Also known as

No aliases recorded.

Contest

ORDE: 1 · SCSL: 0 · Lloyd’s: 0 · Red List: 0
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ORDE Registry

1 record

1 potential matching record has been identified.

These records may contain vessel particulars, reported movements, participation assessments, named personnel and source references. A match does not by itself prove that the vessel participated in Operation Dynamo.

“Potential match” means a candidate returned by one or more indexing rules; it is not necessarily an exact identity match. Depending on the source, matching may use a normalised vessel name, a partial text or OCR hit, an alias, or related metadata. Roman-numeral suffixes such as I, II, III, IV and V may be absent, misread or separated from the base name, so records for similarly named vessels can be grouped incorrectly. Multi-word names can also produce candidates where only one significant word matches. Confirm the full name, numeral, vessel type, dimensions, builder, ownership, dates and source context before treating two records as the same vessel.

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Small Craft Service List

0 records

0 potential matching records have currently been identified.

Further indexing may identify service-list entries, vessel metadata, source-page references and protected full-size document images. The absence of a current match does not establish that no relevant source exists.

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No Small Craft records.

Red List (1939–40) — OCR

0 records

0 potential matching records have currently been identified.

Further indexing may identify OCR text matches, source files, page references and digitised page imagery. The absence of a current match does not establish that no relevant source exists.

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Ship Details

These details have been aggregated from multiple sources and may include contemporary records, later recollections, claims or assertions for which no corroborating evidence has been identified. Inclusion does not establish that any account or assertion is accurate. The information may be incomplete, out of date, disputed or incorrect and should be checked against the underlying source records and independent evidence before being relied upon.

  • Ship type: MN Harbour Tug

Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939)

Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.

No Lloyd’s records.

Document Collections — Tagged Pages

16 pages

Imaged document collections containing pages whose OCR text or table data has been tagged with the name Contest. Open a collection to view the page images and transcriptions.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Details
Page 210
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OCR text
CONTEST
Tug (Elliott Steam
Tug Co. Ltd.)
H.J. Bates, Master
31st May
1900
Picked up crew of a drifter sunk in
an air raid off Dunkirk (see Sun XI)
S/Lt. M.H.B. Solomon, R.N.V.R. states:
At Ramsgate, 1st June 1940.
1400
Commandeered tug "Contess" [?Contest]
but crew deliberately put tug aground
and made every possible obstruction
to impede the sailing of same.
1700
Although tug "Contess" [?Contest]
was afloat, engineer refused to put
the ship to sea, as he claimed his
I
filters would be blocked by sand.
Authority - - R.O.III, p.314.
206
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Page 264
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OCR text
DUKE(1)
Tug (Saml. Williams &
Sons Ltd.)
B.P. Mansfield, Captain.
31st May
1030
Left Gravesend. Dagenham for Southend, via
Left Southend, for Ramsgate, towing
2000
the S/B Ashingdon.
Entered Ramsgate harbour having left
the barge in the Downs.
1st June
0920
With 4 naval ratings on board, sailed
from Ramsgate, with the tug Princess,
both tugs towing the I.O.W. ferry
boat Fishbourne.
1030ca
Put the Duke's tow rope into the
Princess and went ahead.
[1120ca
The Princess's tow rope broke. She
got another connected.]
1250ca
The Commander on board the Fishbourne
ordered the Duke to contact the
tug Sun III and her 4 sailing barges.
Did so, and took the S/B Haste Away
from the Sun III.
Bad visibility, lost contact with
other tugs and the Fishbourne.
-
The S/B Ada Mary having twice broken
away from the Sun III, the Duke took
her in tow.
1440ca
Approx. 2 miles from Dunkirk. Air raid
in progress. Picked up 20 soldiers
from a drifting life boat and left
20 others and 1 naval rating for the
Sun III to pick up.
1620ca
Took from the dr. Basilisk's lifeboat
11 ratings and 1 midshipman; their
lifeboat was then put astern of the
2 sailing barges.
1705
Directed by 2 aircraft to set course
1815ca
south, and was led to two lifeboats.
The Sun IIItook the larger; the
Duke took from the other, 11
Spaniards and 1 Canadian.
2020ca
Another S/B [the Shannon broke adrift
from the Sun III and the Duke took
her in tow.
2nd June
0600ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Small craft were
sent out to take off the 44 survivors.
0730ca
The Duke left the 3 sailing barges off
the Downs, and went into harbour.
0830ca
Was sent out to fetch the Fishbourne
This was done. [See tug Princess]
into harbour, as she was disabled.
3rd June
0800(2)
Proceeded with the tug Contest to
Shoeburyness.
Total 44
Authority W.W.
(1) (2) Not TugsPrince mentioned and in Princess D.R. state they left in company with the
Contest at 1115.
259
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Page 349
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OCR text
FOSSA
Tug (Gaselee & Son Ltd.)
S/Lt. M.H.B. Solomon,
R.N.V.R.
1st June
1400
G. Finch, Master.
S/Lt. Solomon, at Ramsgate,
commandeered the tug Contest, but the
crew refused to sail.
1700
He then commandeered the tug Fossa and
2000ca
took in tow the M/B Thetis (1), which
he "manned with 1 petty officer and
2 sea scouts", and sailed for
Dunkirk. [The 2 sea scouts were
Messrs. T. Towndrow and S. Brown of
the 1st Mortlake Sea Scout Group.
(See under Thetis)]
2nd June
0000
Arrived Dunkirk. S/Lt. Solomon went
ashore as Liaison Officer (and
French interpreter) and left orders
for the M/B to load at least 300
troops into the Fossa.
[The M/B's steering cable broke on
the 1st trip into the harbour.]
The Fossa embarked troops from the
Mole and proceeded, taking in tow the
disabled M/B and an open naval
motor cutter loaded with French
troops.
0350
Outside Dunkirk harbour, the Fossa
ran aground.
The G/B Locust could not get in
close enough to tow offthe Fossa.
The M.L.C.21 unsuccessfully attempted
to tow her off. The M.L.C.21 then
embarked about 100 of the Fossa's
troops and her crew, and landed
1415
them at Ramsgate.
Nil
Authority - Gaselee & Son Ltd.
R.O.III, p. 314.
(1) calls this the "Therune", Gaselee & but son no Ltd. M/B report of that
S/Lt. that name Solomon can be Finch traced. towed Messrs. over only 1 M/B, the name of
which Capt. he does not know.
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Page 429
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OCR text
Tug (saml. Williams &
J. Benson, Master.
Sons Ltd.
1000ca
Left Dagenham for Southen via
Gravesend.
sist May
1330
Left Southend for Ramegate towing the
S/B Basildon. (2)
1830
Ramsgate. Left the barge in the Downs.
0930ca
with 2 naval ratings on board, left
Ramsgate, with the ferry boat
Jone
Fishbourne in tow [the tuga Duke and
Princess also had her in tow, but
neither of these vessels mentions
the Prince].
2300
2 miles off Dunkirk. Ordered by Fish-
bourne to return to Ramsgate, "as
soon as possible as enemy aircraft
were about".
0730ca
Arrived Ramsgate.
- June
1115ca
Proceeded to Southend with the tug
June
Contest and thence to Dagenham.
Nil
Authority - W.W.
& Capt. Not mentioned Benson says in D.R. it the "Bassildon".
was
409
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Page 430
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Table OCR
PRINCESS(1) 1) Sons Ltd.) Wallis, Master
1000 Left end. Dagenham for Southend via
31st May 1335 Graves- Left way Southend assisted for Ramsgate. On the the
S/B Ashington. tug Duke to tow the
d/ 1845 Ramsgate harbour.
1st June 0930 Left boat Ramsgate, picking up the and Fishbourne. Took her in ferry tow proceeded to Dunkirk.
- Two of miles off Dunkirk, "the Commander the Fishbourne ordered us to
alter course and tow back to Ramsgate harbour, which we did". [but see Dube"] While towing the Fishbourne
to and from Dunkirk, all the ropes which we had aboard S.T. Princess were broken"
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Page 198
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OCR text
Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
SUN XI
& Co., Ltd.)
J.R. Lukes, Master.
2330
30th May
Left for Tilbury, Ramsgate. towing 3 sailing barges
1300
31st May
1530
Arrived Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Dover.
Dover with barges.
Sailed with a lighter, loaded with
1730
Arrived Dunkirk. A M/B took over the
stores and cans of water, in tow.
1800
Proceeded. lighter and beached her.
1900
Air attack. A drifter was sunk; the
1930
tug Contest picked up her crew.
Passed the tugs Sun XV, Sun VIII and
Sun IV going in.
2300
"Sorry for them, glad to get out".
Arrived North Goodwin. Anchored
inside S. Brake at 2400.
1st June
2130
Berthed a destroyer [the Worcester]
which had been in collision inside
Dover harbour.
2155ca
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and pick
up anything.
2400
Off North Goodwin, there were seven
tugs, in single line ahead, viz. the
Challenge, Ocean Cock, Crested Cock,
Fairplay I, Sun VII, Sun XI, Sun XII.
2nd June
0200
Sighted small lights. Found a large
Govt. lighter Y.C.63 broken down
and full of wounded and troops.
Among them was "Captain (D) of the
19th Flotilla whose destroyer
[ the Keith had blown up".
0230
Took Y.C.63 in tow.
0630
Arrived Dover. Berthed lighter.
1400
Captain Fraser R.N. came on board.
1500ca
Left Dover, towing 4 boats, (1)
followed by tugs Sun X, Fairplay I and
Foremost 87.
[2115ca]
Foremost 87 picked up 6 life boats full
of wounded and survivors [from H/C
Paris] and turned back.
2245
Anchored west of Dunkirk Mole. Sun x
alongside. Embarked troops from M/B's
2330
Ordered inside the harbour to refloat
a grounded transport. Too shallow.
Transferred her troops by M/B's.
3rd June
0245
Went inside harbour again to assist a
sloop. Low water, went aground. Had
to back out.
0330
Daybreak. Full of troops, proceeded,
with a large life boat full of troops
in tow and also one small one
[the M/B Skylark III]
0900
Arrived Dover. Unloaded 188 troops.
Total 188
Authority W.W.
(1) One of which was the M. L/B Michael Stephens [and probably
the Southern Queen, and Jane Holland].
190
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Page 256
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OCR text
TUGS
THE FOLLOWING TUGS TOOK PART
IN OPERATION DYNAMO:
William Watkins Ltd.
Cervia
Kenia
Doria
Persia
Fabia
Racia
Fairplay I(1)
Tanga
Foremost 87(1)
Vincia
Java
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd.
Sun
Sun VIII
Sun III
Sun X
Sun IV
Sun XI
Sun V
Sun XII
Sun VII
Sun XV
The Gamecock Steam Towing Co.
Crested Cock
Ocean Cock.
Gaselee and Son Ltd.
Fossa
Saml. Williams and Sons Ltd.
Duke
[Marquis] (2)
Prince
Princess
Elliot Steam Tug Co. Ltd.
Challenge
Contest
United Towing Co. Ltd.
Empire Henchman
Southern Railway Co. Ltd.
Foremost 22
(1) Managed by W. Watkins Ltd.
(2) Left Ostend at 2200 on 26th May. There is no record of
her having taken part in Dynamo.
244
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Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA ADM 199 795 page 21 icon
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OCR text
CONFIDENTIAL.
MESSAGE 0746/3rd June
OUT.
To. V.A. Dover, 438.
Date 3.6.40
Repeated C. in C. Nore. 922.
20
C. in C. Portsmouth. 245,
F.O. 1/c London.
Commodore 1/c Sheerness. 618.
F.O.1/c Portland. 567.
N.O.i/c Ramegate.
N.O.1/c Newhaven.
War Office.
P/L BY T/P
From Admiralty.
IMPORTANT.
Reference Admiralty mesuage 2321/1,
instructions regarding disposal of tugs and lighters
should be amended as follows so far as craft named
are concerned:-
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
CHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA
Gravesend - -
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COCK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOCK,
They should be utilised as fully as possible
SUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
for towage of craft or boats to be returned to
the Thames or elsewhere en route.
(ii) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
D. of S.T. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENCHMAN to Portsmonth with barges
SNOWDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These carges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANGA on 29th May.
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) Below
(b) FOREMOST 37 to Weymouth with any convenient
sufficiently seaworthy, for towage as in (1)
(c) FAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if
above. (d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges SARK and
SHETLAND. These barges ware left at Dover on
20th May by FOREMOST 87.
(iii) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 23 should return to
station at Southend and Newhaven respectively
taking any convenient tow.
(iv) If any of the tuge named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangementa
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENCHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 24 hours
standeasy before proceeding Westward.
(v) The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, APRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be
returned/....
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TNA ADM 199 795 page 27 icon
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OCR text
27
MESSAGE
To O. in C Portsmouth
0120/14th Juno
OUT
Repeated C. in C Western Approaches
c. in C Nore
Date 14/6/40
Seatrans, Newhaven
Seatrans, Plymouth
Seatrans, Falmouth
Commodore in Charge Sheerness
Seatrans, Littlehampton
Divisional Transport Southsmpton
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
P/L by T/P
From D of S.I.
The following craft when no longer required for
Operation Cycle should be directed as follows. Tugs PERSIA
and TANGA proceed to Plymouth as Boon as possible and report
to S.T.O. on arrival. Both tugs should be kept at Plymouth
b
ready to sail at short notice. Instructions to S.T.O. will
follow. Tugs CONTEST and QUEENS CROSS tow barges WESTOLIFF
WOKING BRENTLAND and LINCOLN from Newhaven to Felmouth
reporting to S.T.O. on arrival. Tug FOREMOST 87 tow barges
VARSITY and VIGIL from Littlehnmpton to Falmouth. Tug
KROOMAN tow barge SERLO from Southampton to Falmouth. Tug
HEADWAN tow S.B. DORRIEN ROSE from Newhaven to Orchard
Drydock, Blackwall, London and return to Sheerness to tow
barges JULIA and CHARLES I from Shoorness to Scapa. Tug
FAIRPLAY ONE proceed to Sheornese and tow barges BASKET and
CHEEKIE from Sheerness to Portsmouth for dolivery to N.S.O.
Tug WATERCOOK proceed to Falmouth. Tuge SUN XI and CRESTED
COOK proceed to Ramsgate for orders.
0120/14.
for D. of S.T.
D of P (3)
C.O.R.T.
M. (3)
D of S.T.
D.T.D. (2)
D.T.D. (Basement)
D.S.V.P.
Msl
68
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Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA ADM 234 360 page 166 icon
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Matching table OCR
Contest
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Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA MT 40 36 page 180 icon
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OCR text
rata
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
CONFIDENTIAL
MESSAGE.
0748/3rd June
OUT
COSPIDENTIAL
286
To V.A.Dover, 488
& 4 OF THEM STATE 1
DATE 5.6.40
Repeated 0. in C. Nore. 982
Rejoy 0. in O. Portsmouth 245.
P.O. 1/c London.
0
Commodore 1/c Sheerness 618.
SENT
Cortland 567.
616
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
COME
N.O. 1/c Newhaven
War Office.
P.O.
2/0
(282)
Y.O.
i/c
2/6 By T/2
From Admiralty.
RES
&
IMPORTANT. 1/0 Crimsby.
1/6 Yarmouth.
Reference Admiralty message 2321/1.
instructions regarding disposal of tuge and lighters
should be amended as follows 80 far as craft named
are concernedi-co
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
Gravesend -
GHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA,
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COOK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOOK,
GUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
They should be utilised as fully as possible for
towage of craft or boats to be returned to the
Thames or elsewhere en route.
off
(11) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
be Date of B, 7. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENGHMAN to Portsmouth with barges
(84324C) Wt 84295/31 200 Pads 11/39 H,J,R&L,Ld Gp 684
SNOUDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These barges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANOA on 29th May.
(b) FOREMOST 87 to Weymouth with any convenient
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) below.
(c) PAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if sufficiently
seaworthy, for towage as in (1) above.
(d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges BARK and SHETLAND.
These barges were left at Dover on 20th Bay by
FOREMOST 87.
OD.
(8)
(111) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 22 should return to station
at Southend and Newhaven respectively taking any
convenient tow.
(iv)
If any of the tugs named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangements
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENOHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 94 hours
standessy before proceeding Westward.
(v)
The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, AFRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be returned
to Themes but will be allocated, if still seaworthy
to West Coast. FOREMOST 87 should take one pair to
Teymouth. Instructions for disposal of this pair
and of remainder will follow later.
0748/3
For D. of S.T.
V.O.N.S.
N.(2)
Sir J.Foley
A.O.N.S.(H)
S.T.N.4.
D. of (3)
D. of S.T.
A.C.N.S.(T)
C.C.R.T.
S.T.N.6A.
Mr.Justice
0.0.(8)
D. of S.T.
S.T.N.63:
W.P.L.
Mr.D.H.Ndwards
Dps. (4)
Mr.F.V.Cross
Nr.Bellamy
Capt.Fisher
Extra
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Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36 Pt 2. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2 page 144 icon
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OCR text
S.T. "PRINCESS".
132
Sirs,
On Friday, 31st May, we left Dagenham at 10 a.m. for
Gravesend, arriving at 11.30 a.m. We picked up a pilot and
left Gravesend at 11.40 a.m. for Southend. We arrived at Southend
at 1 p.m., leaving again at 1.35 p.m. for Ramsgate. On our way
we assisted the S.T. "DUKE" to tow the sailing barge "Asnington"
to Ramsgate. We arrived at Ramsgate at 6 p.m., and entered the
Harbour at 6.45 p.m. We then towed the barge "Snowdon" from the
east side of the harbour to the west side, moored her, and ran back
to the ast side for further orders.
Steam was ordered for 5 a.m. on Saturday, 1st June, and
acting upon instructions received we loaded stores and gear.
At 9.30 a.m. we left Ramsgate Harbour, picking up the train ferry
"Fishbourne". Taking her in tow we proceeded to Dunkirk. We had
arrived at about 2 miles off Dunkirk when the Commander of the
"Fishbourne" ordered us to alter the course and tow back to
Ramsg te Harbour, which we did,, arriving back at Ramsgate at 7.30
a.m. on the 2nd June. While towing the "Fishbourne" to and from
Dunkirk, all the ropes which we had aboard the S.T. "Princess" were
broken.
On Sunday, 2nd June we were in Ramsgate Harbour awaiting orders.
On Monday, 3rd June steam was ordered for 6 a.m., and we left
Ramsgate Harbour at 11.15 a.m. We proceeded to the Downs, picking
up s.t. "Contest" as escort to Southend. We arrived at Southend at
6.45 p.m., cleared and proceeded to Dagenham, where we arrived at
9.30 p.m.
(signed)
J.Wallis, Captain.
F.Berry, Mate.
S.Tall.
F. Soper.
G. Johnson.
CRewe.
T. Scott.
F. Tyson.
a
ed
f
e
te
eir
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DUEST
P33
S.T. "PRINCE"
10th June, 1940.
Sirs,
On Friday, 31st May we 10 left Dagenham at about 10 a.m., for
Gravesend and arrived at 11.15 a.m. We picked up a pilot and then
proceeded to Southend where we arrived at about 12.30 p.m. Instruc-
tions were received to tow the sailing barge "Bassildon", to Ramsgate.
Leaving Southend 1.30 p.m., we arrived at Ramsgate Harbour at
about 6.30 p.m. Orders were given by the Naval Officer to take her
off in the Downs, drop anchor and leave her, and proceed in harbour
for further orders. We assisted craft in the Harbour - trawlers,
etc., and shifted stores and barge. We had to stay on board while
in the Harbour and wait for orders.
by
at
At 5 a.m. on Saturday, 1st June, I had orders to get stores and
gear abaord, together with two naval ratings, and to assist tow
the "Fishbourne" - a Portsmouth (Isle of Wight) ferryboard - over
to Dunkirk. Taking the "Fishbourne" in tow, we left Ramsgate
Harbour about 9. 30 a.m. We towed her until 11 p.m., when we were
2 miles offDunkirk. Her Commander then told us to turn roun and
get away home as soon as possible as enemy aircraft were about.
We arrived off Ramsgate Harbour at about 7.30 a.m. on Sunday, 2nd
June, and proceeded into Harbour to await orders. I had instruc-
tions to stand by, as they expected we were going over to Dunkirk
again. and cook our place.
On Monday, 3rd June, steam was ordered for 6.a.m. and we
told to stand by. After shifting sailing barges, etc. in Harbour,
we received orders to proceed home. We left Ramsgate Harbour Sticeep
about 11.15 a.m., and proceeded to the downs. We picked up the
Gravesend tug #Contest* who escorted us up to Southend. After
9.30 clearing at Southend III I proceeded up to Dagenham, arriving at CO
you
bed p.m. and the difficulty in the Sailing Barges in
tow, we lost contact with our other and the Ferry Bost.
the Mary" had the "Sun 1714, I
decided to keep her my COW, H. Mansfield. Mate.
in Signed ) Capt. J. Benson. with
two barges each.
G. Young.
H. Mansfield. Hands
Dunkirk (socording to the reckoning W. Mance. of the S.T. "Sun
At about 2.40 p.m., when approxim
board side, during which our own George. shlit up the
WO Cound a violent air raid in progr J. Hardy. Stokers. our
enemy craft. At the same time we sighted a life boat adrift with
about 40 English soldiers aboard and one Navel rating. We picked to
20 soldiers and left the rest aboard the S.T. *Sun III". Things
Looking very bad, and upon the advice of an officer in charge of the
soldiers, and owing to the fact that us did not know the executive
shereabouts of our destination having lost contact with our
Commander who VIRB abroad the Ferry Bost, we steamed about for an
hour and then followed the "Sun III". About 4.20 R.M. 10
sighted smother life boat which turned out to be from the destroyer
"Hasilisa" which had been sunk in an air raid off Dunicine
There WILLIAM 12 survivors aboard 11 sailors and 1 interesta
rat
We took abroad. Their boat was then put adtorn or suffing anst.
r C
ed
We sysin proceeded on our sourse, and at 5+5 two British
aircraft circled come us and mighalled CLS to wes not course for
Bouth. This 410, AND the followed. After
fo
for about TO minutes, was with of the accordes,
ke
two life busts, und X the of the to the
in
we book Fena who 14 Canadian
te:
ein
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QUEST
135
-2-
Again we went on our original course, and after approximately
11 hour steaming, another sailing barge broke adrift from #Sun III"
which I also took in tow, arriving off Ramsgate Harbour about 6 a.m.
on the 2nd June.
We signalled the authorities, and were told to lay off and
small craft would be sent out for the survivors.
At about 7.30 a.m. I left the three sailing barges off the
Downs and proceeded into the Harbour and awaited orders. At about
8.30 a.m., I was sent out to fetch the Ferry Boat into Harbour as she
was disabled. This I did, then tied up andawaited further orders.
At 10.30 a.m. we received orders to stand by to coal and take
stores aboard ready for another journey to Dunkirk, but these
orders were later cancelled.
We stood by until 8 o'clock on Monday morning, 3rd June, and
then received orders to proceed together with the S.T. "CONTEST",
acting as Pilot on an Admiralty course to Shoeburyness, arriving
there at 6.30 p.m. We received instructions from the Naval Patrol
Boat to proceed to Dagenham Dock, arriving at 9.15 p.m., and after
putting gear into Stores I tied up at 9.45 p.m.
( Signed )
Capt. B.P. Mansfield.
) H. Willis (Junr.)
Crewe
C. Sweetlove.
my my
)
A. Campbell.
Driver
W. Nye.
from
Firemen
of
rated
r our
wed
, for a
ke a
in the
fter
eing/
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Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA MT 40 66 page 76 icon
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20
:
36
Telegrams: "DICK, LONDON," & CHALLENGE, GRAVESEND."
THE ELLIOTT STEAM TUG 00. LIMITED.
Telephones :
London, Royal 2908 (2 lines)
Gravesend, 54 Gravesend
x
60, Fenchurch Street,
London, 21st June
19 1940
E.C.3.
And at TERRACE PIER, GRAVESEND.
The Private Secretary,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House, W 1.
Dear Sir,
We beg to acknowledge receipt of your
letter of 19th instant enclosing two letters addressed to
the Officers in command of our tugs "CHALLENGE" and
"CONTEST" in the recent evacuation from Dunkirk.
We are forwarding the letters to Capt
Parker and Capt Bates respectively.
We remain, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
For The Elliott Steam
Mo Tug Co P Limited.
Joint Manager.
ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN BY US IS SUBJECT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM STANDARD TOWAGE CONDITIONS.
apt R.
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ING
PART
VF ELS TAKING PART IN THE DUNKIR
QUA
Master
Owners.
Tug
SUN"
H. Cole
x
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd
1019128
"SUN III"
F. Russell
X
do
"SUN IV"
C. ALexander
X
do
"SUN V
W. Mastin
X
do
"SUN VII"
G. Cawsey
do
"SUN VIII"
S. Smith
do
"SUX X"
W. Fothergill
Latter is. Gamern
do
Stm Tommis Co.
SUN XI"
J. Lukes
x
do
X.
"SUN XII"
(Mee) B. Mastin X Litter to Was washin, na)
do
Actician
"SUN XV"
mate,
J. Belton
X
do
XX08SAXX
XXXXXXXX
Elliot Steam Tug Co., Ltd
"CONTEST"
H. Bates
x
/
"CHALLENGE"
C. Parker
x
do
or
"FOSSA"
G. Finch
x
Gaselee & Son, Ltd.
"BETTY"
G. Leeks
X
do
nsit
rk's
ials
"CRESTED COCK"
T. Hills
X
The Gamecock Steam Tow
"OCEAN COCK"
A.V. Mastin
x
do
my
WATERCOCK
W. Fothergill (This Tug went to do Dover only
FOREMOST 87"
J. Fryer
Managed by W. Watkins, Lt.
"FAIRPLAY ONE"
S. Wright & G. Finch
do
(1084
"CERVIA"
W. Simmonds
William Watkins, td.
992,000
Gpt
"DORIA"
(REG
A. Mastin
do
"FABIA"
F. Smith
do
"GONDIA"
C. Pratt
do
"HIBERNIA"
B. Youseman
X
do
"JAVA"
W. Jones
X
do
For
(Continued)
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Operation Dynamo Map — Movement Logs

Movements recorded for Contest during the evacuation period, as plotted on the Operation Dynamo map.

Departed Route Arrived Troops Notes Source
Dunkirk Stationary
Location recorded; complete dated movement unavailable
NMM 940.542.1 1940 Orde vol i, page 210

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