Details

LEVENWOOD(1)
Joseph Constantine
P/V
Steamship Line Ltd.
Capt. W.O. Young, Master.
31st May
0600
1130
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
Off Dunkirk beach. "Everything at a
craft". standstill owing to lack of small
1210
Air attack. Merchant Navy Gunlayer
G. Knight shot down an enemy bomber
1430
with the ship's 12 pdr.
Blew the fore peak and steamed the
Levenwood into the beach.
Embarked about 60 troops assisted
by the ship's life boats.
1730
Levenwood refloated.
2000
Proceeded.
0230ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 600 troops.
Total 60
Authority - R.O.III, pp. 132, 138.
TM. 6213/40.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Captain W.O. Young, Master.
D.S.M.
Merchant Navy Gunlayer G. Knight.
Fireman R. Moody.
(1) 803 tons gross. Not mentioned in D.R.
100

Details

Page 129
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
PERSONNEL SHIP - KING GEORGE V. (Continued).
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Master, Robert Mallum McLean.
Displayed great gallantry in the handling of his
ship, in view of the difficulties of entering into
Dunkirk Harbour with the number of ships and the
wrecks in the vicinity.
Recommended for decoration.
RATING.
Able Seaman Donald Joseph McKinnon.
Displayed great gallantry. Jumped to a spare
Lewis gun and to the last, blazed away with
remarkable skill, despite being machine gunned
from plane. He kept the gun going, reloading himself,
until the attacks had ceased.
Recommended for decoration.
H.M. TRANSPORT - LEVENWOOD - William Oswald Young, Master.
This ship proceeded to Dunkirk on the 31st May and
proceeded to the beaches, where she was heavily bombed
by enemy planes. After having been there for a matter
of four hours, lying off the beaches, the Master
proceeded to put the ship on the beach in order to
facilitiate the loading of troops.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Master, William Oswald Young.
By his seamanship and initiative, and by the use
of his lifeboats, he was able to pick up a large
number of troops. This continued until, owing to
the tide, it was impossible to hold the ship.
On this particular day a considerable surf was
running throughout this operation, and there were
continual raids by aircraft.
Recommended for docoration.
RATINGS

Details

Page 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M. TRANSPORT - LEVENWOOD (Continued).
RATINGS.
Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight.
gun the enemy planes, although being machine
Throughout at the operation he continued firing his
bringing down an enemy plane.
gunned and bombed the whole time. He succeeded in
Recommended for decoration.
Fireman Robert Moody.
Whilst attempting to take troops off the beach
the soldiers had to wade out to the boats, and this
Fireman, throughout the whole time swam from the
beach to the lifeboats with soldiers who were too
weak to do this.
Recommended for mention.
MAID OF ORLEANS - Gordon Dyer Walker, Master. (Decorated for this
operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
This ship completed four trips to Dunkirk, and in
addition, three trips prior to Operation Dynamo to Calais
and Boulogne. A very large number of troops were brought
back to England. Ship continually being bombed by
aircraft. In one trip the crew discharged a large number
Dunkirk. of petrol cans, containing water, on to the jetty at
NEPHRITE - Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E.. Master.
Recommendation.
RATING.
Acting Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX.5187.
Showed great gallantry whilst under bombing
attack, firing his gun all the time. Was observed
to have brought down at least one enemy plane.
Recommended for decoration.
PRAGUE/

Details

DSC.
Lieutenant Alexander Harper Turner,
Skipper George Hattan, W.S.3022, REED.
Skipper William Francis
L Sub-Lieutenant John Kenneth Barton
Miles, R. R.V.R.,
Sub-Lieutenant Robert Walter Timbrell, R.C.N., H.M.M.M.M.
Lieutenant Robert Hunter Irving, R.N.R., TRITON.
Sub-Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, E.M.B. R.N.,
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, R.N.R., VERNON Motor Boat I, etc.
BONNIE HEATHER.
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N., Motor Boat
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke, R.N.V.R., Etc. Motor
SWALLOW,
Captain Master, W. Thompson, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Boat RAPIDE.
Chief Engineer B. Murphy, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Ans kvimate, T.O. Hanlon S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Captana Master, J. Freyer Tug FOREMOST Thames 87. Cockle Boat Flotilla.
Sub-Lieutenant Michael Herbert Bernard Soloman, R.N.V.R.,
&
Lieutenant Commander Stratford Hercules Dennis, R.N.,
Lieutenant Christopher William Stuart Dreyer, Base, R.N.,
Commanding M.T.B. Dover.
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N., M..T.B. Dutch 102. Skoot
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing, H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK. Dutch Skoot
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, H.M.S. R.N.R., HILDA. Dutch Skoot
Engineer Mr. J. Crockett, - BIARRITZ.
H.M.S. HONDSRUG.
Captarize Master, Charles Archibald Hancock,
Captain Master, Ernest Leonard Hill, CANTERBURY.
Captain Master, Robert Mallum McLean, Hospital Personnel GUERNSEY. Carrier ISLE GEORGE OF
Captaus Master, Reginald Richard Pittman, Transport
Captained Master, William Oswald Young, H.M. Ship LEVENWOOD. KING
Second Second Officer Frank Edward Martin, - St. - ST. Helier. HELIER
xv Sub Acting Chief Able hightenant Seaman Engineer Officer Allan Seaman Watterson, Ronald Thirwall, - TYNWALD Medal. C/JX. H.M.S. - ROYAL 139421,
HARVESTER DAFFOD
(Cook) J.H. Elton, LT/JX.180250, H.M.S. MOSQUITO. R.N. Patro
Service,
H.M.Y. BYSTANDER

Details

DSM
Able Seaman W.J. Morris,
Able Seaman S. Palmer, P/JX.26097, 148052, Motor
Leading Stoker W.A.S. Horn,
Stoker D.T. Banks, KX/86174, R.F.R., Motor Boats Motor
Able Seaman L.F. Strand, C/J.69009, Motor
Lewis Gunner T.W. Watson, SoSo: DORIEN ROSE.
Able Seaman J. O'Rawe, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Ordinary Seaman W. Bassett, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Fireman A. Gilson, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Mr. A.B. Devine, Motor Doat LITTLE ANN.
Deckhand W. Absolom, S.S. QUEENSLAND.
Deckhand M. Hains, S.S. QUEENSLAND.
Leading Officer Steward Edmund Samuel Lawrence, P/L 8649,
H.M.Tug St. ABBS.
Seaman Harry Griffith, Tug JAVA.
Sub. Officer Aubrey John May, London Fire Brigade Fire Float
MASSEY SHAW.
Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class William Hymas, MX. 49826,
VV
Able >eaman Albert R.C. Stephens, X.131369, M.T.B. 102.
MT.B. 102.
Ordinary Seaman Vincent Wakeham , P/JX. 194588, Newfoundland
Engine Room Artificer, 4th Class Eric Matthew Horne, MX. 62572,
Rating, Dutch Skoot H.M.S. AMAZONE.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK.
Acting Petty Officer Leslie Charles Curd, C/JX.155644, Dutch
Skoot H.M.S. HILDA.
Able Seaman George Edward Godfrey., C/JX.144633, Dutch Skoot
H.M.S.. HILDA.
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92816,. Dutch Skoot H.M.S.
Leading Seaman Willie Haggar, P/J.95873, H.M.S. PATRIA HONDSRUG.. (Dutch
Leading Seaman Reginald William Legg, .107221, Dutch Skoot) Skoot
Able Seaman George Henry Baker, D/SSX. 27349, Dutch Skoot H.M.S.
H.M.S. TWENTE.
rxv Able Seaman Donald Joseph McKinnon - PERSONNEL TWENTE. SHIP KING
Viv
Fireman Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight, H.M. Transport LEVENWOOD.
GEORGE V.
(Private Frederick William John Rushy - PRAGUE.
Acting Boy Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX. 5187, NEPHRITE.
Robert Moody, H.M. Transport LEVENWOOD.
George iam Crowther oth Field Ambulance, B. Co.
Chief Yeoman of Signals J. Collier, - C/J.69513 LYNX.)
Seaman Thomas Gimmin, TYNWALD.
73544861
Signalman Yeoman of Signals F. Laister, C/J.69665, (H.M.S. H.M.S. KEITH.
Signalman J. Mulheron,
Arthur Waters, JX.142009.
Able Signalman D.W. Simmons, JX. ..183281.
Acting Seaman William. C. Grainger, 133346.
Able Able Seaman Petty J.W. Officer Swales, E.W. Spickett, SSX.22139. JX.12846.
Able Signalman Seaman Seaman E. G.A. Hall JX. 12846.
Leading Able Able Ordinary Able Able Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman T.D.D. FLetcher, John Doig, Spanton, JX. D.961. 145091. JX. .114468. 172487.
1XU Able Seaman C.Foster, D.112.
Able Able Seaman Seaman H. Fletcher SSX.20706. (J.99712) B.23221.
Able Seaman R.
Petty
Sick
Signalman Berth F.
are Scaman J. Jones,
Bar Fowles. to The John.144282. ISLE OF C/SBR.X.8022. GUERNSEY.
Able Seaman Arthur Victor Distinguished Johnson, P/J.24724. Service Medal

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
APPENDIX. VI.
179
to
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
177
5
Enemy aircraft destroyed by ships' fire.
Ship.
Locality.
Time.
Polish T.B.D. BLYSKAWICA
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
0315/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
1130/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND
1140/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.P.M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
1500/27
North Goodwin.
HcM.Sc MONTROSE
Dawn/28
Near Kwinte Buoy.
M.T.B. 16
1500/28
Bray.
1530/28
H.M.S. SABRE and other ships
Dunkirk Harbour.
1630/29
H.M.S. BIDEFORD
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. EXPRESS
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
Bray.
1900/29
S.S. LEVENWOOD (Store ship}
Bray.
S.S. LEVENWOOD ( - do
1210/31
Bray.
1220/31
H.M. Skoot AMAZONE
Dunkirk Roads.
1440/31
H.M.S. HEBE
La Panne.
1700/31
af
H.M.S. SCIMITAR and other
ships
Bray.
1700/31
S.S. LADY OF MAN (Trassport) Dunkirk Roads.
1700/31
nd
H.M.Y. ARONIA
La Panne.
1830/31
H.M.S. WHITSHED
Dunkirk Roads.
1930/31
H.M.S. SALTASH
Bray.
2000/31
S.S. NEPHRITE (Store ship)
On Route X.
2030/31
H.M.Y. GRIVE
Dunkirk Roads.
2030/31
H.M.Y. ARONIA
Dunkirk Harbour.
0500/1
H.M.S. IVANHOE
La Panne.
0530/1
is
H.M.S. LYDD
Bray.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER
Dunkirk Harbour.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER and
other ships
Dunkirk Roads.
0610/1
H.M.Ships CODRINGTON,
3
HARVESTER and others
Off Gravelines.
0750/1
S
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
La Panne.
0900/1
H.M.S. MALLARD
On Route X.
1015/1
H.M.S. CALCUTTA
Between W and Y Buoys.
1020/1
H.M.P. M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
West of Dunkirk.
1600/1
H.M.Y. ALOUETTE
Off Gravelines.
1700/1
H.M.Y. CRISTOBEL II and
other ships
La Panne.
1730/1.
H.M.S. WORCESTER
Dunkirk Roads.
2000/1
TOTAL: 35 enemy aircraft definitely destroyed by ships'
gun fire between 0300/27 and 2000/1.
ery
In addition over the same period 21 others were heavily
damaged by ships' fire (and seen in distress but
NOT seen to crash definitely) of H.M. Ships HARVESTI
IVANHOE, VIVACIOUS, WINCHELSEA, WOLFHOUND, SABRE,
LOCUST, FITZROY, LYDD, MALLARD, MOSQUITO, WOLSEY,
EXPRESS, JAGUAR, GLEN AVON, ORIOLE, H.N.Y. ARONIA,
as
Storeship NEPHRITE and French M.T.B.24.
)p]
Note: On 30th May flying conditions were bad and few
enemy aircraft operated. After the 1st June
operations proceeded only between dusk and day.
i

Details

Lieutenant Derek Peel Willan. Rovel
H
:
you publication in next
authorised for press
H.I
Landa Subtemant
3
he admiralty
REGIST
15, Sunningdale Drive
which
S.W.1. 1.
Oakwood
August,
The Sicretary of the Admirally.
Sun. Salford. Oct13/40
I that
Dear Sir
I big to acknowledge receive with
Ks, for the Copy of The Second supplement to The
insus /40 m
9 of my award-
8th October,
0
CW.19295/40
edging same as I
Sir,
rs Daythfully
I am commanded by My Lords
b. . mason
Commissioners of the Admiralty to thank
you for your letter WHC/EF/JS 10607 of
the 14th June, 1940, concerning the
Radio offices
services of Captain Mallory, Master of
the S.S. MALINES in the Dunkirk with-
drawal, and I am to say that Their
Lordships have given full consideration
to all reports that have been received
of the Services of Officers in this
operation.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
rean Cowley not only
It is hoped that
"Iuence in the Isle
good name.
The General Secretary,
The Officers (Merchant
Navy) Federation,
23 Leadenhall Street,
London, E.C.3.
retry
AD
S AXOMENT ALLEEMO 77239
BICO DIO SEX Group n
Lieutenant Artnur Alan whitshed POLICE TEEMS go CAHOJ 0 LEARTS (1) RESEER
Captain
Roval Navy, H.M.S. Codrington.
YES
Transport Levenwood.

Details

ieutenant Derek Peel Willan
you publication in next
authorised for press
ant
H
1
H
/
Cn
admiralty
REGISTRY
15, Sunningdale Drive, whic
S.W.1. 1.
Oakwood
h Aug
he Scretamy of the admirally.
Sun. Salford Oct13/40
Dear Sir
I big to acknowledge receive with
thanks, for the Copy of The Incond supplement to The
which I am listed for The granting of my award-
don Mazette of Fruday the 16 angus /40 m
Opologismi for the delay in acknowledging same as I
have only just returned from sea.
fours Raythfully
b. Imason
Radio officer
LATHON
not
only
his employment but also his reputation. It is hoped that
Lord Granville will now use his great influence in the Isle
of Man to help restore Captain Cowley's good name.
12th May, 1941.
Captain
Lieutenant Arthur Alan Whitshed Pollard,
Transport
Levenwood. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Codrington.

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

The
Page 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 129
peration "DYNAMO" easy Recommendations of Personnel.
NNEL SHIP - KING GEORGE V. (Continued).
: his
Recommendations.
in
ER.
laster, Robert Mallum McLean.
Displayed great gallantry in the handling of his
ship, in view of the difficulties of entering into
ch
Dunkirk Harbour with the number of ships and the
his
wrecks in the vicinity.
DSC
O
Recommended for decoration.
VG.
Able Seaman Donald Joseph McKinnon.
this
0).
Displayed great gallantry. Jumped to a spare
Lewis gun and to the last, blazed away with
n
remarkable skill, despite being machine gunned
alais
from plane. He kept the gun going, reloading himself,
ought
until the attacks had ceased.
DSM
number
Recommended for decoration.
TRANSPORT - LEVENWOOD - William Oswald Young. Master.
This ship proceeded to Dunkirk on the 31st May and
proceeded to the beaches, where she was heavily bombed
by enemy planes. After having been there for a matter
of four hours, lying off the beaches, the Master
proceeded to put the ship on the beach in order to
facilitiate the loading of troops.
Recommendations.
ed
CER.
Master, William Oswald Young.
GUE
By his seamanship and initiative, and by the use
of his lifeboats, he WELE able to pick up a large
number of troops. This continued until, owing to
the tide, it was impossible to hold the ship.
On this particular day a considerable surf was
running throughout this operation, and there were
continual raids by aircraft.
Recommended for docoration.
RATINGS/

Details

The
Page 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M. TRANSPORT - LEVENWOOD (Continued).
RATINGS.
Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight,
Throughout the operation he continued firing his
gun at the enemy planes, although being machine
gunned and bombed the whole time. He succeeded in
bringing down an enemy plane.
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
Fireman Robert Moody.
Whilst attempting to take troops off the beach
the soldiers had to wade out to the boats, and this
Fireman, throughout the whole time swam from the
beach to the lifeboats with soldiers who were too
weak to do this.
D.S.M
Recommended for mention.
MAID OF ORLEANS - Gordon Dyer Walker, Master. (Decorated for this
operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
This ship completed four trips to Dunkirk, and in
addition, three trips prior to Operation Dynamo to Calais
and Boulogne. A very large number of troops were brought
back to England. Ship continually being bombed by
aircraft. In one trip the crew discharged a large number
of petrol cans, containing water, on to the jetty at
Dunkirk.
NEPHRITE - Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E., Master.
Recommendation,
RATING.
Acting Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX.5187.
Showed great gallantry whilst under bombing
attack, firing his gun all the time. Was observed
to have brought down at least one enemy plane.
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
PRAGUE,

Details

Operation "DYNAMO"
SHIP - Recommendations of Personnel. Page 129
SONNEL KING GEORGE V. (continued).
Recommendations,
FICER
Master, Robert Malium McLean.
Displayed
great
Dunkirk wrecks ship, in in view with the of handling entering of into his
of ships and the
Recommended for decoration.
RATING
Able Seaman Donald Joseph McKinnon.
Lewis gun and to the last, blazed away with a
Displayed great gallantry. Jumped to spare
remarkable skill, despite being machine
from plane. He kept the gun going, reloading gunned himself,
until the attacks had ceased.
Recommended for decoration.
86
H.M. TRANSPORT - LEVENWOOD - William Oswald Young, Master.
This ship proceeded to Dunkirk on the 31st May and
proceeded to the beaches, where she was heavily bombed
by enemy planes. After having been there for a matter
of four hours, lying off the beaches, the Master
proceeded to put the ship on the beach in order to
facilitiate the loading of troops.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Master, William Oswald Young.
of his lifeboats, This until, to
By his he was able to pick up a owing
seamanship and initiative, and by large the use
number the tide, of troops. it was day the a
running On this throughout particular this operation,
continual raids by aircraft.
Recommended for docoration.
RATINGS/
of

Details

Operation "DYNAMO"
TRANSPORT Recommendations of Personnel. Page
3.
130
H.M. - LEVENWOOD (continued).
RATINGS.
Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight,
Throughout
the
gun gunned at the and bombed enemy planes, the operation although he continued being firing his
bringing down an enemy whole plane. time. He succeeded machine in
Recommended for decoration.
Fireman Robert Moody.
Fireman, the to wade out to the the beach this
Whilst soldiers attempting had to take troops off
beach to throughout the whole time boats, and
weak to do the this. lifeboats with soldiers swam who from were the too
Recommended for mention.
Dewr
MAID OF ORLEANS
- Gordon Dyer Walker, Master. (Decorated for this
operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
86
This ship completed four trips to Dunkirk, and in
addition, three trips prior to Operation Dynamo to Calais
and Boulogne. A very large number of troops were brought
back to England. Ship continually being bombed by
aircraft. In one trip the crew discharged a large number
of petrol cans, containing water, on to the jetty at
Dunkirk.
NEPHRITE - Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E., Master.
Recommendation.
RATING.
Acting Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX.5187.
Showed great his gallantry gun all whilst the time. under enemy Was bombing plane. observed
attack, to have brought firing down at least one
Recommended for decoration.
PRAGUE
of

Details

Details

Details

122
D-51a. (Established-October, 1939).
TD/DEMS/139/326.
DATE
FROM WHOM
SHIPPING CASUALTIES SECTION
12th June, 1940.
MARKINGS TO BOARD.
SUBJECT.
REPORT OF AN INTERVIEW WITH CAPTAIN W.A.YOUNG,
MASTER OF THE S.S. "LEVENWOOD".
FORMER.
NOTATION ONLY.
Referred
Date
Date
Referred
Referred to
Date
to
to
D.T.D.
56.
Mr. Gleadowe,
41,Archway
Blk.South, I.
T.D.Registry.
Tend to
Dores

Details

138
123
CONFIDENTIAL
WRITE ONLY IN THIS COLUMN.
REPORT OF AN INTERVIEW WITH CARTAIN Nada YOUNG
MASTER OF THE S.S. "LEVENWOOD"
SHIPPING CASUALTIES SECTION
TRADE DIVISION
Referred.
11th June, 1940.
2. The Master, Captain Young, showed great initiative
by beaching his ship, getting his boats out and taking off
CAPTAIN YOUNG:
some of the B.E.F. without orders and entirely on his own.
were bound from the Downs to Dunkerque with were a cargo
It is proposed that he be commended.
armed with ensign all the time, The crew, including confidential
of 400 a 12 pounder, a Lewis gun, and a Bren gun. myself, were
tons We of military stores. lie had no wireless but 1/0
3. With regard to the Foreman, R. Moodey, his action
is considered worthy of decoration. He was highly commended
numbered flying an 16 and there were no casualties. The
by the Master.
books are still on board.
Merchant 4. Navy Gunlayer, G. Knight, DB 1130176, Prof. Cert.
The Master was much impressed by the conduct of the
On Friday proceed to Dunkerque, I
31st May, at 6 8,m,, whilst arrived in the Downs, off
No. 5286, and of the two Army Bren Gunners, Robert Walker,
I received at orders 11.30 to a,m,, and as 1 had received no to a instructions spot 2 miles I
L./Corpl. Reg. No. 3857271, and James Fee, Reg. No. 4033936,
Dunkerque initiative. I went slong about, I
The different guns had also
proceeded on my own As there were no small craft off the
both of the Northern Command.
been in frequent action during the previous fortnight while
East of Dunkerque. off our small boats to bring to fetch troops,
anchored I had done and nothing sent with my cargo as my orders were
the ship was lying in the Downs.
troops.
It is considered that these three should also be
while we were at anchor, just after and noon with German our
first
commended.
aeroplanes shot from the came 12 over. pounder we we manned brought the down guns, a plane, which crashed
in the dunes. No anchor help and appeared a naval to launch be coming came and from along immediately small and asked craft, did me 80, so as if I far I
Director of Trade Division.
24th June, 1940.
picked could I beach up the the bridge, ship. blew I said the "Yes" fore-peak tank the and depth got of in water
as ran I could, up: on about mile from the dry-beach, There were still no small craft
reput
at our bows being about own lifeboats 8 feet. down, got and out 4 the men long into the
about, so I put my sent off my Chief Officer surf and collect as many
messenger', boat, It troops as I they told and could them to and when row I would through we started haul the rising, them this back manoeuvre and I to could the to ship. to only the were
working stay was where about against I 2.30 was the until steaming Pome tide, high slow as water, it shead was keeping and I mas her steering head on all the
beach,
We
were
time
Air Div.
DISTRIBUTION
Cdr. D.T.D. Robertson MacDonald, N.I.D.
Rear Admiral Taylor
N.I.D.8.
THE
N.I.D.9. Cdr, Oswald, D.N.O₂,London.
Room 773, Air
Sec. to A.Q.N.S.
Files (2)
D.T.S.D.
Lt.Cdr. Edwards.
rk
Mr. Gleadowe
Mr. Rodger Winn.
ing
Mr. Bays.

Details

Details

Page 4.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES name
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
of Inen
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9
)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
(Tugs)
C. 11
)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

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

CONSTANTINE LINE
TELEGRAMS:
JOSEPH CONSTINTINE PING C Lip LINE LTD
CONSTANT MIDDLESBROUGH
TELEPHONE 3445
17
LONDON OFFICE
YORK HOUSE,
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE & NS,(LONDON) LTD.
BALTIC EXCHANGE BUILDINGS,
19-21, BURY STREET,
MIDDLESBROUGH.
LONDON, E.C.3.
CANADIAN OFFICE.
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD.
309, BOARD OF TRADE BUILDING,
MONTREAL,P.Q.
S/A.11
20th June 1940.
The Private Secretary,
Ministry of Shipping,
LONDON, W.1.
Dear Sir,
We have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the
19th June, and we are very pleased to note that the Minister
of Shipping has seen fit to recognise the services of the
Ships "Levenwood" and "Corinia" during the evacuation from
Dunkirk.
This letter will be very much appreciated by the
Captain, Officers, Engineers and Crews of these vessels.
The "Corinia" being only managed for Chartering
purposes by this Company, we have taken the liberty of
sending your letter on to The Northwest Shipping Co., Ltd.,
the
Workington, who will no doubt prefer to forward this to their
Master direct.
Yours faithfully,
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD,
(J.LAMB.) SECRETARY.
Is
Comben 1
LORINA
WORTHTOWN
3, Lime Street Square,
enemy acti/
NORMAN
London, E.C.3.
Capt. E.
/CANTER
John Stewart & Co. Shipping Ltd.,
MAID OF
YEWDALE
308 Clyde Street,
Glasgow, C.1.
Capt R.
/BIARRIT
John stewart & Co. Shipping Ltd.,
/AUTOCAR
YEWGLEN
308, Clyde Street,
Glasgow, C.1.

Details

8
prospect of the ship sinking, Our two
small boats maintained contact by means
of flashlights, and, after rowing for
DUNKIRK THE
with
time, we saw a series of lights above a
water. We kept very silent as we heard
voices and saw lights flashing.
to keep warm, and at daybreak We hoisted
We lay close together in our lifeboat
we
our jib sail and started rowing to get
MONG Captain the Feat
circulation boat into our bodies. The master's some
course for the coast."
was on the horizon, and we set a
storm Mr. and McNally added that they ran
who was the chief officer, Mr. into a
B.E.F. before of owned an ship of British A Captain This the the important Co., by from the little Ship Ltd., the Young vessel, Adoption arrived of Society headques 1,000 has Stess playm
sir,
AT THE TILLER FOR 24 HOURS
Dear
cro
you
hours. at the tiller continuously Vincent,
for
his skilful undonbtedly saved their lives for 24
Waves handling of the 26ft. long by
The and men they were wet and chilled by side.
were breaking over the boat.
Their rations had to bale out water exposure,
biscuits consisted of rapidly.
ship sent on over. the armada He beach was of ordered small at boats kink to
you enclos which
a little corned each per day, half a pint four of ship's
boats Owing while assisting and in the use his put his
Talk
milk We to share between beef and a tin of condensed water.
Young had to the state of the
and
a McNally school of saw added, porpoises. nothing and but seven. once sea we birds, ran into Mr.
carry out the only work about
on
Sir
whole and the We nights were were terrible. The days but were long
were off the under beach under and her get his ship safely to
sleep. at After night while the others men kept
watch cheerful. Two on the
time. In addition continuous air own attack power, all They the
of
side the master's several boat days we came tried along- to
plane, little which Levenwood to the brought work of rescue the
one
greetings. three cheers As we separated and exchanged
just had behind the was dunes. seen to crash down on a Nazi
two
returned. buted and I from think them, again which we got
men intended when to stay and Captain Young land
'After at a lot to keeping tht us this in good alone spirits. contri- we
be a get away arrived, but he
was ordered the to small craft take on more
&
has
away, land a sighted
with us the a 40 24 miles
while waiting. possibility of the vessel as there being might hit
experience This was of not Captain
nearer. we away had and We We were did not the seem current to get hours kept
war he war at sea. Young's first
carrying was actively engaged During the last
Cres
water " left. only about a getting quarter desperate, of a pint any as of
Prince, was and torpedoed his ship, in the the in Orange troop
Dardanelles.
eight miles of we were the able current changed
From our Postbag
up by a steamer. land, where we to were get picked within
towards Will your you accept fund the enclosed sovereign
doing
has many come years to but make think use I of now have it. that kept the it time for
many ship If you recently causes, "CALLING this not heard from your ALL SCHOOLS
received arrived Apparently Now arrived bere, in I the am on One in S a captain may nice same on mix be writes: May day due up! the 28. to I
'B question with and and resume here my I activities on the
I still wish of adoption arises am. once Now the
my school, to keep in touch more.
to so proceed on May forth- 30 I
schools. Enclosed are or, short as you put it, schools. with
all letters I they hope to be letters able to for answer my
Printed by Charles Birchall & Sons, Ltd., 17, James Street, send Liverpool, me here. 2,

Details

CONSTANTINE LINE
TELEGRAMS:
CONSTANT MIDDLESBROUGH
UNE & S
TELEPHONE 3445
.6213/40/S.T.A.6
YORK HOUSE,
MIDDLESBROUGH.
11th August, 1940.
8th August, 1940.
214
Ref.
Sir,
zz
215
I have to acknowledge the receipt of
16
your letter B/23 of the 8th instant and to
thank you for the copy of the report of the
Master of the S.S. "LEVENWOOD" regarding the
DUNKIRK.
part his vessel took in the Dunkirk ipt of your letter of
the 7th h copy of a letter we
operations. S.S. 'LEVENWOOD"
in the evacuation of
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, in letter the number he was
able to the beach n conversation he states
1t was mostly British soldiers, the
He lso mentioned states in that his he letter is
'VENWOOD's" twelve pounder
3
Director of Sea Transport. and dunes.
We had a very rough time
W.W. Constantine, Esq., with us that the letter
Joseph Constantine Steamship Line Ltd., lone in a very modest way.
York House,
MIDDLESBROUGH. 1", we manage this vessel
g Co. Ltd., to whom we
er in order that they may
reply direct to you.
Yours faithfully,
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
Plane alboundays
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD.
ll
Come antime
DIRECTOR
his Danis
10/8
(W.W. CONSTANTINE)
ENCLOSURE
Gun, by permission 01 the Chiel Engineer, with ellect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

CONSTANTINE LINE
TELEGRAMS:
JOSEPH CONSTANTINGTEAMSCO L!! LINE LTD
CONSTANT MIDDLESBROUGH
TELEPHONE 3445
LONDON OFFICE.
YORK HOUSE,
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE & SONS,(LONDON) LTD.
BALTIC EXCHANGE BUILDINGS,
19-21, BURY STREET,
MIDDLESBROUGH.
LONDON, E.C.3.
CANADIAN OFFICE,
B/23
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD.
309, BOARD OF TRADE BUILDING,
MONTREAL,P.O.
8th August, 1940.
Ref. No. T.M. 6213/40/S.T.A.6.
RECEIVED
215
The Director of Sea Transport,
10
AUG 1940
Ministry of Shipping,
16
LONDON, W.1.
Dear Sir,
S.S. "LEVENWOOD" AT DUNKIRK.
We have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of
the 7th instant and enclose herewith copy of a letter we
have received from the Master of our S.S. "LEVENWOOD"
concerning the part his vessel took in the evacuation of
troops from Dunkirk.
He does not mention in the letter the number he was
able to rescue from the beach but in conversation he states
that it was approximately 100, mostly British soldiers, the
remainder French. Captain Young also states that he is
quite satisfied that the aeroplane mentioned in his letter
was definitely shot down by the "IEVENWOOD's" twelve pounder
gun, and crashed in flames on the sand dunes.
We know the Master and Crew had a very rough time
at Dunkirk and think you will agree with us that the letter
expresses the good work which was done in a very modest way.
With regard to the "CORINIA", we manage this vessel
on behalf of the North West Shipping Co. Ltd., to whom we
have forwarded a copy of your letter in order that they may
reply direct to you.
Yours faithfully,
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
Plane alboundays
JOSEPH CONSTANTINE STEAMSHIP LINE LTD.
ll
W.W.Comeantine Come antime
DIRECTOR
his Danis
10/8
(W.W. CONSTANTINE)
ENCLOSURE
un, planes. by permission OI the onier Engineer, with ellect on enemy
The Chief Steward .4.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D. McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the wounded, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

COPY.
24a
BASSO & Co.
Boucrase
Automation
"LEVENWOOD",
HIGH STREET GARAGE
Merchants,
DOVER.
WEYMOUTH.
& Contractors,
1.6.40.
216
Telephone )
Adminatis
Messrs. J. Constantine S.S. Line Ltd.
Salvage
Committee
Dear Sirs,
Since being requisitioned I have been unable to
get in touch with you to inform you of the position of the
ship.
MEDIALS
I am loaded with military stores but owing to
NAMING recent events have been unable to get them discharged.
CLSO SUPERIES)
I was ordered to Dunkirk to take part in the
evacuation of the troops.
VALLAGE
In doing so I was ordered by the Naval authorities
to run my ship on the beach, this I did and as there was a
lack of small craft and a shortage of time I launched my
lifeboats and with the help of all the crew embarked as many
soldiers as possible.
I continued as long as possible although the
soveme increasing surf was making it very difficult to get the
lifeboat back to the ship again. As the tide was turning,
I was having difficulty in holding my ship in position, but
seeing the soldiers standing waist deep in the water, I
encouraged my men to make one last trip to the beach. This
they did, but unfortunately coming out through the surf the
AND boat was swamped. I managed to save all the men and also
the boat, the boat gear was lost.
weart
IND
I got the ship off the beach safely and have
landed the troops in a home port.
15 among
The crew worked splendidly, at times swimming to the
boats with the soldiers.
STOCK or
SEVERIORA
NOPES
During the whole day we were heavily bombed, some
CANT XM falling close to the ship. In one raid there were over
forty enemy planes over us bombing and machine-gunning, but
I am very pleased to report that we brought one enemy aeroplane
TAX
down with our 12 pounder gun and that we were helpful in driving
off raiders with our Bren and Lewis guns.
All the crew are uninjured.
received.
I am awaiting further orders from the D.S.T.O.
Yours faithfully,
Sgd. W.O. Young, Master.
P.S. One of the lifeboats was slightly damaged and I have effected
temporary repairs by patching the side of the boat.
un, by permission 01 une onier Engineer, with ellect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward E Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

Cxtract Joon any weekly Intelligine Report
No. 15 (21* June 1940). boky on T.09474. 17
BRITISH MERCHANTMEN OFF DUNKIRK.
242
The British Motorship "Royal Daffodil" 2,060 tons, under
Government charter, on May 27 brought away 900 troops from Dunkirk,
a further detachment on May 28, 750 on May 29, 2,500 French on
May 30 and 1,600 on June 1. On June 2 she started back to Dunkirk
again and was attacked at 1955 off the Ruytengen Bank Buoy by six
enemy aircraft soon after the British Hospital Ship "Paris", 1,790
tons, had been sunk. Captain G. Johnson, the Master of the
"Royal Daffodil" reports that he saw the German aircraft mabhine-
gunning the "Paris's" boats containing nurses and medical personnel.
When the attack was made on the "Royal Daffodil", the aircraft
dropped what the Master described as aerial torpedoes. Five of
these missed, but the sixth hit the ship, passed through three decks,
entered the engine-room and went out through the starboard side
before exploding when just clear of the ship. The collar of the
missile went through the bilge. The engines stopped and the
aeroplanes machine-gunned the ship with tracer bullets, which started
small fires. The ship began to make water through the hole made by
the bomb and listed to starboard. Gear was shifted to the port side
and the port boats were lowered to the deck and filled with water.
This raised the starboard side enough to lift the hole just clear of d
the water line. Mr. J. Coulthard, the Chief Engineer, and
Mr. W. Evans, the Second Engineer, took all the beds they could find
and used them to plug the hole. Mr. Evans stood up to his neck in
the water in the engine room holding open the bilge valve while
Mr. Coulthard kept the pumps going. With a diesel-engine ship this
was a great risk; but the "Royal Daffodil" managed to get back to
Romsgate, with the engines running very slowly, as they had three
parts of water to one of oil in their system, and was able to land
all the troops she had taken on board. In all she had takenoff
about 8,000 British and French from Dunkirk.
id
The British Levenwood, 803 tons, was at anchor about two miles
east of Dunkirk at 1200 on May 31, when she was attacked by German
aircraft. Her 12-pdr. Lewis gun and Bren gun were manned. The
'ew
Merchant Navy Gunlayer, Mr. G. Knight, hit one enemy with his first
shot from the 12-pdr., while the Chief Officer worked the Lewis gun.
The German aeroplane was seen to crash on the dunes. The officer
in command of a naval launch then asked the Master, Captain W.A.
Young, if he could beach the Levenwood, so as to facilitate the
embarkation of troops. The fore-peak tank was blown and the ship
got her nose on the beach in about 8 ft. of water. The Master
kept steaming slow ahead and steered allthe time SO as to prevent
the ship from swinging round broadside on to the beach on the
B
rising tide. She was thus kept about a quarter of a mile from where
the beach was dry. The Master lowered his own boats and got out
on
the "long messenger". The Chief Officer, with four men was sent
through the surf, collected men from the beach and put them in a
3
boat which was then hauled back to the ship by the "long messenger"
and, when empty, hauled ashore again. From 1430 to 1750 they worked
this till one of the boats was holed and the ship had to float herself red
off at high tide. They were hombed allthe time but no bomb fell
nearer than about 100 yards away. The Master describes the soldiers
as having been "all very good indeed. They were very tired but there
was no panic, and this also applies to the French troops".
Mr. R. Moodey, a ship's fireman, kept going overboard and swimming
to the soldiers who were wading out to the boats. He encouraged
them and swam back with those who were so tired that otherwise they
might have given up. He also brought some who were unable to swim
and got them into the boats through the surf. Moodey carried on in
this way for three hours and al the time there was a heavy swell
and much surf.
nk