
having an officer to navigate the vessel back to weymou myself to
587
W.o.d
TO
we lei the ne
The crew behaved extrements well in duty carrying on all the while and continual air bombardment T machis fire from shore bathery firing across to the finish and being web through 4
noh stopping or having anything to eat all she croldiers had to be dragged a had to wode out in the our up at times to get to our boar. and with their equipment on were helpless in she was
G.B Phomas Sea P.O.R.N.

588
556
Dour on ass
W.A.S. HORNE LDG. Sto
R.F.R. B.16726, sferred
JUNE 13th 1940.
M.L. MERHAIDEN, shortl c/o HOTER EDNARD
Tune
WEYMOUTH
'e due
DUTY PERFORMED 34 M.A. MERMAIDEN DORSET
held
AT EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
up uth.
d to
X HymmI of 6.30PM.T processes to.) met May under command of Lunt. Maitin R.N.R.
doing followed 1) wh Rilot boots to Doves a advist er
Mar Doves of 3.0 P.M. May 3th
&
the
In Afastin was released from as on allowal from we of Dover to go do another this he who
Pensioner Petty Coffices Norton was then in board command of The boat.
to their
We completed with spel 9 waver & provisions overca
& loft Joves for Junkish 31ˢᵗ May.
her, an unwerstful shif to Dunkish, snop) for
R
off fowing difficulties with Tage dowing small crager, we were under one own faver.
We saw Ting ship so book in stow, & permits we were heal Smkirk.
The Tag made any a we and not know while we were, so me had to hang alound until class broke.
as alown was bleaking we got under way a steamed for a awl red glow which we could see in She custance, & which we sook for Dunkisk.
asked then if May well going to Sunkish,
We sighted two Belgian fishing boats, &
They were so we followed
Jast apterwards we hade contact with

598
with unering accuracy Our 'quai' at which an aircraft appeared dropping parachute Hares.
had seen working. During the whole operation however, smoker only ac two. thirty the tugs rounded all small boats remaining and proceeded down the channel, up a a transler bearning down on us. rau into the wreck be clear of au viiinity by daybrak. fust before leaving 6
and later proceeded on her way.
outside in entrance but she appeared to be undawaged just as we were being left behind and extent of One damage forward was uncertain. one of tugs waited for us is catch up and took us in Tow, was by this time daybreak and wort chips were clear
Due channel; we remained in Tow whil we arrived
Ramogate. very surprisingly we were unne olested by air on are way back.
It should be mentioned less the am vigore with which Due volunteer crew played their seen par without acm are 'Mermaiden' would not have again.
CiBeale.
St.
9 VI 40.

598
with had been unerring working. accuracy During Our 'quai' at which aircraft appeared dropping an parachute whole operation, Hares. however, an smoker only small be clear boats remaining an and proceeded down the up all ac two. thirty the tugs rounded a outside Ou entrance bearning down on us. rau into the before week leaving trawler of viiinity by daybrak. fure about and later but she appeared to be undaw orgid put proceeded on her way.
as we were being left behind and in extent of One damage forward was uncertain. one of
33
tugs waited for us to catch up and took us in Tru was by this time daybreak and wort chips were clear
Due channel; we remained in Tow until we arrived
Ramogate. very surprisingly we were unm olested by air on are way back.
It should be mentioned less the we vigore with which Due volunteer crew played their seen pay without new are 'Mermaiden' would not have again-
E'S
CiBeale.
S/L.
9,vi.40.
boaining had be aircraft ancrien small