Details

MERMAIDEN
C.C.B., Weymouth
M/B (Owner,
Actg. S/Lt. C.E.S.Beale,
Lt.Com. P.M.Filleul,
R.N.
R.N.
P/O F.J. Norton, R.F.R.
29th May
1830
Left Weymouth, Lt. Martin R.N.R. in
command.
30th May
1500
Arrived Dover. Lt. Martin disembarked.
31st May
2300ca
Left Dover for Dunkirk, Pensioner P/O
F.J. Norton in command.
-
Air attack.
1st June
a.m.
Arrived La Panne. Ferried troops.
-
Air attack.
-
Picked up 24 British troops and 1
French officer from small boat.
-
Proceeded.
-
Air attacks. Making water. Engine
trouble.
1420
Ramegate, Disembarked 25 troops. (1)
Carried out repairs to engines.
3rd June
The crew not being willing to proceed,
with the exception of L/Sto. W.A.S.
Horne, they were relieved by
Actg. S/Lt. C.E.S. Beale, R.N. and 3
other volunteers. Commodore A.H.
Taylor was embarked.
1600
The Mermaiden left Ramsgate, in tow
of the tug Sun IV, one of a company
of 14 M/B's, in tow of the tugs
Sun IV, Sun XV, Tanga and Racia.
After passing "W" buoy, Cdre. Taylor
transferred to the W.D/M.L.
Marlborough.
In the neighbourhood of the S.W.
Ruytingen buoy, the tugs slipped the
tows.
2300
Arrived Dunkirk. Proceeded to Quai
Felix Faure. Ferried troops to
a "sloop" (2) outside the harbour and
assisted small boats.
4th June
0230
Proce ded to Ramsgate in company with
sun IV.
0340
Taken in tow by Sun IV.
0745
Arrived Ramsgate.
Total 25
Authority - R.O. II, pp. 364, 422, 588, 592, 595.
R.O.III. pp. 305, 488
(1) (2) Should Ramsgate report states 26 troops troops. to the G/B Locust, It anchored had
off been the arranged Mole but for she Locust to use a box lamp a group
have transferred could not be identified. with
of long flashes every 2 minutes.
267

Details

RACIA
Tug (W. Watkins Ltd.)
A.C. Addison, Master.
30th May
2130
Left Tilbury with 12 lifeboats in tow.
Anchored off Chapmans Light at 2400.
31st May
0430
Proceeded to Southend and thence to
1330
Ramsgate.
1415
A naval commander came off with L.G's
and guns crews.
1440
Proceeded to Dunkirk.
2130
Arr
Dunkirk. Anchored off No. beach.
The lifeboats ferried troops to the
Racia.
1st June
0130
The 12 lifeboats were made fast astern
and Racia proceeded.
0700 Arr Ramsgate. Disembarked 50 (?) troops
(number not stated.)
the mg
[According to Sun, at 1730 1st June, Racia was
unwilling to sail again to Dunkirk. S/Lt. W.R.
Williams R.N. says "Took command of a tug, whose
master refused to go to Dunkirk again, and left
for Dunkirk".
S/Lt. Williams went over to Dunkirk; "loaded up"
with French troops and landed them at Ramsgate
at 0730(1) on 2nd June].
2nd June
Captain Addison says "lying off
Ramsgate with 17 lifeboats astern".
Capt. Addison continues:
3rd June
1430
"Passed lifeboats over to tug Sun.
Embarked a "Commander" [Lt. Cdr. J.I.
Miller, D.S.O., R.N.R. and a naval
crew [see Sun IV] and proceeded to
Dunkirk."
2145
Arrived Dunkirk. Berthed alongside Mole
Embarked French troops.
0230
Shifted berth to allow dr. Malcolm to
get alongside.
4th June
0245
Proceeded.
In the Dyck channel embarked the crew
and a wounded soldier from a M/L.
0650
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 123(2)
troops by motor boats.
Estimated Total 400. 423
Authority - W.W.
R.O.II, p.567.
(1) Ramsgate report states that at 0743, 2nd June, 250 Allied
troops were landed by the "Maysayer". No ship of this
name is known; it is probably a miscript for Racia.
(2) Capt. Addison does not state the number of troops.
Ramsgate report states that at 0715, 4th June a launch
landed 123 Allied troops.
(3) S/AV.Willium then took command 3 of the WD/ML. Swallow

Details

SUN
Alexander Towage Co. Ltd.
(Tilbury)
Cdr.E.K. Le Mesurier,
M.V.O., R.N.
H.R. Cole, Master.
1st June
1500ca
The Sun arrived at Ramsgate from
(inc signal G.69)
/
1730
Tilbury, with 20 pulling boats in tow.
Sailed for Dunkirk, Cdr. Le Mesurier in
command, assisted by Lieut. J.V.
Wilkinson R.N., and Lieut. R.E.
Lloyd, R.N. A motor boat and 5
pulling boats were in tow. (1)
[The tug Tanga (Lt. Cdr. R.E. Sherwood, R.N.R.) with 2 pulling
boats [4 in tow(2) sailed about the same time. The
tug Racia, evidently unwilling to sail, was left behind. (3)
The tug Sun IV (Cdr. Tyler R.N.) (4) had sailed at 1515 with
two boats in tow.]
On passage, three of Sun's pulling
boats were swamped and were abandoned.
2330ca
Arrived Dunkirk. The Tanga had arrived
a little earlier.
Sun and Tanga anchored about 3/4 mile
east of Dunkirk Mole. Using her boats,
Sun embarked about 45 British troops.
She then went alongside and embarked
about 50 French troops, and picked up
28 French and 4 British ratings from
a broken down M/B; then returned to
anchorage.
2nd June
0245ca
[The Tanga proceeded. Her M/B was left
stranded on the beach].
0300ca
The Sun embarked 50 British troops from
her own boats.
0315ca
Sun proceeded with about 175 British
and French troops, and 28 naval
officers and ratings. One pulling
boat was swamped on passage.
0815ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 175
troops. (5)
3rd June
1230
Sun left for Tilbury, towing 6 boats.
[Cdr. Le Mesurier took command of tug
Sun IV]
Total 175
Authority R.O.II, p.418/9.
A.T.C.
& Capt. Cole "a launch and 2 life boats in tow."
Tanga states says, she had 4 boats in tow, and they were apparently
(3) It M/Bs. seems however, that S/Lt. W.R. Williams R.N., took her
(5) Not mentioned in Dover or Ramagate reports.
The Navy List night gives Cdr. T. St. V. Tyler, R.N. (Retd.)
over that (see under Racia)
182

Details

SUN VI (continued).
0515
3rd June)
Arrived Ramsgate.
0700
1600
At Towed Sun XV off Quern Bank.
Mesurier, 4 M.L's. M.V.O., R.N. Took in Le tow
Ramsgate. Embarked Cdr. E.K.
1700
Sun R.E. IV, and the tugs Tanga (Lt.
R.N. R. Sherwood, R.N.R.), Sun XV Cdr. (two
J.I. officers) and Racia (Lt. Cdr.
between Miller, D.S.O., R.N.R. towing
for Dunkirk. Commodore A.H. Taylor
them 14 motor boats, sailed
O.B.E., took passage in the leading
motor boat, Mermaiden; half way
Marlborough. across he transferred to the W.D/M.L.
The following boats were abandoned on
passage or at Dunkirk:
M.B. Thark, was abandoned half way
(foul propeller and rudder).
ml
M/B Santosy was abandoned near W buoy
(water in petrol).
M/B Diana Mary( 2) was abandoned at
Dunkirk (engine trouble).
Admiral Superintendents barge
3
(Portsmouth) piled up on some sub-
merged masonry in Dunkirk harbour and
was abandoned.
2320ca
The convoy arrived at Dunkirk, most of
the towed boats having been slipped
in the vicinity of the S.W.
Ruytingen buoy.
2330
Sun IV picked up 12 French troops from
an open boat at the entrance of the
harbour, and anchored east of the
entrance.
4th June
0115
One of the M/B's [Mermaiden] returned
and reported "no more troops at
Quai Felix Faure", and that Commodore
Taylor had left the Quai.
0200
Followed dr. Malcolm into the harbour,
with the tug Racia.
0230ca
Sun IV proceeded, picked up the waiting
M/B, Mermaiden] which was slightly
damaged, and sailed for Ramsgate.
(Sun XV picked up another vessel
half way across and towed it home).
0340
Took Mermaiden in tow.
of the 14 M/B's which started for
Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be abandoned.
The remainder found their way back
to Ramsgate.
0746
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 12
troops, (1) by launch.
[In his report Cdr. Le Mesurier says: "The
spirit of the Masters and crews of the
.....
tugs (especially the Sun tugs) was excellent"
and refers to the fact that the "owner of the
Alexander tug Company" was himself the Captain
of the Sun IV].
Authority R.O.II, pp. 406, 420.
Total 236(1)
W.W.
(1) (2) Not mentioned in
Diana Mary returned D.R. to Dover with 28 troops.
185

Details

SWALLOW - Continued
2130ca
(contd.)
Arrived from Dunkirk. Embarked 15 troops
a full cutter in tow.
inner harbour and proceeded with
3rd June
0700
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 15
troops. (1)
Subsequent reported movements of the Swallow
are conflicting, thus:
S/Lt. Williams reports as follows:
3rd June
After-
Left for Dunkirk in the afternoon.
noon
Entered inner harbour. Ordered to
embark some French staff but could
find none; loaded with French and
British troops. The furthest end of
harbour was now in German hands
[see Marlborough]. Proceeded.
[4th June]
-
Arrived Ramsgate. (2)
Cdr. H.R. Troup, R.N. reports as follows:
3rd June
2000
Left Ramsgate in the Swallow.
2230
Arrived Dunkirk. Landed at centre pier
and ordered the Swallow to carry on
ferrying and to return to centre
pier at 0330/4.
Cdr. Troup then says that the
Swallow subsequently borke down
and did not return to the centre
pier. [cdr. Troup subsequently
left in the W.D/M.L. Pigeon].
Asst. Dr. of Mil. Transport reports as follows:
On the "4th [and last] trip (night) Engr.
Cherry and A/B Hay steamed up and down shore
2 hours, but could not find anybody.
Returned [4th June] full of leaks". (2)
Total 68
Authority - R.O.II,pp.492, 567, 369.
R.O.II, pp. 462, 490.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Sub. Lieut. W.R. Williams, R.N. (3)
(1) Not mentioned in or Ramsgate report. According to
Captain Duka, representing D.R. the Asst. Dir. of Mil.
(2) Ramsgate report Swallow records a disembarkation for Swallow of 23
Transport, returned empty.
(3) For French serivces troops in at the 0720 lighter on 4th X. 209, June. a tug [probably the
Racia] and the Swallow. (C.W.29685/40).
204

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

Details

TUGS
THE FOLLOWING TUGS TOOK PART
IN OPERATION DYNAMO:
William Watkins Ltd.
Cervia
Kenia
Doria
Persia
Fabia
Racia
Fairplay I(1)
Tanga
Foremost 87(1)
Vincia
Java
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd.
Sun
Sun VIII
Sun III
Sun X
Sun IV
Sun XI
Sun V
Sun XII
Sun VII
Sun XV
The Gamecock Steam Towing Co.
Crested Cock
Ocean Cock.
Gaselee and Son Ltd.
Fossa
Saml. Williams and Sons Ltd.
Duke
[Marquis] (2)
Prince
Princess
Elliot Steam Tug Co. Ltd.
Challenge
Contest
United Towing Co. Ltd.
Empire Henchman
Southern Railway Co. Ltd.
Foremost 22
(1) Managed by W. Watkins Ltd.
(2) Left Ostend at 2200 on 26th May. There is no record of
her having taken part in Dynamo.
244

Details

x.209(1)
X Lighter (Royal
Clarence Yard,
Gosport.
S/Lt. Capt. W.R. R.G. Williams, Banks, R.N.
0130
Actg.
30th May
2000
Left Gosport.
Master.
were for orders Williams
S/Lt.
2130ca
Sailed from for Dunkirk which
-
31st May
0200
In "Good with Slight about boat collision progress orders, 5 damage miles Ramsgate with was and to to an with accordance which X.209's seaward in unknown a accordance. of ship, Gravelines (4) (2)
3 went astern. smashed, as
the lighter in tow of X. 209 was bows; the
and army 15] punts [probably A.L.C's Contacted
to company, and arranged with them
in bound for Dunkirk. Proceeded 3,8
0400ca(5) Arrived off beach and embarked 57
ferry troops to X.209.
1100
Sailed for Ramsgate.
British and French troops.
1715(6)
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 62 B.E.F.
and 5 Allied troops(
The X.209 remained at Ramsgate( 8)
until 3rd June when she proceeded
to Portsmouth in company with tugs
C.9, and Prima and the hopper
Foremost 101.
Total 67
(on 1st June S/Lt. Williams went to a
tug whose master refused to go to
Dunkirk again [probably the Racia])
Authority - R.O.II, p.567.
R.O.III, pp.82, 83, 488.
The following award was made:
Captain A.G. Banks, Actg. Master.
Mention in Despatches
& Speed 5 to 6
Capt. R.G. Banks's knots. report. S/Lt. Williams says "ordered to
(3) Capt. sands Banks's between Gravelines and Williams Calais." says "Anchored off
sands. Landed report. in boat S/Lt. engaged two [enemy] and believe
(4) S/Lt. shot both; returned to ... my ship". place on 1st June.
Captillianka says this took collision place on took 31st May, but the he date
countersigned &/Lt. Williamssreport which gave dates
countersigned S/Lt. many instances of mistaken
(5) s/Lting operation There are
Rams Williams report. Dynamo. Capt. Banks says 0800.
(7) report. report. Capt. Banks says 1915 returned to Dunkirk 2130 cal.
This the. troops,
after liams landing says that the X.209 at dusk [1.00 He
furtherpears noon doubtful that troops in were view THE
to confirm on 1st this. June.
There
is
343

Details

) 2 (
548
DYNAMO OPERATION - DISTRIBUTION OF LEWIS GUNS
JANE HANNAH
SUN VIII
NARCISSA
ROSE
ACE
BETTY
CLACTON LIFE-
WINSTON
RACIA
MATILDA
BOAT
MERMAID
ADMIRALS BARGE LURNILYNE
MISS MING
MADAME SANGENE
HALCYONE
ELIZABETH OREEN
LETITIA
M.B. 1711
PIGEON
M.B. 37270
HAIG.
M.B. 74
WORF
4. Other smaller craft were also fitted with guns when these
became available duo to the vessels proviously fitted being
no longer required or unable to continue the operation. In
addition magazines were refilled and spare ammunition was
supplied as it became necessary.
5. A number of Lewis guns were transferred from ship to
ship by the various officers when they changed their
commands, and of these we have no record.
6. Four Q.0's for overhauling, and twelve ratings were
sent from Chatham and they assisted in the above work.
LEWIS GUNNERS. /
7. All the 23 Lewis gunners sent from London were
embarked for the operation, together with those from
Ramagate, most of them making several crossings, and all
showed groat keenness in performing their duties.
8. All have returned to Ramsgate with the exception of
Cyril Head
)
J.S. Parker
)
Tug "SUN IV" (sent to Dover)
R. Jewitt
)
Tug "SUN XV" (sent to London)
Loslie Reed )
C.DRichards.
Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
For D.E.M.S. Staff officer,
Ramsgate.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formideble
D 12/6/40.
Graft
H.M.S.J "Formidable",
030/48/40.
Comherston
C/o GIP.O.)
Noh Dunknik
Sir,
Le mesures
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants J.V. WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N.: sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
3. On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a hurry to get over to
Dunkirk - and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
2330, after an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
1/2 % mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
4.
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
were being embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
motor boat (possibly Commander MAVND) to proceed alongside the mole
and embark troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
to carry on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
return to the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
subsequently embarking another 28 Frenchmen and 4 English naval
ratings from a broken down motor boat. I then returned to the origin-
al anchorage, and waited for the boats for about an hour. During
this time there was a slight amount of remonstrance from the French
troops on board who were anxious to get away. The boats returned
about 0300 with another 50 British troops (having done one or two
trips in the meantime to other ships.)
5.
During the night Dunkirk was being shelled from the West by what
seemed to be a heavy battery, and from the East by lighter guns. The
lighter shells appeared to be directed at the mole, and towards
0300 the shelling was coming nearer and nearer down the mole, and a
fire was started either on the mole or just to the Westward. At
about 0300 there was an outburst of rifle fire apparently just on
the mole where the boats had been embarking troops, and Lieutenant

Details

3. 396
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by
the pulling the boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then which being
ferried by fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0335 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0345 there were no
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (2) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the unamizous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow motior boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It might have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats working between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.S could go alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W.I and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not required on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June - Tuesday 4th. June.
A further operation for these nights was organised from
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV - Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N.J Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA - Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN XV Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA : Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. RINdRd, Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
Each tug was to take 4 motor boats in tow, with orders to work
from the Nouveau Avant Port and from any point of the East mole
which they could reach, and to ferry troops down to the ships along-
side or to the transport LOCUST. The tugs had no specific orders,
and I instructed the Officers in the tugs that they should wait just
outside the entrance to Dunkirk, keeping clear of ships going in and
out (of which I understood there were to be a good many) and to be
ready to go alongside to pick up troops as opportunity offered or to
assist as required.
The convoy left a little after 1700 with 14 motor boats in all,
two having failed (one with engine trouble, one was aground in
RAMSGATE). The passage across was uneventful, save for a certain
amount of trouble with the tows, and the encountering of two mines
in the neighbourhood of W. buoy which were dealt with by mine-
sweepers. Commodore H.) TAYLOR, R.N.R. took passage with me, but about
halfway Dunkirk. across was picked up by a Motor Torpedo Boat and went on to

Details

4. 397
The for the following reasons boats given were below:- abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. point arose Petrol here. failure. Abandoned near W. buoy. An interesting
had been The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
officer told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
certain who cans which were subsequently found to contain water. The
instructed to fill up with petrol at RAMSGATE from
Commander (E) RINI When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, at any rate on the staff. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever was, traced and identified.
(c) DIANA MARY. Engine trouble and damage to propeller. Abandoned
at Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERINTENDENT&S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged masonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.N.,VeR.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do so as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, SO I went in to
S.O.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
to The convoy arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed by trouble with the tows. Most of the boats had been slipped
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN buoy and sent on. The
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the entrance, and
in this position picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
and an officer, who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
it was learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
5. The motor boats carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
to the Eastward of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
any work to be done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths at the East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to berth.
6. At about 0115 (4th. June) one of my motor boats returned, and told
me that there were no more French troops at the QUAI FELIX FUARE,
and that Commander TAYLOR had left the QUAL. This boat was slightly
damaged and so I left her in company.
7. At about 0200 the two end berths on the East mole were clear. H.M.S.
"MALCOLM" went alongside and I fallowed in SUN IV, as also did the
tug RACIA, to see if there were any more French troops. There were
only a few, who embarked in "MALCOIM", this ship asked me to push
her stern in to the jetty, which I did.
sailed RAMSGATE; the return passage was uneventful. I was passed
I left at 0230, approximately, picked up the waiting motor boat, and
by two or for three destroyers and a minesweeper. Tug SUN XV towed home
another vessel one picked up halfway.
8.
Out 14 boats which started for Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be
abandoned of the for one reason or another, but the crews were recovered
safely. The remainder found their own way back to RAMSGATE, with the

Details

398
5.
exception of the one I towed back (MERMAIDEN).
(a) As during regards these recommendations for officers and ratings who did
well: but I am operations, unable the following officers known to me well did
others who must of to say whether they did better than
time to collect necessity remain anomymous, since there many
ion, spirit, both of young officers and ratings was
the names. I can only say that, frompersonal observat- was no
ient. One had only to ask for volunteers for crews to receive magnific- more
applications than were necessary.
(b) Officers names.
Lieutenant J.V. WILKINSON R.N.J
Lieutenant R.E. LLOYD R.IN.
Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.O. R.N.R.J
Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD R.N.R.J
Lieutenant WALKER R.IN.V.R.
Lieutenant J.E.L. MARTIN R.N. (late "Pelican")
Lieutenant FLETCHER R.N.R. (late at Invergordon)
(a) I also respectfully submit for Their Lordships consideration that
letters of appreciation might be written as follows:-
To The London Fire Brigade
.) for the services of their
fire-float LADY MASSEY (?)
The Alexander Towage Company ) for the services of their
H.J. Alexander Ltd St John: Wharf- Wapping- E.I. tugs SUN, SUN IV, & SUN IV.
The Watkins Tug & Towage Company) for the services of their
Natkurs Ltd 112 Funchusch st- London E.C.S.
tug
TANGA.
(b) As regards the tug RACIA of the Watkins Company, the master of this
vessel was obviously unwilling to go over to Dunkirk, although he
did actually go on the nights of 31st. May and 3rd. June. On the 3rd
of June he was under the orders of Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.JO.
R.N.R.
(c) The spirit of the masters and crews of the other tugs (especially
the SUN tugs) was excellent. The owner of the Alexander Tug
Company was himself the captain of the tug SUN IV, and a young
Trinity House pilot volunteered to navigate this tug throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot remember his name.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
Managina to inectes
Edward. K.
Commander R.N.)

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
MESSAGE 0746/3rd June
OUT.
To. V.A. Dover, 438.
Date 3.6.40
Repeated C. in C. Nore. 922.
20
C. in C. Portsmouth. 245,
F.O. 1/c London.
Commodore 1/c Sheerness. 618.
F.O.1/c Portland. 567.
N.O.i/c Ramegate.
N.O.1/c Newhaven.
War Office.
P/L BY T/P
From Admiralty.
IMPORTANT.
Reference Admiralty mesuage 2321/1,
instructions regarding disposal of tugs and lighters
should be amended as follows so far as craft named
are concerned:-
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
CHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA
Gravesend - -
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COCK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOCK,
They should be utilised as fully as possible
SUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
for towage of craft or boats to be returned to
the Thames or elsewhere en route.
(ii) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
D. of S.T. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENCHMAN to Portsmonth with barges
SNOWDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These carges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANGA on 29th May.
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) Below
(b) FOREMOST 37 to Weymouth with any convenient
sufficiently seaworthy, for towage as in (1)
(c) FAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if
above. (d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges SARK and
SHETLAND. These barges ware left at Dover on
20th May by FOREMOST 87.
(iii) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 23 should return to
station at Southend and Newhaven respectively
taking any convenient tow.
(iv) If any of the tuge named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangementa
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENCHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 24 hours
standeasy before proceeding Westward.
(v) The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, APRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be
returned/....

Details

sa
548
) 2 (
DYNAMO OPERATION - DISTRIBUTION OF LEWIS GUIS
JANE HANNAH
SUN VIII
ROSE
BETTY
NARCISSA
ACE
WINSTON
MATILDA
CLACTON LIFE-
RACIA
ADMIRALS BARGE
LURNILYNE
BOAT
MERMAID
MADAME SANGENE
ELIZABETH GREEN EN
MISS MING
HALCYONE
N.B. 1711
M.B. 37270
LETITIA
PIGEON
M.B. 74
WOEP
HAIG.
4. available duo to the vessels previously fitted being In
Other smaller craft were also fitted with guns when these
no addition longer magazines were refilled and spare ammunition
became required or unable to continue the operation. was
supplied as It became necessary.
to
number of Lewis guns were transferred from their ship to
ship commands, and of these we have no
5. A by the various officers when record. they changed
II
for overhauling, and twelve above ratings work. were
8
6. sent Four from Chatham Q.0's and they assisted in the
OF
I
LEWIS GUNNERS.
8
All the 23 Lewis gunners together sent from with London those were from
7. embarked for the of operation them making several their crossings, duties. and all
Ramagate, showed great most keenness in performing
All have returned to Ramsgate with the exception of
S.C.
8.
Cyril Head
This "SUN IV" (sent to Dover)
J.S. Parker
)
Tug "SUN XV (sent to London)
R. Jowitt
Leslie Reed
)
C.Olichards.
Portanant,
Ramagate.

Details

16157
CONFIDENTIAL.
H.M.S. "Formidable",
12/6/40.
C/o G.P.O.
030/48/40.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUII" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1750 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
I took with ne Lieutenants J.V. WILKINSON and R.E. LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R. sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N. sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped -
Dunkirk and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a burry to get over to
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
2330, after - an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
1 - of mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
motor being beat (possibly Commander MAVID) to proceed alongaide the mole
were embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
to embark on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
and troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
return carry the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded to alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
this anchorage, was a slight amount of The French
ratings al from a and waited for the boats remonstrance for about an hour. from the During
subsequently broken down motor boat. I origin-
embarking another 28 Frenchmen then and returned 4 English to naval the
troops about on with another 50 British troops or two
time board there who were anxious to get away. (having done boats one returned
trips in 0300 the meantime to other ships.)
During the night heavy battery, and from at the the mole, and towards guns. The
Dunkirk was being shelled East from by the lighter West by what
0300 lighter shells was coming nearer and just nearer to the Westward, mole, At and a
seemed to be a appeared to be directed down the
about fire was started was an outburst of troops, apparently and just on
the shelling either on the mole or rifle fire
the mole 0300 where there the boats had been embarking Lieutenant

Details

/6159
3.
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by which
the pulling boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then being
ferried by the fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0535 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0545 there were no
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (?) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the un hinous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow notier boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It night have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats briding between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.S could 89 alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W. and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not re uired on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June - Tuesday 4th. June.
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
A further operation for these nights was organised from
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV - Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N. Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA - Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN XV - Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA - Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. R.N.R., Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
from the Nouveau reach, and to ferry troops Dad no specific orders, along-
Each tug Avant port and (rom any point down to the ships
WAS to take 4 motor boats in tow, with of the orders East to mole work
which they could transport LOCUST. The tugs that they should wait
outside the entrance understood there were to opportunity offered or
and I instructed to Dunkirk, keeping be a good many) and to be
side or to the the Officers in the tugs clear of ships going in just and
out ready (of to which go alongside I to pick up troops as to
assist as required.
left a little after 1700 trouble, with one 14 motor was aground boats in in all,
two The having convoy failed (one across with engine was uneventful, the encountering save for of a two certain
RAMSGATE). The passage the tows, and dealt mines
in the neighbourhood H. TAYLOR, R.N.R. Torpedo passage Boat and me, went but about to
mount of trouble with of 11. buoy which took were with with by mine-
balfway sweepers. aoross Commodore was picked up by a Motor on
Dunkirk.

Details

160
The following boats were abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
for the reasons given below:-
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. Petrol failure. Abandoned near 11. bucy. An interesting
point arose here. The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
had been instructed to fill up with petrol : RAMSGATE from
certain cans which were subsequently found tc contain water. The
officer who told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
Commander (E) R.N. When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, it any rate on the st If. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever W.S, traced and identified.
(c) DIAHA MARY. Engine trouble and to propeller. Abandoned
Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERIMENDENT'S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged nasonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.N.V.R.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do SO as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, 80 I went in to
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
S.0.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
The arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed convoy by trouble with the tows. liost of the boats had been slipped
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN bucy and sent on. The
in this picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the antrance, and
it was an learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
and officer, position who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
to motor Eastward boats of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
The carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
the done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths any work at to the be East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to borth.
me about 0115 no more French troops at QUAI
At (4th. June) one of my motor boats the returned, FELIX and FUARE, told
and that that there Commission were TAYLOR had left the QUAI. This boat was slightly
damaged and 80 I left her in convany.
At two end berths on the East mole were also clear. did H.M.S. the
tug "MALCOLM" went see if there were any more this ship troops. asked no to push were
about 0200 the alongside and I followed in French SUN IV, as There
only RACIA, few, to who embarked in "MALCOLM"; I did.
her stern a in to the jetty, which picked up the waiting Motor boat, and
I left at 0230, approximately, the return passage was uneventful, Tug SUN XV I towed was passed home
by sailed for RAMSGATS; destroyers and a minesweeper.
another two or vessel three ОДЭ picked up halfway.
Out boats which started for but Dunkirk, the crews 8 or wore 9 had recovered to be
safely. abandoned The for remainder one found their own way RAMSGATE, with the
of the 14 reason or another, back to

Details

1615
5.
exception of the one I towed back (MERMAIDEN).
a) As regards recommendations for officers and ratings who did well
during these operations, the following officers known to me did
well: but I am unable to say whether they did better than many
others who must of necessity renain anceynous, since there was no
time to collect names, I can only say that, frompersonal observat-
ion, the spirit, both of young officers and ratingsm was magnific-
ient. One had only to ask for volunteers for crews to receive more
applications than were necessary.
b) Officers names.
Lieutenant J.V. WILKINSON R.H.
Lieutenant R.E. LLOYD R.N.
Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.O. R.N.JR.
Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD R.N.R.
Lieutenant WALKER R.N.V.R.
Lieuten nt J.E.L. MARTIN R.N. (late *Pelican*) 152
Lieutenant FLETCHER R.H.R. (late at Invergordon)
a) I Iso respectfully submit for Their Lordships consideration that
letters of appreciation might be written S follows:-
To - The London Fire Brigade
) for the services of their
fire-float LADY MASSEY (?)
The Alexander Tow ge Company
) for the services of their
.I. Alexander Ltd- I Iohns Whart- Wapping E.I. tugs SUN, SUN IV, & SUN XV.
v. Walkins 42 - 112 Feuchwock st London EC3 tug TANGA.
The Watkins Tug & Towage Company) for the services of their
(b) As the tug RACIA of the Watkins Company, the master although of this he
vessel was on the nights of 31st. May and 3rd. June. MILLER D.S.O. 3rd.
regards obviously unwilling to 80 over to Dunkirk, On the
of did June actually be was go under the orders of Lieut. Commander
R.H.R.
(c) the masters and crews of the the other Alexander tugs (especially Tug
the SUN tugs) himself the captain of the tug this tug young
The spirit of was excellent, The owner of SUN IV, and a
Trinity Company House was pilot volunteered his to navis name. do throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot remember
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
Edward. K. Lehnesmit
Commander R.N.

Details

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
in the Bray and Malo sectors were being thinned out by movements westward
towards Dunkirk iteslf. This change of plan involved concentrating the special
tows and the minesweepers to which they were to transfer the troops, into the
stretch opposite the beach between Zuydcoote Sanatorium and one mile east
of La Panne¹, and also advancing the commencement of the operation by one
hour².
A risk was involved in this change of plan as the boat tows were not in com-
munication with the Vice-Admiral, and it would therefore be necessary for
minesweepers to see that the escorting M.A./S.B.'s shepherded the tows to the
new positions It had been explained to the Naval officers in each tow that
the minesweepers would be anchored so as to serve as guiding marks³.
" It was always impossible for me to do more than deal with the situation of
the moment", says Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker. "I did not know what ships
were coming or when-except for the pre-arranged plan of the sloops. Nor
was it possible for Dover to give me much information. Ships got back there,
unloaded, and were off again, the stream was constant but irregular and it was
not possible to see any way ahead. My policy was always to keep only sufficient
ships off the beaches and send all the others into Dunkirk, but the situation
changed continually."4
Small craft arrive in hundreds
It was in such circumstances that, at about 1900, Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker had proceeded to Dunkirk in the Keith to see how the boat situation
was getting on. There he saw for the first time that strange procession of
craft of all kinds the story of which was to become famous-tugs, towing
dinghies, life-boats and all manner of pulling boats5-small motor yachts,
motor launches, drifters, Dutch skoots, Thames barges, fishing boats, pleasure
steamers⁶. This was indeed the first time that the small craft had come over
in hundreds⁷. Since noon Lt. Cdr. C. J. Wynne-Edwards, R.N. (of R.-A.
Dunkirk's staff), embarked in M.T.B.68, had been directing the tows to the
various beaches.
I See Appendix Q.18, observing that D.R. p.20, para. 61 says the beach between Bray
and 1 mile east of La Panne."
2 Appendix Q.19.
3 D.R. p.20, para. 61.
4 M.017978/41, p.17.
5 The following 14 tugs (their tows are shown in brackets) reached Dunkirk that evening:
The Racia (12 life-boats), Sun VIII (12 life-boats), Sun XV (6 life-boats), Vincia (3 life-
boats), Sun IV (9 boats), Tanga (6 boats), Ocean Cock (6 M/B's), Sun VII (seaplane tenders
243, 254, 276, 291 and A.M.C.3), Foremost 87 (two sailing barges), Fairplay I (sailing barge
Barbara Jean), Empire Henchman (sailing barge Aidie), Crested Cock (a lighter), Sun XI (a
lighter), and the Sun XII (sailing barges Tollesbury and Ethel Everard).
In the early hours of 1st June 4 other tugs arrived. The St. Fagan (auxiliary barges
Pudge and Lady Rosebery, and the sailing barge Doris), St. Abbs (auxiliary barge Thyra
and sailing barges H.A.C. and Duchess), Cervia (sailing barge Royalty), and the Persia
(sailing barge Glenway and Lark).
6 M.017978/41, p.19.
7 New arrivals off Dunkirk and the beaches on 31st May included the following The
yachts Amulree, Aronia, Glagla, Caleta, Christobel II and Llanthony, the nine yachts of the
Portsmouth Inner Patrol, viz the Ahola, Ankh, Bounty, Caryandra, Eilla II, Lahloo,
Noneta, Seriola and Thele and from the R.N. Air Station, Ford, the yacht Andora.
The drifters Ben and Lucy (towing 4 boats), Dorienta (towing boats), Monarda, Renas-
cent and the 13 drifters of the Yarmouth Base, viz Alcmaria, Feasible, Genius, Gula,
Jeannie MacIntosh, John and Norah, Lord Barham, Lord Hood, Overfalls, Reed, Rewga,
Swift Wing and Taransay. The drifters Fair Breeze and Ocean Breeze were again over,
the former towing a motor life-boat and 3 life-boats.
The steam hopper barges Foremost 102 (towing the Excellent's 35 ft. fast motor boat and
71

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XI
The Admiralty had already continued (2312/2) for the undertaken evacuation that ships would be
night the evacuation 3rd to 4th on June, this and night. they To this the French agreed. complete on the
vided and air protection now urged the French of Admiralty trops pro-
Plan for the night
embarkation, the hours of 2230/3 and with such ships for
For this last and night the maximum it was decided effort to was cut to down be made, by one hour the time
mained available, between to be made by personnel 0230/4. From the as re-
Pier, liftings were to be sent to the entire vessels, destroyers, and East
minesweepers; be ships received, were and it was estimated that length of the pier as paddle
as they could Drifters and fast
thus be provided and for docks 14,000 of men. the inner harbour. small craft were to go would
up to the quays be French ships, for which right
latter pier the remaining would also lift ships (minesweepers the other than paddle, the
beach, the Quai Félix Faure, British Avant Port (West Pier) ; from
numbers could be estimated, were and the to New responsible for evacuation from Malo no
boats. Locust was to remain loads ferried out to her by small
vettes and skoots) outside and troops, receive to number of 5,000. The gunboat cor-
It was intended to employ on the work a force of 9 personnel vessels, 9
destroyers (all that were available), 4 paddle minesweepers, 7 fleet minesweepers,
9 drifters, the Locust, 2 corvettes, 4 French torpedo boats, and a number of
organised motor boats flotillas including lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover,
together with a large number of French and Belgian fishing vessels. Eleven
small French ships and 3 small tugs left Cherbourg for Dover on the night
2nd-3rd June ; Le Havre was scheduled to send 8 trawlers, 2 minesweepers,
1 tug, and 20 small dinghies ; and Fécamp sent 14 trawlers.
During the afternoon of the 3rd the French authorities transmitted the figure
of French troops still remaining in Dunkirk. This was about 30,000, a pro-
portion of whom belonged to other than combatant units. The total capacity
of the lifting force, if used to the full, was 30,000, but this was about 5,000 more
than the facilities within the port would permit of being embarked in 4 hours,
even if the French troops moved with the greatest rapidity at all points of
embarkation. On previous occasions there had been some instances of difficulty
in persuading French troops to embark otherwise than as complete units.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay consequently impressed on the French liaison officers
the necessity of speed, and he added a number of French officers and ratings
to the augmented pier parties which were despatched to Dunkirk at 2200, in
I The following ships landed troops in England on 4th June (numbers landed in brackets)
British - destroyers Express (611), Malcolm (736), Sabre (592), Shikari (383), Vanquisher
Minesweepers Albury (400), Halcyon (501), Kellett (30), Leda (500), Medway Queen (266),
ferred to trawler off Dunkirk on account of collision damage) Gunboat Locust (196)
(414), Venomous (1200), Whitshed (444); Corvettes Guillemot (460), Kingfisher (200, trans-
Princess Elizabeth (329), Queen of Thanet (150), Speedwell (396) Trawler Saturn (418)
Drifters Forecast (123), "L.H.W.D." (90) Skoots Bornrif (96), Hondsrug (308), Pascholl
(255), Ruja (300) ; Yacht Gulzar (140) ; Personnel vessels Autocarrier (712), Canterbury
Princess (659), Côte d'Argent (1349), King George V (817), Lady of Mann (1244), Newhaven (729),
(1350), Tynwald (3000) ; Tugs Racia (123), Sun XV (37) War Dept. M.Ls.
Maud (1270), Royal Sovereign (took the place of Manxman which refused to sail)
Pigeon (23), Swallow (23) ; Sailing Barge Beatrice Maud (31), Tanga not reach England until 5th
and June) launches (260) ; R.N.L.I. lifeboats Edward Z. Dresden (50), Greater (did London (48) ; Motor boats
Nayland Bonny Heather (210), Diana Mary (28), Elizabeth Green (10), Meuse (50),
Coliath trawlers (355), 3 patrol vessels (836), 13 trawlers and M.F.Vs. (1416), 1104. Belgian Tug
3 M/S (55), Walker II (76). French 5 Torpedo boats 2 S/M chasers (127),
(183), 5 trawlers (554).
114

Details

THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
on motor boats, sailed the Thark with the motor boats,
the 3rd the tugs Sun from IV, Tanga, Ramsgate Sun to XV, Dunkirk. and Racia, Two towing of between them
were on account of water trouble petrol; the Diana Mary was
14 abandoned on the way across: in the while foul propeller and rudder,
mouth, to piled up 28 Dunkirk troops), on some with and submerged engine the barge masonry of the (though Admiral in Dunkirk she Superintendent, eventually harbour and returned Ports- was
abandoned. After waiting off Dunkirk since 2300 on the 3rd, the four tugs
ordered at about 0200 on the 4th to go alongside the (East) Pier and
embark were as many troops as possible, and by the time they were ordered to
out they had collected 203 between them. Of the 14 motor boats which
started clear from Ramsgate with the tugs only 5 or 6 found their way back ; all
the remainder were abandoned for one reason or another.
Embarkations at the West Pier (see Plan 4)
Owing to confusion of nomenclature it is impossible in every case to specify
definitely at which of the west piers or jetties the ships (other than destroyers
and personnel vessels which berthed at the east pier) embarked their troops.
In the western part of the port, reading from west to east, were (1) the West
Pier (termed western jetty in the Sailing Directions), (2) the West Quay or
Guiding Jetty, and (3) the Inner Western Pier (the inner or old western jetty
of the Sailing Directions). Of the other three skoots that came over with the
Lena, the Bornrif stated that she embarked 96 troops at the West Mole"
between 2230 on the 3rd and 0100 on the 4th, and the Hondsrug 308 at the
"West Pier' between 2245 and 0000; while the Pascholl, which had been
commanded by four different captains in 8 days, does not specify from which
part of the port she lifted the 255 troops with which she sailed at 0030. Another
skoot, the Rina, which had spent 24 hours at Dunkirk, sailed about this time
with 300 troops.
The corvette Guillemot, which had come over with the Kingfisher, went to
the Western mole" and secured ahead of the minesweeper Speedwell at 2355,
leaving again at 0154 with French troops embarked to capacity" (460).
This was her first and only trip, her previous service having been as base ship
at Margate. The Speedwell which had berthed nearly an hour earlier than the
Guillemot, took off 396 French troops, and the Halcyon, which had sailed from
Dover in her company, 501.
The minesweeper Kellett grounded forward against the western breakwater
on a falling tide when she attempted to go alongside at 0100. It was an
anxious moment, for almost simultaneously there same a report that 6 enemy
T.B.Ds. were proceeding south-westward from off Ostend ; but the motor
lifeboat Greater London towed the Kellett's stern away from the wall and enabled
her to back away. She embarked a few troops from motor boats and sailed
for Margate at 0220 by orders of Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, for the West
Pier was occupied and it would be some time before she could be loaded, and
the Rear-Admiral feared that so slow a ship might not be able to reach England
while our fighter patrols were operating. Two of the personnel ships were sent
by Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker to the West Pier instead of to the East Pier,
since the former was continuously crowded with French troops, whereas at
the East Pier there were gaps in the flow of men. One of the two, the Royal
Sovereign, embarked 1,350 men and sailed overladen half an hour after
she should have been clear.
Among the many ships and craft of which few or no details are recorded
117

Details

Details

INDEX
Phillips, Vice-Admiral T.S. V., 16.
Phipps, L/St. M., 81.
Pickford & Co., 72n.
Pierre, set on fire, 74.
Pierre et Marie, 73.
Piers (beach) built at La Panne, 47, 60, 76; of barges impracticable, 49; built at Bray,
59, 82.
Pigeon, 72n, 114n.
Pim, Capt. R., R.N.V.R., 78.
Playmates, 13n.
Polly Johnson, 13n, 39, 40 (damaged), 43, 44 (sunk).
Pool, S/Lt. R. A. W., 72.
Port of London Authority, 32.
Porter, Col., 47.
Portsdown, 100, 103.
Portsmouth, C. in C.: sends destroyers, 20; provision of boats, 51 Inner Patrol yachts,
71 A.S.'s. barge, 117 (abandoned).
Pownall, Lt. Gen. H. R., 4.
Prague, 29n, 54n, 64n, 91 (damaged).
Président Briand, 93.
Preston, Vice-Adm. Sir L. (D.S.V.P.), 21.
Princess Elizabeth, 47n, 89, 114n.
Princess Lily, 75n.
Princess Maud, 48n, 53 (goes aground), 62 (damaged), 114n, 118.
Prudential, 60.
Pudge, 71s.
Queen of England, sunk, 53.
Queen of Thanet, 91, 114m.
Queen of the Channel, 22, 24, 29 (sunk).
Queen's Channel, 72n.
Racia, 71n, 114я, 117.
R.A. Dover, see Wake-Walker, Rear Admiral W.F.
Ramsay, Vice-Adm. Sir B. (V.A. Dover) : to control evacuation, 4; to arrange air cover,
5 ; asks for more destroyers, 20; driving force, 23, 33 ; promulgates disembarkation
ports, 25 ; efforts to increase supply of small craft, 23, 32; plan for night 29/30th
May, 50; orders all ships to beaches, 51; concern at losses of destroyers, 94; calls
for volunteers, 105; reports exhaustion of crews, 113.
Ramsgate, N.O.I.C. Administers in shore flotilla, 21, 94; services skoots, 30.
Raphael-Raymonde, 73n.
Rapid I, 72, 92.
Reda, 53, 60n.
Reed, 7ln.
Refugees, 37, 100-1, 119.
Reiger, 32, 47m, 64, 101-2, 116.
Reine des Flots, 102, 107n, 109.
Reliance, 73n.
Renascent, 71n.
Renown, 73, 93 (sunk).
Resolute, 73n.
Revoir, Capt. de, 115.
Rewga, 71n.
Reynaud, M., 10, 11.
Richardson, Cdr. H. du P., 80n, 82, 83n.
Riggs, Mr. H. C., 21.
Rika, 41.
Rina, 117.
Robinson, Cdr. C. E. C., killed, 37.
Roebuck, in collision, 83.
Rope for towing, 61.
Rose Marie, 72n.
Ross, 28n, 44, 97.
Rouen, 94, 107n, 108 (goes aground), 109, 112n, 120 (aground).
Route, X prepared, 20; mined, 38; tested by destroyers, 39 taken into use, 48; last
route to come under fire, 96-7 ; traffic suspended, 98.
Route, Y adopted, 20, 29 ; under fire, 48; E-boats, on 85; in use, 93 ; mines on, 110.
Route, Z under fire, 20, 48; to be used in darkness, 29, 48.
204

Details

rata
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
CONFIDENTIAL
MESSAGE.
0748/3rd June
OUT
COSPIDENTIAL
286
To V.A.Dover, 488
& 4 OF THEM STATE 1
DATE 5.6.40
Repeated 0. in C. Nore. 982
Rejoy 0. in O. Portsmouth 245.
P.O. 1/c London.
0
Commodore 1/c Sheerness 618.
SENT
Cortland 567.
616
N.O. 1/c Ramagate.
COME
N.O. 1/c Newhaven
War Office.
P.O.
2/0
(282)
Y.O.
i/c
2/6 By T/2
From Admiralty.
RES
&
IMPORTANT. 1/0 Crimsby.
1/6 Yarmouth.
Reference Admiralty message 2321/1.
instructions regarding disposal of tuge and lighters
should be amended as follows 80 far as craft named
are concernedi-co
(1) Following London tugs which were requisitioned
specially for Operation should be returned to
Gravesend -
GHALLENGE, CONTEST, PERSIA, RACIA, CERVIA, TANGA,
HIBERNIA, CRESTED COOK, OCEAN COCK, WATERCOOK,
GUN, SUN X, SUN XI, SUN XII, BETTY.
They should be utilised as fully as possible for
towage of craft or boats to be returned to the
Thames or elsewhere en route.
off
(11) Under-mentioned tugs which are under orders of
be Date of B, 7. should proceed as follows:-
(a) EMPIRE HENGHMAN to Portsmouth with barges
(84324C) Wt 84295/31 200 Pads 11/39 H,J,R&L,Ld Gp 684
SNOUDON and SALADIN for N.S.O. These barges were
left at Ramsgate by tug TANOA on 29th May.
(b) FOREMOST 87 to Weymouth with any convenient
pair of barges from those mentioned in (v) below.
(c) PAIRPLAY I to Gravesend being used, if sufficiently
seaworthy, for towage as in (1) above.
(d) GONDIA to Fishguard with barges BARK and SHETLAND.
These barges were left at Dover on 20th Bay by
FOREMOST 87.
OD.
(8)
(111) Tugs SUN VII and FOREMOST 22 should return to station
at Southend and Newhaven respectively taking any
convenient tow.
(iv)
If any of the tugs named above are required to
assist in other more urgent towages arrangements
should be made by you direct with D. of S.T.
Crews of EMPIRE HENOHMAN, GONDIA and FOREMOST 87
may be given at your discretion up to 94 hours
standessy before proceeding Westward.
(v)
The barges JAPAN, KENYA, EGYPT, AFRICA, LONDON
and SCOTLAND which arrived Dover from Tilbury
on 2nd June should not repetition not be returned
to Themes but will be allocated, if still seaworthy
to West Coast. FOREMOST 87 should take one pair to
Teymouth. Instructions for disposal of this pair
and of remainder will follow later.
0748/3
For D. of S.T.
V.O.N.S.
N.(2)
Sir J.Foley
A.O.N.S.(H)
S.T.N.4.
D. of (3)
D. of S.T.
A.C.N.S.(T)
C.C.R.T.
S.T.N.6A.
Mr.Justice
0.0.(8)
D. of S.T.
S.T.N.63:
W.P.L.
Mr.D.H.Ndwards
Dps. (4)
Mr.F.V.Cross
Nr.Bellamy
Capt.Fisher
Extra

Details

COPY.
63
THE DUNKIRK EVACUATION.
s.t. "TANGA".
158
May 30th.
At 9-15 p.m. left Tilbury Landing Stage towing 12 ships
lifeboats anchored off Southend 11-0 p.m.
May 31st.
At 1-40 a.m. received orders to get underway at 4-0 a.m.
and tow boats to Ramsgate. Anchored off Ramsgat about 10 a.m.
At 2-0 p.m. four Lewis guns and two gunners came on board, also
Liut. Com. and Lieut. R.N.R. We then took six boats in tow and
proceeded towards Dunkirk.
About 7-30 p.m., when nearing Dunkirk, German 'planes
started bombing and machine-gunning. When the bombs exploded it
seemed to lift us up out of the sea. We arrived off Dunkirk Harbour
about 8-40 p.m. but had to go 6 miles further on tb the beaches.
We sipped our boats and hung off. Our boats had to fill up and
take the troops to the larger vessels.
1st June.
About 3-50 a.m. some of our boats returned to us with about
16° troops. We took them on board, abandoned all but one motor boat
and had to run for it. When abreast of Dunkirk Harbour we fell in
with a small boat with 6 men in it. We stopped and picked the up
and they were the sole survivors of 25 from the H.M. Tug "ST. FAGAN",
which had been bombed with her tow of three Thames barges, two of the
barges were also blown up. A mile further on we picked up Barge
"PUDGE" with four men on board, two badly wounded. So we towed her
back to Ramsgate where we anchored off at 9-0 a.m. Motor boats came
off and landed our troops. At 4-0 p.m. we hove up, towing four boats
and proceeded again to Dunkirk, arrived off about 10-30 p.m., slipped
our boats as before and we paddled about outside.
2nd June.
At 3-30 a.m. we were ordered to clear out and run for it.
Not one of our boats had returned to us. Othe r boats had brought
us about 90 British and 8° French troops to us, so we proceeded back
to Ramsgate, towing one disabled motor boat, arriving back at 8-0 a.m.
3rd June.
At 4-30 p.m. we left Ramsgate once again towing 4 motor boats.
Arrived off unkirk at 11- p.m. Slipped our boats and awaited as before.
4th June.
About 2-° a.m., Tugs "SUN IV,XV", "RACIA" and "TANGA" were
ordered to go alongside Pierhead inside and get as many troops as possible
We all went in, no sooner had we got alongside the ladders when we were
ordered to clear out as fast as possible. We only managed to get
37 French toops, not any of our boats returned to us. We cleased
the Pier head about 2-35 a.m., when a German plane started bombing.
Our Lieut. Com. gave orders to fire our guns. We were firing 5
Lewis and 3 Bren guns. There were about 50 men on our deck aft and
they all say that our Lewis gunner aft with twin Lewis guns brought
the 'plane down. We saw the 'plane crash from our bridge and we were
alll happy about it. About 3 miles from the North Goodwin Lightship
we fell in with a French fishing Lugger with a crew of three on board,
as they did not appear to know where they were ge took them in tow and
anchored them off Ramsgate about 7-30 a.m.
(Signed) H.P. Gouge.
Master of Tug "TANGA".

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
394
The Formideble
D 12/6/40.
Graft
H.M.S. "Formidable",
030/48/40.
comherston
C/o GJP.O.)
Noh Dunknik
Sir,
Le mesures
I have the honour to submit the following report of
certain minor duties carried out during the evacuation of the
June 3rd./4th. 1940.
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk on June 1st./2nd. and
to organise a convoy of motor and pulling boats, to be towed over
I arrived at Ramsgate about noon on the 1st. June with orders
to Dunkirk that night by tugs, the convoy to sail about 1400. Not
all the pulling boats then at Ramsgate were suitable for work on
the beaches, being too large and heavy, nor were all the motor boats
in running order. At about 1530, the tug "SUN" arrived from Tilbury
with some 20 more pulling boats in tow. I took this tug under my
orders, and sailed about 1730 with one motor boat and five of the
most suitable pulling boats in tow.
2.
I took with me Lieutenants J.VI WILKINSON and R.E.J LLOYD (R.N.)
who had had previous experience on the beaches. The Tug "TANGA"
under Lieutenant Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.JRJ sailed about the same
time with two pulling boats. I had had some difficulty in obtaining
another tug, and the master of the tug "RACIA" was quite evidently
most unwilling to sail, and this vessel was left behing. The tug
"SUN IV" under the command of Commander TYLER, R.N. sailed earlier
independently with either one or two boats.
3. On the way to Dunkirk, three of the pulling boats were swamped -
probably through towing too fast, as I was in a hurry to get over to
Dunkirk - and had to be abandoned. I arrived at Dunkirk at about
2330, after an otherwise uneventful passage; the tug "TANGA" with her
boats arrived a little earlier. Both tugs anchored at a point about
} % mile East of the Eastern Mole at Dunkirk, and sent in the
boats; the tug "SUN IV" was, I believe, a little further to the East.
4.
The boats from my tug "SUN" proceeded to take off troops from the
East mole at a point where the beach and mole joined; on the first
trip they brought about 45 British troops to the tug. While these
were being embarked, I received orders from an officer ina fast
motor boat (possibly Commander MAVND) to proceed alongside the mole
and embark troops, so I told my boats, before they went in again,
to carry on taking troops off to the other ships and that I would
return to the position I was then in to meet them again. I then
proceeded alongside the mole and embarked about 50 French soldiers,
subsequently embarking another 28 Frenchmen and 4 English naval
ratings from a broken down motor boat. I then returned to the origin-
al anchorage, and waited for the boats for about an hour. During
this time there was a slight amount of remonstrance from the French
troops on board who were anxious to get away. The boats returned
about 0300 with another 50 British troops (having done one or two
trips in the meantime to other ships.)
5.
During the night Dunkirk was being shelled from the West by what
seemed to be a heavy battery, and from the East by lighter guns. The
lighter shells appeared to be directed at the mole, and towards
0300 the shelling was coming nearer and nearer down the mole, and a
fire was started either on the mole or just to the Westward. At
about 0300 there was an outburst of rifle fire apparently just on
the mole where the boats had been embarking troops, and Lieutenant

Details

3. 396
the pulling the boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then being
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by which
ferried by fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0335 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0345 there were no
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (2) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the unamizous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow motior boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It might have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats working between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.s could go alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W.I and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not required on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June Tuesday 4th. June.
A further operation for these nights was organised from
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N.J Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN
XV
Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. R.N.R., Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
Each tug was to take 4 motor boats in tow, with orders to work
from the Nouveau Avant Port and from any point of the East mole
which they could reach, and to ferry troops down to the ships along-
side or to the transport LOCUST. The tugs dad no specific orders,
and I instructed the Officers in the tugs that they should wait just
outside the entrance to Dunkirk, keeping clear of ships going in and
out (of which I understood there were to be a good many) and to be
ready to go alongside to pick up troops as opportunity offered or to
assist as required.
The convoy left a little after 1700 with 14 motor boats in all,
two having failed (one with engine trouble, one was aground in
RAMSGATE). The passage across was uneventful, save for a certain
amount of trouble with the tows, and the encountering of two mines
in the neighbourhood of W. buoy which were dealt with by mine-
sweepers. Commodore H.) TAYLOR, RNRI took passage with me, but about
halfway Dunkirk. across was picked up by a Motor Torpedo Boat and went on to

Details

4. 397
The for the following reasons boats given were below:- abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. Petrol failure. Abandoned near W. buoy. An interesting
point arose here. The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
had been instructed to fill up with petrol at RAMSGATE from
officer who told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
certain cans which were subsequently found to contain water. The
Commander (E) RINI When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, at any rate on the staff. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever was, traced and identified.
(c) DIANA MARY. Engine trouble and damage to propeller. Abandoned
at Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERINTENDENT&S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged masonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.IN.V.R.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do so as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, SO I went in to
S.O.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
to The convoy arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed by trouble with the tows. Most of the boats had been slipped
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN bucy and sent on. The
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the entrance, and
in this position picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
and an officer, who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
it was learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
5. The motor boats carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
to the Eastward of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
any work to be done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths at the East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to berth.
6. At about 0115 (4th. June) one of my motor boats returned, and told
me that there were no more French troops at the QUAI FELIX FUARE,
and that Commander TAYLOR had left the QUAL. This boat was slightly
damaged and so I left her in company.
7. At about 0200 the two end berths on the East mole were clear. H.M.S.)
"MALCOLM" went alongside and I followed in SUN IV, as also did the
tug RACIA, to see if there were any more French troops. There were
only a few, who embarked in "MALCOLM", this ship asked me to push
her stern in to the jetty, which I did.
sailed at 0230, RAMSGATE; the return passage was uneventful. I was passed
I left approximately, picked up the waiting motor boat, and
by two or for three destroyers and a minesweeper. Tug SUN XV towed home
another vessel one picked up halfway.
8.
Out boats which started for Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be
abandoned of the 14 one reason or another, but the crews were recovered
safely. The for remainder found their own way back to RAMSGATE, with the

Details

398
5.
exception of the one I towed back (MERMAIDEN).
(a) As regards recommendations for officers and ratings who did well
during these operations, the following officers known to me did
well: but I am unable to say whether they did better than many
others who must of necessity remain anomymous, since there was no
time to collect names. I can only say that, frompersonal observat-
ion, the spirit, both of young officers and ratings was magnific-
ient. One had only to ask for volunteers for crews to receive more
applications than were necessary.
(b) Officers names.
Lieutenant J.V. WILKINSON R.N.J
Lieutenant R.E. LLOYD R.IN.
Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.O. R.N.R.J
Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD R.N.R.J
Lieutenant WALKER R.N.V.R.:
Lieutenant J.E.L. MARTIN R.N. (late "Pelican")
Lieutenant FLETCHER R.N.R. (late at Invergordon)
(a) I also respectfully submit for Their Lordships consideration that
letters of appreciation might be written as follows:-
To The London Fire Brigade
.) for the services of their
fire-float LADY MASSEY (?)
The Alexander Towage Company
) for the services of their
H.J. Alexander the St John: Wharf- Wapping E.I. tugs SUN, SUN IV, & SUN IV.
The Watkins Tug & Towage Company) for the services of their
Natkurs Ltd 112 Funchusch st- London E.C.S.
tug TANGA.
(b) As regards the tug RACIA of the Watkins Company, the master of this
vessel was obviously unwilling to go over to Dunkirk, although he
did actually go on the nights of 31st. May and 3rd. June. On the 3rd
of June he was under the orders of Lieut. Commander MILLER D.S.JO.
R.N.R.
(c) The spirit of the masters and crews of the other tugs (especially
the SUN tugs) was excellent. The owner of the Alexander Tug
Company was himself the captain of the tug SUN IV, and a young
Trinity House pilot volunteered to navigate this tug throughout.
Unfortunately I cannot remember his name.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
Managina to inector
Edward. K.
Commander R.N.)