Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

STONEHAVEN
M/V (owner, W.H. Stonehaven)
(dan layer)
?
30th May
1430 Did not return from Operation Dynamo.
Picked for up convey ef/motor cruisers,
1550
posert to
Hove-to. Took in tow the disabled M/B's
Authority - TO.9144.
Skylart and Dours Belle II.
TO.9436.
Proceeded AT 1635.
Hove-to and took in tow the disabled
1840
M/B Mary loss.
Proceeded. At 2845, hove-to for
aertain other M/D's in trouble.
They were taken in top by other
2200
voncels. Proceeded at 1910,
Anchored off Remagato, S/Lt. Nercer
processed 1n N/B Forty Two to search
for 3 lost M/B's which were found
near the Gull Buoy.
31st May
0205
The Strethelliot sailed for Dunkirk,
eacorting M/B's, 8 of which were
diaabled and in tow of various
vossele. Course via U, V, and W
buoys.
0640
The Skylark's towing bollard tord any.
Took her in tow storn first,
0730
The MARY Rose, which has been in tow of
the K/B Rapid, was debeged; her crew
were transferred to the Strathelliot
and the damaged M/B was sonk.
0820
The Skylark damaged; transferred her
onew and stores to the Strathalliot.
The Skylark was then Bank by the
trawler "KO".(1)
0845
Took in tow the N/B Halden Annie IV.
1215
Took the Malden Annie THE in tow stern
first.
1620
Ansbored off Dunkirk beaches. Emberked
34 French troops.
-
Alr attacks.
1920
Proceeded.
let June
0830
The Stratholliot Sheerness. Disembarked
50 trans.
1223
Left Shearneee to escort 8 convoy of
M/B's to Ransgate.
1240
Took in too the M/L Empress, and a
naval launch.
1650
Arrived Ramagate with the M/M's.
1805
Proceeded for Dunkirk.
off Dunkirk the tow was slipped. The
-
The Strethelliot at Dunkirk berthed
Empress ran aground.
2310
alongaide inner Jesty. Basbarked
troops.
2nd June
0130
Proceeded. Grounded outside harbour.
0815ca
0745
Arrived Ramsgate, Disembarked 285
Refloated. Proceeded.
French troops,(2) including the
Frenoh General Nicolle and his staff.
(1) Bothing known of this trawler, nor 19 her name mentioned in
(2) Glasn's Pisherman's Nautical Aleanes
to report.
177

Details

STRATHELLIOT
Trawler
(dan layer)
S/Lt. W.E. Mercer, R.N.V.R.
30th May
1410
1430
Left Sheerness for Ramsgate.
Picked for up a convoy of/motor cruisers,
1550
escort to Ramsgate.
Hove-to. Skylark Took in tow the disabled M/B's
Proceeded at 1635.
and Court Belle II.
1800
Hove-to and took in tow the disabled
M/B Mary Rose.
1840
Proceeded. At 1845, hove-to for
certain other M/B's in trouble.
They were taken in tow by other
2200
vessels. Proceeded at 1910.
Anchored off Ramsgate. S/Lt. Mercer
proceeded in M/B Forty Two to search
for 3 lost M/B's which were found
near the Gull Buoy.
31st May
0205
The Strathelliot sailed for Dunkirk,
escorting M/B's, 8 of which were
disabled and in tow of various
vessels. Course via U, V, and W
buoys.
0640
The Skylark's towing bollard tore away.
Took her in tow stern first.
0730
The Mary Rose, which had been in tow of
the M/B Rapid, was damaged; her crew
were transferred to the Strathelliot
and the damaged M/B was sunk.
0820
The Skylark damaged; transferred her
crew and stores to the Strathelliot.
The Skylark was then sunk by the
trawler "KO". (1)
0845
Took in tow the M/B Malden Annie IV.
1215
Took the Malden Annie IV in tow stern
first.
1620
Anchored off Dunkirk beaches. Embarked
54 French troops.
-
Air attacks.
1920
Proceeded.
arrived
1st June
0830
The Strathelliot Sheerness. Disembarked
54 troops.
1223
Left Sheerness to escort a convoy of
M/B's to Ramsgate.
1240
Took in tow the M/L Empress, and a
naval launch.
1650
Arrived Ramsgate with the M/B's.
1805
Proceeded for Dunkirk.
-
Off Dunkirk the tow was slipped. The
Empress ran aground.
2310
The Strathelliot at Dunkirk berthed
alongside inner jetty. Embarked
troops.
2nd June
0130
Proceeded. Grounded outside harbour.
0215ca
0745
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 285
Refloated. Proceeded.
French troops, (2) including the
French General Nicolle and his staff.
(1) Nothing known of this trawler, nor is her name mentioned in
(2) Ramsgate Olsen's report. Fisherman's Nautical Almanac.
178

Details

- 2 -
379
356
bringing was entering faster trawler's counter, her stem was damaged
At her 0730, up against the "Mary the Rose" reported that, due to a following sea
and water decided that than it could be pumped and bailed out.
Dunkerque-even presuming we could get her there-she should be
I therefore as she was unlikely to be of any use at
abandoned and sunk.I therefore ordered the rest of the convoy to
proceed under the Lieutenant R.N.R.. We then took off the crew of the
"Mary Rose" and fired one tray of Lewis gun ammunition into her water
line, finally breaking her up by ramming her to prevent her becoming
a danger to navigation. We then proceeded after the convoy and picked
up another boat which was being towed.
At 0820, the "Skylark" sustained further damage to her stern
due to the strain on the tow caused by the heavy seas, and, as she
was in danger of foundering, her crew were taken off and a cargo of
ladders and petrol and all serviceable stores aboard transferred to
the "Strathelliot" the boat being them cut adrift. We then closed
a trawler "KO" and semaphored her to sink this boat which she did.
At 0845, we took in tow the "Malden Annie IV", nut at 0855
her Port mooring bollard tore away and the towing hawser was then
secured to the Starboard. This was showing signs of parting, and
finally tore away at 0940. The hawser was then secured to a small
hook.
At 1000 we closed the trawler "Grimsby Town" and sent a
message ashore by her reporting our position. A mechanic was put
aboard the "Malden Annie IV" to try to effect repairs to her magneto,
but this was found to be impossible. A hawser was then passed right
round underneath her and was secured on deck, the towing hawser being
bent to this. This hawser parted at 1215, when "Malden Annie IV"
reported that water was entering due to damage received forward. A
new hawser was passed and the vessel towed stern first. A great deal
of damage. had been caused to her superstructure by heavy seas crashing
her into the trawler, but having lost two ships, I was loth to lose
a third. The tow parted twice more in the course of the afternoon, but
the vessel was eventually taken to Dunkerque. I would like to mention
the conduct of the officer in command of the "Malden Annie IV" who
worked extremely hard under very trying conditions to bring his ship
to port.
At 1530 we were proceeding down the channel into Dunkerque
when a destroyer came out firing on and being fired on by batteries
ashore. It was impossible for us to steer out of her line of fire,
due to our tow, but fortunately, although shells were falling close
to us and planes were trying to bomb the destroyer, we sustained no
damage the mearest shell being about 70 yards on our starboard beam.
On two other occasions between 1530 and our arrival off Dunkerque
but sustained hits. We came to anchor off Dunkerque beaches ( as
beaches at 1620, we received salvoes of bombs intended for destroyers
close in no draft would allow) and eventually attracted the attention
of a motor as launch our manned by Sea Scouts. They came alongside and we asked
them to bring us some troops from the beach. We put our this ship's and boat
over the side and she was towed ashore to assist. From
another motor launch we eventually received a total of fifty-four
French soldiers.
unable further boatloads of soldiers, and at
Although we waited for a total of two and a half 1920 hours we we were
deceded to get not any knowing the state of the tide and being in danger Had of
settling there on the possibility of getting any more men, we would there. waited
that, sand, we would weigh and proceed to Sheerness. have
but there been were any insufficient small boats to supply the ships

Details

4.
.
37194
33.
Lieut. "Mermaiden Nimmo, back R.N.R. to Weymouth. - Took "Filleul" yacht
/.
34.
Lieut. J.S. Seal, R.N.R. - in "Queen Boadicea
picked up three seamen survivors from' Janis"? II"
Dunkirk Pier. The latter's Captain Sub Lieut. off Bell
by a bomb on Friday may 31. The survivors were
R.N.V.R.? and a stoker had been killed outright
landed at Ramsgate.
35,
Mr. C.V. Cogger - signed in "Seine" at Rochester.
Left her on Wednesday full of water for the aches
( Lieut. Cdr Filluel in command). Brought hack
350 British and French troops to Ramsgate. Sailed
again for Dunkirk and brought back 300 troops.
36.
Sub Lieut. W.E. Mercer, R.N.V.R. of "Strathelliot" -
saw the"Mary Rose" and "Skylark" sink in mid ocean,
crew all brought back. Following were seen abandoned
as Dunkirk :- "Malden" "Annie IV" and "Empress".
The former was used as a pier.
37.
"Scene Shifter" was swamped by French troops on
Wed. June 29th. "Triton" was cast off while in
tow with foul screw.
38.
Lieut. W.B. Whitworth, R.N. did 6 trips in "Aeger".
39.
Mr. R. Brown - went over in "Madame Sansgene" on
night of Monday June 3rd. Elgar H. Jefferey and his
brother were also in the boat. Towed over by "Tanjar"
(Tug) with another Motor boat. On way back boats
fouled a rope, which had been veered by the "Tanjar"
to stutch it as it was new, and the boats had to be
abandoned. The "Madame Sansgene" claimed to have
shot down a bomber.
40,
P.O. E. Wells, R.N.R. - went over in "Nanette II",
who had a Lieut. R.N.V.R. in charge. They went to
Ostende an then to Dunkirk and brought back mostly
French troops, some of whom had been in the water
for 12 hours. "Nanette" was finally returned to
41.
Dover.
Sub Lieut. Church, R.N.R. - In "Portsdown"
see separate report.
42
Coxn. George Senior, O.N. 239990 - In YC 78
Wed, May 29th for Ramsgate. Sailed from Ramsgate at at
(Lieut. Mortimer R.N.R. 1/c). Left Sheerness on
2245 Thursday night and arrived at Dunkirk
1100 on Friday. The only soldiers on the beaches vessels
there, They left Dunkirk about 1830 towing
on 45 of them, were ferried off in the YC 71
and a about midnight and anchored. H wever, and
skiff. Thornycroft motor boat. The YC 72 broke down the
herself boat managed to start up again about must
Thornycroft informed Ramsgate for a tug came out 0700
have and towed YO 78 and YC 71 back to Ramsgate.

Details

Page 5.
ICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO". - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
TTISH SHIPS (continued)
GER BANK
HANDY BILLY
TA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
ADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
ADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
HESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
RF
HYTHE (Coaster)
1 )
IOLANTHE
4
IOTE
7 (Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
9
Launches)
JABA
6
JACINTA (Trawler)
C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
G. 694
JANIS
G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
STBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
WARD NISSEN
JORDAN
WINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
IZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
PRESS
KITCAT (M.B.)
PRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
DEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
TERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ICA
LADY SHEILA
SKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
AIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
AWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
ERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
L/NSDOWNE
ERVENT
LAROC
ISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
OREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
OREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
ORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
ORSA
MADAM SANSGENE
OSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
RIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
ALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
ALZAR
MARASOLE
AY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
LENWAY (Barge)
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
LITTER II
MARQUIS (Tug)
OLIATH
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
HAIG HALFWAY (W.D. Craft)
M.F.H. (Lighter)
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
(Continued)
Sunk

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
Typical of the urge which characterised sailed from Ramsgate this movement at 0205 of small craft was
escorting the trawler motor Strathelliot, boats, 8 which of which were disabled and in tow of on various the 31st May
the M/B Skylark, disabled, was in tow of Strathelliot. At 0640 the Skylark's vessels
towing bollard tore away and she was taken the in tow stern first. Then the M/B
embarked the Skylark in also the in became Strathelliot. tow-and damaged, later Shortly taken after in tow this stern the first-and M/B Malden crew Annie Lad ber, IV
crew were transferred to the Strathelliot and she and was Mary sunk after Rose was her sunk. Her
Mary Rose, which had been in tow of M/B the Rapid I, was damaged.
had to be taken she arrived
water fast, and dritting on to the was She
Dunkirk beaches with her pumps beach choked, she bilge abandoned. full of rubbish fund making off
useful purpose, however, by being used as a pier.
It is impossible to give the story of every ship, although each ship has its
which went over on the 31st May in company with the lighters X. 217 (S/Lt.
story. Here, for instance, is the unvarnished history of the M/B Marsayru
R.A. W. Pool, R.N.) X. 213 and X. 149. They arrived off Malo beach at about
1600. During an air attack X. 213 and X. 149 were sunk. The Z. 217 was
beached and, assisted by the dinghy, embarked 95 troops which were transferred
to the yacht Llanthony. The X. 217 continued to embark troops using the
Marsayru and a cutter. At about 2100 that evening, with the Marsayru's
skipper and crew and about 200 British and French troops on board, the X. 217
left for home towing the Marsayru and a cutter.
Shortly after sailing the Marsayru broke adrift, and in darkness could not be
found. Next day, the 1st June, however, at 1400, S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
in a Naval steam pinnace, off La Panne, sighted the Marsayru drifting with the
tide and unoccupied. She was found to be in working order; the engine was
started up and Sub-Lieut. Godman took an A.B. and a soldier as crew. He
left Petty Officer Morrison in charge of the steam pinnace with orders to lay off
and wait for the return of the Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow the Marsayru proceeded to the western end of the
beach capacity. and anchored; the dinghy ferried 19 troops to her, which filled her to
In the meantime the crew of the steam pinnace had embarked in the skoot
Doggersbank and had left the steam pinnace anchored near Dunkirk harbour.
Sub-Lieut. Godman decided to leave her there and sailed in the Marsayru for
England; from her. he overtook the Doggersbank on the way and obtained some fuel
and in tow waited for daylight. At 0430 on the 2nd June a trawler a took the Marsayru
At 2330 on the Ist June the Marsayru made fast to conical flashing buoy
embarked. to Ramsgate, which was reached at 0800, and the 19 troops were dis-
the Queen's pleasure launches Enterprise and Wave Queen), the Foremost Southborough,
White Heather,Westeriey,A Lansdowne, hopper barge .26. The M/B's. Marsayru,
and the 101, Lady Minotaur,
The motor coaster Hythe. M/B, the Dolphin's Balquhain, power Tigris boat, I, Rapid the Nelson's I, picket
the motor X lighters launch 95, 149, 209 (towing a boat), 213, Sherfield,
motor launches Grouse, Nanette II the lighter Y.C.63. The and War 217. The motor barge seven 30 knot
eighth, The skoot the Pigeon, Hilda went Haig, over on Kestrel, 1st June. Marlborough, Swallow, Department's Wolfe and Vulture an
Gipsy Three King, more Golden of towed Spray over II the and motor two life-boats. boats Moss Rose, Rose Marie, Lady Haig, Britannic
and
the M.F.H. Pickford & Co. Ltd.'s motor vessels went over, viz the Chamois, Hound
72

Details

INDEX
Lord Southborough, 60, 69, 83.
Lorina, sunk, 45.
Louise-Irene, 73n.
Louise Marie, 62n.
Lucian Gougy, 107n.
Lusyne, Capt. P., 116.
Lutteur, 62.
Lydd, 28n, 36-7, 44, 52, 100-1, 103.
Lydie-Susanne, 73.
M.41, 73n.
McClelland, Lt. Cdr. J. W., 59n, 75-7 (work at La Panne).
McCullough, Lt. Cdr., 59n.
Mackay, 20n, 27, 35-6 (put out of action).
MacKewn, Lt. A. R., R.N.R., takes over St. Seriol, 48.
McRea, Lt. H. C. J., 37.
Maid of Orleans, 16-17, 22n, 24, 31n, 54n, 87 (damaged), 127.
Mainwaring, Lt. A. H., killed, 93.
Ma Joie, 60n.
Malabar, 85.
Malcolm, 28n, 54n, 55, 62 (makes two trips on 30th May), 83 (collides with Dunkirk pier),
109 (sent back empty), 112n, 114n, 116, 118.
Malden Annie IV, abandoned, 72.
Malet, Pilote, 73.
Malines, 29n, 37.
Mallard, 34, 99, 104.
Mallow, 88.
Malo, see Beaches.
Manxman, 29n, 54n, 102, 114n.
March, Mr. F. J., 47.
Maréchal Foch, sunk, 116.
Maretta, damaged, 13.
Margaux, 73.
Marie, 74.
Marlborough, 72n.
Marmion, 28n, 54n, 100-1, 107n, 109.
Marrack, Capt. H. R., 74.
Marsayru, adventures of, 72-3.
Mary Rose, sunk, 72.
Mary Scott, 100.
M.A./S.B.6, 52 (sinks Minikoi), 66-7 (takes Lord Gort to Dover), 75.
M.A./S.B.7, 111-112 (in operation CK.).
LA./S.B,10, 101-2, 108, 119.
Massey Shaw, 119.
Maund, Cdr. G. O., speeds up embarkation, 63-64; leads ships into Dunkirk, 101.
Medical Parties, sent across, 49.
Medway Queen, 23n, 27, 31, 100-1, 105, 107n, 109, 114n.
Merchant Navy, see Civilians.
Mermaiden, 72n.
Meuse, 114n.
M.F.H., 72n.
Michael Stevens, 107n.
Midas, 23n, 107n.
Mines and mining, British, 34; German, 38, 93, 110; French, 62-3.
Minikoi, sunk 52.
Ministry of Sea Transport, 21.
Ministry of Shipping, 5.
Minotaur, 72n.
Mirasol, 53.
Mistral, 39, 40n, 41 (damaged), 43.
Monarda, 71n.
Mona's Isle, 16, 19.
Mona's Queen, 16, 28, 31n, 38 (sunk).
Montgomery, Maj.-Gen. B. L., 2, 75, 77 (embarks).
Morrison, P. O., 72.
Montrose, 20n, 27, 32n, 36 (put out of action).
202

Details

LITTLE SHIP CLUB
at
COCKFOSTERS: HERTS.
DUNKIRK. 1940.
Jan 18th. 1931
Name & Address.
INET 3391.
Ship
Dr.B.A.Smith
(Tel:Malden 1461) (Tel:Malden 1461) (Tel:Malden 1461) (Tel:Malden 1461)
Malden,
"Constant Nymph"
Penera
Dear Luard, with an know utterly - and who of I indectiphers
Brought
Commdr.C.H.Lightoller The R.D. "Sundowner"
D.S.M. off
name 251 Upper - life include
Cottage,
know make him it but being it.
E.J.Wilkins Esq.
body 1611
Ludgate Hill,E.C.4.
a story the the He the THE THE THE it you back or that make We
"Lady Pamela"
did not go but
Lost ship,
here sort till says to he they put one got next want of his
C.G.Thompson. Esq.
himself. OVE
Jerminus Court. 4411 / Beluine Rd. Banked! "Thark"
Court
Lieut.F.y. Grenfell, R. N. V.R.
Lost ship.
some commission the Roger He's class in a the this also so and the too. but get old
if he went Over ?
week,gecond stripe done him for
Avenue, Court, N.W.6
as On Active Service
R.N.V.R.
Sundowner believe <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Esq.
times Went over several
Rd.Ruislip,Middx.
"Letitia"
the the the the this we but blooked from the mad a
Lost ship. ? if
The about second was that of best
he went over.
(Holborn)
"Spinaway"
yours
Scottie
Downing G.Kimber Dominions Esq. office Jemple Bar 9262
St.s.W.1 Esq.
(12.8.40) House,
4044) W.1
A.R. (now Zoccola abroad) Esq.
difficulties were experienced in regard littl
that other side on the morning of the 31st th
there was a bit of a breeze and a Ma;
"Bonny Heather"
the difficult to embark troops, except water on
very the ship, during the previous night the used.
that it did not matter which side was
first warned for duty, that the Navy collecte
(4) It is quite clear, from the time
a
boats by way of intelligent anticipation, man

Details

Page 5.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY . 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
DOGGER BANK
HANDY BILLY
DORIA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
DREADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
DREADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
DUCHESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
DWARF
HYTHE (Coaster)
D.1 )
IOLANTHE
D.4
IOTE
D.7
(Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
D.9
Launches)
JABA
D.16
JACINTA (Trawler)
D.C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
D.G. 694
JANIS
D.G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
EASTBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
EDWARD NISSEN
JORDAN
EDWINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
ELIZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
E.M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
EMPRESS
KITCAT (M.B,)
EMPRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
ENDEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
ENTERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ERICA
LADY SHEILA
ESKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
FAIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
LANSDOWNE
FERVENT
LAROC
FISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
FOREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
FOREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
FORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
FORSA
MADAM SANSCENE
FOSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
FRIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
F.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
GALZAR
MARASOLE
GAY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
GLENWAY (Barge)
GLITTER II
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
GOLIATH
MARQUIS (Tug)
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
HAIG (W.D. Craft)
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
HALFWAY
M.F.H. (Lighter)
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

Details

CONSTANCE
22
29
WESTFIEL RODNEY NYMPH
ROAD,
40
REGISTR 6 A.M.
11/1/21/11
NEW
Constant Nymph
malden 1461
little Club
T.O. 9144/STN.
in. 8/5/40
20/9/40
onfirm that my
Dunkish Operations
2ª hours' notice.
M.C. Constant Nymph
35
have to get up
Dear Sir
so go to the boat.
as requested, I enclose copy of a rough diary of
ont to Isleworth
my own experiences which was made on my return to town.
2 10.00 and 11.00.
I be required as
I had given up Constant "mph" for lat but she
huoy, and my
ss, I found at the
was found later at Broadstairs, badly damaged in the
the would issue
supers tructure rgutted of everything movemble, but quite
S in the same yard.
sound in hull.
There was no widence of damage by enemy action
to think there was
go down together,
but much widence of bad handling flooting
noon so that I
When found she had no sope on her propeller&
others did not
a certain amount of petrol in her tank, and a local
inhabitant said she had been brought ova by some
to" as I felt
might at least
soldiers who had been left on the beach at Dunkirk.
rhess. Luckily
When I left her, she certainly had sope on her
ings that he
propeller mo petrol left, 20 the naval drifter had
e H111 to Islowo be
waiting for the
cirdantly dealt with her sprobably used her again, as
a
was intended- why she should have been abandoned
the Naval Contro
later on the other side in a fit condition to cross ander
is to anchor 017
her run power is beyond me.
be allowed to
io
Both British Freuch soldies had been on her since
we had found
n the 28th May
I lift her, as small items of dis carded equipment were
was not worth
found in her which rouch for one opecimen of each army
have to keep
at least.
"Coustant hymph is a 24' cabin cruiser built by Kris
chor and proceeder
Crisers hld at I alworth with Watermota engine, built 1939,
around there
collect, repert
she is on the British Register as 4.78 tons.
yours truly Babinate
near the dockyni
all present by
informed that WI
now for what
required, although 1 had been told by the
pleasant voiced man who spoke to me from the Admiralty that
it was dangerous.
Of the boats which had come down from Isleworth mine WILL
3
the only one in charge of its owner so far as I know, and
that time we had rather got the point of view that there as
nothing very urgent in the wind and most of the men who had
brought boats down from up river had done so without any
previous knowledge that they would be doing so and had had n
opportunity of making arrangements with employers, etc. so
that few of them folt able to sign on for a month and voni
back to town very regretfully by train.
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with
or
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bued
e
able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bitthe
but there was same difficulty in getting signed on and IMC
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people 18
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a we was
accurate 1dea what the job was and was quite determinedo that
to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself visa a few
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be
at
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

HO
216x
COUNT DRACULA
/STN 6B
2, Blondin Avenue,
2nd October 1940.
Northfields,
sir,
Ealing T.5.
44
I have to acknowledge receipt of
24/10/40.
your letter dated 20th September, 1940.
enclosing reports on the Dunkirk
1.0.)
operations insofar as your vessel
use,
CONSTANT NYMPH took part in these
operations, and to thank you for the
most interesting information which
D. 9144/STN.6B.
you have been good enough to supply.
It is anticipated that this report will
it Dracula".
be of value in compiling the final repat
which will be drawn up on these
e. regarding the Dunkirk
operations.
in requisitioned at the time
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
was not able to accompany
:,
from the Master that the
Director of Sea Transport.
Dunkirk and brought back to
A.B. Smith, Esq.,
rip.
Westfield,
Rodney Road,
fter taking the men on board
New Malden,
Surrey.
ds away, lifted her clean out
und an even keel.
On
P back to Rams gate she developed
clutch slipping, and was eventually towed into Ramsgate Harbour.
On her trip from Ramsgate to Richmond, she sustained
considerable damage. Previous to that no damage was sustained.
The repairs have been effected, and I take this opportunity of
thanking again the Ministry of Shipping for the prompt and fair
settlement, which enabled me to have my boat repaired.
I am happy that she has been of some service to
our Country.
Yours faithfully,
K. Cliener.
Directorol Sea Transport.
ng
me
em,

Details

Page 5.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
DOGGER BANK
HANDY BILLY
DORIA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
DREADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
DREADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
DUCHESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
DWARF
HYTHE (Coaster)
D.1)
IOLANTHE
D.4
)
IOTE
D.7
(Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
D.9
Launches)
JABA
D.16
JACINTA (Trawler)
D.C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
D.G. 694
JANIS
D.G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
EASTBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
EDWARD NISSEN
JORDAN
EDWINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
ELIZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
E.M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
EMPRESS
KITCAT (M.B,)
EMPRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
ENDEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
ENTERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ERICA
LADY SHEILA
ESKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
FAIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
LANSDOWNE
FERVENT
LAROC
FISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
FOREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
FOREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
FORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
FORSA
MADAM SANSGENE
FOSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
FRIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
F.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
GALZAR
MARASOLE
GAY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
GLENWAY (Barge)
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
GLITTER II
MARQUIS (Tug)
GOLIATH
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
HAIG (W.D. Craft)
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
M.F.H. (Lighter)
HALFWAY
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
Sunk
Continued)

Details

- 2 -
379
356
bringing was entering trawler's counter, her stem was damaged
At her 0730, up against the "Mary the Rose" reported that, due to a following sea
and water decided that faster than it could be pumped and bailed out.
I therefore as she was unlikely to be of any use at
Dunkerque-even presuming we could get her there-she should be
abandoned and sunk. I therefore ordered the rest of the convoy to
proceed under the Lieutenant R.N.R.. We then took off the crew of the
"Mary Rose" and fired one tray of Lewis gun ammunition into her water
line, finally breaking her up by ramming her to prevent her becoming
a danger to navigation. We then proceeded after the convoy and picked
up another boat which was being towed.
At 0820, the "Skylark" sustained further damage to her stern
due to the strain on the tow caused by the heavy seas, and, as she
was in danger of foundering, her crew were taken off and a cargo of
ladders and petrol and all serviceable stores aboard transferred to
the "Strathelliot" - the boat being them cut adrift. We then closed
trawler "KO" and semaphored her to sink this boat which she did.
At 0845, we took in tow the "Malden Annie IV", nut at 0855
her Port mooring bollard tore away and the towing hawser was then
secured to the Starboard. This was showing signs of parting, and
finally tore away at 0940. The hawser was then secured to a small
hook.
At 1000 we closed the trawler "Grimsby Town" and sent a
message ashore by her reporting our position. A mechanic was put
aboard the "Malden Annie IV" to try to effect repairs to her magneto,
but this was found to be impossible. A hawser was then passed right
round underneath her and was secured on deck, the towing hawser being
bent to this. This hawser parted at 1215, when "Malden Annie IV"
reported that water was entering due to damage received forward. A
new hawser was passed and the vessel towed stern first. A great deal
of damage had been caused to her superstructure by heavy seas crashing
her into the trawler, but having lost two ships, I was loth to lose
a third. The tow parted twice more in the course of the afternoon, but
the vessel was eventually taken to Dunkerque. I would like to mention
the conduct of the officer in command of the "Malden Annie IV" who
worked extremely hard under very trying conditions to bring his ship
to port.
At 1530 we were proceeding down the channel into Dunkerque
when a destroyer came out firing on and being fired on by batteries
ashore. It was impossible for us to steer out of her line of fire,
due to our tow, but fortunately, although shells were falling close
to us and planes were trying to bomb the destroyer, we sustained no
damage the mearest shell being about 70 yards on our starboard beam.
On two other occasions between 1530 and our arrival off Dunkerque
but sustained no hits. We came to anchor off Dunkerque beaches ( as
beaches at 1620, we received salvoes of bombs intended for destroyers
close in as our draft would allow) and eventually attracted the attentior
of a motor launch manned by Sea Scouts. They came alongside and we asked
over the side and she was towed ashore to assist. From this and
them to bring us some troops from the beach. We put our ship's boat
another motor launch we eventually received a total of fifty-four
French soldiers.
unable to further boatloads of soldiers, and at 1920 we
Although we waited for a total of two and a half hours we were
deceded get not any knowing the state of the tide and being in danger Had of
settling there been on possibility of getting any more men, we would there. waited
that, the sand, we would weigh and proceed to Sheerness. have
but there were any insufficient small boats to supply the ships

Details

4.
I
.
37194
33.
back R.N.R. to Weymouth. - Took "Filleul" yacht
/.
MB
34.
Lieut. J.S. Seal, R.N.R. - in "Queen Boadicea
Dunkirk picked up three seamen survivors from' Janis"? II"
R.N.V.R.? and a stoker had been killed outright
Pier. The latter's Captain Sub Lieut. off Bell
by a bomb on Friday may 31. The survivors were
landed at Ramsgate.
35,
Mr. C.V. Cogger - signed in "Seine" at Rochester.
Left her on Wednesday full of water for the beaches
( Lieut. Cdr Filluel in command). Brought hack
350 British and French troops to Ramsgate. Sailed
again for Dunkirk and brought back 300 troops.
36.
Sub Lieut. W.E. Mercer, R.N.V.R. of "Strathelliot" -
saw the Mary Rose" and "Skylark" sink in mid ocean,
crew all brought back. Following were seen abandoned
as Dunkirk :- "Malden" "Annie IV" and "Empress".
The former was used as a pier.
37.
"Scene Shifter" was swamped by French troops on
Wed. June 29th. "Triton" was cast off while in
tow with foul screw.
38.
Lieut. W.B. Whitworth, R.N. did 6 trips in "Aeger".
39.
Mr. R. Brown - went over in "Madame Sansgene" on
night of Monday June 3rd. Elgar H. Jefferey and his
brother were also in the boat. Towed over by "Tanjar"
(Tug) with another Motor boat. On way back boats
fouled a rope, which had been veered by the "Tanjar"
to stutch it as it was new, and the boats had to be
abandoned. The "Madame Sansgene" claimed to have
shot down a bomber.
40.
P.O. E. Wells, R.N.R. - went over in "Nanette II",
who had a Lieut. R.N.V.R. in charge. They went to
Ostende an then to Dunkirk and brought back mostly
French troops, some of whom had been in the water
for 12 hours. "Nanette" was finally returned to
41.
Dover.
Sub Lieut.
Church, R.N.R. - In "Portsdown"
see separate report.
42.
Coxn. George Senior, O.N. 239990 - In YC 73
(Lieut. Mortimer R.N.R. 1/c). Left Sheerness on
Wed, May 29th for Ramsgate. Sailed from Ramsgate at
2245 on Thursday night and arrived at Dunkirk at
1100 on Friday. The only soldiers on the beaches
there, 45 of them, were ferried off in the vessels
skiff. They left Dunkirk about 1830 towing YC 71
and a Thornycroft motor boat. The YC 72 broke down
herself about midnight and anchored. H wever, the
Thornycroft boat managed to start up again and must
have informed Ramsgate for a tug came out about 0700
and towed YO 78 and YC 71 back to Ramsgate.