Details

ADVENTURESS 1)
M/V
R.N.
30th May
1130
Left Dover for Dunkirk in company with
the tug Foremost 22, the M/Y Laroc
[Uo
and 3 other vessels.
1930ca
Arrived Malo beach. Embarked troops
Comodore
A.H.
and proceeded.
31st May however, 6 1100 the Arrived Margate. Disembark 85
troops. (2)
Ddre. Teylor also reports that
in the Aegir throughout Operation Total 85
trips in the M/B Dabb II.
Disemberkations from the Asgir were 0.0 follows:
30th May
1565
At Margate, disemberked 355 troops, (1)
May
1815
At Margate, disembarked 350 troops. (1)
lot June
1650
At Hargate, disembarked 130 troops. (1)
The dr. Havens reports as follows:
lot June
0706ca
The Havent was hit by 3 bomba. Ber
troops were transferred to the E/S
Saltash and the yacht Grive, She
then taken in tow by the Saltach.
1000ca
The Dayant commenced to sink; part of
her orew transferred to the
social
Shortly afterwards, hope of saving
the Hayant was abandoned, and the
remainer of the ship's company
transferred to the Aegin
Total 835
R.O.I., p.55.
R.O.II, pp.391,
(1) An Examination Service vessel of this name appears for the
first time in the Red List on 23rd June 1940.
(2) Largate report.
(1) Murgate and Dover 13
14

Details

EMPIRE HENCHMAN
Tug (United Towing
Co,. Ltd.)
(?)E. Fishe,
(?Fisher), Master.
30th May
0800
1300
Arrived Dover from Sheerness.
Left Dover for Dunkirk, in company a
2000
M/B (Lieut. R.N. 1/c).
Off Dunkirk. Towed small boats from the
beach to destroyers. Four such
trips were made.
-
Entered Dunkirk harbour, by order of
the Lieut. R.N. in the M/B. Found
no troops on the quay. Proceeded to
the beaches.
2210
Ordered to stand by the M/S Sharpshooter
which the tug Foremost 22 was about
to take in tow.
Foremost 22 towed Sharpshooter to
Dover, Empire Henchman accompanying
31st May
0800
her. When near Dover, Empire Hench-
man assisted to take the ship into
Dover harbour.
1600
Left Dover towing a barge loaded with
food and ammunition.
2000
Arrived off Dunkirk. Handed over the
barge to the French authorities.
Towed boats from the beach to
destroyers.
1st June
0300
On orders from the Lieut. R.N. in charge
of the M/B, proceeded; an empty
barge in tow.
-
Arrived Dover.
1100
Left for Dunkirk towing a barge loaded
with food and ammunition.
1600ca
Off Dunkirk. Told by a naval drifter
not to enter Dunkirk until dark,
because of shelling.
Whilst standing off, attacked by 20
-
aircraft. Tug and barge damaged by
Proceeded. Half way across took A/B
near misses.
1800
Thyra in tow.
2300
Arrived Dover with the barges.
2nd -
Laid at Dover, partially disabled.
4th June.
Nil
Authority - W.W.
284

Details

Details

FOREMOST 22
Tug (s. Ry. Co.)
C. Fieldgate, Master.
F.M. Holden, Actg.Master
29th May
1850
Left Newhaven for Dover.
Capt. Holden as Master.
30th May
0415
Arrived Dover.
1335
Left Dover for Dunkirk as leader of
5 small vessels.
2030
Arrived off Dunkirk. Separated from the
5 vessels after arrival: proceeded
eastward along the coast and then back
to the harbour entrance.
2300ca
The sound of a heavy collision in
Dunkirk roads was heard. The P/V
St. Helier had been in collision with
the M/S Sharpshooter.
2320ca
Foremost 22 took Sharpshooter in tow
and St. Helier backed away and carried
on.
Proceeded with Sharpshooter in tow
stern first.
31st May
1035
Arrived off Dover. Cast off the tow.
The tug Empire Henchman now assisted,
1320
and Sharpshooter was moored to a buoy.
1st June
1630
Captain Fieldgate rejoined the ship from
the sick list.
2030
Assisted 2 vessels in collision in the
outer basin. (2)
2nd June
1700
Left for Dunkirk.
2300
Dunkirk harbour entrance. Ordered into
harbour to assist the P/V Newhaven ?]
aground. The tug ran aground herself
but managed to refloat. A tug Sun X
and Sun XI both failed to re-float
her] /01 less draft was then sent in.
2400ca
off the harbour entrance, M/B's came
alongside and unloaded French troops.
0100
Proceeded.
0630
Dover. Disembarked
troops. (1)
(number not stated).
1430
Ordered to stand-by to leave for
1830
"Stand Dunkirk. by" order cancelled "owing to some
members of the crew being sick."
3rd June
Standing by.
4th June
1525
Left Dover for Newhaven.
Total 8
(1) (2) Not dr. mentioned Worcester was in D.R. in collision with P/V Maid of Orleans at
this time.
329

Details

ISLE OF THANET
Hospital Carrier
(s. Ry. Co.)
Capt. A.J. Hammond,
Master.
[on 23rd May the Isle of Thanet brought 296 wounded
from Dunkirk, i.e. before Operation Dynamo commenced].
25th May
1556
Left Dover for Dunkirk the H/C Paris in
company.
1815
Arrived Dunkirk. The P/V Canterbury
having moored at Gare Maritime;
the Isle of Thanet moored alongside
her, with Paris on the outside berth.
1910
[Canterbury sailed, and Isle of Thanet
took the quayside berth].
2200
Commenced loading. Air attacks were
frequent throughout the operation.
Raging fires lit up the quayside and
the white painted hospital carriers
showed up prominently.
26th May
0100
608 wounded embarked.
0115
Proceeded.
0730
Arrived Newhaven. Disembarked 608
wounded. (1)
27th May
0634
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
0800
Shelled by shore batteries when off
Calais
Returned to Dover for alternative
route instructions.
1709
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1750
The H/C Worthing asked for route, and
joined company.
2118
Dunkirk east roads. The Canterbury
came out of Dunkirk and signalled
that all casualties were aboard her,
and that it was impossible to enter.
Isle of Thanet and Worthing proceeded
to Dover.
28th May
0210
Off Dover. Ordered to Newhaven.
0254
Collided with the Exam. vessel
Ocean Reward, which sank immediately.
Searched for survivors, assisted by
the tug Lady Brassey. None were
found.
1051
Arrived Newhaven. Assisted to berth
by the tug Foremost 22.
Nil
Authority - M.6213/40.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R., no doubt because Operation Dynamo
did not commence until 1857 on 26th May.
67

Details

LAROC
Yarmouth Examination
Service Yacht.
Capt. G.B. Butler,
Master/Owner.
29th May
2230
Arrived Portsmouth from Yarmouth.
30th May
0030
Left Portsmouth.
1130
Arrived Dover. Ordered to proceed to
Dunkirk with the tug "Foremost 4"
[it was the Foremost 22], "H.M.S.
Grieve" [ the M/Y Grive], "Foremost 2"
[?], the Adventuress(1) and the M/V
Lady Sheila.
1400ca
Left Dover accordingly.
1930ca
Arrived Malo beach. Embarked about 75
troops from rowing boats.
2200
Sailed for Ramsgate as air raid
commenced.
31st May
0500
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 75 troops.
0600
Sailed for Dunkirk with whaler in tow.
1030
Anchored off Malo beach.
1100
Collected two "large passenger boats"
and embarked troops.
Note: At 1100, the Adventuress landed
85 troops at Margate.
1515ca
"All three ships filled" - about 170
troops. Proceeded.
1930ca
Arrived Ramsgate. The Laroe disembarked
60 troops. (2)
1st June
0600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1000ca
Off coast between Gravelines and
Dunkirk.
Heavy bombing of large ships.
A damaged British destroyer [the
1005ca
Havant was taken in tow by tug [the
M/S Saltash].
1015ca
Steered N.W. from 5 W buoy to get clear
of big ships.
1025ca
Salvo of bombs dropped 30 yards astern
of a troopship [the Prague] near 9 W
buoy.
1030ca
French destroyer [ the Foudroyant] hit
by bombs; she sank within about one
minute, about 1 mile north of 13 W
1035ca
British buoy. destroyer [the Keith] bombed 3
miles N.N.E. from 5 W buoy. She was
later sunk by gunfire from a sloop
[the M/S Salamander].
1115
Proceeded to Dunkirk. Picked up 8 men
from a small boat.
1800
Arrived Proceeded. Ramsgate. Disembarked 12 troops
1815
Ferried about 310 troops from ships
outside the harbour to Ramsgate
pier. (3)
Total 147
Examination vessel of this name appears for the
Cirst time Service Red List on 23rd June.
annentioned in the Ramsgate report.
Lieote report in mentions D.R. or 55 landed at 2030.
152

Details

(6)
ST. HELIER. P/V
G.W.Ry.Co.
Capt. R.R. Pitman, Master.
27th May
1030
Eleven of the crew having been replaced
by naval ratings, the St. Helier
sailed from Dover via X route, in
company with the H/C's St. Julien
1700ca
and St. Andrew (q.v.)
Off Dunkirk. Air attack.
1800ca
Entered the harbour, but was ordered not our by
pythes.T.O.
required. Proceeded.
2300ca
Arrived in the Downs.
30th May
1405
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
2000ca
Dunkirk harbour. Embarked French
troops.
2200ca
Left Dunkirk, fully loaded with about
2000 French troops.
2215ca
About 2 miles west of Dunkirk, collided
with the M/S Sharpshooter. The
St. Helier was kept going slow ahead
for about an hour, until the tug
170
Foremost 22 had taken Sharpshooter
in tow. St. Helier then withdrew
from the Sharpshooter, and taking the
lead, proceeded to escort her to
Dover.
(5)
/
2312
The P/V Princess Eleanor (collided with
the St. Helier. No damage.
St. Helier eventually lost sight of
the tow.
31st May
0330
Anchored in Downs.
-
Dover. (1) Disembarked 2,000 French
troops. (2).
p.m.
Sailed via x route to Dunkirk.
1830ca
Near V buoy, 3 planes attacked from
about 1,000 feet. 4 bombs dropped
ahead, 9 on port bow, 20 yards off.
One plane was shot down. (3)
-
Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
-
Proceeded.
1st June
a.m.
Dover. Disembarked 1,250 troops. (4).
0930ca
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1430
Off Dunkirk. 16 enemy planes in combat
with R.A.F.
1530
Entered harbour. Waited for stretcher
cases.
1830
Twice hit by shore batteries. Damage
and casualties. Berthed alongside.
Embarked wounded and troops.
2230
Proceeded.
2nd June
0330ca
Dover. Disembarked 1334 troops. 3
more of the crew left the ship.
1700ca
Left Dover.
2215
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked about 2,000
B.E.F.
(1) Surg.Lieut. Longmore R.N.V.R. cases] states were that landed at 0730/31, at Folkestone. Medical wounded
(2) D.R. [including states 500. 15 stretcher According to the Master and the
officer the number was 2,000.
(3) (4) Not D.R. recorded gives a in second D.R. disembarkation (of 659 troops) on 1st
June.
(The
(5) No vessel Known.
64
willenand
(6) Tworeparts one dated of of This proceedings were sent in signed dated June spigned by the
10

Details

SHARPSHOOTER
(N.68)
lst M.S.F.
Lieut. A.E. Doran, R.N.
1730
28th May
1842
Arrived Hebe. Dover in company with the M/S
2
Ordered Panne. by V.A. Dover to proceed to La
1903
Proceeded via Route Y.
0115
p-
29th May
Arrived boats off the beaches. Lowered
0300
and embarked troops.
Only surf. to 30 the troops lack of had boats been and embarked, the inshore owing
0500
About 100 troops had been embarked.
1215
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 100
Proceeded to Dover by Route Y.
troops. (1)
1830
Sailed via Route X for the beaches.
er
P
0035
30th May
Anchored close inshore [presumably
off La Panne]. Embarked 260 troops,
assisted by 2 boats manned by
Royal Engineers.
0335
Proceeded to Dover by Route X.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 273
troops. (1)
1800
Sailed via Route X.
2210
While steaming down the southern side
of Dunkirk channel, Sharpshooter was
in collision with the P/V St. Helier
[The St. Helier reports that she
1
kept going slow ahead for about an
hour until the tug Foremost 22
had taken Sharpshooter in tow.
St. Helier then withdrew from the
Sharpshooter and escorted her to
Dover].
-
The Sharpshooter arrived at Dover in
tow of Foremost 22.(q.v.).
1)
Total 373
Authority R.O.I., p.369.
e
(1) D.R.
125

Details

SOUTHERN QUEEN (P.L.17) M/L (C.H. Harvey)
31st May?
Reported sunk by aircraft.
She did not return from Dunkirk.
Personnel ships
Authority - TO.9144/40.
TO.9436/40.
Dinied
OCK Overnsey
1810 oz.Thanot
Perio
Worthing
Coaster
Hythe
Tuge
Foremost
22
lia 164

Details

Southern Railway Company
The following ships of the S. Ry.Co. took part in Dynamo:
Personnel ships
Autocarrier
Biarritz
Canterbury( 2)
Lorina (1)
Maid of Orleans( 2)
Normania (1)
Whippingham.
Whitstable
Hospital carriers
Dinard
Isle of Guernsey
Isle of Thanet
Paris
Worthing
Coaster
Hythe
Tugs
Foremost 22
800
{1} Designated Sunk. a troop transport.
D.R.
165

Details

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

Details

Details

-5-
2519
Other demands were made for 50 tons of dry
provisions of all kinds to Dutch and French vessels.
Other demands were for 7 days provisions for 150 men
to 4 ships and provisions for 400 men for one day
to each of 15 vessels. As large reserves had been
built up these demands were quickly met.
During the period 200 ships were supplied with water -
some of them several times. About 743,000 gallons
were supplied by the Water Boat "Aqua". All the
Victualling Store Staff worked for 18 hours a day on
most days and the crew of Aqua" worked almost contin-
uously.
GS
Twelve tugs were detailed for operation "DYNAMO"
for towing barges and small craft. of these
"Foremost 87" was outstanding and made four passages
to France and was willing to go again if required.
"Foremost 22" and "Fairplay 1" made the passage twice
and were ready to go again. Other tugs made one
passage.
A report by Lieutenant Commander Wardrop R.N.R on
the situation at Dunkirk while he was there on detached
duty is attached.
COMMODORE SUPERINTENDENT.
18JUN 1940
OVER

Details

Details

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

Details

ALSO AT: LONDON, MIDDLESBROUGH. STOCKTON, SUNDERLAND & SCARBOROUGH
ESTABLISHED 1864
TYNE-TEES STEAM SHIPPING COMPANY LTD.
HEAD OFFICE:
77
25, KING STREET,
ALL LETTERS TO
TELEGRAMS
BE ADDRESSED TO
"TYNETEES" NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE
THE COMPANY.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE,1.
TELEPHONE
NEWCASTLE 23111
12th June 1940.
NOTES FOR THE CHAIRMAN, SIR ARTHUR M. SUTHERLAND, BART. K.B.E.
m.v. "BEAL"
This vessel made one trip assisting in the Dunkirk evacuation.
Crew list attached. She brought back a full load of troops. An A.B.,
A.D.C.Hall of 33, Normount Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, swam a considerable
distance to the shore with a line attached to his body in order to make
arrangements for towing off boats. The Bo'sun, .Storey of 12, Ransome
Crescent, Macton Estate, Ipswich, and the 2nd Engineer, W.G. Shaw, 77
Farndale Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, made many trips in the ship's life-boat
doing valuable service.
m.v. "SANDHILL"
This vessel arrived at Dunkirk on Friday, 24th May, with a cargo
of about 940 tons of high explosives. There were no electric cranes
available and the vessel had to discharge with her own gear. A large
proportion of the cargo was discharged under heavy air raids before the
vessel was finally ordered to leave Dunkirk. The whole crew behaved
splendidly and the Captain especially mentioned the Chief Officer, Mr D.K.
Wright, whose address is c/o Mrs Relf, 30, South Road, Newhaven, Sussex. Crew
list attached.
The draft of the "Foremost 22" is 13 feet aft. and the
tide was ebb, it being about 2½ hours after high water.
When I arrived in Dunkerque Roads there were a large
number of other vessels in the vicinity, both large and small.
There was some confusion owing to the heavy bombardment
from the shore and the activity of hostile aircraft.
Just after 11 p.m. I heard the sound of a heavy
collision close to my vessel.
-1-
P.T.O

Details

CREW LIST M. V. "BEAL" DUNKERQUE.
78
Wilson.
J. W. Liley, Master.
55 Milton Hall Road, Gravesend.
D. Wright. Chief
W. Wilson,
Mate.
1, Croydon Road, Middlesbrough.
F.
Storey,
Bosun.
12, Ransome Crescent, Mactom Estate, Ipswich.
Newhaven,
Officer,
G. Bradley, A.B.
3, Dean Street, Middlesbrough.
G.
Girdwood,
Bosun.
18
D. Nicholsom.A.B.
1, Ailsa Road, Troon, Scotland.
W. Hill.
117
A.D.C.Hall. A.B.
33, Normount Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
B. H. Locke.
A. Clark.
Steward.
4, Bilsmoor Avenue, High Heaton, Newcastle/Tyne.
F. Brennan,
S. Robinson. Chief
44, Fern Avenue, North Shields.
x.
Hamill.
Engimeer.
Lour Place, Newhaven, Sussex
GWW
G.
Shaw.
Second
77, Farndale Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 4.
Engineer. Road, Clapham Junction, London S.W.11.
S. H. Brown. Steward. 77, Newminster Road, Fenham, Newcastla-on-Tyne.
R. P. Thomas. Assistant
Steward. Cherry Grove, Skelty, Swansea.
J. E. Bracken, Chief Engineer. 28, Lewes Road, Newhaven, Susaex.
R. Clark.
Second 3, Ancroft Avenue, North Shields.
Engineer.
R. Wonders.
Third Engineer. c/o Father, 65 Mortimer Road, South Shields.
entrance to vensel, 1 decided to go back to the Harbour
see whether I could be of any assistance there
to
tide was ebb, it being about 21/2 hours after high water.
The draft of the "Foremost 22" is 13 feet aft. and the
number of other vessels in the vicinity, both large and small.
When I arrived in Dunkerque Roads there were a large
There was some confusion owing to the heavy bombardment
from the shore and the activity of hostile aircraft.
Just after 11 p.m. I heard the sound of a heavy
collision close to my vessel.
-1-
P.T.O

Details

II
(HO)
AND ACCIDENT CLAUSES.
till
WELRO
CREW LIST M. V. "SANDHILL"
DUNKERQUE.
79
GM
Frederick Mafeking
A. Wilson. Master. 31, Derwentdale Gardens, Heaton, Newcastle/Tyne.
D. K. Wright. Chief c/o Mrs. Relf, 30 South Road, Newhaven, Sussex.
Officer.
full
W. Donn.
Second
58 Laws Avenue, Newhaven, Sussex.
Officer.
of
G. Girdwood. Bosun. 18, Guelder Road, High Heaton, Newcastle/Tyne.
W. Hill.
A.B.The 30th May, 117, Gibbons Road, Newhaven, Sussex.
B. H. Locke. A.B.
3, Eastcliff Avenue, West End, Farnham, Hants.
F. Brennan.
A.B.
Scattery Island, Kilbrush, Co. Clare. the
R. Hamill.
A.B.
16, Lour Place, Newhaven, Sussex.
a
G.
W.
Ockham soldiers A.B. 38, Darley Road, Clapham Junction, London S.W.11.
from
the
to
S. H. Brown. Steward. 77, Newminster Road, Fenham, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
R.
P.
Thomas.
Assistant
Steward. Cherry Grove, Skelty, Swansea.
He
J. E. Bracken, Chief 28, Lewes Road, Newhaven, Sussex.
Engineer.
R. Clark. Second in 3, Ancroft Avenue, Nor th Shields.
leader Engimeer.
R. Wonders. Third c/o Father, 65 Mortimer Road, South Shields.
the Engineer. essels, and
I separated from the other
a Destroyer I took which the was going 22 in. to
Harbour, endeavouring and as other Destroyers and large
The Destroyer commenced firing at the to
to to out,
I ordered the backed
and proceeded the
We proceeded along the coast
there
entrance to see whether I could be of any assistance there.
declaed 00 go back to the Harbour
The draft of the "Foremost 22" is 13 feet aft. and the
tide was ebb, it being about 2½ hours after high water.
When I arrived in Dunkerque Roads there were a large
number of other vessels in the vicinity, both large and small.
There was some confusion owing to the heavy bombardment
from the shore and the activity of hostile aircraft.
Just after 11 p.m. I heard the sound of a heavy
collision close to my vessel.
-1-
P.T.O

Details

(HO)
AND
ACCIDENT
Jug" aremout II
se
Copy. (Extract).
esia
so
Frederick Mafeking Holden, states:-
On Wednesday, the 29th May, 1940, I received orders from
the Company's Divisional Marine Manager at Newhaven to proceed
to Dover at once.
The Tug was under full steam and we left the Harbour
at 6.50 p.m.
I was Acting Master of the "Foremost 22", the regular
LIE
Master Captain Fieldgate, being ill.
The Tug arrived off Dover at 4.15 a.m. on Thursday,
the 30th May.
I dropped anchor just off the detached mole, near the
Western entrance to the Dover Harbour, and remained there for
orders.
At 11.30 a.m. a motor launch came up with a Naval Officer
on board. The Naval Officer ordered me to Dunkerque to pick
up soldiers from the beach.
The Naval Officer gave me a chart showing Dunkerque, and
gave me instructions as to courses.
He gave me these instructions so that I could keep clear
of minefields.
He requested me to collect five small vessels, which
were anchored in the vicinity and to take them to Dunkerque as
leader.
I left Dover at 1.35 p.m. on the 30th May followed by
the five small vessels, and arrived off Dunkerque at 8.30 p.m.
I separated from the other vessels after arrival.
I took the "Foremost 22" to the Harbour entrance following
a Destroyer which was going in.
The Destroyer commenced firing at the entrance to the
Harbour, and as other Destroyers and a large Troopship were
endeavouring to enter, I decided to get out.
I ordered the engines astern, backed out of the Harbour,
and proceeded along the coast in the direction of Ostend.
We proceeded along the coast for about two miles, and as it
was getting dusk and there were no small boats to bring the
troops out to my vessel, I decided to go back to the Harbour
entrance to see whether I could be of any assistance there.
The draft of the "Foremost 22" is 13 feet aft. and the
tide was ebb, it being about 2½ hours after high water.
When I arrived in Dunkerque Roads there were a large
number of other vessels in the vicinity, both large and small.
There was some confusion owing to the heavy bombardment
from the shore and the activity of hostile aircraft.
Just after 11 p.m. I heard the sound of a heavy
collision close to my vessel.
-1-
P.T.O

Details

(HO)
AND ACCIDENT CLAUSES.
COPY.
Tug "Foremost" 22.
June 6th, 1940.
Mr. R.J. Cardy,
82
Newhaven.
Dear Sir,
I have to report that in accordance with your
instructions, I proceeded to Dover on Saturday 1st, last and
joined the "Foremost 22" at 4.30 p.m.
We were ordered to leave the coaling berth at 7.30 p.m.
and proceeded to the Tug's berth. At about 8.30 p.m. we left
this berth with other tugs to give assistance to two vessels in
collision in the outer basin. We were not required so returned
to the Tugs' berth and moored up at about 9.45 p.m.
Enemy aeroplanes came over Dover at 11.45 p.m., and
all ships manned their guns. At 12.30 a.m. they had departed
and all hands returned to rest. At 6.30 a.m. on Sunday, 2nd,
we were standing by in readiness for sea and later received
instructions to proceed to the Outer Basin to pick up the barge
"Thelma" and stand by for orders to proceed to Dunkirk. Later
in the day these orders were cancelled and I received fresh
orders to proceed to Dunkirk without barge at p.m. On
arrival off the Harbour entrance at 11 p.m., I was instructed
to enter and give any assistance I could.
Entering, we found the S.S. "Newhaven" aground and in
an attempt to get close enough to get my tow-rope aboard him,
I went aground myself.
The tide was ebbing, making it necessary for me to
get off the ground immediately. I was successful in doing
this and proceeded outside the Harbour while another tug of
less draft assisted the "Newhaven".
I stood off the Harbour entrance for a short time,
then motor boats came alongside and loaded us with French
Troops. By this time the situation was getting very dangerous
and bombs were dropping in our vicinity so I decided that it
would be wise to leave and save what troops we had. I had
been informed that the channel out of Dunkirk was mined and
strewn with numerous wrecks, making it necessary for me to
proceed with all caution.
I/
ashore.
near bombs exploding everywhere
and to carry out my orders, but no sooner had I got between the
At 12 midnight, high water, I steamed between the piers
astern attempting to make fast. when two bombs exploded in the piers
explosion of me. One was very close as the rebound of the channel the
about 15 came right over our quarter deck. I remained sea from
with the minutes thinking still to make a landing and try and there for
British Naval authorities, but just as I got alongside connect the
CONTINUED.
1.