Details

DORRIEN ROSE
Richard Hughes & Co. Capt. W. Thompson, Master
P/V
(Liverpool) Ltd.
26th May
-
Loaded with army stores at anchor in
the Downs.
27th May
1430
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
28th May
0100
Proceeding through Zuydecote Pass.
Three vessels (see Canterbury)
passing outwards signalled, "Unsafe
to approach Dunkirk" - so reversed
course and proceeded outwards
towards West Hinder buoy.
0300
As dawn was breaking, set course for
Middel Kirke buoy en route for
Dunkirk.
0420
Air attack.
0430
P/V Queen of the Channel seen to be
sinking. Proceeded to her assistance.
0505
Commenced to transfer troops under
the direction of Cdr. M.L. Musson,
R.N.R.
0525
Troops and crew transferred. Proceeded.
Escorted part of the way by the dr.
Greyhound.
1245(2)
Dover. Disembarked 904 troops.
29th May
1340ca
To Dunkirk.
1610
Struck a submerged wreck.
1620
Anchored off Elbow buoy. Repairs to
pump.
1830
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
30th May
0400
1 mile west of Middel Kirke buoy was
fired on by two enemy motor craft.
0650
Made fast to East Mole, Dunkirk.
Landed some food stuffs.
Embarked 590 troops.
1220
Proceeded.
2045
Folkestone. Disembarked 590 troops. (1)
Boilers leaking.
lst June
To Newhaven for repairs.
Total 1,494.
Authority - R.O. III, 19-27.
TM. 6213/40.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
he
(2) Capt. gives Thompson his time wrote of arrival 2 reports. as 1420; In one other of them times too
appear to be very approximate.
249

Details

DORRIEN ROSE (continued)
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Capt. W. Thompson, Master.
Mr. T. O'Hanlon, Mate.
Mr. B. Murphy, Chief Engineer.
D.S.M.
Lewis Gnr.
T.W. Watson.
A.B.
J. O'Rawe.
O.S.
W. Barrett.
Fireman
A. Gilson.
Mention in Despatches.
Mr. J. Steward, Second Engineer.
Mr. P. McFadden, Boatswain.
A.B.
T. Barrett.
A.B.
J. Upperton.
O.S.
C. Barrett.
Fireman All Khan.
Fireman Abdul Mohand.
250

Details

GREYHOUND 1st Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. W.R.Warshall-A'Deane,
1400
27th May
Sailed Grafton from to R.N.
Fairy with between dr.
Bank
During troops from the night, La Panne. ordered to embark
28th May
0100
Both destroyers arrived off La Panne
and sent boats inshore.
0615
The beaches being cleared, Grafton,
Greyhound, the Cr. Calcutta and 3
paddle steamers sailed. About 100
troops embarked. En route to
Dover, Greyhound was detached to
escort P/V Dorrien Rose, carrying
survivors of P/V Queen of the Channel.
1230
Dover. Disembarked 134 troops.
1300ea
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Berthed alongside at Dunkirk. Embarked
about 681 troops. Proceeded.
29th May
0030
Dover. Disembarked 720 troops.
0430
Sailed in company with Capt. (D) 1st
Flotilla (Codrington) for La Panne.
0750ca
Arrived La Panne. Embarked troops by
Air attack. Two near misses killed 20,
whaler and M/B.
1600
wounded 70 and caused considerable
damage. Greyhound turned over her boats her to
M/B Locust. Greyhound weighed
the continued to ferry for and
M/S Sutton and Salamander; the C/B
1930
Taken in tow(1) in vicinity west
proceeded. Polish destroyer of
Off Hinder buoy. tow slipped. Greyhound tugs.
2330
assisted Dover, into harbour by
30th May
Dover. Disembarked 506 troops
0245
(including casualties).
Total 1,360
Authority - R.O.I. p.42.
The following awards were made:
Mention in
Sto. R.N.
L/sea. O. E.R. Teichert.
L/Sea.
A.W. Saunders.
S.H. Settersfield.
Riley Dune a WILL
40

Details

Holder
ORANJE
Skoot
Lieut. H.T. Crispin, R.N.
Lieut. K.W. Ratledge, R.N.V.R.,
1st Lieut.
26th May
Having loaded 200 tons of army
provisions at Deptford, completed
with naval stores at Sheerness.
27th May
1400
Ordered to proceed to Dover. A lighter
came alongside with further stores.
1430
Oranje sailed. Before reaching
Garrison Point a motor boat brought
orders to proceed to Southend for
onward routeing to Dunkirk.
1500
Ascertained at Sheerness that the order
to sail for Dunkirk, cancelled the
order to sail for Dover. Proceeded
accordingly.
Off the Nore L.V., a tug from Southend
brought route instructions.
Proceeded via the West Hinder and
Kwinte Bank buoys.
28th May
0100ca
When about 2 miles south of the West
Hinder buoy, sighted a merchant
vessel approaching ahead. The ships
passed about 2 cables apart. When
about 10° abaft the beam, this ship
fired 12 rounds of rifle fire at the
Oranje, 2 of which hit the ship's
side.
0400
In company with 2 other skoots and a
merchant ship [the Dorrien Rose]
in the vicinity of Middelkerke Bank
Buoy, observed the P/V Queen of the
Channel approaching on opposite
course. When 1/4 mile away she was
attacked by a Heinkel dive bomber
which dropped four 100 lb. bombs round
her stern. She stopped and settled
by the stern. The Oranje went to her
assistance but was warned to keep
off as the bomber was returning. A
500 lb. bomb was then dropped about
50 yards on the Oranje's starboard
bow as she was leaving the Queen of
the Channel.
The Dorrien Rose went to the assis-
tance of the Queen of the Channel and
the Oranje continued on to Dunkirk.
In the Zuydcoote Pass, met 2 destroyers
full of troops. This, and the
previous meeting of the Queen of the
Channel was the first intimation
that an evacuation of troops was in
The progress. Oranje went alongside a "barrage
vessel" off Bray. A enemy-piloted
markings dropped a number of small
Blenheim bomber with British
bombs on the beach and was met by
and rifle fire.
on m.g. approaching Dunkirk, a returning she
skoot informed Oranje that was
small to be of any use, nor should could
she too land stores, and that she
return. The Oranje turned about, and embarking
366

Details

Skoot
PATRIA
Lt. Cdr. N.L.J. Pisani, D.S.C.,
Lt. Kirby, R.N.R., R.N. 1st (Retd.) Lieut,
1500
24th May
Patria R.N. commissioned with a crew
crew left. Barracks, Chatham, and the from Dutch
25th May
Sailed from Gravesend to Sheerness.
27th May
0300
Sailed for the Downs in company with 5
other skoots.
1045ca
Anchored off Deal.
1330
On receipt of route orders from N.C.S.O.
Dunkirk. Ramsgate, sailed via route Y for
-
At dusk was off the Traepegeer Bank
buoy, in company with the P/V Dorrien
Rose. Several H/C's and transports
passed homeward bound and signalled,
"Dunkirk has fallen; return".
-
Closed Nieuport Bank buoy. Two M.T.B's
circled the Patria and the Dorrien
Rose and refused to answer signals or
hails. One of them then closed the
Dorrien Rose and told her to anchor
and await orders. The Patria closed
the Dorrien Rose and was joined by the
Sk. Jutland.
28th May
0245
The 3 ships proceeded and
1200ca
anchored in the Small Downs.
-
The Patria sailed by route X for
Dunkirk in company with the sk. Tilly
2315ca
Entered Dunkirk roads and endeavoured
to obtain orders, those issued being
quite indefinite, and giving embarka-
tion points from Dunkirk east pier
to La Panne.
Numerous wrecks and the dark pall of
smoke from Dunkirk made navigation
very precarious, and in an endeavour
to locate a warship for orders, both
the Patria and Tilly closed the wreck
of the French destroyer Adroit, east
of Dunkirk.
-
Observed large bodies of men on
Dunkirk east pier, silhouetted against
the fires. Entered the harbour,
secured alongside and embarked troops.
The Tilly secured alongside the Patria
and the P.M/S Medway Queen outside
Conditions on the pier became chaotic
the Tilly.
and Lt. Cdr. Pisani landed and
regulated the flow of troops.
29th May
0200ca
The flow of troops ceased, but the
Left Patria harbour, taking in tow (alongside)
embarked a few odd parties.
0330ca
Tilly, which had a foul propeller. cleared
the the harbour the Tilly her
Outside her propeller and proceeded under
0845
Arrived own power. in the Downs. Ordered to
1430
Arrived Margate. Margate. Disembarked 200
troops. (1)
(1) Margate report. Lt. Cdr. Pisani states 280. 381

Details

1162 GT.
QUEEN OF THANET - Continued.
Weste c'Dell,Naster
1400
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
27th The following awards were breakwater. made: Made fast to seatern
The ship was then ordered to anchor
Embarked about 50 troops.
off the bench and send boats unhare
D.S.M.
W.F. Mitchell.
for troops. Four boats were mont
Fireman
away and brought off about 200 troops.
Acts. Nention in Despatches. S.P. Herival The R.N.V.R. barkation. was. breakwater then ordered to complete back to the
A.N. Goldsmith.
C.P.O.
J.A. Williamson, R.N.V.R. about 920 troops on
sig.
board.
04150a
Half an hour before sunrise attacked by
one A/C. 3 02 4 bombs were dropped
which straddled the ship abaft the
mainmeet, and broke her back, the
starboard propeller shaft and rudder.
More bombs were then dropped but
All missed. troops were transferred to the
0500
S.S. Dorrien Rose. Decided to
abandon ship, which was sinking.
Dorrien Rose proceeded to Dover, lifeboats; towing
Queen of these broke away and the were dr. lost.
of the Channel's 4
two During part of the journey
Greyhound acted 86 escort.
Authority - TW.6213/40.
Dunn

Details

1162 G.T.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1400
G.S.N.Co.Ltd. G.S. Co. Ltd. Capt. W.J. O'Dell, Master
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
27th May
2000ca
Arrived Dunkirk. Made fast to
The breakwater. Embarked about 50 eastern troops.
ship was then ordered to
off the beach and send boats ashore anchor
for troops. Four boats were sent
away and brought off about 200 troops.
3188 my
The ship was then ordered back to the
28th May
eastern embarkation. breakwater to complete
0255
Proceeded board. with about 920 troops on
0415ca
Half an hour before sunrise attacked by
one A/C. 3 or 4 bombs were dropped
which straddled the ship abaft the
mainmast, and broke her back, the
starboard propeller shaft and rudder.
More bombs were then dropped but
missed.
0500
All troops were transferred to the
S.S. Dorrien Rose. Decided to
1045
abandon ship, which was sinking.
Dorrien Rose proceeded to Dover, towing
Queen of the Channel's 4 lifeboats;
two of these broke away and were lost.
During part of the journey the dr.
Greyhound acted as escort.
Authority - TM. 6213/40.
brokhand
We
Drokhand
M.
(1) Mr. Bunt's report gives this 29th evidently
(2) No such name in Havy List.
in error.
(4) (3) Margate D.R. 52. Occette of 16th 18
In August Supplement 1940, the Hopper burge
erroneously to
Dunn
430

Details

Lieutenant Derek Peel Willan, Royal Navy,
Lieutenant H.M.S. Icarus. Frederick Worcester. Greville Woods, Royal
Captain John Henry Wh
Transport Tynwald.
Lieutenant Navy, H.M.S. Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R.,
Mr. Terence O' Hanlon, :
Dorrien Rose.
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
Lieutenant Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R.,
Joseph Cox, R.N.R.
Mr. Hubert Donald F1
H.M. Hospital Carrier
Mr. Arthur Patrick Jo
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.R.
H.M.S. Ross.
Officer, H.M. Transpo
Lieutenant Robert Hunter Irving, R.N.R.,
Mr. Frank Edward M
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.R.,
Motor Boat Triton.
H.M. Hospital Carrier
Mr. Allan Watterson,
H.M. Skoot Hondsrug.
Transport Tynwald.
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R.,
Mr. Joseph Wilfred Coul
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
H.M.S. Speedwell.
H.M. Transport Royal
Mr. William McGregor,
Princess Elizabeth.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens,
Transport King Georg
Mr. Bernard Murphy,
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Niger.
Lieutenant Alexander Harper Turner,
Transport Dorrien Ro
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Watchful.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxer
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing,
H.M. Transport Prag
H.M. Skoot Hilda.
Mr. David Douglas R
Surgeon Lieutenant Joseph Wishart Shield,
H.M. Hospital Carrie
M.B., B.Ch., R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Grafton.
Mr. Andrew Sinclair,
Sub-Lieutenant Edmund Charles Croswell,
Transport Royal Sove
Royal Navy, H.M.S. Harvester.
Mr. George Frederick To
Sub-Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-
H.M. Transport Maid
Mulhallen, Royal Navy.
Mr. James Lang Croc
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Williams,
Transport Biarritz.
Royal Navy, Motor Boat Swallow.
Mr. Charles Powell Maso
Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R.,
Transport Tvnwald.
H.M.S. Mosquito.
Sub-Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke,
R.N.V.R., Motor Boat Rapide.
+
Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman,
R.N.V.R., H.M.Y. Seriola.
Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R., H.M.S. William Sutton. Geoffrey Hewitt,
Sub-Lieatenant R.N.V.R., H.M. John Grive. Kenneth Barton Miles,
Herbert Bernhard
H
TOTAL
H.M.S.
John Ball, R.N.R.,
Bryce, R.N.R.,
Jones, Royal Engineer Navy, Engineer H.M.S. Reginald Sabre. Thomas
Gunner Reynolds, Royal Navy, H.M.S.Salamandr.
Gunner H.M.S. Frederick Wolsey. William Benoy, Royal
Skipper Navy, (T) H.M.S. Reginald Grenade. William Clare, Navy,
Skipper Drifter Andrew The Boys. Buchan, R.N.R., Royal
Skipper Reed. George Hattan, R.N.R., H.M. H.M.
Drifter Midas. Herbert Holden, R.N.R., Drifter
Skipper Captain H.M. Reynolds, R.N.R., H.M.
Captain Captain Card CANADA Captain Captain H.M. most Scotia. H.M. 87. Transport James Transport Robert Fryer, McCallum Prague. Rowland Master, Hughes, Baxter, H.M. Master, Tug Master, Master, Master, Fore- H.M. S.S.
Pitman, Master, H.M.
Master, Master, H.M.

Details

Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Halcyon.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Princess
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R., Elizabeth. H.M.S.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. Fitzroy. Mosquito.
Midshipman Malcolm John Ball, R.N.R., H.M.S. Scimitar.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones, Royal Navy, H.M.S.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, Royal Sabre. Navy, H.M.S.
Gunner Frederick William Benoy, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Salamander. Wolsey.
Gunner (T) Reginald William Clare, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Grenade.
Skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter The Boys.
Skipper George Hattan, R.N.R.,
Reed.
Skipper Herbert Holden, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Midas.
Skipper William Francis Reynolds, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Dorienta.
Captain Clifford Rowland Baxter, Master, S.S. Prague.
e.
Captain John Fréyer, Master, Tug Foremost 87.
Captain Charles Archibald Hancock, Master, S.S. Canterbury.
or
Captain Ernest Leonard Hill, Master, Sx8x Hospital Carrier Isle
of Guernsey.
Captain William Henry Hughes, Master, S.S. Scotia.
C Captain Robert McCallum McLean, Master, H M.hanspat King yearge V.
Captain Reginald Richard Pitman, Master, S.S. St. Helier.
Captain William Thompson, Master, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Captain William Oswald Young, Master, H.M. Transport Levenwood.
Captain a ohn Henry Whiteway, Master, S.S. Tynwald.
Mr. Terence O'Hanlon, Mate, S.S. Dorrien Rose. S.S.
S.S.
Mr. Hubert Donald Freeman, First Officer, St. Helier. S.S.
Mr Arthur Patrick Joseph Paterson, Chief S.S. Officer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. Frank Edward Martin, Second Officer, 1/1 St. Helier.
SS.
15.5 Mr. Allan Watterson, Second Officer of Tynwald.
Mr. Joseph William fred Coulthard, Chief Engineer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. William MagGregor, Chief Engineer, H.M. Transport King George V
Mr. Bernard Murphy, Chief Engineer, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxenham, Chief Engineer S.S. Prague.
Mr. David Douglas Robb, Chief Engineer M.V. Hospital Guernsey. Carrier Isle of
Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Chief Engineer, S. Royal Sovereign.
D
Mr. George Frederick Todley, Second Engineer, S.S. Maid of Orleans.
all
MR. James Lang Crockart, Engineer S.S. Biarritz.
Mr. Charles/Mason, Radio Officer Tynwald.
Queen.

Details

19.
"
which
Mr. Engineer, Launch Haig.
Mr. Norman Regisald >mith, Walter, Chief First Engineer, Hospital Carrier Dinard.
Mr. Donald Brewer, Yacht Engineer, H.M.Y.Lahloo.
Mr. Thomas McDermott Weir, Yacht Engineer, H.M.Y. Eila II.
Mr. C
Coggins, Engineer, M.Y. Masayru.
Mr. Raymond Crane, Engineer, M.V. Laroc.
/Mr. / William Leonard Evans, Second Engineer, Royal Daffodil
Mr. James Steward, Second Engineer, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
'Mr. Frank Cherry, Third Engineer, (Able Seaman), Launch Swallow.
VMr. James Henry Edward Spain, Third Engineer, Launch Kestrel.
Mr. W StamLister, Lister, Purser, 58 Tynwald.
Mr. Paddy McFadden, Beatswain, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Mr. Douglas Kirkaldie, Coxswain, Motor Boat Fervent.
Able Seaman T
Bassett, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Able Seaman John Fowles, Hospital Carrier Isle of Guernsey.
Able Seaman Henry Charles Herring Hay, Launch Swallow.
Able Seaman John Upperton, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Ordinary Seaman Clifford Barrett, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Fireman Ali Khan, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Fireman Abdul Mohand, S.S Dorrien Rose.
Fireman Rbet Phillips, S.S. Biarritz.
wre
Carpenter J
Gaste, S.STynwald.
S.S.
Donkeyman A
Allen,,Tynwald.
Deckhand Leonard Lynn, M.V. Daroc.
Steward H
A
E
Frost, M.V. Laroc.
Mrs. A. Goodrich, Stewardess, Hospital Carrier Dinard.
Mr. William Ferguson, Acting Naval Store Officer.
/1 Mr. Robert William Whidby Corbutt, Acting Deputy Naval Store Officer.
Mr. Donald John Woods, Deputy Armament Supply Officer.
Mr. Archibald Armytage Bakewell, Deputy Victualling Store Officer.
Lance Corporal Chapman, 6208138, 1/8th Middlesex Regiment.
21
William Cecil Ernest Smith, R.A.M.C., 7520070.
Fireman EAMMMAXGX Henry Albert William Ray, Auxiliary Fire Service,
London Fire Brigade Fire Fleat Massey Shaw
Fireman Edmund Gordon Wright, Auxiliary Fire Service, London Fire
Brigade Wire Fle

Details

C.W.19295
(Revised-June, 1983.)
D-51.
1940
FROM WHOM
DATE
Merchant Service Vessels employed in Operation "Dynamo".
/
(Extracted from Case 5458).
Personnel Ships
Case 5458 Vol. III. 7.)
29.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
"
III. 6.
sunk
1.
"
DORRIEN ROSE
"
1.
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
"
III. 6.)
sunk
1.
SCOTTISH CORPORATION
"
III. 6.)
1.
MASSEY SHAW
"
III. 6 & 8)
1.
LIGHTER X 209
"
III. 6.)
1.
C.E.in C. TUG PRIMA
)
"
III. 6.)
1.
"
HOPPER BARGE W.24)
1.
"
"
"
W.26)
1.
"
"
"
W.95)
1.
THYRA
1.
PUDGE
London and Rochester ( "
II.5.)
1.
CABBY
Trading Company,
1.
SEINE
)
Limited.
1.
BEFENDER
1.
RELIANCE
1.
LETITIA
Bawley Boats
III 8
1.
ENDEAVOUR
"
Civilian crews.
1.
RESOLUTE
1.
RENOWN (Sunk)
1.
QUEENSLAND,
Tilbury Dredging Company.
(Case 5458.Vol.III.8.)
1.
JOHANNA
"
(Dutch eel boat)
III.8. 1.
River M/L "MADAME SANS GENE" (sunk)
"
III.8.) 1.
M/V "SEA ROAMER"
"
III.8.) 1.
"FAAR BREEZE" Drifter
1.
Votor Boat "KIT CAT"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Southend Lifeboat "GREATER LONDON"
1.
Launch belonging to Skylark Shipbuilding
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Co. Poole.
opper " Barge "Lady Southborough"
1.
"
1.
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
"
"
GALLIONS RANCH
Tilbury
l.
"
(
"
"
FOREMOST 101.
Contracting
III.8.) 1.
"
"
FOREMOST 102.
& Dredging
1.
"
"
1.
JAMES 67.
Company.
Dutch eel boat "CHANTECLER"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Motor Life Boat unnamed,
#
(S.Lt.Amos, R.N.V.R.)
III.8.) 1.
Motor Yacht "RYGATE II"
"
III.8. 1.
M/B "QUICKSILVER"
"
III.8. 1.
Motor Cruiser "BOBELI"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "RAPIDE"
"
III.8.) 1.
"NAID ERRANT"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "THARK"
#
III.8.) 1.
Total. 71.
Mainly civilian crew, but R.N. or R.N.R.Officer in command.

Details

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

Details

THAT3188A
(2)
1
20
17
WEAL
e
"Queen of the Channel" then proceeded to the east entrance
ier, outer end and embarked a further 800 troops, after which she
as hauled off to allow a destroyer to berth alongide and embark the
smainder from this point.
At 0425 hours on 28th. Lay in Lat.51° 17' 30" N, Long. 2° 41' E
pprox. the vessel was attacked by an enemy plane which dropped a
ich explosive bomb or aerial torpedo on the stern.
The vessel commenced to settle by the stern and I ordered all
roops to be pressed forward from this area.
There were no
asualties.
The explosion wrecked the vessel's wireless
ear but a temporary aerial was rigged and distress signals were
ent out.
A foreign vessel of about 200 tons, which appeared to be of Dutch
ationality approached but sheered off as the enemy plane was still
n the vicinity.
At 0505 hours, the S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" (Owners, Richard Hughes & Co,
iverpool) of about 530 tons register, same alongside and all troops
nd ship's personnel were transferred by 0525 hours.
Prior to the arrival of S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE". and immediately following
pon the explosion, the lifeboats were lowered and filled with troops
ho were transferred as soon as the vessel approached.
Three men jumped overboard to swim to "Dorrien Rose" and I therefore
nstructed the other S.T.O.s to stop any further attempts.
he ship from stem to stern and transferred all remaining rifles
After all troops had left the "Queen of the Channel" I inspected
ound on board.
hat abandonment was the only course as the water was at deck
Prior to leaving the "Queen of the Channel" the Master assured level me
t the after end of the vessel.
We both left after I had satisfied myself that no one remained on
he sinking vessel.
hem ncouraged considerably pack as she was loaded on deck, fore and aft, remained in
Owing to as tightly as possible in the vessel which with petrol
to the limited deck space of the "Dorrien Rose" the men cramped were
With very fow exceptions, they
n
he attempts to smoke were made by any of
standing frail tins, position for over nine hours and owing to them. the nature of
In cargo, spite no of these disadvantages, the troops bore out the best
raditions of the Service.
At one period we were attacked by an enemy plane which was driven
ff by machine gun and rifle fire.
A speed of 71-8 wireless, a destroyer was signalled by escort arrived flags
knots was maintained towards Dover and hand as the
t t 0700 about hours 0900 hours and an and remained with us until about Noon.
essel carried no escort requested. This
At 1425 hours the "Dorrien Rose" moored at No.2 Berth, Dover and
isembarkation of troops commenced.
ioutenant ho Sea all Transport gave Commander able Officers assistance Lieutenants Seymour concerned in RNVR, Swinco the Lieutenants rescue in and these work Blandy operations Swinco at took the and beach charge were Blandy, and of RNVR, pier
t Dunkirk.
wo boats.
At the time and subsequent to the bombing of the "Queen of the

Details

(3)
18
(3)
Jane odd od nons 011 to
21
record ODB = Bita
DATE of #
hannel" all troops behaved splendidly by giving full co-operation
:0 orders issued by myself and the other Officers, thus preventing
anic and loss of life and making our work in transferring them to
tal 'ID OS .71 "08 'YI Practed at VALL 1388 no
:he rescue ship comparatively easy.
N Worming VISIO w GSW
Credit is due to the Master, Officers and Crew of S.S. "Dorrien
Tricks abequot latron TO
Rose" for all their assistance, particularly the Master, who handled
[1]
бетерто
of
is ship with skill in getting alongside the "Queen of the Channel".
OR DTOW onedy
$20.00
und
Interview
No time was lost in coming to our rescue.
'Lassev add Socioon bill
alamyia by daw Lilves
From the time of boarding S.S. "Dorrien Rose" at 0525 hours, I
emained on the bridge with the Master until arrival at Dover.
Modina 10 ed of (alxo) 002 to Jouney
LINES any 220 Jud
On arrival at Dover, the P.S.T.O. French Ports, gave 48 hours'
eave to all the Sea Transport Officers concerned, which was
ubsequently extended.
code "Haux 1810
I have the honour to be, Sir,
account I'm We and oca frode a
US80 of
Your obedient servant,
Madon To Isvlem add
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Commander R.N.R. S.T.O.I.
"Isrmado 013 TO edd 2701 Eas
80/2/1 TCc bren mede of
The Naval Assistant to the Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
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JEVIS
10

Details

Details

26
B14/0/1509
rams : " TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
hone: ABBEY 7711.
Any further communication on this
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
- 29
bject should be addressed to J.
The Director of Sea Transport,
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE.
(address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE,
d the following number quoted :-
LONDON, W.1.
2nd July, 1940.
Vice Admiral,
DOVER.
With reference to my communication of the
29th June enclosing the report from Commander Musson,
R.N.R., I forward herewi th the report of
Mr. William Thompson, the Master of the
8.8. "Dorrien Rose".
y
1.00
VICE ADMIRAL
ti
-
-3 JUL 1940
Rear-Admiral,
*
Naval Assistant to the
0
Director of Sea Transport.
DOVER
OF

Details

COPY.
27
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
30
G.P.O.
LONDON.
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
DOVER.
Dear Sir,
Your communication of the 5th inst., requesting
narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret
delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on
leave.
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at
anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders.
At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
DUNKIRK.
At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames.
vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to
approach DUNKIRK" Three SO reversed my course and proceeded
to West Hinder buoy.
approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
hours as dawn was breaking I decided to
in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 3. enemy to us. aircraft
suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels close
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were
firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At 04.30 hours sinking by the stern 80 I the proceeded C.O. to
it was observed that the N.V.
immediately "QUEEN OF THE to CHANNEL" her assistance, was and was requested by
take off troops.
of troops enemy aircraft and well repeatedly timed
bursts attempted from During to renew machine transference attack guns but prevented alertness further of gunners damage.
the of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did
of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness
much to facilitate the operation.
hours all troops and ships crew safely "QUEEN on board. OF
THE CHANNEL"). Commander At 05.25 joined Musson me on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to Dover, and
arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 hours. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge
was enemy of planes, great and control of troops.
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

Details

COPY.
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
30
G.P.O.
LONDON.
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
DOVER.
Dear Sir,
Your communication of the 5th inst,, requesting
narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret
delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on
leave.
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at
anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders.
At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
DUNKIRK.
At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames.
Three vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe to
approach DUNKIRK" SO reversed my course and proceeded outwards
to West Hinder buoy.
approach DUNKIRK At in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
03.00 hours as dawn was breaking I decided to
04.20 in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 B. enemy to us. aircraft
suddenly attacked, At dropping bombs near vessels close
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were
firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At 04.30 CHANNEL" was sinking by the stern so the proceeded C.O. to
hours it was observed that the N.V. I
immediately "QUEEN OF THE to her assistance, and was requested by
take off troops.
transference of troops enery aircraft and well repeatedly timed
During attack but alertness further of gunners damage.
bursts attempted from to the renew machine guns prevented
of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did
of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness
much to facilitate the operation.
05.25 hours all troops and ships crew safely on board. OF
At Musson and Captain and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to "QUEEN Dover,
THE CHANNEL"). Commander joined me on the bridge
arriving there at 12.45 hours.
Commander Musson remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and
During assistance passage to me troops. in attending
was enemy of planes, great and control of
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

Details

DUPLICATE.
28
COPY.
29
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
21
G.P.O.
30/5/40. 03.00 hours. Position ship one spraying mile west of
Buoy: Two bullets, and we returned suffered no casualties, Lewi
enemy motor craft circled their fire with us
LONDON.
they gun tracer then disappeared astern. We
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
06.50 hours made fast to East food Mole stuffs at DUNKIRK
DOVER
ordered At by S.T.O. to discharge as much as
for use of rearguard troops.
At 12.20 hours left DUNKIRK with 590 troops on boe Dear of the 5th inst., requesting
and
disembarked
Your
communication
20.45
arrived
Folkstone
At
hours
narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret
Boilers leaking unable to proceed further.
delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on
1/6/40 ordered to NEWHAVEN for repairs.
leave.
I
I remain,
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at
Your obedient servam
anchor in "DOWNS awaiting orders.
(Sgd)
.Thompson
14.50 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
(Master
DUNKIRK, At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in Plames.
vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to
approach DUNKIRK" Three so reversed my course and proceeded
to West Hinder buoy.
as dawn was breaking I decided to
e
approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in hours daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 E. close enemy to aircraft us.
suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels
nj
.U
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were
firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At hours It sinking was observed by the that stern the so by N.V. I the proceeded C.O. to
immediately "QUEEN OF THE to OH her assistance, was and was requested
take off troops.
During transference attack but alertness of troops further of enemy gunners aircraft damage. and repeatedly well timed
20
bursts attempted from to renew machine guns prevented
to
the of troops was carried and out efficiency under the direction did
much to facilitate the operation.
of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness
hours all troops and ship crew safely N.V. on "QUEEN board. OF
THE CHANNEL"). At Commander 05.25 joined Musson me hours. on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master to Dover,
arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 to troops. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and
was enemy of planes, great and control of
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

Details

30
32
"даоя ИЛТЯНОФ" M.M.N
31
IS
grams TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
Blatoliseq
30/5/40. ,0,9.0 03.00 hours. Position one mile west of phone ABBEY communication 7711.
32
33
onemy motor craft circled ship spraying us with Any further
on
this
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
Buoy. tracer Two bullets, and we returned their fire with Letubject should be of addressed Sea Transport, to
they gun then disappeared astern. TOOLITO We suffered no Legically casualties The Director (address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
BERKELEY SQUARE,
ordered by S.T.O. to discharge as much food stuffs as
for use of rearguard troops,
At 06.50 hours made fast to East Mole at DUNKIRE CONFIDENTIAL nd the following number quoted
LONDON, W.1.
At 12.20 hours left DUNKIRK with 590 troops
29th June, 1940.
At 20.45 hours arrived Folkston and disembarked
Vice Admiral,
Jonger DATE Boilers leaking unable to proceed
DOVER.
no enreade 1/6/40 ordered to NEWHAVEN for repairs.
The attached report from Commander Musson, R.N.R.,
is forwarded.
I remain,
as VITRA dow leasev evocA #0001 vali RJOS
As the S.S. "Dorrien Rose" was presumably under your
Your obedient
orders you may wish to bring to notice the conduct of
the Master, who is understood to be Mr. William Thompson,
of Doocord of atebro Devieber .04/2/58 STUD (Sgd) W.Thompson
with a view to his services being suitably recognised.
east stoobles rignomits 02/2/88 award 00.10 JA (Master
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Director of Sea Transport.
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VICE ADMIRAL
JUL 1940
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DOVER
V.M 610 Devisede BRW $1, BINOR OE,HO JA
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TO THRUO" redaem) Lieu'o nigageo has
of OW Das odd
Secretary Box at the to D.S.T.O's the P.S.T.O. at Dover, hours
CHANNEL". During the the early beach at the of
bree ogolzd odd no Doninmor поварм enganed gatura
28th.May, T.S.S. 1 "QUEEN was engaged OF THE in embarking entrance troops in this from vessel's others five lifeboats. were
Rt our of commistees 300%
eastern side of the brought Harbour alongside in this manner During and these
to fortnoo has
200 men were in the vicinity.

Details

33
(2)
34
The "Queen of the Channel" then proceeded to the east entrance
pier uter end and embarked-a further 800 troops, after which she
was hauled off to allow a destroyer to berth alongide and embark the
remainder from this point.
At 0425 hours on 28th. May in Lat. 17' 30" N, Long. 2° 41' E
approx. the vessel was attacked by an enemy plane which dropped &
high explosive bomb or aerial torpedo on the stern.
The vessel commenced to settle by the stern and I ordered all
troops to be pressed forward from this area.
There were no
gear casualties. but a temporary aerial was rigged and distress signals were
The explosion wrecked the vessel's wireless
sent out.
A foreign vessel of about 200 tons, which appeared to be of Dutch
nationality approached but sheered off as the enemy plane was still
in the vicinity.
At 0505 hours, the S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" (Owners, Richard Hughes & Co,
B,
Liverpool) of about 530 tons register, same alongside and all troops
and ship's personnel were transferred by 0525 hours.
Prior to the arrival of S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" and immediately following
ipon the explosion, the lifeboats were lowered and filled with troops
who transferred as soon as the vessel approached.
Three were men jumped overboard to swim to "Dorrien Rose" and I therefore
instructed the other S.T.O.s to stop any further attempts.
After all troops had left the "Queen of the Channel" I rifles inspected
the ship from stem to stern and transferred all remaining
found on board.
the "Queen of the Channel" the Master deck assured level me
that Prior abandonment to leaving was the-only course as the water was at
at end of the vessel.
We the both after left after I had satisfied myself that no one remained on
nj
the sinking vessel.
limited deck space of the "Dorrien vessel-which Rose" the men cramped were
them encouraged considerably pack as she was loaded very on few deck, exceptions, they remained of in
Owing to to the as tightly as possible in fore the and aft, with petrol
at in frail tins, for over With nine hours and owing of to them. the nature
the standing In cargo, spite no position of attempts these disadvantages, to smoke were the made troops by any bore out the best
traditions of the Service.
At one period we were attacked by an enemy plane which was driven
off by machine gun and rifle fire.
A speed carried of 71-8 no wireless, knots was as maintained destroyer was towards signalled Dover This by and escort hand as the flags
arrived
vessel at at 0700 hours hours and an and escort remained requested. with us until about Noon.
about 0900 hours the "Dorrien Rose" moored at No.2 Berth, Dover and
disembarkation At 1425 of troeps commenced.
Officers concerned Lieutenant in these operations Swinco/and were Blandy,
RNVR,
Lieutenant who Sea all Transport gave Commander able assistance Lieutenants Seymour RNVR, in Swinco the resoue and work Blandy at took the beach charge and of pier
at Dunkirk.
two
At boats. the time and subsequent to the bombing of the "Queen of the

Details

(3)
34
35
43
"Channel" all troops behaved splendidly by giving full co-operation
to
et ers issued by myself and the other Officers, thus preventing
panic and loss of life and making our work in transferring them to
the rescue ship comparatively easy.
Credit is due to the Master, Officers and Crew of S.S. "Dorrien
Rose" for all their assistance, particularly the Master, who handled
his ship with skill in getting alongside the "Queen of the Channel".
No time was lost in coming to our rescue.-
From the time of boarding S.S. "Dorrien Rose" at 0525 hours, I
remained on the bridge with the Master until arrival at Dover.
On arrival at Dover, the P.S.T.O. French Ports, gave 48 hours'
Leave to all the Sea Transport Officers concerned, which was
subsequently extended.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
8,
Your obedient servant,
MLMusson.
Commander R.N.R. S.T.O.1.
The Naval Assistant to the Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
London. W.1.
nj
0080

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
--177
174
II
Both ships arrived off this beach at 0100 and
sent boats inshore, the ships being manceurered closer
in as the tide rose.
By 0615 the beaches had been cleared and
"Grafton", "Grayhound", "Calcutta" and three paddle
steamers sailed. (Number of soldiers approximately 100)
Whilst returning to Dover "Greyhound" was
detached to escort S.S. Dorrien Rose who had on board
survivors of "Queen of the Channel ;ultimately berthing
at Admiralty Pier at 1230 28th.May. After discharging
troops Greghound proceeded to Dunkirk and went alongside
the pier as soon as a billet was vacant.It was found
difficult to count the troops as they came aboard and
the numbers appeared to be regulated from forther down
the pier where detachments were assembled and detailed.
"Greyhound" embarked 681 and sailed, arriving alongside
Admiralty pier at 0030.
At 0.430 29th.May "GreyBound" sailed in company
with Captain D.lst. Flotilla for La Panne . - in
paranthesis, this was the first time I had been at S9A
with my Captain D.since 15th.January.
Embarkation by whaler and motor boat was carried
out steadily until 1600 when an attack was made by
bombers the fourth salvo of which scored two near misses,
the splinters killing 20 men and wounding 70 and causing
the following damage.In the engine Γo: cas air ejector
and one forced lubrication pump wars put out of action.
In No.3 Doller room main feed pipe was pierced resulting
in complete loss of feed water, and an exhaust pipe from
a feed heater punctured which caused the boiler room to
fill with steam.
"Greyhound", then at short stay, weighed and
proceeded, her boats which returned undamaged were ordered
to go to one of the two minesweepers "Sutton" and
"SalamandSr" stillat anchor, as with the number of
casualties on the upper deck it was not considered possible
to hoist them.
The motor boat, Loading Seaman Saunders, continued
to run trips ashore until 2200 when the crew went on board
H.M.S. "Locust" in which they returned to Dover.
The whaler, Leading Seaman Setterfield, embarked
crew troops taken on board "Golden Eagle" in which they
continually until 2230 when she was holed and the
returned to England.
water feed, until 1930 when with she was H.M. taken in tow
Greyhound proceeded under her own steam, with
vicinity of West Hinder Buoy,
by salt "Blyskawwica" than on patrol S.Vega in
Tow was slipped off Dover at 2330 and
"Greyhound" was taken into harbour 0245 30th.May by tugs, and borthed
432 alongside soldiers apart from
Admiralty Pier casualties. at landed
It is my opinion ****

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. IV
from the St. Seiriol and Queen of the Channel, in addition to the drifters'
beaches during the night
dinghies, enabled these drifters of the to 27th/28th lift some May. 2,000 troops from Malo and Bray own
Results of S.N.O. Dunkirk's 2005/27
assembling off the beaches on 1 cruiser, 27th/28th May the Wolfhound,
As a result of the action taken the on night S.N.O. of Dunkirk's signals, there
3 Channel skoots and (the the Lena, St. Hebe Seiriol). other II and All small Oranje) these ships boats, were ordered to use Queen of thers, their own
Wolsey and 6 other destroyers¹, a
pulling boats, were yet available.
boats for ferrying, as no power cutters, whalers or other
S.N.O. Dunkirk's signals had therefore a big result; but owing to the diffi-
culty of passing orders at night in a shattered harbour his decision to divert
vessels to the beaches had unforeseen repercussions, and it was associated with
a false report that Dunkirk had fallen, and the failure of one personnel vessel
and 7 skoots to reach the beaches that night. The circumstances are described
below.
The P/V Canterbury, which had entered Dunkirk harbour at 2000, left at
2058 with 457 troops, including 140 stretcher cases. Before leaving, she was
ordered by the Sea Transport Officer to turn back ships attempting to
enter Dunkirk the order, evidently intended to divert ships to the beaches,
was misunderstood. In the Dunkirk road, the Canterbury passed the order
to the P/V Maid of Orleans and to the H/C's Isle of Thanet and Worthing, and
those vessels thereupon turned back to Dover. Later the order became
definitely garbled, for the skoot Tilly (which was in company with the 4 skoots
Hondsrug, Jutland, Patria and Brandaris) met the Canterbury (in company
with the 2 hospital carriers) 8 or 9 miles from Dunkirk, and received from her
the signal "Dunkirk is in enemy hands. Keep clear." This signal was
variously recorded by some of the other skoots, as Dunkirk has fallen. Re-
turn"; and all five of them, as well as the skoots Bornrif and Twente, did in
fact return to the Downs, although the Jutland and the Patria first closed
Nieuport Bank buoy in an unsuccessful endeavour to obtain more definite
information. Some of the skoots, in turn, promulgated this false report to
other ships, notably to the P/V Dorrien Rose; this ship, which received the
signal, unsafe to approach Dunkirk," did at first alter course to the north-
ward, but, shortly after, again set course for Dunkirk. It was subsequently
thought by some of the vessels concerned that the false information had been
passed by fifth columnists," though there is very little proof of this.³
Chronic shortage' of beaching boats
Such was the beginning of the great build-up of ships4 and of the inaugura-
tion of beach evacuation. The successful development of the latter was
necessarily good in into I the The of northern situation the dependent chronic having sector shortage changed on between the by continuation the south-west of beaching and of boats⁵. fine north-east weather, A wind would and and of any Wakeful the have strength making made went
from Dunkirk. The Windsor remained time they arrived, Anthony the Gallant had not yet returned
2 Portsmouth whither she had escorted on the patrol. S.S. Kyno. The
Canterbury's report.
4 3 See Appendices H.30 and H.32.
5 Appendices D, E and F.
D.R. page 3, para. 11.
24

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
had all come under fire from the shore guns at Calais and Gravelines. At
0415 on the 28th May the Queen of the Channel, loaded with 904. troops, was
attacked by one aircraft; 3 or 4 bombs were dropped, which straddled the ship
abaft the mainmast and broke her back, the starboard propeller shaft and the
rudder. By good fortune the Dorrien Rose, en route for Dunkirk, was in the
vicinity and rescued the troops : the Queen of the Channel sank about 1/2 hour
later. The St. Seiriol, which left Dunkirk at about 0415 with 494 troops,
reached Folkestone in safety.
Civilian crews feel the strain
Some 45 personnel vessels were used during operation "Dynamo"
Of these eight were sunk, at least six were so damaged by bombing or gunfire
as to render them unfit for further use during the operation, and two were
damaged in collision. Nine of the largest of these personnel vessels had been
engaged prior to "Dynamo" in operations at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne,
and their Captains and crews were beginning to feel the strain when Operation
"Dynamo" started.
Thus it was that the Master of the Canterbury, which had already completed
2 round trips to Dunkirk in operation "Dynamo", reported, on the 28th May,
that he was too worn out to make a third trip. The P.S.T.O. went on board
and explained the gravity of the situation to the Master, and the Canterbury
sailed at 0930 the next day. On her return voyage from Dunkirk she was
bombed and damaged, and after landing her 1960 troops went into dock for
repairs. In the 3 trips she made the Canterbury brought back 4,416 troops;
her Master, Captain C. A. Hancock, was awarded the D.S.C.
Personnel vessels not to be employed during full daylight
On the 28th May, however, it had become apparent that development of
the German air threat over the evacuation area, and the increasing artillery
fire from shore batteries covering the sea approaches to Dunkirk, prohibited
the employment of personnel and similar vessels during daylight, until the
position was restored, and that evacuation from Dunkirk by day must for the
moment be confined to warships and small vessels².
It was not, therefore, until later in the day, that the P/V Royal Daffodil
sailed for Dunkirk, and eight other personnel vessels and a hospital carrier³
received their sailing orders during the afternoon and evening.
The northern Route Y was by this time in general use⁴, but ships proceeding
from Dover to Dunkirk were ordered to use the southern and shorter Route Z,
if the passage from Calais Bell buoy to Dunkirk could be made in darkness.
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate responsible for servicing skoots
In these circumstances some 20 skoots reached Dunkirk, or arrived off the
beaches during the day and evening of the 28th May; others were on the way.
Their speed varied, but most of them were very slow. Eight of them went
into Dunkirk harbour⁵, and four to Bray beach⁶. The Abel Tasman, loaded
with ammunition, the Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with food, and three
I This number includes 3 store ships, 3 motor vessels and a few freighters, coasters and
tramps.
2 D.R. p. 4, para. 13.
3 The Scotia, Malines, Prague, Manxman, Royal Sovereign, Tynwald, Lochgarry, Killarney
and the H.C. Paris.
4 Appendix K.1.
5 The Caribia, Fredanja, Friso, Jutland, Tilly, Patria, Sursum-Corda, and Twente.
6 The Amazone, Doggersbank, Hilda, and Oranje.
29

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
In pursuance of this decision, during although the forenoon later in and the early afternoon
seven them, the Vanquisher, Malcolm, Vimy a second trip to the of
destroyers went to Dunkirk¹, and Wolsey made afternoon four only
east pier.
There was delay in the sailing of personnel vessels, in while enquiries about
harbour were being made, and this resulted the forenoon. only one The of them-the Royal the
Daffodil-reaching Dunkirk during of the store ship Dorrien
Rose arrived there at 0650, and unloaded part provisions she was carrying;
with 590 and sailed. The Dorrien brought any of the much up
then, in view of the number of troops Rose awaiting had not transport, she was filled
needed fresh water, but some was obtained from the destroyers.
the drifters Girl Gladys, Golden Sunbeam and Yorkshire Lass².
The only other ships arriving at Dunkirk harbour during the forenoon were
It was this restricted service of ships during a day of quiet (because of mist
and low visibility) and a night of little enemy activity during which only
4 drifters and a yacht had entered Dunkirk3, that called forth the reproachful
comment from the harassed Naval Staff, in their dug-out at the shore end of
the east pier⁴, a great opportunity
again lost".
At 1257 the P/V Princess Maud, en route for Dunkirk, was fired on when
3 miles west of Gravelines, by a shore battery and received 3 hits, one being
six inches above the water line. Three of the crew were killed and three
wounded, and the ship had to return to Dover for repairs.
French ships arrive in larger numbers. Bourrasque sunk
The contribution of French ships had SO far been negligible. On Friday
(May 30th), however, some 15 ships went to Dunkirk harbour, including 2
destroyers and 3 torpedo boats⁶, the minesweepers Arras and L'Impétueuse,
4 trawlers⁷ the tug Lutteur, and 3 motor fishing vessels⁸.
The participation in "Dynamo" of one of these French reinforcements was
unfortunately very short-lived, for an enemy battery at Nieuport was instru-
mental in sinking the torpedo boat Bourrasque. She had sailed from Dunkirk
at 1530 loaded with over 600 French troops of all descriptions-officers without
troops, a mixture of artillerymen, Moroccan troops, air force personnel, sailors
from ships, barracks, fleet air arm personnel, naval recruiting officers, crews of sunken
Capitaine be de Frégate R. Fouque, or she would have been of the first to
etc. even one woman ("I did not notice her presence until at sea," says
saved"). The troops had few arms on the other hand one the decks were
encumbered make with baggage and there were even some bicycles. An to
the an approximate count of the passengers had to be given up, attempt because of
congestion in the gangways and spaces.
the intervals. a battery at Nieuport, the salvoes falling Bourrasque came minute
At fire about of 1600, after passing Nieuport buoy, the under
course was To open the range more rapidly and regularly at about bombardment, 31/2
was increased. set closely to the edge of an adjacent so avoid this
I The crowded decks made it dangerous French to return minefield the and fire of speed the
2 3 4 The Reports See Section Vanquisher, by Captain 139, footnote Vimy, A/P, Malcolm, Dover, Wolsey, and S.N.O., Sabre, Dunkirk. Express and Scimitar.
M.017978/40, p.7.
5 6 S.N.O. Dunkirk's report.
7 8 Louise The
Louis. Bouclier, Marie and Siroco. Jeune France.
62

Details

Details

INDEX
Discipline. See British Expeditionary Force and French troops.
Disembarkation ports, 25.
Docksey, Capt. T. E., 21.
Doggersbank, 20, 29n, 32, 45, 47n, 64, 72, 107n.
Dolphin's power boats, 72n.
Donald, Lt. Cdr. C. G. W. Died of wounds, 10.
Dorienta, 71n.
Doris, 71n, 94 (sunk).
Dorrien Rose, 24, 29, 62.
Dove, Cdr. J. S., 50n (reports Dunkirk blocked), 59.
Dover, mined, 38.
Dowling, Lt. Cdr. D. B., 82.
Drifters, 23, 24 (flare burning).
Drogou, Lt. de V., 73.
Duchess, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Duchess of Fife, 28n, 54n, 101, 107n, 109.
Du Guesclin, 62n, 73n.
Dundalk, 86, 107я, 109.
Dunkirk, S.N.O. See Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Dunkirk: water supply destroyed, 8; demolitions, 8, 19, 106; inundations, 12; bridge-
easier, munications 27, 30; limitations, 48; reported blocked, 50; ships not to close, 51 ; com-
head, 15, 18, 35; damaged, 15, 18; out of action, 23 ; reported fallen, 24; conditions
established with Dover, 51; reduced number of ships sent, 61-2 bom-
barded, 70; harbour deserted, 87; harbour full of ships, 88; growing number of
wrecks described, off, 117. 94; pier damaged, 97; blocking of inner harbour, 111-112, 119-20 piers
Duperre, 73.
Dwarf, 60.
Eastbourne Queen, 74.
E-boats, activity). 27-8, 36, 37n, 49 (fail to discover change of route), 68-9, 85 (recrudescence of
Edmond René, rams Kingfisher, 116.
Edvard Nissen, 111-12.
Edward Z. Dresden, 114n.
Eggington, Ldg. Sea., 119.
Eileen Emma, 23n, 83n (damaged), 95 (sunk).
Eilla II, 71n, 74.
Elizabeth Green, 53, 114n.
Ellwood, Cdr. M. 0. D. (i/c Communications), 67.
Emerald Wings, breaks down, 111.
Emile Deschamps, sunk, 119.
Emma, 73.
Emperor of India, 28n, 47n, 54n, 100.
Empire Henchman, 7In.
Endeavour, 73n.
Enterprise, 72n, 75n.
Epervier, 99.
Escaut, 60.
Esk, 28n, 49, 79 (takes across R.A. Dover and Beach parties), 54n, 55, 58, 64n, 92, 97,
102, 107n.
Ethel Everard, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Evans, W. L., 110.
Excellent's A/A M.B., 72n, 75n.
Excellent's 35 ft. M.B., 71n, 75n.
Exhaustion of ships' crews, 29, 113.
Express, back 28n, 41-2, 54n, 55, 59 (flag of R.A. Dover), 62n, 83 (slightly damaged), 109 (sent
empty), 112n, 114n, 118.
Fagalde, General, 12, 68, 85.
Fairplay I, 71n.
Fair Breeze, 60, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Feasible, 71n, 73 (disabled).
Fenella, 34, 43 (sunk), 46.
Fidget, 32n, 51n.
"Fifth Column", 24, 100.
198

Details

S.S. "BIARRITZ"
D.S.C.
James Lang Crockart
1000
Engineer
finall Howl
S.S. "CANTERBURY"
D.S C.
Master
Charles Archibald Hancock
Motor Boat "CONSTANT NYMPH"
D.B.M.
Owner
Basil Arthur Smith
setuall
S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" Teldo
tal
I
повтоляз
D.O.C.
hamesthod
Master
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
William Thompson
Bernard Murphy
D.S.C.
Mate
Terence O'Hanlon
D.S.M.
Gunner
D.S.M.
J. W. Watson
TOJEBN
A.B.
D.S.M.
J. O'Rowe
doonignS Totdo
0.8.
W. Barnett
D.S.M.
A. Gibson
Drawers Ieldo
Fireman
Tug "FOREMOSH 87"
D.S.C.
IntooM
Master
James Fryer
JRL
S.S. "ISLE OF GUERNSEY" bee
Francis waugh Hodges.
D.S.C.
Master
Brnest Leonard Hill
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
David Douglas Robb
D.S.M.
A.B.
John Fowles
retual well
Tug "JAVA"
7001290 and
Seaman
D.S.M
Master
Harry Griffith
4001990
S.S. "KING GEORGE V"
Master
D.S.G
Robert McCallum McLean
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
William MacGregor
Greaser
D.S.M.
Angus Macdonald
D.S.M.
A.B.
Donald Joseph McKinnon
S.S. "LEVENWOOD"
Master
D.S.C.
William Oswald Young
M.N. Gunner
D.S.M.
George. Knight
niewaxe0
D.S.M.
Fireman
Robert Moody
S.S. "MAID OF ORLEANS"
Master
D.S.C.
Gordon Dyer Walter
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
George Frederick Tooley
D.S.M.
Q.M.
Harry Russell
Motor Yacht "MASHYRA"
D.S.M.
Skipper
G. D. Oliver
8.8. "PRAGUE"
Master
D.S.C.
Clifford Roland Baxter
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
Walter Ernest Oxenham
D.S.M.
Frederick Wm. John Rushby
Boy
in

Details

Details

Details

MIOM DEPARTMENT
,
72
TELEGRAMS, PRIMROSE." LIVERPOOL 7
RICHARD HUGHES & CO.
Statement
13/40/S.T.
A.6.
20th August, 1940. TED.
BRANCH OFFICES,
9017
is
LACE JONES, DIRECTOR.
146
WEST BUTE STREET CARDIFF.
All
OX
TION.
TEL. Nos. CARDIFF. 2877 2878.
5.5
Gentlemen,
69, DOCK ST., NEWPORT. MON.
583
9155
I have to acknowledge the
TELEPHONE No. 4278.
ST
287800
FOWEY. CORNWALL.
type
receipt of your letter HB/JS of the
TELEPHONE No. 12.
et,
PAR DOCK WAGON WORKS,
CORNWALL.
av.sware
THE
19th instant and to thank you for the
TELEPHONE No. PAR 98,
of,2.
RUNCORN.
TELEPHONE No. 2500.
report on the part taken by the
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESSES,
B.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" in the Dunkirk
"ROSES"
CARDIFF
"ROSES"
NEWPORT
"HUGHES"
FOWEY
"CLAYROSE"-
19th August, 1940.
RUNCORN
operations.
The Ministry am, Gentlemen,
147
Berkeley Squar obedient Servant,
Berkeley Square,
LONDON, W.I.
(Sgd.) b.y. whyman
Dear Sirs for Director of Sea Transport.
We & refer Co. (Liverpool) in Ltd., which the you 7th asked August us to
experiences of our
from Dunkirk,
We give you R the S.S.
"DORRIEN ROSE'S" are in the main drawn
from the ship's log.
Tours faithfully,
RICHARD HUGHES & Co. (LIVERPOOL)
Managing Director.
CANADA * 181112 : 8'
a bit, as I turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards destroyers were shore
twisting in 1 coura and see we were likely to get run down whilst one the Tug underwigh
were off could see our crew of the barge and the soldier the
$ t e
and rowing of in their boat towards us. I picked them stevedores also
next crew barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and then boat the
wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

Details

68
70
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE" CARDIFF.
148
On the 22nd May, 1940 the above vessel was in the Downs
loaded to with Army stores awaiting orders. She was instructed next day
proceed to Dunkirk, but on approaching observed it to be in
flames, and the "DORRIEN ROSE" passed three vessels outward bound,
one of which signalled that it was unsafe to approach Dunkirk, so
the Master reversed course and proceeded slowly outwards.
At 3-0a.m. on the 28th as dawn was approaching he decided
to approach Dunkirk in daylight so he set a course for Middlekerke
Buoy. At 4-25a.m. on nearing the Buoy enemy aircraft suddenly
attacked, several bombs were dropped and the "DORRIEN ROSE" retaliated
with machine-gun fire.
At 5.05 after the bombs had fallen it was observed that the
M.V. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" was sinking, so he proceeded to her assis-
tance and was requested by the O.C. to take off troups and ship's
complement, whilst the troups were being transferred the Germans
repeatedly attempted to renew the attack, but were prevented from
doing any further damage by bursts of fire from our machine-guns. At
5-25 all the troups and the crew of the "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" were
safely on board the "DORRIEN ROSE" and she then proceeded to Dover
where she arrived at 2-20p.m.
The operation of transferring the troups was carried out
expeditiously under the efficient direction of Commander M.L. Musson
R.N.R. and during the passage to Dover the Commander was of great
assistance in attending to the signals, spotting enemy planes and
controlling the troups.
On the 29th May the "DORRIEN ROSE" again proceeded towards
Dunkirk and was attacked next morning at 3a.m. by two enemy motor-craft
which circled the ship and sprayed her with machine-gun fire the
"DORRIEN ROSE" gave as good as she received and the "E" boats ceased
&
I
their attack and the vessel continued her passage to Dunkirk were she
I
arrived at 6-50a.m. She then despatched as much food stuff as
possible for the rear-guard troups and left again at 12-25p.m. with
o
t
590 troups on board for Folkestone, she arrived at Folkestone at
8-45p.m. the same night.
W
d
During all these aperations all the officers and members of the
O
crew carried out their various duties in a cool and efficient manner, in
particular Gunner .W.Watson, Bo'sun .McFadden and A.B.John Upperton
who were on the bridge under enemy fire.
p
al
De
jo
of
th
twisting as I could and see we were likely up to our get anchor run down and whilst kept the the Tug underweigh
were as off see our crew of the barge and the soldier the
a bit, I could turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards destroyers were shore
and rowing of in their boat towards us. I picked them stevedores also
e t
next crew barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and then boat the
wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)