Details

COURT BELLE II
M/B (c. Whatford
& Sons).
30th May
1430
1550
En route to Ramsgate.
Engine breakdown. Taken in tow by
2200
the tr. Strath Elliott.
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May
0205
Apparently the Court Belle II proceeded
to Dunkirk (see Strath Elliott)
No further details are known except that the
Court Belle II did not return from Operation
Dynamo.
Nil
Authority - TO.9144.
TO.9436.
213

Details

COURT BELLE II
M/B (c. Whatford
& Sons).
30th May
1430
1550
En route to Ramsgate.
Engine breakdown. Taken in tow by
2200
the tr. Strath Elliott.
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May
0205
Apparently the Court Belle II proceeded
to Dunkirk (see Strath Elliott)
No further details are known except that the
Court Belle II did not return from Operation
Dynamo.
Nil
Authority - TO.9144.
TO.9436.
213

Details

STRATHELLIOT
Trawler
(dan layer)
S/Lt. W.E. Mercer, R.N.V.R.
30th May
1410
1430
Left Sheerness for Ramsgate.
Picked for up a convoy of/motor cruisers,
1550
escort to Ramsgate.
Hove-to. Skylark Took in tow the disabled M/B's
Proceeded at 1635.
and Court Belle II.
1800
Hove-to and took in tow the disabled
M/B Mary Rose.
1840
Proceeded. At 1845, hove-to for
certain other M/B's in trouble.
They were taken in tow by other
2200
vessels. Proceeded at 1910.
Anchored off Ramsgate. S/Lt. Mercer
proceeded in M/B Forty Two to search
for 3 lost M/B's which were found
near the Gull Buoy.
31st May
0205
The Strathelliot sailed for Dunkirk,
escorting M/B's, 8 of which were
disabled and in tow of various
vessels. Course via U, V, and W
buoys.
0640
The Skylark's towing bollard tore away.
Took her in tow stern first.
0730
The Mary Rose, which had been in tow of
the M/B Rapid, was damaged; her crew
were transferred to the Strathelliot
and the damaged M/B was sunk.
0820
The Skylark damaged; transferred her
crew and stores to the Strathelliot.
The Skylark was then sunk by the
trawler "KO". (1)
0845
Took in tow the M/B Malden Annie IV.
1215
Took the Malden Annie IV in tow stern
first.
1620
Anchored off Dunkirk beaches. Embarked
54 French troops.
-
Air attacks.
1920
Proceeded.
arrived
1st June
0830
The Strathelliot Sheerness. Disembarked
54 troops.
1223
Left Sheerness to escort a convoy of
M/B's to Ramsgate.
1240
Took in tow the M/L Empress, and a
naval launch.
1650
Arrived Ramsgate with the M/B's.
1805
Proceeded for Dunkirk.
-
Off Dunkirk the tow was slipped. The
Empress ran aground.
2310
The Strathelliot at Dunkirk berthed
alongside inner jetty. Embarked
troops.
2nd June
0130
Proceeded. Grounded outside harbour.
0215ca
0745
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 285
Refloated. Proceeded.
French troops, (2) including the
French General Nicolle and his staff.
(1) Nothing known of this trawler, nor is her name mentioned in
(2) Ramsgate Olsen's report. Fisherman's Nautical Almanac.
178

Details

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.
the North Goodwins L.V., the convoy was hove to and all
ships accounted At for; course then being set vis U.V. and W. buoys due for
Dunkerque breeze and the boat's crews were suffering great although speed
roads. The seas had by this time become very heavy, discomfort. to a
The strong N.W. causing considerable damage to the boats, bollard
was tore reduced and to she was taken in tow stern first - there being no other
towing was two knots and at 0640 the "Skylark's" towing
point away forward at which the towing wire could be secured.

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
BOY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
MA J
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
MAJOE
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
MALDO
A.E. Harrison
Kamble.
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
MALVI
BEE
Murrell "
MOLLY
P. Robinson
MARE 1
MARCH
Sons,
MARGHI
Wright
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
MARINA
CAIRNGORE
MARSAY
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
MARINA
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
ARICEI
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
ARY
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
ARY HO
M.T. Henderson
with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
ARY IR)
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
ARY ROS
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
COMMODORE
RY SPE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
RY SPE/
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
ILDA
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
CORA-ANN
T.98. Returned to owner.
BELLE
Col. F.L. Newhouse
CARONIA
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
LOWER
W. Light (6A)
CORSTIR
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
Dr. Tiby
COURT BELLE II
Returned to owner.
c. Whatford & Son
DER
No report received from list of
CRECLE
missing vessels.
AIDEN
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
EY
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
ANT
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
LICENT I
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
OSA
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
IKOI
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
DRU II
Returned to owner.
AUR
NY
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
RASOL
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
108
A.C. Wills
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
MADGE
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
MING
R. Harvey
DESEL II
MODESTY
Dudley Stone
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
AH
NA
DEVILFISH
T.98. Returned to owner.
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
RCH
list of missing vessels.
ROSE
Motor Boe
Motor Boa
2 or Torpedo
tor Ferries
SME

Details

OF
ESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
JY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
A.E. Harrison
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
BEE
If
"
"
"
"
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
CAIRNGORE
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
M.T. Henderson.
with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
COMMODORE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
T.98. Returned to owner.
CORA-ANN
Col. F.L. Newhouse
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CARONIA
W. Light (6A)
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
CORSTIR
Dr. Tiby
Returned to owner.
COURT BELLE II
C. Whatford & Son
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
CRECLE
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
Returned to owner.
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
A.C. Wills
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
R. Harvey
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESEL II
Dudley Stone
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
T.98. Returned to owner.
DEVILFISH
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
list of missing vessels.

Details

Details

COM.
DUNKIRK
Meeting held a. m. at the
A G E N D A.
1. 2. 3. Minutes Matters Report of arising. of Meeting held on 26th September 1940.
said to OH
4. Cases 1. for TOTAL Payments discussion for and period ending 22nd October 1940.
"Thetis" LOSS:- settlement on the table
-
"Moss Rose"
-
H.F. Eaton.
"Maid of Honour"
-
T. Adams
"Minikoi"
-
H. Sands
"Princess Lily"
-
"Court Belle II"
- - }
Capt. W.S. Shelford.
"Hanora"
"Miranda"
-
C. Whatford & Son.
SAILING BARGES:
-
C.E. Thompson
W.H, Goldsmith
"Lady Rosebery"
"Duchess"
-
-
"Barbara "Aidie" Jean"
Samuel West Ltd.
"Doris"
- - - }
Wakeley Bros. & Co.Ltd.
"Ethel Eyerard" "
R & W. Paul Ltd.
" Lark "
- - 3
11.
-
LOST EFFECTS :-
F.T. T. Everard & Sons.Ltd.
"Kit-Cat"
Scholey & Co.Ltd.
5.
-
III.
Any other business.
J. Swain.
Totathos:-
two Rives
20 bills
Sarah timely
7.E Bower
bokey
.
d Toda
Repairs
have hoston
a halcolm
Be Killy

Details

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE.
Meeting held at 11.a.m. on Wednesday 23rd October, 1940 at the
Ministry of Shipping. Room No. 8021.A.
Present:
MR. ALLEN (Chairman)
" MOORE
"
RIDDELL
"
WAND
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 26th September were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed.
(a) "Sceneshifter" Agreed to refer the case to Mr. Barnett of
Watson & Co.Glasgow.
(b) "Brywyn"
Agreed to maintain committee's attitude unless
owner produces evidence of loss or value.
(c) "Vanitee"
Agreed to offer £700 which is sum stated by
owner on T619 to be acceptable.
(a) "Stonehaven"
Agreed to offer £500 in full settlement.
(e) "Bullpup"
Agreed to offer £450 - the insured value.
(f) "Rosabelle"
Agreed to offer £75 in full settlement.
3. Report of Payments for period ending 22nd October amounting to
£5,834.15.8d was presented and passed.
4. The following cases were discussed:-
(a) TOTAL LOSS:
"Thetis" Agreed to offer £225 in full settlement.
"Moss Rose" Agreed to make comparison with other Deal Boats
"Maid of Honour" Agreed to offer £425 (Tough's valuation)
( in full settlement.
"Minikoi" Agreed to require Letters of Administration in
favour of the widow before opening negotiations.
"Princess Lily"
}
Agreed to forward forms T619 and at the
"Court Belle II"
same time to offer, if required, advances
on account of 2/3rds of insured values.
"Hanora"
Agreed to offer £565 in full settlement.
"Miranda"
Agreed to settle at owners claim of £20. 1
"Triton"
Agreed to settle at owners claim of £1,500
"Two Rivers"
Agreed to offer £370 in full settlement.
"Sarah & Emily"
Agreed to settle at owners claim of £30,
if, after enquiry, boat had not returned.
à
"Wolsey"
0 2
Agreed to offer £250 which is sum stated
by owner on T619 to be acceptable.
Barges (8)
hings
Agreed to negotiate settlements up to
the valuation figures.
(b) Repairs & Replacements:
)
"Mare Nostrum" : Agreed to pay the repair bill as
recommended on survey report, to refer
to P.CO(S.T) for valuation of missing
of
articles and to take no action on
expenses claim, until reasonably
presented.
lle"
"Kit Cat" :
Agreed to settle claim at £12.
6/11/40

Details

Details

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.