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No aliases recorded.
Madame Sans Gene
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ORDE Registry
4 records4 potential matching records have been identified.
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Small Craft Service List
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Red List (1939–40) — OCR
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Ship Details
These details have been aggregated from multiple sources and may include contemporary records, later recollections, claims or assertions for which no corroborating evidence has been identified. Inclusion does not establish that any account or assertion is accurate. The information may be incomplete, out of date, disputed or incorrect and should be checked against the underlying source records and independent evidence before being relied upon.
- Ship type: Motor Boat
- Return status: lost
Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939)
Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
No Lloyd’s records.
Document Collections — Tagged Pages
10 pagesImaged document collections containing pages whose OCR text or table data has been tagged with the name Madame Sans Gene. Open a collection to view the page images and transcriptions.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
MADAME SANS GENE 45 ft. River M/L (Owner, S/Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R. G. Shelley) Mr. E.H. Jeffreys (and his brother) Mr. R. Brown, Engr. Mr. G. Kimber, Deck Hand(1) 3rd June 1700 Left Ramsgate with a life boat and three other boats in tow of the tug Tanga. En route, a rope, trailed by Tanga, got wound round the U/L's port propeller. 2320ca On arrival at Dunkirk, the Sans Gene's other propeller was damaged, but she E was retained in tow of the Tanga. 4th June 0200ca The tug was ordered into the harbour, and the crew of Sans Gene transferred to her. The tug embarked troops and proceeded. In Dunkirk Channel (near No.14 buoy), the towing winch pulled out and the Madame Sans Gene 0245 was cut loose from the tow and abandoned. 0800 The crew, in the Tanga arrived Ramsgate. Nil Authority - R.O.II, p. 394. R.O.III, P. 263. J.D.C. ffice. 215
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
TANGA Tug (William Watkins Ltd.) H.P. Gouge, Master. 29th May Towed to the barges Snowdon and Saladin Ramsgate, where they remained. 1000ca 31st May Anchored off Ramsgate. 1400 Embarked 4 Lewis guns and 2 gunners - also a Lt. Cdr. (1) and a Lt. R.N.R. Proceeded with 6 boats (one of them a M.L/B) in tow, towards Dunkirk. Skpr. A. Gardner, R.N.R. took passage in the Tanga. 1930 Air misses. attack when nearing Dunkirk. Near 2040 Off Dunkirk harbour. Proceeded 6 miles further east. Slipped boats and hung off. [Skpr. Gardner, helped to ferry troops in the M. L/B, which, however, broke down and was abandoned. Skpr. Gardner returned on 1st June in with the M/S Leda]. 1st June 0350ca Some of the boats returned with about 160 troops. Abandoned all but 1 motor boat "and had to run for it". When abreast of Dunkirk harbour, picked up 6 men from a small boat - survivors from the tug St. Fagan. A mile further on, picked up the A/B Pudge with 4 men on board. Took her in tow. 0900 Anchored off Ramsgate. Motor boats came off and landed 160 troops. (2) 1600 Proceeded, towing 4 boats, to Dunkirk. 2230ca Arrived off Dunkirk. Slipped the tow, and "paddled about outside". 2nd June 0330 "Ordered to clear out and run for it". None of the 4 boats had returned. Other boats had brought the Tanga about 90 British and 80 French troops. Proceeded, towing a disabled M/B. 0800 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 170 troops. (2) 3rd June 1630 Left Ramsgate towing 4 M/B's(3) 2300 Arrived off Dunkirk. Slipped the tow, and waited as before. 4th June 0200ca The tugs Sun IV, Sun XV, Racia and Tanga were ordered to go alongside the pier and get as many troops as The possible. Tanga embarked 37 troops. "Ordered to clear out". None of the 4 boats towed over had returned. [See Madame Sans Gene]. 0235ca Cleared the pierhead. Air attack. Claimed to have shot down a plane. Off N. Goodwin L.V. took in tow a - French fishing lugger with crew of three. (1) On 3rd June, Lt. Cdr. Sherwood R.N.R. was in command of (2) Not mentioned Ramsgate or Dover Reports. Tanga. (3) The Madame Sans in Gene, a life boat and 3 other boats. 210
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 788 A. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
241 263 From:- Sub/Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R. Date:- 5th June, 1940. To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate. 27th May- Assisted in collection and commissioning of 29th May pulling boats and motor boats for beach work; later assisted Act. C.B.O. (Lt. de Mauny, R.N.). 30th May. 0700 Detailed to act as Lieut. to Lieut. McMullan, R.N.R. in Dutch schoot "Twente". (Lieut. McMullan has reported separately on commissioning and voyage to Dunkirk and back). 1st June. 1100 Arrived back Ramsgate; stood by awaiting orders. 3rd June. 1100 Found 45 ft. river motor launch "Madame Sans Gene" arrived in harbour with crew from River Emergency Patrol - already detailed to proceed Dunkirk p.m. same day. Requested permission assist equipping and victualling and command in operation. Permission granted by Cdr. Duffett, R.N. 1700 Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk being towed in company lifeboat and 3 other boats on tug "Tanga". with warning, "Madame (a) a rope Sans fouling being Gene" streamed our was port disabled propeller, from tug en without route and, through on - being hauled in by tug, either bending or stripping blades or bending shaft. starboard engine becoming waterlogged (b) apparently by suction through exhaust owing to speed of tow could (8 kts). be used for a short while entirely. but Port engine its transmission gave could out still subsequently arrival Dunkirk suggested boat towed by be of Officer in charge of tug evidently On use in transport of troops if approved lifeboat. order to lifeboat, which Remained did and gave and was not seen again. Gene" not understand of tug after evacuating "Madame charge of Sans tug. in to tow tug on orders of officer in
Details
Report from Sub. Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R. (contd). 242 "Madame Sans Gene" eventually abandoned in Dunkirk Channel near No. 14 buoy when winch to which towing hausers were secured pulled out of decking, and owing to length of tow being augmented by her anchor cable and amounting to about 194 cables length, she became a danger to other craft. Tow could not be shortened in time and she was cut loose at 0245/4/6. 4th June. 0800 Arrived Ramsgate in tug "Tanga". Submit that in view of experience with "Madame Sans Gene" (which could carry fuel for 20 hours and had speed of 12 knots) such craft can more safely cross North Sea under own power than in tow.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
C.W.19295 (Revised-June, 1983.) D-51. 1940 FROM WHOM DATE Merchant Service Vessels employed in Operation "Dynamo". / (Extracted from Case 5458). Personnel Ships Case 5458 Vol. III. 7.) 29. QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL " III. 6. sunk 1. " DORRIEN ROSE " 1. NEW PRINCE OF WALES " III. 6.) sunk 1. SCOTTISH CORPORATION " III. 6.) 1. MASSEY SHAW " III. 6 & 8) 1. LIGHTER X 209 " III. 6.) 1. C.E.in C. TUG PRIMA ) " III. 6.) 1. " HOPPER BARGE W.24) 1. " " " W.26) 1. " " " W.95) 1. THYRA 1. PUDGE London and Rochester ( " II.5.) 1. CABBY Trading Company, 1. SEINE ) Limited. 1. BEFENDER 1. RELIANCE 1. LETITIA Bawley Boats III 8 1. ENDEAVOUR " Civilian crews. 1. RESOLUTE 1. RENOWN (Sunk) 1. QUEENSLAND, Tilbury Dredging Company. (Case 5458.Vol.III.8.) 1. JOHANNA " (Dutch eel boat) III.8. 1. River M/L "MADAME SANS GENE" (sunk) " III.8.) 1. M/V "SEA ROAMER" " III.8.) 1. "FAAR BREEZE" Drifter 1. Votor Boat "KIT CAT" ( " III.8.) 1. Southend Lifeboat "GREATER LONDON" 1. Launch belonging to Skylark Shipbuilding ( " III.8.) 1. Co. Poole. opper " Barge "Lady Southborough" 1. " 1. QUEEN'S CHANNEL " " GALLIONS RANCH Tilbury l. " ( " " FOREMOST 101. Contracting III.8.) 1. " " FOREMOST 102. & Dredging 1. " " 1. JAMES 67. Company. Dutch eel boat "CHANTECLER" ( " III.8.) 1. Motor Life Boat unnamed, # (S.Lt.Amos, R.N.V.R.) III.8.) 1. Motor Yacht "RYGATE II" " III.8. 1. M/B "QUICKSILVER" " III.8. 1. Motor Cruiser "BOBELI" " III.8.) 1. M/B "RAPIDE" " III.8.) 1. "NAID ERRANT" " III.8.) 1. M/B "THARK" # III.8.) 1. Total. 71. Mainly civilian crew, but R.N. or R.N.R.Officer in command.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
241 263 From:- Sub/Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R. Date:- 5th June, 1940. To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate. 27th May. Assisted in collection and commissioning of 29th May. pulling boats and motor boats for beach work; later assisted Act. C.B.O. (Lt. de Mauny, R.N.). 30th May. 0700 Detailed to act as Lieut. to Lieut. McMullan, R.N.R. in Dutch schoot "Twente". (Lieut. NcMullan has reported separately on commissioning and voyage to Dunkirk and back). 1st June. 1100 Arrived back Ramsgate; stood by awaiting orders. 3rd June. 1100 Found 45 ft. river motor launch "Madame Sans Gene" arrived in harbour with crew from River Emergency Patrol - already detailed to proceed Dunkilek p.m. same day. Requested permission assist equipping and victualling and command in operation. Permission granted by Cdr. Duffett, R.N. 1700 Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk being towed in company with lifeboat and 3 other boats on tug "Tanga". "Madame Sans Gene" was disabled en route through - (a) a rope being streamed from tug without warning, fouling our port propeller, and. on being hauled in by tug, either bending or stripping blades or bending shaft. (b) starboard engine becoming waterlogged apparently by suction through exhaust owing to Port engine could be used for a short while but speed of tow (8 kts). On arrival Dunkirk suggested boat could still subsequently its transmission gave out entirely. be of use in transport of troops if towed by lifeboat. Officer in charge of tug approved not understand gave and was not seen again. Remained and order to lifeboat, which evidently did in tow of tug after evacuating "Madame Sans Gene" to tug on orders of officer in charge of tug.
Details
242 eport from Sub. Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R. (contd). "Madame Sans Gene" eventually abandoned in Dunkirk Channel near No. 14 buoy when winch to which towing hausers were secured pulled out of decking, and owing to length of tow being augmented by her anchor cable and amounting to about also cables length, she became a danger to other craft. Tow could not be shortened in time and she was cut loose at 0245/4/6. 4th June. 0800 Arrived Ramsgate in tug "Tanga". Submit that in view of experience with "Madame Sans Gene" (which could carry fuel for 20 hours and had speed of 12 knots) such craft can more safely cross North Sea under OWD power than in tow.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 334 83. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
add Hous OF 800 AUTH oziya FOX A SHOPS ARE woodside OF dong Park Chesham Bois can't One STATE July S.41 Buels crews when on Thursday, would not be able to ad been asked to keep lon t it might be worth my L.S.C ver Emergency Service false alarms I received on Saturday, 1st June, Dear Sir a to go home at 1310. The encloses ake delivery of the S the los of my bons eive further instruc- Letitis which I hunt nald Brown, who knew Some instruct ked SX up some mayber is 7m. I must acht was nearly two apolopse too barry I builder, Mr Guy soling - has 2 have h, as I had only my little spare two there pair of out-size ed immediately to day. I was valudis Wave", so we set "Madame Sans Gene" screw 20-tonner, with forecastle-mid-ship covered steering cock-pit; aft of that came a. galley to starboard, and single sþeeping cabin to port, and then a saldon; there was a small after cock-pit. She was a fine ship, whose only draw- back was the difficulty of making anybody get the name right. In accordance with instructions, the owner had stripped her of a masts and putting on quay and flxing all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to P. outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkin at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Moored Dunkir past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen. alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Details
p you our a 101 Judged cruise B w111 s 1981 1n pass Phetograph: year. guily, It write sumox IV" on. and 1971 I8J <x to Kimber) throlly, be Bends the Owner DUNKIRK It I only heard casually of the need for crews when on Thursday, the 30th May, Denis Dalby told me that he would not be able to come sailing with me that week-end, as he had been asked to keep himself free. He suggested, moreover, that it might be worth my ch while getting in tough with Quill at his River Emergency Service station. This I did, and after one or two false alarms I received a telephone message at the Dominions Office on Saturday, 1st June, just as I was picking up my hat and umbrella to go home at 1310. "Could I be at Westminster Pier at 1330 to take delivery of the motor yacht 'Madame Sans Gene'? I would receive further instruc- tions on the Pier, and would meet there Reginald Brown, who knew all about engines." I said, "Yes", and picked SE up some sandwiches and beer on my way. Brown was to time at the Pier, but the yacht was nearly two hours late. We took over from the owner and builder, Mr Guy Shelley of Gosport, and I was fortunate enough, as I had only my Office clothes, to borrow from him a very old pair of out-size dungarees. We received instructions to proceed immediately to Gravesend, where we were to report to "Eternal Wave", so we set off downstream tidying up as we went along. "Madame Sans Gêne" was a fairly new twin-screw 20-tonner, with forecastley mid-ship covered steering cock-pit; aft of that came a. galley to starboard, and single sheeping cabin to port, and then a saldon; there was a small after cock-pit. She was a fine ship, whose only draw- back was the difficulty of making anybody get the name right. In accordance with instructions, the owner had stripped her of masts and putting on quay and fixing a machine gun and all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed across fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running in company with other yachts. Three other yachts make at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. and Slight swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke off they told to proceed on under own power. Arrived Dunkir Dunkiy were at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Moored past alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops Frenchmen. on the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. board. Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36 Pt 2. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Details
DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE. MEETING HELD AT 11 a.m. ON FRIDAY, 14TH AT THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (ROOM 508 Present : Mr. Moore. 11 Simmons " Riddell It Chamberlin " Wand. Mr. Moore took the Chair in the absence OZ who was unable to attend. 1. Minutes of Meeting held on 7th February W 2. Matters arising were discussed :- (a) "Madame Sans Gene: Agreed to negotiat and £1,700. (b) "Southern Queen": Agreed to settleme this vessel plus and hire at appro (c) "Ferry Nymph" : Offer of £15 for h (a) "Nemo IV" : Agreed to endorse since last meetin (e) Belgian Trawler "Jacomina" Decided that this the Committee. 3. Report of Payments for period ending 13th amounting to £1,416. 11. 8. was presented and 4. The following cases were discussed :- (a) "Grace Darling IV" Agreed to increase £735 plus interes (b) "Kate" : Agreed to offer £32 (c) "Maldon Annie" : Agreed to settle at interest. (d) "Moss Rose" : Agreed to offer £37 (e) "New Prince of Wales" : Agreed to defer fin formula of values passenger boats is the meantime offer advance of £2,000 (f) "Skylark II & III": Agreed to negotiate settlement for the between £900 and £
Operation Dynamo Map — Movement Logs
Movements recorded for Madame Sans Gene during the evacuation period, as plotted on the Operation Dynamo map.
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