Details

H.43
Small French trawler
R.H. Scott, Master
State say
See under Chasse-Maree or harbour by the
*WAVE 97399
The H.A.C. and Thyra were then teken
In tow by the tog St. Abba,
lat Jane
0500
Arrived Dunkirk. Tow slipped and bargs.
ordered to beach themselves. The
B.A.C. was towed into the bench by She
Thyra which then embarked the
crew.
2nd June
The was towed back at night,
damaged, but full of troops.
Estimated Total 200
2200
6 5

Details

H.A.C.
Sailing barge (H.A. Cunis
R.H. Scott, Master
Ltd.)
31st May
-
Towed out of Dover harbour by the
barge Thyra.
The H.A.C. and Thyra were then taken
May
0845
in tow by the tug St. Abbs.
1st June
0500
Arrived Dunkirk. Tow slipped and barges
ordered to beach themselves. The
H.A.C. was towed into the beach by the
Thyra which then embarked the H,A,C's
crew.
1415
2nd June
The H.A.C. was towed back at night,
damaged, but full of troops.
drifters.
Од
Estimated Total 100 57
seiled for Ramsgate.
2200
Arrived
Ramagate.
Disembarked
60
troops.(1) (1)
1st June(2)
Sailed
for
Dunicisk,
attack
near
6 * buoy.
Arrived off Dunkirk. The beaches
almost empty,
0800ca
While returning to enter the harbour,
pew the dr. Ivanhoe on fire and In
tow or the tug Persia,
Closed the Ivanhoe and offered
assistance. Haig USE requested to
05001's the Ivanhoe, which she dids
It. Cdr. Pisani then says:
"After ciroling him at speed, as
ensmy airoraft were active, I
noticed that he had slipped his too
and appeared to be proceeding at
about 12 knots. Persia full actern
but at No.6 booy Ivenhoe stopped
and told me to instruct Permis
to resume tow. An tow was being
connected, and subsequently for 8
on hour, 3 waves of 21 (sech)
enemy bombers attacked Lynnhoe,
incoming trensports, and out-going
missellaneous vessele, all within
0845ea
2 miles of No.6 W bucy". (3)
The Heig steaming at 30 knota
maintained a continuous fire with
har 2 gune, and circled the Ivanhee
and the Persin, "Insocurate bombing
resulted, only one salvo falling near
the Forsia."
Near W buoy, a tug bound for Dunkirk
yas contacted and sent to a destroyer
the Havant/in distress near Hills
Bank,
orr II. Foreland the fest M/B Heleyone
from pamagate closed the Huig who
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. or Ramagate report.
The Asst. Dir. Mil. Transport's report states, "Ferried
800 sroops" and *Disembarked 65 troops".
(2) Lt. Cdr. Pisani mistakenly saya "2nd June".
(3) It VISA at this time that the This withossed the sinking of
the U/S Skippack.
6

Details

Aux. Barge
PUDGE
Lond. &
Mr. W. Watson, Master
Rochester
Trading Co.
Ltd.)
Requisitioned at Millwall and towed
29th May
to Tilbury - thence to Southend.
The Ocean Cock towed the Pudge, and
the barges Doris, Ena and Tollesbury
to Ramsgate and thence to Dover.
1430
Arrived Dover.
30th May
0830ca
Volunteers invited to go to Dunkirk.
31st May
of the 17 barges lying at Dover, all
volunteered. Six barges were
selected - the 3 auxiliary barges;
Pudge, Thyra and Lady Roseberry;
and the 3 sailing barges Doris, H.A.C.
and Duchess.
The 3 auxiliary barges proceeded
forthwith out of harbour with the
sailing barges in tow; and were
picked up by tugs.
Pudge, Doris and Lady Roseberry -
in that order, were taken in tow
by the tug St. Fagan. (1)
1st June
0130ca
Arrived off Dunkirk beach during
0350ca
The darkness. Lady Roseberry was ordered by the
tug to tow the Doris inshore.
While proceeding to do so, and while
the Pudge was starting up her engines
the St. Fagan was blown up by a bomb(2)
The Pudge picked up 1 stoker and the
Mate of the tug.
The were also sunk in the explosion, and
Lady Roseberry and the Doris
the Pudge picked up their crews.
The Pudge sailed.
After about 5 miles, the Pudge was
taken in tow by the tug Tanga.
1130ca
Arrived Ramsgate.
Authority R.O.II, p.620.
Not "St. Fabian" as stated by Mr. Watson.
Watson says 1t was a mine.

Details

ST. ABBS.
Tug. (Portland)
Lieut. T.E. Brooker, R.N.
(Retd.)
31st May
1000
Left Dover with 3 barges in tow, viz.
the A/B Thyra(1), and the S/B's H.A.C.
and Duchess.
2100
The S/B Duchess (1) broke adrift and
was taken in tow by a "sloop" [ the
M/S Lydd].
1st June
0030
Anchored about 6 miles from Dunkirk.
0330
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
0600
Proceeded towards the beaches. Air
attack.
0630
Anchored. Thyra(2) towed H.A.C.
inshore to the beaches.
0730
Air attacks. Weighed.
0800
dr. Keith hit by bomb. St. Abbs
took off survivors, and picked up
others from ships boats and from the
water.
120
0830
The M/S Skipjack was hit by a bomb and
sank quickly. The M/S Salamander
which was also rescuing survivors
sailed for the harbour entrance. The
St. Abbs continued to rescue Keith's
survivors.
0900
The St. Abbs sailed for the harbour
entrance.
0930
St. Abbs blown up by bombs. She sank
"
in 45 seconds. About 130 ratings
and soldiers were on board; about
30 men were seen swimming in the
water after the St. Abbs sank.
Nil.
Authority - D.R. "losses". M.017681/40
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
L/Stwd. E.S. Lawrence.
(1) Said by Mr. R.B. Henderson, Boatswain, R.N., in his report
to be the S/B Doris. Actually the Doris was in tow of
(2) Mr. Henderson says it was the Duchess.
the tug St. Fagan.
56

Details

Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
Sun XII
and Co. Ltd.)
A.V. Mee, Master.
B.R. Mastin, Navigating
Master
2300ca
29th May
Left Tilbury Docks for Ramsgate, towing
H.A.C. and Beatrice Maud.
the A/B Thyra and the S/B's Royalty,
1210
30th May
Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Dover.
1500
Arrived Dover with the 4 barges.
1600
31st May
Left Dover for Dunkirk towing the S/B's
Ethel Everard and Tollesbury loaded
with water and provisions for
Dunkirk; tug Fairplay I, also towing
barges, in company. Air attack en
route.
2350
Arrived Dunkirk. Both tugs put their
barges ashore at Braye-Dunes.
Both tugs proceeded 3 to 4 miles to
the east to collect troops, but none
were available.
1st June
0400
Returned to Braye-Dunes. Proceeded to
Dover.
0410ca
Off Dunkirk. Air attack.
1030
Arrived Dover.
2030
Sun XII assisted dr. Worcester which
had been in collision with P/V Maid
of Orleans.
2155
Left Dover for W buoy.
Off the North Goodwin, Sun XII was
one of 7 tugs steaming in single
line ahead (see Sun XI)
2nd June
0300
Arrived W buoy. Ordered to return.
0920
Arrived Dover.
Nil
Authority. A.T.C.
W.W.
191

Details

Auxy. Barge (Lond. &
THYRA
Rochester Trading Co. Ltd.)
Mr. E.W. Filley,
Master.
2330
29th May
Requisitioned at Millwall and towed
Sun XII with other barges, to
to Tilbury. Towed by the tug
Southend. Thence ordered to Ramsgate
and thence to
30th May
1430
Dover harbour.
31st May
-
Proceeded outside breakwater with S/B
H.A.C. in tow. The Thyra and H.A.C.
were taken in tow by the tug St. Abbs.
1st June
0500
Arrived Dunkirk. "Shot off" by the tug
at the Pierhead and told to beach
barges.
0630ca
Towed the H.A.C. into the beach, and
embarked 11 French troops. Picked
up (off the beach) the crews of the
S/B's Glenway and Lark; also 8
British troops that were aboard them.
Including the crew of the H.A.C.
the Thyra now had 28 men on board.
1400ca
Proceeded. Half way across, was picked
up by the tug Empire Henchman.
2345
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 19 troops(1)
Total 19
Authority - R.O.II, p.618
(1) D.R. gives June 2nd as date of disembarkation.
232

Details

Details

Treasury Thambers,
B.H.A.C. (B)
Whitehall, S.U.
B.H.A.M. (B)
7th April, 1942.
My dear gleadowe
The following Belgian seamen have been honoured for services
in the evacuation from Dunkirk.
M.B.E. (Civil Division) (Admy. number C.W.26235/40 of 17th Sept. 1940).
Captain Maurice Coppin, Master, " Trawler S.S. "Julia". "Guido Gazelle", 0.225.
Captain Rene Lusyne,
If
"
"Maréchal Foch", 0.274.
Captain Pierre Lusyne,
B.E.M. (Civil Division)
Engineer Albert Rooman, Trawler " "Cor Jesu", 0.87. 0.227.
Seaman Prosper Luca,
If
S.S. "Julia".
Seaman Victor Goes,
"
"Guido Gazelle", 0.225.
Seaman Hector Annys,
11 Boats based on Dartmouth Dunkirk. and manned The with "Julia" volunteers,
braved every These danger Belgian in transferring Gazelle" 403, troops the from "Cor Jesu" 274. The last named
the
"Guido
boąt embarked made 1007, one trip, the others two.
The "Marechal Foch" of the went soldiers alongside to jumping Dover the in on quay another board at grounded Dunkirk trawler Foch" and but her. and set on went a The
Master falling and tide his the one weight assistant day, embarked returned 300 men the in vessel the "Marechal was run of down the by troops. a Warship,
which back out for again took England. the next Off these the Goodwin two brave Light Belgians and some 150 these
on board 1,800 the and men pertinacity of sea."
volunteer Troops and are
D.S.C.
George François Rayaert, Master of a Belgian (Admy. fishing boat.
Letter 13 Nov. 1941).
"For services at Dunkirk.
The
R.M.Y. Gleadowe, Esq..
cw26612/41 Phare set

Details

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m.,
towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend,
thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all
the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to
beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their
assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our
barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to
di
go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any
kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as
possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the
barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them
as they had been left on the beach with 8 tor in for the Frenchmer
to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get
out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to
proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed
half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

Details

I William Watson am Master of the auxiliary barge "PUDGE".
We were requisitioned on the 29th May whilst lying outside the
581
6
Millwall Dock, towed to Tilbury, given three days rations, and
then to Southend. The "OCEAN COCK" towed us to Ramsgate and
subsequently to Dover with the barges "DORIS" "ENA" and "TOLSBURY".
We arrived at Dover at about 2.30 on the 30th May. We lay alongside
the Prince of Wales Pier for the rest of that day and were told we
should probably load in the morning.
On May 31st at about 8.30 a Naval Officer called the Captains
ashore and asked for Volunteers to go over to Dunkirk and said
that nodody could be forced to go but he would be very grateful
for any volunteers and preferred the auxiliary barges.
There were about 17 barges lying at Dover and all volunteered.
Six barges were selected, three auxiliaries and three sailing barges,
"PUDGE" "LADY ROSEBERRY" "DORIS" "H.A.C." "DUCHESS" and "THYRA".
The three auxiliary barges "THYRA" "LADY ROSEBERRY" AND "PUDGE"
each proceeded forthwith out of the harbour with the other three
+1
barges in tow and were picked up by a big tug. The tug which picked
us up was the "ST. FABIAN" and the "PUDGE" was on the hook with the
"DORIS" next and the "LADY ROSEBERRY" third.
The tug which had just arrived from the South Coast gave us & big
7" wire which was made fast round the mast case, under the windlass
and through the fairlead in the bowboard, and we arrived under the
shore close to Dunkirk during the hours of darkness that night (I
am not sure of the time).
We had some trouble in locating the inshore channel as the Captain
of the tug did not seem to know the locality and apprently had no
chart. By the time of daybreak on Saturday, we were about

Details

Details

Details

Dynamo 65.
Dyrans. 33V.
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
202
90
:que,
285
15th June, 1940.
13
sir,
I at have the honour to report the loss of H.M. Tug"St Abbs"
0
at Dunkirk 0930 on 1st June 1940, Lieutenant Brooker in command.
5
2.
Blst May, three barges in tow, the "Duchess", the "H.A.C." and
H.M. with Tug"St Abbs" sailed from Dover at 10 a.m. on Friday,
the "Doris", bound for Dunkirk.
ng
3. At 2100 31st May the last barge of the tow, the "Doris"
31/5
ne
or
broke adrift and was taken in tow by a sloop, name not known.
ing
4. At 0030, 1st June, H.M. Tug"St St Abbs" anchored approximately
say
six miles from Dunkirk, Lieutenant T.E. Brooker considering it
unadvisable and dangerous to proceed further before daylight.
5. At 0330 anchor was weighed and ship proceeded towards
Dunkirk.
6. At 0600 H.M. Tug"St Abbs" passed the piers and proceeded
LE
towards the beaches. Enemy aircraft commenced bombing the piers and
shipping.
yer
7. At 0630 the barges were slipped and ordered to proceed
it:
inshore to the beaches, the "Duchess" towing the "H.A.C."
H.M. Tug"St Abbs" anchored and waited for soldiers to embark.
8. At 0730 attacks by enemy aircraft intensified and anchor
take
was weighed, it being intended to proceed closer to the beach to
a men
on
facilitate embarking of soldiers.
9. At 0800 approximately, H.M.S. "Keith" was struck by a bomb
ng
and settled in the water. H.M.Tug " St Abbs" proceeded alongside
s:
H.M.S. "Keith" and took off survivors. Captain(D) of Nineteenth
S
Le
had
Flotilla, First Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Keith" and other ratings
remained on board to estimate the damage and consider the possibility
of S. "Keith" being towed back to England. H.M.Tug "st Abbs"
rties
ed.
I
proceeded to pick up survivors from ship's boats and from the water.
train
10. At 0830 H.M.S. "Skipjack" was struck by a bomb and sank
of
quickly. "Salamander" who was also rescuing survivors
Panne
sailed for H.M.S. entrance of the harbour. The bombing was very heavy. the
Lo and
remainder "St Abbs" then continued to pick up survivors. Bombing
H.M. Tug the returned alongside H.M.S. "Keith" and took off
re
and
became so of heavy the that crew, it was necessary to keep the ship at full speed
S to
and at 0900 H. M. Tug "St Abbs" sailed for the entrance.
O set
11. Tug "St Abbs" was blown up by four delay-action and
ations,
bombs At 0930 the water ahead of the ship. The bottom
stern dropped were completely into shattered and the ship sank in approximatel
p
i/c
hit
45 seconds.
nise
1
H. 12. were swimming in the water and after
M. Tug "St About Abbs" thirty sank. men Approximately one hundred thirty
que
al
ratings and soldiers were on the ship.
ark
0
13. June, I reached a wreck believed two to ratings be the
si
"Clan MacAlfister", At 2400, 1st in company with two "Salamander"s" soldiers, whaler's
from crew. H.M.S. "Skipjack" and were one from Captain(D), H.M.S. Nineteenth Flotilla, survivors
the First Also Lieutenant on the wreck of H.M.S. "Keith" and eight other

Details

CONFIDENTIAL 332. 239
244
Royal Naval Barracks,
Chatham.
15th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report the loss of H.M.Tug "St Abbs"
at Dunkirk at 0930 on 1st June 1940, Lieutenant Brooker in command.
2. H.M.Tug "St Abbs" sailed from Dover at 10 a.m. on Friday,
31st May with three barges in tow, the "Duchess", the "H.A.C." and
the "Doris", bound for Dunkirk.
3. At 2100, 31st May the last barge of the tow, the "Doris"
broke adrift and was taken in tow by a sloop, name not known.
H. At 0030, 1st June, H.M.Tug "St Abbs" anchored approximately
six miles from Dunkirk, Lieutenant T.E. Brooker considering it
unadvisable and dangerous to proceed further before daylight.
5. At 0330 anchor was weighed and ship proceeded towards
Dunkirk.
sed the piers and proceeded
CONFIDENTIAL
ommenced bombing the piers and
Dynamo
d and ordered to proceed
owing the "H.A.C.".
r soldiers to embark.
ORT BY MR. R.B. HENDERSON BOATSWAIN R.N. raft intensified and anchor to
N LOSS OF H.M.TUG "ST ABBS"
ed closer to the beach
Henderson's report dated 15th June '40)
Keith" was struck by a bomb
II.
Abbs" proceeded alongside
0017
Captain(D) of Nineteenth
1th" and other ratings
a and consider the possibility
VICE-AIMIRAL, DOVER.
gland. H.M.Tug"St Abbs"
p's boats and from the water.
truck by a bomb and sank
Forwarded. It is regretted
lso rescuing survivors
The bombing was very heavy.
Henderson inmediately was not directed on return to sould forward to have
.S. "Keith" and took off the
0 pick up survivors. Bombing
en informed of all the facts in view
rracks as it was assumed you
0 keep the ship at full speed
paragraph 19, 20, and 21 of the report.
the entrance.
blown up by four delay-action
:he ship. The bottom and
ship sank in approximately
1g in the water after
one hundred and thirty ratings
N. Barracks,
th June 1940.
COMMODORE.
a wreck believed to be the
18JUN 1940
two soldiers, two ratings
.S."Salamander's" whaler's
4
DOVER
1(D), Nineteenth Flotilla,
and eight other survivors

Details

CONFIDENTIAL Dyreams 332, 239
244.
Royal Naval Barracks,
Chatham.
15th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report the loss of H.M.Tug "St Abbs"
at Dunkirk at 0930 on 1st June 1940, Lieutenant Brooker in command.
2. H.M.Tug "St Abbs" sailed from Dover at 10 a.m. on Friday,
31st May with three barges in tow, the "Duchess", the "H.A.C." and
the "Doris", bound for Dunkirk.
3. At 2100, 31st May the last barge of the tow, the "Doris"
broke adrift and was taken in tow by a sloop, name not known.
N. At 0030, 1st June, H.M.Tug "St Abbs" anchored approximately
six miles from Dunkirk, Lieutenant T.E. Brooker considering it
unadvisable and dangerous to proceed further before daylight.
5. At 0330 anchor was weighed and ship proceeded towards
Dunkirk.
6. At 0600, H.M.Tug"st Abbs" passed the piers and proceeded
towards the beaches. Enemy aircraft commenced bombing the piers and
shipping.
inshore to At the beaches, the "Duchess" towing the "H.A.C.".
Y. 0630 the barges were slipped and ordered to proceed
H.M. Tug" St Abbs" anchored and waited for soldiers to embark.
8. attackes by enemy aircraft intensified beach and anchor to
was weighed, At 0730 it being intended to proceed closer to the
facilitate embarking of soldiers.
and 9. At Abbs" proceeded Nineteenth
"Keith" was struck alongside by a bomb
Flotilla, "Keith" and Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Keith" and the
H.M.S. settled took off survivors. Captain(D) other of ratings
remained of on board towed back to England. and from the
First to estimate the damage and consider H.M.Tug"St possibility Abbs"
proceeded H.M.S. "Keith" to pick being up survivors from ship's boats water.
"Skipjack" was struck by a bomb survivors and sank
quickly. H.M.S. of the harbour. "Keith" and took very off heavy. the
10. At 0830 H.M.S. "Salamander" who was also The rescuing bombing was
H.M. Tug"St Abbs" returned then continued to pick up the ship at full Bombing speed
sailed for the entrance alongside H.M.S. survivors.
remainder became of the that crew, it was necessary to the keep entrance.
and at 0900 so heavy H.M.Tug "St Abbs" sailed for
'St Abbs" was blown up by The four bottom delay-action and
". At 0930 H.M.Tug water ahead of the ship. sank in approximately
bombs stern were dropped completely into the shattered and the ship
45 seconds.
H.M. Tug 12. "St About Abbs" thirty sank. Approximately thirty ratings
men were swimming one in hundred the water and after
and soldiers were on the ship.
June, I reached a two wreck soldiers, believed two to ratings be the
13 company with "Salamander's" whaler's
S.S. one from H.M.S. Nineteenth Flotilla,
from the wreck were Captain(D), eight other survivors
the crew. First Also: Lieutenant on of H.M.S. "Keith" and

Details

Synams 332 R.N. Bamacks Chatram
246
15 June. 1940.
15
CONFIDENTIAL
The Nice adminal in Change. Doner.
of The Commadore Royal Naval Banacks chatham
Sir
I have a honour in resort R as of
H.M. Inj St Bibbs" at as 0930 on
a 1st June 1940 butmant 3moker in Command.
H.M. Ing ass sailus from Doar at a.m
on Friday 3ʳᵈ May with the surges in Tw,
the "Dueless" a "HAE" and a Dins, bound
for Dunline
at 2100. 3 may the ask sampe an R two, a
Donis" smoke admitt and was tekm in Bw of
a sloop name not enouth.
at 0030 June H.M. Ing so asss" anchmed
approximately six miles from Dunsise,
have Enant 16. Brooker considering it anadown
and dangerous to funther cerone daylight.
at 0330 anchouse was seighed and ship
smocled 5wards Duncise
at 0000, H.M. Ing "st adds" passed the piers
and proceeded swards a deaches. Enemy
commenced somsing a piers and
shipping at 0630 a sanger were shipped and "Duches" ordered
to proceed insire is a deaches anchored a
Twing te "H.A.C." nm Ing is 34 ambare. add
and awaired for soldin
atoy30 attacks of enemy intensquid
anchor was weighed it seing in Ended
and to proceed closer 8 It deach 8 factiar
embashing of soldiess
at 0800 approximately HMS Heart was struck
at a bamb and setted in the water.

Details

Syuman 332 R.N. Bamacks Chattam
15 June. 1940.
246
15
CONFIDENTIAL
The Dice adminal in change. Dover.
The Commadore Royal Nasal samasks Chatham
Sir
I have a rensut to resort p as of
H.M. Ing St asss" at Dunlish 26 0930 on
a 1st June 1940 hustmant in Command.
H.M. Ing 'St ass sailue from Dead at can
on Hiday 3/ᵗʰ May with the any in Tw,
the "Dueless" R "HAE" and a Disis, sound
for Duncise.
at 2100. 31ˢᵗ may The ast sange an e two, a
Donis" arose adift and was arem in two of
a sloos name not enown.
at 0030 the H.M. Ing so adds" anchored
approximately six miles from Duneira,
here Enant T.E. Brooker considering it anadorable
and dangerous to asseced funter cofore daylight.
at 0330 anchows was sengled and sis
proceected 5wards Dunkise
at 0600, H.M. Ing 'st adds' passed R piers
and proceeded swands a deaches. Enemy
account commenced someing a piers and
shipping at 0630 a sanges were slipped and "Suches" ordered
to proceed insure is a deaches a
Twing the "H.A.C." among 34 ambare. add anchord
and waited for sodial 3
at 0730 attach of enemy intensquid
and anchor was weight is eing instuded
to proceed closer 6 a seach 5 faction
'
embashing of soldies
at 0800 approximately mms. in was struck
tas
a, a bomb and setted in a water.

Details

-3-
250
sailing barges "Glenway", "Lark" and "Spurgeon" similarly loaded
were towed over by the tugs "Persia" and "Cervia".
Lt. Comdr. R.G. Wardrop and Lieut. F.H. Whalley R.N.R. returned from
Dunkirk and reported back for duty on the Commodore's staff.
JUNE 1st, The C in C of the B.E.F. Lord Gort arrived at Admiralty
Pier at 0605.
The tugs "SunX1", "Sun X11", "Sun V11", 'Océan Cock", "Challenge"
"Crested Cock", and "Fairplay 17 with one sailing barge in tow left
for Dunkirk. The tugs were intended to assist disabled craft and
carried out this duty off the Belgian coast until they were forced
back by heavy air attack.
Numerous motor boats left the Prince of Wales Pier for Dunkirk beaches
in tow of drifters.
H.M.S. "Harvester" and "Salamander" arrived with extensive damage
sustained during the night operations and repairs were at once carried
out by H.M.S. "Sandhurst". At midnight enemy air craft attempted
to lay magnetic mines off the Harbour. Mines were laid outside
before the raiders were driven off by anti-aircraft fire. The
mines were swept up during the morning.
At 2130 the troops transport "Maid of Orleans" was badly damaged
by collision in the Harbour. Several of the troops were thrown into
the water but all were rescued by the tugs who happened to be in the
vicinity.
JUNE 2nd. The tug "Sun X1" towed in the self-propelled lighters
Sherfield" and "YeC. 63" with troops on board. At 1430 the tugs
coastal 87", and five motor-bosts in tow for the Dunkirk beaches.
"Foremost "Sun X", 'Sun X1", and "Fairplay 1" sailed with six
The tug life-boats Brassey" proceeded to the assistance of H.M.S. The "Mona's
Isle" "Lady received severe damage from enemy bombs. tug
X11", and "Ocean 22" Cock" refused to go owing to their lack of protection.
"Foremost which had sailed at 2000 for Dunkirk. The tugs "Sun V11", "Sun
JUNE the day troops were arriving in "Glenway" the Harbour returned in all
from of craft. beaches filled with soldiers, in the got channel.
kinds 3rd. During The sailing barges "H.A.C." and who had them off
and sailed the Dunkirk them until they were picked boats. up by tug
Some No troops came in Belgian to the fishing Dunkirk beaches on account Base made of a the
quantity of brows "Halcyon", "Speedwell", brows were used with
strong easterly wind. and ladders which were put "Vega", "Princess "Venimous",
boats could be sent During the day the Repair aboard H.M.S.
"Vanquisher", "Express", and "Malcolm". The numbers of troops
Elixabeth", splendid effect "Sutton" at Dunkirk Mole and large were
brought off during the night.
JUNE 4TH. Tugs "Sun V11", and "Sun X11" left towing H.M.S. "Bideford"
On completion of the up for the passage and following to days every
to Portsmouth for repairs. operation of disembarking their troops Home from Ports Dunkirk and
destroyers were patched During this day small craft, barges,
endeavour subsequently was sailed. made to return the numerous lighters
and tugs to their Ports.
NOTES.
ASUALTIES.
During the this H.M.S.
10th to Port, June of 4th whom a "Sandhurst" total of
dealt.wistely 6,880 wounded were and over 60 suffering from shock and
50 dead.
EFECTS.
The 26 Repair Base and H.M.S. "Sandhurst" by bomb and holes splinters temporarily rigging. in them and ai a
suffered repaired craft cannon. damage also the

Details

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
in the Bray and Malo sectors were being thinned out by movements westward
towards Dunkirk iteslf. This change of plan involved concentrating the special
tows and the minesweepers to which they were to transfer the troops, into the
stretch opposite the beach between Zuydcoote Sanatorium and one mile east
of La Panne¹, and also advancing the commencement of the operation by one
hour².
A risk was involved in this change of plan as the boat tows were not in com-
munication with the Vice-Admiral, and it would therefore be necessary for
minesweepers to see that the escorting M.A./S.B.'s shepherded the tows to the
new positions It had been explained to the Naval officers in each tow that
the minesweepers would be anchored so as to serve as guiding marks³.
" It was always impossible for me to do more than deal with the situation of
the moment", says Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker. "I did not know what ships
were coming or when-except for the pre-arranged plan of the sloops. Nor
was it possible for Dover to give me much information. Ships got back there,
unloaded, and were off again, the stream was constant but irregular and it was
not possible to see any way ahead. My policy was always to keep only sufficient
ships off the beaches and send all the others into Dunkirk, but the situation
changed continually."4
Small craft arrive in hundreds
It was in such circumstances that, at about 1900, Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker had proceeded to Dunkirk in the Keith to see how the boat situation
was getting on. There he saw for the first time that strange procession of
craft of all kinds the story of which was to become famous-tugs, towing
dinghies, life-boats and all manner of pulling boats5-small motor yachts,
motor launches, drifters, Dutch skoots, Thames barges, fishing boats, pleasure
steamers⁶. This was indeed the first time that the small craft had come over
in hundreds⁷. Since noon Lt. Cdr. C. J. Wynne-Edwards, R.N. (of R.-A.
Dunkirk's staff), embarked in M.T.B.68, had been directing the tows to the
various beaches.
I See Appendix Q.18, observing that D.R. p.20, para. 61 says the beach between Bray
and 1 mile east of La Panne."
2 Appendix Q.19.
3 D.R. p.20, para. 61.
4 M.017978/41, p.17.
5 The following 14 tugs (their tows are shown in brackets) reached Dunkirk that evening:
The Racia (12 life-boats), Sun VIII (12 life-boats), Sun XV (6 life-boats), Vincia (3 life-
boats), Sun IV (9 boats), Tanga (6 boats), Ocean Cock (6 M/B's), Sun VII (seaplane tenders
243, 254, 276, 291 and A.M.C.3), Foremost 87 (two sailing barges), Fairplay I (sailing barge
Barbara Jean), Empire Henchman (sailing barge Aidie), Crested Cock (a lighter), Sun XI (a
lighter), and the Sun XII (sailing barges Tollesbury and Ethel Everard).
In the early hours of 1st June 4 other tugs arrived. The St. Fagan (auxiliary barges
Pudge and Lady Rosebery, and the sailing barge Doris), St. Abbs (auxiliary barge Thyra
and sailing barges H.A.C. and Duchess), Cervia (sailing barge Royalty), and the Persia
(sailing barge Glenway and Lark).
6 M.017978/41, p.19.
7 New arrivals off Dunkirk and the beaches on 31st May included the following The
yachts Amulree, Aronia, Glagla, Caleta, Christobel II and Llanthony, the nine yachts of the
Portsmouth Inner Patrol, viz the Ahola, Ankh, Bounty, Caryandra, Eilla II, Lahloo,
Noneta, Seriola and Thele and from the R.N. Air Station, Ford, the yacht Andora.
The drifters Ben and Lucy (towing 4 boats), Dorienta (towing boats), Monarda, Renas-
cent and the 13 drifters of the Yarmouth Base, viz Alcmaria, Feasible, Genius, Gula,
Jeannie MacIntosh, John and Norah, Lord Barham, Lord Hood, Overfalls, Reed, Rewga,
Swift Wing and Taransay. The drifters Fair Breeze and Ocean Breeze were again over,
the former towing a motor life-boat and 3 life-boats.
The steam hopper barges Foremost 102 (towing the Excellent's 35 ft. fast motor boat and
71

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
SAILING BARGES (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
Claud (water boat)'
/
Doris¹ (F. Finbow, Master)
/
Duchess (H. J. Wildish, Master)
/
Ena
100
(A. G. Page, Master)
Ethel Everard
/
(T. Willis, Master)
F.W. 23 (dumb)
13
Glenway (W. H. Easter, Master)
213
H.A.C.
100
(R. H. Scott, Master)
Haste Away
-
Lark'
/
(R. H. Scott, Master)
Monarch
-
Queen
-
Queen Alexandria
-
Royalty
-
(H. Miller, Master)
Sark (dumb)
-
Shannon
-
Shetland (dumb)
-
Spurgeon
-
(- Haisman, Master)
Tollesbury
200
(R. Webb, Master)
Warrior1
-
Total
886
LIFE BOATS
Total 19, R.N.L.I. life boats2, of which I was lost.
Abdy Beauclerk
-
Cecil & Lilian Philpott
51
(A/B W. J. Morris, Coxn.
Charles Cooper Henderson
-
Charles Dibdin
-
Cyril & Lilian Bishop
-
(Actg. P.O. W.H. Adkin)
Edward Z, Dresden
50
E.M.E.D. (Lt. Cdr. R. W. Faulkner, R.N.R. (?Retd.) )
39
(Lieut. R. H. Mead, R.N.V.R., died)
(P.O. Tel. W.H. Cooley)
Greater London
48
(S/Lt. W. D.F. Claydon, R.N.R.)
Guide of Dunkirks
-
(S/Lt. R. H.C. Amos, R.N.V.R.)
-
Jane Holland
(S/Lt. R. H. Wallace, R.N.V.R.)
-
(Sto. J. Strangeways) (Sto. A. H. Shaw)
Lord Southborough
(S/Lt. E. R. Ponsonby, R.N.V.R.)
17
(E. Parker, Coxswain)
I Lost.
2 The Dunkirk, reserve life boat Agnes Cross carried out duties at Dover. She did not go to
3 At been the same time of Dunkirk evacuation, this boat had just been built and had not yet
named.
146

Details

INDEX
Greatwood, Lt., 76.
Grenade, 28, 43-4 (damaged), 46, 50n (reported sinking), 55 (sunk).
Greyhound, 13 (bombards Calais) ; in Dynamo, 23, 27, 42 (damaged), 47 (remains in
action), 54n, 55n.
Grey Mist, 13.
Grimsby Town, 104, 110.
Grive, 38, 93 (sunk), 60, 90-1.
Grouse, 72n.
Guillemot, 114n, 117.
Gula, 71n.
Gulzar, 17, 60n, 114n, 118.
H.A.C., 71s.
Haig, 72n, 90.
Halcyon, 20, 28n, 45, 47n, 54n, 82, 86 (attacked), 91, 107n, 109, 114n, 117.
Hallett, Vice-Admiral T. J., (act. Cdre.), 49 (takes charge off Bray), 58, 79; leaves, 80 ;
effect of his arrival, 126.
Hancock, Capt. C. A., 29.
Handy Billie, 81.
Hanora, abandoned, 53 : sunk, 55.
Harris, Cdr. W. V. H., 13.
Harvester, 28n, 35-6, 47, 54n, 55n.
Harwich, F.O.I.C., 70; assistance to ships at, 94.
Havant, 46, 55n, 91 (sunk), 93.
Hawkinge, 5, 7.
Hebe, 44, 47n, 49, 50 (flag of R.A. Dover), 54n, 58 (hoists flag), 66, 67, 70, 76 (Whaler),
76n, 83 (slightly damaged), 84 (shoots down Heinkel).
Hebe II, 20, 24, 27, 28n.
Hemans, Lt. M. A., 81.
Henderson, Comdr. H. P., 22.
Hilda, 20, 29n, 32, 72n, 78, 90.
Hird, 37.
Hirschfield, A. B., C.A.L., 93.
Holford, Maj. C.F. L., R.M., 8.
Holkham, Capt. A., 38.
Holland, 111-2.
Holland, invaded, 1; surrenders, 2.
Holland-Martin, Lt. Cdr. D. E., 21.
Holmes, Maj.-Gen. W. G., 82.
Hondsrug, 20n, 24, 102, 114n, 116-7.
Hospital carriers, attacked, 16, 17, 43, 45, 104; space too valuable for them, 87.
Hound, 72n.
Howson, Capt. J. M.: S.N.O. Beaches, 49, 59; stops waste of boats, 60; returns to
Dover, 74; orders beach parties to embark, 79, 80; effect of his arrival, 126.
Hutchins, Lt. Col. R. L., 69-70.
Hythe, 32, 72n.
Icarus, 37-8 (damaged), 54 (makes two trips in 24 hours), 55n, 69, 83 (in collision), 87, 97
101 (in collision).
Impulsive, 20, 23, 27, 55n, 64n, 70, 83 (damages propeller).
Indépendence, 73n.
Ingénieur Cachin, 73.
Intrepid, 37, 38, 43 (damaged), 54n, 55n, 61n.
Inverforth, 34.
Ironside, General Sir Edmund (CIGS), 5.
Isle of Guernsey, 17, 45 (damaged).
Isle of Thanet, 19, 22n, 24, 28, 34 (sunk).
Ivanhoe, 37n-8, 54n, 55n, 77n, 83 (bombed), 86, 90-1 (damaged), 93.
Jackal, hunts submarine, 69.
Jacketa, 32n, 51n.
Jaguar, 28, 39, 41 (damaged), 42, 61n (in need of repair).
Java, 32, 42, 47.
Javelin, 28, 37-8, 54n, 55n, 61n, 105 (forbidden to sail).
Jeannie MacIntosh, 71n.
Jeune France, 62n, 73n.
200

Details

REPAIRS & REPLACEMENTS
TOTAL D
VESSEL
TYPE
CLAIMANT
PAPER NO.
HIRE & EXS.
£.
S.
d.
£.
£.
S.
d.
124.
-.
!
"HASTAWAY"
S.Bge.
S.J.Peters
T.M.3915/40
216.
!
"
12.
10.
287.
"HANORA"
M.V.
C.E.Thompson
T.0.9176/40
CrescentTrade
277.
7.
2.
Facilities Ltd.
240.
i
"HAZARD"
M.V.
Crescent Trade
T.M.3768/40
Facilities Ltd.
3.
8.
"HILDA"
3.
M.F.B.
R.A.Newman & Sons
T.O.9337/40
"HOPEFUL"
M.F.B.
D.Hillyard
T.M.4105/40
5.
6.
5.
24.
5.
"HOUND"
M.V.
Pickfords Ltd.
T.M.4368/40
69.
13.
8.
4.
"HEATHER BELL"
M.B.
H.Loose
T.M.6098/40
4.
18.
9.
"HANDY BILLY"
M.L.
F.Kinson & Son
T.M.5752/40
13.
18.
6.
200.
"HERON"
6.
10.
M.B.
C.W.Mott
T.M.5237/40
18.
10.
!
"HENRY JAMES"
M.B.
Mr.Mitchell
T.M.9123/40
4.
3.
8.
"HEART OF GOLD"
M.B.
J.Walker
T.M.8970/40
11.
3.
9.
70.
10.
!
"H.A.C."
S.Bge.
H.A.Cunis Ltd.
T.0.9302/40
221.
10.
10.
275.
16.
3.
H.W.Harvey
14.
9.
10.
16.
4.
!
"HAROLD MARGETTS"
S.Bge.
Port Edn.Authority.TO. 9312/40
5.
5.
"HAPPY RETURNS"
M.V.
J.T.W.Saunders
T.M.4960/40
6.
13.
10.
(F.E.5)
"HAWFINCH"
M.V.
A.Grant
T.M.4979/40
5.
5.
"
(N.N41)
"HIBERNIA"
M.V.
M.F.Hardy
T.M.5003/40
4.
18.
8.
12.
6.
(N.N47)
3.
14.
"HURLINGHAM"
M.V.
J.Mears Ltd.
T.M.3719/40
See under "Jeff"
"HIS MAJESTY"
"
If
11
11
"
11
If

Details

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m.,
towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend,
thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all
the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to
beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their
assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our
barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to di
go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any
kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as
possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the
barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them
as they had been left on the beach with 8 in for the Frenchmer
to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get
out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to
proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed
half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

Details

I William Watson am Master of the auxiliary barge "PUDGE".
We were requisitioned on the 29th May whilst lying outside the
581
6
Millwall Dock, towed to Tilbury, given three days rations, and
then to Southend. The "OCEAN COCK" towed us to Ramsgate and
subsequently to Dover with the barges "DORIS" "ENA" and "TOLSBURY".
We arrived at Dover at about 2.30 on the 30th May. We lay alongside
the Prince of Wales Pier for the rest of that day and were told we
should probably load in the morning.
On May 31st at about 8.30 a Naval Officer called the Captains
ashore and asked for Volunteers to go over to Dunkirk and said
that nodody could be forced to go but he would be very grateful
for any volunteers and preferred the auxiliary barges.
There were about 17 barges lying at Dover and all volunteered.
Six barges were selected, three auxiliaries and three sailing barges,
"PUDGE" "LADY ROSEBERRY" "DORIS" "H.A.C." "DUCHESS" and "THYRA".
The three auxiliary barges "THYRA" "LADY ROSEBERRY" AND "PUDGE"
each proceeded forthwith out of the harbour with the other three
-
barges in tow and were picked up by a. big tug. The tug which picked
us up was the "ST. FABIAN" and the "PUDGE" was on the hook with the
"DORIS" next and the "LADY ROSEBERRY" third.
The tug which had just arrived from the South Coast gave us as big
7" wire which was made fast round the mast case, under the windlass
and through the fairlead in the bowboard, and we arrived under the
shore close to Dunkirk during the hours of darkness that night ( I
am not sure of the time).
We had some trouble in locating the inshore channel as the Captain
of the tug did not seem to know the locality and apprently had no
chart. By the time of daybreak on Saturday, we were about