Details

MINOTAUR( 1)
M/B
T. Twondrow, Skipper( 2) /tis
30 th May
0830
Left Mortlake for Ramsgate, via
Gravesend and Southend.
31st May
0900
1045
Arrived Remsgate.
Left board. Ramsgate with 2 naval ratings on
1630ca
Arrived Dunkirk. Towed small boats
[1700ca]
from the beach to off-lying ships.
Air attack. "One destroyer was sunk by
a direct hit"(3).
-
Two aircraft shot down by our ships
[the dr. Keith shot down 2 about this
time]
-
The Minotaur continued towing boats.
-
Some way out from Dunkirk, the troops
were transferred from the Minotaur
to a trawler.
1st June
-
The Minotaur arrived Ramsgate.
Nil
[Mr. Towndrow then joined the tug
Fossa, and went to Dunkirk in a 40
foot M/B, which she was towing].
Authority - TO.9144/41.
J.D.C.
(1) An ex-Naval 45 ft. Steam pinnace, converted for scout
(2) Scout training master purposes. of the 1st Mortlake sea Scouts. Mr. S. Brown
(3) No/destroyers another sea scout, sunk was with on 31st. him. The dr. Express sust/ined
very minor damage. were The 281 Franch Siroco work araban 02000, 18 unice,N.N.W.
940 Hill

Details

M/B (Owner H.F.
THETIS
Eaton)
T. Towndrow, Scoutmaster,
Mortlake Sea Scouts.
[Mr. Towndrow had previously been to Dunkirk in the
M/B Minotaur]
2000ca
1st June
S/Lt. M.H.B. Solomon R.N.V.R., at
Fossa (q.v.) and the M/B "Therune"
Ramsgate, having commandeered the tug
[?Thetis] manned the M/B with 1 petty
officer and 2 sea scouts, and proceeded
in the tug for Dunkirk with the M/B
in tow. [Mr. Towndrow says there was
another M/B on the tow, but this is
not confirmed by the Master of the
tug] (2)
2nd June
0000
Arrived at Dunkirk, S/Lt. Solomon
0035
proceeded into the harbour in the M/B.
S/Lt. Solomon left the M/B [to act as
French interpreter on shore], having
given orders that she was to load
the tug Fossa with 300 troops.
Mr. Towndrow says that in running in
to carry out these orders, the M/B's
steering cable broke, and being
enclosed, it was not possible to
repair it.
The Fossa, which had now embarked
troops from the mole, took the M/B
in tow, and also an open naval motor
cutter, full of French troops.
Outside the harbour, the Fossa ran
0100ca
aground. The M/B's crew transferred
to the motor cutter, which proceeded,
leaving the M/B abandoned.
1100
The motor cutter arrived Ramsgate.
The number of French troops' carried
in the motor cutter is not known.
Authority III p.314
Nil
To. 9144/41
To. 9436/40
(1) Mr. Towndrow sent in 2 reports - one to D. of S.T. and one
to Mr. J.D. Casswell, K.C. In the former report he
states that he thinks, but is "not at all sure", that
the M/B was called the "Jeannette"; in the latter report
he makes no mention of any name at all.
S/Lt. Solomon, who had "commandeered"the tug Fossa
which towed the M/B to Dunkirk, calls it the "Therune".
No vessel named "Therune" or "Jeannette" is shown in the
D. of S.T's list of small vessels requisitioned for
Dynamo, (TO. 9144/40), and no other report mentions these
D. names. of S.T. mentions a M/B Thurn, but states that she was
in the A.P.S; presumably therefore the Thurn did not go
The Thetis is known to have gone to Dunkirk and to have
to Dunkirk.
(2)
The Master of the Fossa, remembers that he towed one
been lost while in tow of a tug.
M/B over, (not two) tug but does not know its name. He also
remembers that it was in charge of a S/Lt. R.N.V.R.
"who spoke Italian" [s/Lt. Solomon speaks Italian,
French and German].
223

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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

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
M.F.H. (W. H. Smith, Capt.)
87
Minikoil (S/Lt. R. E. Blows, R.N.V.R.)
/
Minoru II'
/
Minotaur (T. Towndrow, Skipper)
/
Minwood
51
Mirasol
/
Moss Rose1
/
Murious
/
Naiad Errant
8
(A. B.S. Palmer, i/c)
Nanette II
30
Nayland
83
Nemo IV'
/
New Britannic
83
(W. Matthews, Cox.)
New Prince of Wales'
-
(S/Lt. P. H. E. Bennett, R.N.)
New White Heather
-
Offemia
50
Patricia (T.H.V.)
/
Pauleter
400
(Sto. D. T. Banks)
Peggy IV:
-
(S. H. Hughes, Skipper)
Pioneer¹
-
Princess Freda
-
(S/Lt. E.S. Forman, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Lily
-
(Prob. Ty. S/Lt. K. E.A. Bayley, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Maud
-
Provider
Not known
(F. Hannaford, Skipper)
Queen Boadicea II
-
(Lieut. J.S. Seal, R.N.R.) (Capt. J. Whittaker)
Queen of England'
-
Quest
-
Quicksilver
20
(S/Lt. D.L. Satterford. R.N.) (L/Sea. T. Phillips)
18
Quisisana
(S/Lt. A. J. Weaver, R.N.V.R.)
28
Rapid I
(S/Lt. J.C. Clarke, R.N.V.R.)
Reda
44
Reliance (S/Lt. P. Snow, R.N.) (P.O. R. W. Rawlings, Motorman)
80
(Skpr. A. Legget)
Renown'
-
Resolute (Skpr. W.H. Noakes)
40
Roberta (Skpr. H.D. Osborne)
-
Rocinante
-
Rosabelle
-
Rose Marie
Not known
St. Patrick1
-
Sambrez
Not known
Santosy
-
Saviour (Actg. S/Lt. J.M. Chappell, R.N.)
22
I Lost.
2 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
150

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

CHEK
SSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
MA JOIE
Mrs. L. Clarbour
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
N.S.C.O. Thames 27.7.40.
MAJOR
B.R.Bunn
Now A.P.S.
MALDON ANNIE
Col. Lamount
T.98 No information of return
from Dunkirk.
MALVINA
R.E. Cooper
To V.A. Dover
MOLLY
E.Thomas
Returned to owner
MARE NOSTRUM
B.C.Kirby
Returned to owners 19/6
MARCHIONESS
J.Mears
Returned to owners 11.6.40.
MARGHERITA
J.Mears
No information of return from
Dunkirk.
MARINA
A.Jacobs
Returned to owners.
MARSAYRU
C.Wyatt
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MARINA
J.T.Phelps
Returned to owner prepared did
not go.
MARICEL
C.Robinson
Repaired, fuelled, floated, but
not taken over.
MARY
Danish
Survived. Returned to Weymouth
MARY HOWARD
Mr.McKenzie
Unable to sail
MARY IRENE
H.Cartridge
T.98. Returned to owners -
5.6.40.
MARY ROSE
O.Dives
T.98. No report received from S.
"Missing Vessels" List.
MARY SPEARING
W.G.S.Crouch
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
MARY SPEARING II
"
Returned to owners.
MATILDA
Chelsea Yachts &
Boat Club Co.
Returned to owners.
MAYBELLE
D.Robinson
Returned to owners did not go.
MAYFLOWER
C.Adams
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy.
Service (6A).
MEANDER
H.Graham
Returned to owners
MERMAIDEN
Lt.Com.P.M.Filleul,R.N.
Returned to owners
MERSEY
R.H. Campbell
T.98. Returned to owner
MIGRANT
Capt. E. B. Schermauley
Did not leave. No. Exam.Ser.
Littlehampton.
MILLICENT D.LEACH
Harry Leach
(Released 3.6.40 Re-allocated
to Spl. Admiralty service (6A)
MIMI
J.M. Wright
Returned - unsuitable
MIMOSA
A.Gordon
A.P.S.
MINIKOI
Capt. Shelford
T.98 Sunk in collision with
M.T.B.
MINORU II
J.W. Cottrell
T.98. Re-allocated to Special
Service.
0.
MINOTAUR
Mr.Towndrow
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MINX
S.W. Wills
T.98. Returned to owners
a
6.6.40.
MIRASOL
R.C.Kyle
No report received from list
of Missing Vessels.
MURIUS
Vectis Shipping Co.
Returned to owner.
MISS MADGE
S.W.Richardson
RETURNED - UNSUITABLE
MISS MING
Kriz Cruisers
T.98 Now on Aux. Patrol
MISS MODESTY
W.S.Nott
A.P.S.
MIZPAH
J.Ovett
Returned to owner
MOIENA
c/o Wilsons
A.P.S.
MONARCH
T.& G. Baker
Returned to owners 18/6
MOSS ROSE
T.Adams
Did not return from Dynamo
Dover List 5.
36' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
No report recd. from "Missing
Vessels" List.
30' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
-do-
Motor Torpedo Boat
Thornycrofts
V.A.Dover
M.2
Motor Ferries (2)
- Not used
Returned to owners by N.O.I.C.
Ramsgate.
MOUSME
C.Barber
Returned to owners.
MUTT

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
M-
M
MA JOIE
Mrs. L. Clarbour
T.98 Abendoned off Dunkirk N.S.
M
Thames 27.7.40.
IV
M
MAJOR
B.R.Bunn
Now A.P.S.
R R R R R R R R S. R S R + S. S. S S S to
MALDON ANNIE
Col.Lemount
T.98 No information of retu
from Dunkirk.
aged
MALVINA
R.H. Cooper
To Dover
IV
MOLLY
E.Thomas
Returned to owner
Is
MARE NOSTRUM
B.C.Kirby
Returned to owners 19/6
A
MARCHIONESS
J.Mears
Returned to owners 11.6.40.
MARGHERITA
J.Mears
No information of return fr.
Dunkirk
IV
MARINA
A.Jacobs
Returned to owners
DNG
A
I
MARSAYRU
C.Wyatt
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
A
MARINA
J.T.Phelps
Returned to owner prepared di
go.
M
MARICEL
C.Robinson
Repaired, fuelled, floated,
not taken over
MARY
Danish
Survived Returned to Weymou
I
MARY HOWARD
Mr.McKenzie
Unable to sail
1
MARY IRENE
H.Cartridge
T.98. Returned to owners - 5.6
I
MARY ROSE
0.Dives
T.98. No report received from
N
"Missing Vessels" List.
N
MARY SPEARING
W.G.S.Crouch
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
IN
MARY SPEARING II
- 11 -
Returned to owners.
MATILDA
Chelsea Yachts &
Boat Club Co.
Returned to owners
A
RD BELLE
D.Robinson
Returned to owners did not go
I
I
MAYFLOWER
C.Adams
Re-allocated to Spl.Admy.Service
I
(6A)
I
MEANDER
H.Graham
Returned to owners
MERMAIDEN
Lt.Com.P.M.Filleul
Returned to owners
N
R.N.
I
MERSEY
R.H.Campbell
T.98. Returned to owner
MIGRANT
Capt. E.B.Schermauley
Did not leave. Now Exam.Ser.
Littlehsmpton
(
MILLICENT D.LEACH
Harry Leach
DNG
(Released 3.6.40 Re-allocated to
6
6
(Spl. Admiralty service
(6A)
MIMI
J.M. Wright
Returned - unsuitable
6
MIMOSA
%
C
A.Gordon
A.P.S.
Q
C
MINIKOI
Capt.Shelford
G
T.98 Sunk in collision with
c
M.T.B.
Q
(
MINORU II
J.W.Cottrell
T.98. Re-allocated to Sepcial
C
Service.
MINOTAUR
Mr.Towndrow
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MINX
S.W.Wills
MIRASOL
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
R
R.C.Kyle
No report received from list of
R
MURIUS
Missing Vessels.
R1C
Vectis Shipping Co.
MISS MADGE
Returned to owner
S.W.Richardson
RI
RETURNED - UNSUITABLE
MISS MING
R1
(
Kris Cruisers
MISS MODESTY
T.98 Now on Aux. Patrol
W.S.Nott
A.P.S.
Ric MIZPAH
J.Ovett
Returned to owner
RI
MOIENA
0/0 Wilsons
A.P.S.
RC
MONARCH
T.& G.Baker
MOSS ROSE
T.Adams
Returned to owners 18/6
Did not return from Dynamo Dover
RC
List 5.
36' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
No report recd.from "Missing
RO
Vessels" List.
30' Motor Boat
R.Hoyes
- do -
RO
Motor Torpedo Boat
Thornycrofts
V.A.Dover
R
M.2
to Ow Jrs.
Motor Ferries (2)
- Mot-llacd
Returne d 1.6.40
MOUSME
C.Barber
Returne

Details

Details

OF
MINOTAUR
104
Evace
I2 OF 4PR a, at
H.M.Y. MINOTAUR
sea
yacht club,
the Director For
walton 10-H/H1. on- haz.
ministry of evakuatin
B.C.X.
Sil
your The me ref: T.O. 9144/S.T.N. GB.
05
soot
M.V. MINOTAUR
1,10
and request furcher delay.
now enclose report re Dunkirk
115
12
nor scacoly in what
12
detail it you're account I have
in as affearing in our foat fournal. left
I am fin
your dedient Lervans
P. Downdrow.
early
as
of
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane
burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with i
a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed
the water I made my way over to him and fished him out wit

Details

MINOTAUR
1123141
104
INFORMATION &
H.M.Y. MINOTAUR
yacht club,
the Director as
waltom-on-hay. walton - on- haz.
10-4/H1.
B.
ministry % thipping.
Sil
your The ref: T.O. 9144/S.T.N. GB.
05
M.V. MINOTAUR
steam,
LIO
and request furch delay.
now enclose report re Dunkirk
115
120
hor scaooly in what
12
detail it you're account, have
in as affearing in our foat fournal. left
I am time
your dedient fervans
V. Downdrow.
11/3
if
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane
burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with i
dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed
a the water I made my way over to him and fished him out wit

Details

October,
STATES
(Revised
105
an Evacuation Part ofth B.E.Y. from Dunkink.
played by M.V.I MINOTAUR
ony
mortlake Sea Scouts and arth person in
a a as Scoutmaster myself of th 1st
B.
charge of their motor vessel MINOTAUR
during the evacuation of the B.E.7.
from the Dunkirk instruction were that
0
veskel would be taken own
foot steam pinnace converted for front
by The prinscare is an bx-naval 45
05
LIO
Craining purpose and engined with of
115
moored feliof paraffin engine She is
on the Thames at mortlake
120
the miles above is for some
125
realer advanlage that would
130
strange therefore made
13
the resented 29th 110 may clock a on haval th night Commander of up
9
5
C de are me instructions himself as my home and
- "minotaur downstriam proceed and report with
Sheerness as early as possible
11/39
Bf
K.
"Naiad Errant" being second, and
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane
into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it
burst object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed j
a the dark water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

Details

SAGE.
(Revised
October, 1935.,
Ext. 2161.
MINOTAUR
55
117
445/S.T.N.6B
achr Club.
60
21st February, 1941.
walton Essex. hage 65
70
ir,
m.v. "MINOTAUR".
75
I have to acknowledge the
14/2-41.
receipt of your letter of 17th February
80
and to state that it would be
appreciated if you would forward the
report of your experiences in taking
the above vessel to Dunkirk.
ferener T.0.9144/STN. 85 BB.
90
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
V. MINOTAUR.
95
Sqd H.C RIGGS.
Dunkink.
100
has as long ago
105
asked crews me for an
for Director of Sea Transport.
my perienen in taking LIO 115
T. Towndrow, Esq.,
H.M.Y. "Minotaur",
l brunkink
Yacht Club,
120
Walton-on-Maze,
Essex.
In have a report
125
please if it is les nor the two know. late. I request will you it 131 135
preshed for time for som 145
delay but I have been monch lacending for
I am the
Your rechint (49543) amant Wt. 30557/D,5886 250M pads
11/39 His
for the order
y. Tohnarow. (Petty office
"Naiad Errant" being second, and KOWNDROW. OIL for Dunkirk.
"Westerly" was with us when we began but what became of her
I don't know, for I never saw her again.
About three miles outside Dunkirk I saw a plane
burst into flames and come tumbling out of the sky, with it
a dark object which I took to be the pilot. As he landed in
the water I made my way over to him and fished him out with

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