Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

River pleasure boat,
M/B (Owner,
C. Whatford & son)
S/Lt. E.S. Forman,
PRINCESS FREDA
(Hampton Court
R.N.V.R.
?
Ferried from the beaches for a
a towed Dutch the vessel, (1) which finally
destroyer. Then ferried troops to
888 than Princess Freda to Ramagate.
the
N11
Junez
11
of
Authority - T0.9144. R.O.II,
p.391.
(1) Ad. Taylor's it might have been ship the of
"Besta". this name, Lloyds but report Register states Betje, that does a trawler not mention 18 186 tons.
Riley Dunn & Wilson Ltd
I
gives
part in Dynamo,
413

Details

River pleasure
boat 1)
Prob. Ty. S/Lt. K.E.A.
FRINCESS LILY
Bayley, R.N.V.R.
Left Sheerness with 19 other small
boats, escorted by & trawler.
30th May
a.m.
The trawler left the convoy.
a.m.
Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried troops from
ilst May
Malo beach to ships. Proceeded to
La Panne. Embarked troops, but
fouled the propeller. Cleared the
propeller, but could only go "astern".
2200ca
Ferried troops to the G/B Mosquito.
Engine trouble. Transferred crew to
the Mosquito and abandoned ship.
0500ca
Crew (in Mosquito) arrived at Dover.
1st June
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p. 225.
The following awards were made:
Mention Probationary in Despatches Temporary S/Lt. K.E.A. Bayley, R.N.V.R.
4
Filey Duan & %
(1) c. (1) C. Whatford & Son. owners, Hampton Court.

Details

442
Half a dozen Thames river launches resembling nothing so much
as the upper decks of elongated motor-buses with their rows
of slatted seats, but given a tang of the waterside by rows of
white-painted lifebuoys slung around the upper rails.
The very names of these latter craft are redolent of the
quiet of Richmond, Teddington and Hampton Court; "Skylark",
"Elizabeth" and "Queen Boadicea". A strange flotilla indeed
to be taking an active part in what has been described as "the
greatest naval epic in history".
The crews and their officers too were as miscellaneous an
assembly as the craft they manned. First arrived a trickle
of R.N.V.R. Sub-Lieutenants direct from training school, taken
from their class-rooms often in the midst of a lecture on the
"practical pilotage" they were soon to put to such good account.
Many of these were entering a naval dock-yard for the first
time in their lives, yet they clambered over the little ships,
bawled for their requirements in food, fuel and water and set
to work to prepare for the task in hand, as if to the manner
born.
Next came another thin trickle - this time junior Royal
Navy officers who but a short time before were midshipmen on
war vessels of various types; little more than schoolboys, yet
each possessed of that indescribable sangfroid and cheerful
discipline which is the hall-mark of the British naval officer
whatever his age or rank.
Lastly - and only a matter of minutes before the time of
departure - came the crews; Royal Fleet Reserve men this first
batch - tough, stout-hearted and disciplined. No time to pick
or choose; stoker ratings first, to man the little engines -
one man to each boat; then the seamen - "Swarm over those
boats men and wherever you find an officer aboard ask him if he
needs a crew! Three men to the larger boats and two each to
the smaller".
2

Details

442
Half a dozen Thames river launches resembling nothing so much
as the upper decks of elongated motor-buses with their rows
of slatted seats, but given 8 tang of the waterside by rows of
white-painted lifebuoys slung around the upper rails.
The very names of these latter craft are redolent of the
quiet of Richmond, Teddington and Hampton Court: "Skylark",
"Elizabeth" and "Queen Boadicea". A strange flotilla indeed
to be taking an active part in what has been described as "the
greatest naval epic in history".
The crews and their officers too were as miscellaneous an
assembly as the craft they manned. First arrived a trickle
of R.N.V.R. Sub-Lieutenants direct from training school, taken
from their class-rooms often in the midst of as lecture on the
"practical pilotage" they were soon to put to such good account.
Many of these were entering a naval dock-yard for the first
time in their lives, yet they clambered over the little ships,
bawled for their requirements in food, fuel and water and set
to work to prepare for the task in hand, as if to the manner
born.
Next came another thin trickle - this time junior Royal
Navy officers who but a short time before were midshipmen on
war vessels of various types; little more than schoolboys, yet
each possessed of that indescribable sangfroid and cheerful
discipline which is the hall-mark of the British naval officer
whatever his age or rank.
Lastly - and only at matter of minutes before the time of
departure - came the crews; Royal Fleet Reserve men this first
batch - tough, stout-hearted and disciplined. No time to pick
or choose; stoker ratings first, to man the little engines -
one man to each boat; then the seamen - "Swarm over those
boats men and wherever you find an officer aboard ask him if he
needs a crew! Three men to the larger boats and two each to
the smaller".
2

Details

Reference
EL
OWNER
REMARKS
G.L.Good
To V.A.Dover
O.J.Watkins
Did not go for Dynamo
R.F.Skinner
A.P.S.
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported absndoned at Dunkirk
K.Frisby &
Returned to Owners 2.6.40.
A.E.Herrison
Messrs.Pickfords
Returned to Owners
II
11
- do -
E (Row boat)
H.E.PARKER
LOST ORMISSING AFTER DYNAMO
J.Powers
T.98 A.P.S.
RM
H.W.S.Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
R.F.Money
A.P.S.
A
F.E.Jeffs
T.98 Returned to Owners 6.6.40
AM
E.Crouch
Returned to Owners.
Manafield Markham
A.P.S.
TE
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sendwich (Now at
(in ward)
M.T.Henderson
Ramsgate with Receiver of
2511.40
Wrecks.)
Chelsea Yecht &
No information of return from
Boat Co.
Dunkirk.
RAFT 25'
R.HAYES
No report received from list of
Missing Vessels.
DORE
Bonniface
No information of return from
Dunkirk. Now presumed lost.
ANT NYMPH
B.A.Smith
T.98 Returned to owners.
LIA
J.R.Lambe
T.98 Returned to Owners.
ANN
Col.F.L.Newhouse
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
IA
W.Light
(6A)
Re-allocated to SELY,AIMY SERVI
STR
Dr.Tivy
Returned to Owners
BELLE II
C.Whatford & Son
No report received from list 02
Missing Vessels.
LE
D.N.Clark
Returned to owners.
T DRACULA
K.A.Creiner
Returned to owners.
BW
E.T.Holme
A.P.S.
ATES
V.H.Cooper
A.B.S.
MOIS
Messrs.Pickfords
Returned to Owners
AMA (15' Punt)
A.Moody
Lost at Punkirk
RA BELLE
(WHERRY)
A.Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk
ISER
H.J.Sharp
Returned to Owner
MIN
H.Garnett
Returned to Owners
ANTECLER
R.E. HODGMAN
RETURNED 13 OWNER
ARIS
hol-Rnown
Prepared at L'hampton- Did no go
II
Lt.Col.Hardie
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
APHNE
Mrs.C.M.Smith
T.98 Returned to owners.
AWN
A.C.Wills
T.98 Returned to owner 6.6.40
RENAR
Mr.Dunsbier
Returned to Owners
EFENDER
R.Harvey
Damaged. Returned to Owner.
ESEL II
Dudley Stone
A.P.S. Now returned to Owner
ESIREE
Capt.N.Dore
EVILFISH
T.98 Returned to Owners.
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron
of List of Missing Vessels.

Details

Total number of vessels shown on list I
588
Vessels returned to owners after Dunkirk 221
Vessels retained for further Naval service
144
Vessels lost or reported lost during
43
10
operation
*Vessels whose whereabouts are still unknown
(in respect of which total loss may have
to be paid)
TO
56
impatimi
Vessels prepared but which do not reach
assembly points in time, or were
inmediately returned as unsuitable
124
Iseb
*We are still pursuing enquiries regarding these vessels.
Das
There were 38 Dutch vessels utilised during the ope rations
we
which, this Section passed to Mr. Bellamy MB after obtaining
of
odd
Ve
information as to the position. A list of these is attached.
(
aidl
bas
A list of the lifeboats utilised (64) which we have
ve
500
to
[sob
a
1
dealt with is also shown separately.
ted
Qualifying remarks. I would add that we do not know
how many of these vessels actually proceeded to Dunkirk from
nworis
whi
the assembly points, but what we do know is, that they were sent to,
to
and arrived at, the various assembly points and in some cases vessels
were sent over direct from ports, e.g. Newhaven and Little Hampton
vi
by the Naval Officer-in-Charge. We have reason to believe that
there may be more craft, 03 owners of which took their vessels
ma
over direct and consequently we have no record. A few have, however,
as
come to our knowledge where owners have Inquired for compensation of
an
two qcar kind, probably having recent informati on from a friend that
ve
we were tremsvom dealing with all matters in this connection.
L:
to
for
tessels Known alessev there been used/ while already
print Dunkerk
A
Drus
Tosephine.1.
Teriola
NEMO IV
Lane leap
Seament
Jab II

Details

list nasida
T.0.9144/S.T.N.6B.
ward ice k 1021 saw 1943 221 43 08199 ains
588
I attach a schedule showing vessels with which this
asit
d'J`
20
Section was concerned, taken up for the "Evacuation of Personnel"
56
from "Dunkirk".
124 backbook
Early on May 27th we were asked to find a number of small
craft, vessels to be mustered at Sheerness for a special
ng. g these vessels.
requirement. D.S.V.P. supplied a list of suitable vessels but
it was soon ascertained that a great number of these were not
taining the rations V
fit and ready for service, consequently I attended a meeting at
the Admiralty, when it was agreed that Admiral Preston should
State is
V
send some of his Officers to the various boatyards covering the
Ve
588
area from Teddington to Burnham and Brightlingsea to inspect
svat
Ves
and send all vessels fit to Sheerness immediately and arrange
know
regarding runner crews, oil fuel etc. The Officers were each
from
*
given an authority, signed by Admiral Preston, to order the
ere
sent
There
vessels away; Mr. Edwards concurred with this. During the
ases hampton vessels to, to which, the
course of the Monday this Section arranged for and got 40 vessel
to Sheerness by Monday evening.
that
A
list
It has been an enormous task, resulting from the
with
els
is
indiscriminate taking up of vessels without formal requisition,
Qual
ere
to get the exact picture setting out the present situation.
many
of
Innumerable lists, and a deal of correspondence, from every port
assembly
Points
and person concerned, boatyards included, were scrutinised in
and arrived
order to obtain and collate all the information to enable a
vessels were
complete and comprehensive list to be drawn up. This entailed
Littlehampton
a great deal of checking, cross-checking and investigation, and,
to
believe
that
a large amount of correspondence with owners has often been
their vessels
necessary to clarify the position. A number of vessels were not
A few have,
how
shown on any list, but were simply taken, and consequently our
enquired for c
only source of information has been from the owners themselves
information fro
In order to get as much information as possible a list of
in this connection
the vessels which were "reported lost" and whose whereabouts
subsequent to Dunkirk were unknown (see copy attached) was
a
circulated to the C. in C. Nore, C. in C. Portsmouth, and
V.A. Dover. Copies were sent to the various Naval Officer
ins
nformati

Details

Total number of vessels shown on list I
Vessels returned to owners after Dunkirk
221
Vessels retained for further Naval service
144
to
Vessels lost or reported lost during
43
*Vessels operation whose whereabouts are still unknown JI
(in respect of which total loss may have
to be paid) to 56
Vessels prepared but which do not reach
assembly points in time, or were 124
inmediately returned as unsuitable
*We are still pursuing enquiries regarding these vessels.
There were 38 Dutch vessels utilised during the rations
we
which, this Section passed to Mr. Bellamy after obtaining
Drts
information as to the position. A list of these is attached.
Jail
bris
A list of the lifeboats utilised (64) which we have
To
dealt with is also shown separately.
Qualifying remarks. I would add that we do not know
how many of these vessels actually proceeded to Dunkirk from
to
the assembly points, but what we do know is, that they were sent to,
and arrived at, the various assembly points and in some cases vessels
were sent over direct from ports, e.g. Newhaven and Little Hampton
)5)
Wt14698/96
by the Naval Officer! Charge. We have reason to believe that
005/39 JC&SL
Gp644/230
there may be more craft, owners of which took their vessels
GIMITE)
over divit and consequently we have no record. A few have, however,
come to our knowledge where owners have Inquired asked for compensation
two qear
of
kind, probably having recent informati on from a friend that
we were dealing with all matters in this connection.
rised
known Unids aloasey there dening been used whil been already per
prior L Drunkerk
Name Service
080
Josephane.1.
Terida
NEMO IV
Seamens
Laune odit leap
Camry Queen.
Jab II

Details

WOLSEY
River 2, Lower Cottage, Teddington Road,
Hampton Wick. middle
30th September, 1940.
203
T.0.9144/STN 6(b)
With A. Malcolm's Compliments.
To The Director of Sea Transport.
STREET
KUD
Mr. Uffer at the outbreak of war had served as one
of the crew of "Wolsey" when I was Section Officer at
Lambeth Pier in the River Emergency Service, and he
agreed to help to deliver the boat to Sheerness. He
arrived at Hampton Wick about 11. o'clock and in the
meantime I had got the engine in running order and the
water tank filled, but had no time to clean out the
filters and carburetters or to attend to other details
which would have been seen to in ordinary circumstances.
We left Teddington Lock about midnight and arrived
at Greenwich Pier about 2 a.m. when the tide turned and
we endeavoured to sleep for about an hour, and then con-
tinued our journey. At Tilbury we received instructions
from the Naval Officer in charge of "Eternal Wave" to
deliver the vessel at Southend Pier, where we proceeded
after taking on Petrol at Gravesend.
About 10.30 a.m. an we arrived at Southend Pier and 29/5
were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were
not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for
three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

Details

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE.
MEMORANDUM for the Ministry of Shipping
re the unsuccessful attempt of the Owner
of M.C. "Wolsey" to assist at the Dunkirk
204
evacuation.
"Wolsey" had been out of commission about seven
months and was lying covered with a tarpaulin at
Burgoines Boat Yard, Hampton Wick, on Tuesday the 28th
May 1940, with about 30 gallons of pool petrol in her
tanks.
On the evening of that day I received,
about 7 o'c. a telephone message from J. Offer who was
in London, to the effect that Lieut. Laycock of the
Admiralty wished my craft to be delivered at Sheerness
as soon as possible after daybreak on the following
day.
Mr. Offer at the outbreak of war had served as one
of the crew of "Wolsey" when I was Section Officer at
Lambeth Pier in the River Emergency Service, and he
agreed to help to deliver the boat to Sheerness. He
arrived at Hampton Wick about 11. o'clock and in the
meantime I had got the engine in running order and the
water tank filled, but had no time to clean out the
filters and carburetters or to attend to other details
which would have been seen to in ordinary circumstances.
We left Teddington Lock about midnight and arrived
at Greenwich Pier about 2 a.m. when the tide turned and
we endeavoured to sleep for about an hour, and then con-
tinued our journey. At Tilbury we received instructions
from the Naval Officer in charge of "Eternal Wave" to
deliver the vessel at Southend Pier, where we proceeded
after taking on Petrol at Gravesend.
About 10.30 a.m., we arrived at Southend Pier and 29/5
Wednutay
were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were
not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for
three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

Details

207
incorrect if the reports in the papers that troops
were being evacuated on the following Saturday and
Sunday were accurate.
I might mention that I think there must have
been water in the petrol which I took on board at
Southend Pier, as I have owned "Wolsey" about nine
years and the engine has never failed before.
River Cottage
2, Lower Teddington Road,
Hampton Wick.
27th September, 1940.
-4-

Details

DUNK
HO
2161
208
09144/STN.6B
2nd October,1940
Sir,
I have to acknowledge receipt of
your letter dated 30th September, 1940.
enclosing reports on the Dunkirk
operations insofar as your vessel
WOLSEY took part in these operations,
and to thank you for the most
interesting information which you have
been good enough to supply. It is
anticipated that this report will be of
value in compiling the final report which
will be drawn up on these operations.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Director of Sea Transport.
Malcolm, Esq.,
River Cottage,
2, Lower Teddington Road,
Hampton Wick,
Middlesex.

Details

1.
SSIN
TEA
28
.st pier two more bombs were dropped ahead of me, one in the
hannel and one on the East pier, which shattered the pier for some
ived
listance. 30/8/40. We now opened fire on the plane and succeeded in beating
&
him off at least for the time being. I could see no chance of
fea
31/8/40.
302
getting ashore, nor was there anyone about the place I could get any
information from. Bombs were now dropping everywhere, so my first
.
to
thought was for the safety of the ship and cargo, so I decided to
boyls
Due
make a run for it and get back to Dover if possible and report.
I backed full speed astern from between the piers, but no
sooner had I got my ship's head pointing down channel on our course,
than we were attached by another plane. We opened fire on him and
ISVOU
gave him a good salvo. He sheered off in a Northerly direction and
his engines ceased to roar. We saw no more of him so I believe he
must have fallen in the sea. Now when half way between Dunkirk
and Gravelines they opened fire on us from some of the shore batteries,
many of the shells passing close over our heads on the bridge. Anyhow,
we had no alternative only to carry on and hope for the best.
After passing the Dyck Lightship I got to No.1 Buoy and I
reported the mines to Patrol Boat WL.158. He immediately went after
them and before long we heard three of them blow up. At 5.30 a.m.
another plane came along from the direction of Cap Gris Nez. He
sent a shell across our bows so we opened fire on him and a patrol
boat close to us opened fire on him also, so he cleared off.
We anchored off Dover at 10.40 a.m. and reported to the Naval
Authorities. At 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th. several planes were
hovering about. They were laying magnetic mines as we could see one
of them being dropped by parachute. One was exploded close ahead
of us by gun fire from the shore, so our gun was in action once more
against the mine-layers. During all those operations 1,200 rounds
of ammunition were used.
At 8.30 p.m. on Sunday, 26th May, we were ordered to the Downs
to anchor and await further orders.
On Tuesday, May 28th. 6 a.m. received orders proceed Newhaven.
6.10 a.m. hove up and proceeded on passage. Anchored off Newhaven
2.50 p.m. at 6.p.m. received orders from Admiralty proceed Little-
hampton after dark. At 2 a.m. 29/8/40 hove up anchor and proceeded
i.
P.T.O