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Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Y\M EVAT THANKS CATAM codid (1)saut Jul NANETTE II (L.T.55) M/L I.V. Owner/ Parton, Angineer 2nd See under Sherfield. rived Imagess from Harrish. [4th June?] "Proceeded to Dovor where 2 B/Lt's DE navel ratings same on board". [Sth June?] "Taken in tor by à motor years, and company with 2 DDTO mail motor boats, a destroyer and 3 other boste,(1) vest to Boblogns and then class toys the coast search.com the beaches for * company of welsh and Irish denide (who were supposed to have been marooned) but did not succeed in loonting them. Did_not take part in Opporation Dynamo (but M under Eastern Diatrict Fishing Pleet). 0021 0000 Authority - 10.914h. 10.9436. OOSS 7052 bnS 9 .8.A S 1940H oqui side 1000A E.g 3d Jud Etm (00 SI .0.2 - R.OT 18 univollon 207 roming .E.A emLoq .U.A (1) monnt ad omLag .8.A (s) at SBW ESE ad? (E) enot "Eah 8 (1) 34 that those were the June Hannah, Renate. ameR RAMA Besss Boy Fred, and Age: 322323
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| - | up survivors from a destroyer. The Nanette ferried troops to Y.C.63 and Sherfield. 15 wounded from the sunken dr. Keith were taken off the S.S. Clan MacAlister. Air attack. | ||
| - | Air attack. The Sherfield proceeded. | ||
| 0700 | The Sherfield arrived Dover. Troops disembarked as follows: Sherfield 1) 74 Y.C.63(2) 106(See Sun XI & Keith) Nanette II 30(3) |
X-Lighter X.95 1415 Sailed the from Sheerness in company with 31st May Y.C.63 and the M/L Nanette II. motor barge Sherfield, the lighter p.m. In the darkness, X.95 lost contact with her companions. p.m. Being broken down in the vicinity of 1st June Dunkirk harbour was taken in tow by the sk. Tilly. 2400ca Arrived Ramsgate in tow. Nil Authority - R.O.II, p.198. R.O.III p.265.
X-Lighter Y.0.63 see under Sherfield Rame All THE Lid 348
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 790. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Notor Barge Sherfield 1 # Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. 185 Ex-Lighter X.95. Motor Launch Nanette II. Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. Dyram 189. 180 e STATEMENT OF PATRICK THOMAS SULLIVAN, ABLE SEAMAN, C/JX,147897. I am a survivor of the "SILVER QUISIDIV" that left Sheerness on Wednesday 29th May, 1940, for Dunkirk. We stopped at Ramsgate for about an hour, and then all the boats that WEBC capable put to sea at dusk, being nine boats all told, on the way over one blew her engine, others dropped out, and we finally reached Dunkirk at 0800 on Thursday. We proceeded to ferry troops to H.M.S. "Esk" and then the German artillery started shelling us, we carried on and after we had been working for about two hours, the planes came over and started to bomb us, one coming so close, it lifted us out of the water (roughly 25' off the starboard beem). We managed to take about 1,000 troops to the big ships, and then on our 10th or 11th trip, we had about 100 French soldiers on board, took them to a Trweler, who told us to go to Dunkirk harbour for another ship. We got there but found no ship, so we decided to come home. To had no charts or compsss, but trusted to our sense of direction. Halfway over we found a soldier's field compass and used that. Then we sighted land, and thinking it was Ramsgate or some other Port, we turned towards it, and got about half a mile off, when the Germans opened fire, then we discovered it was Calais. They pounded away at us with six batteries for roughly 30 minutes, one round hitting us in the stern and another on the starboard bow. The Yser, in company with us, was also hit and she started to draw water badly. She had a Verey's Light pistol and fired it, whereupon a Destroyer came up and covered us. We reached Ramsgate at 2100, managed to tie up and disembark the troops, then she was slowly sinking. We lost everything we set out with, but we were fitted out with clothes at the (word missing) and on H.M.S. PERVENT. (sd) P.T. Sullivan. Able Seaman, C/JX.147897. ing e
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Motor Barge Sherfield # 18 Ex-idghter Y.O. 63. Ex-Lighter X.95. Sub It. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. Motor Launch Nanette II. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 9. we were under way heading out to sea. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.9 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was Just as well. brought us to a buny round which was painted -"Ostend". This Dyroms 188 - 181 REPORT. SUB LIEUT. P. SNOW. R,N. Motor Boat "REDA" - 12 ton - speed 8 knots. Left Sheerness at approx. 1900 on Tuesday 28th. Made first crossing to Dunkirk on Wednesday 29th leaving Ramsgate at 1000. Arrived in company with five other small boats at 1700. Whilst proceeding up Dunkirk roads towards the beaches we were machine-gunned by low flying aircraft. Bullet stuck in deck-head having failed to penetrate. Embarked soldiers on destroyers and sloops for 3 hours under continual bombardment from the air. Headed for Ramsgate at 2200 with a party of 21 English soldiers on board. Whilst leaving were deliberately bombed one salvo falling within 30 yards of the boat. Loosened several planks but no material damage sustained. Arrived Ramsgate approx. 0600 Thursday. Left on second trip at 1100 on Friday 31st, arriving at Dunkirk at 1730. Took off about 50 Frenchmen to waiting ships and left for Ramsgate with 23 Frenchmen on board. Heavy bombers were bombing the beaches when we left at 2015. Anchored off N. Goodwin for the night and proceeded into harbour at 0530. Crew for 1st trip :- R.W. Rawlings (P.O Motorman) 1 Civilian Volunteer Crew for 2nd trip :- R.W. Rawlings 1. Leading Seaman 1. A.B. All times are approximate. (Signed) P.Snow Sub. Lieut, R,N.
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Notor Barge Sherfield 1 # 185 Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. Ex-Lighter X.95. Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. Motor Launch Nanette II. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, 31st May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. we were under way heading out to sea. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, paniol Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was tust as well. brought us to a buoy round which was painted -"Ostend". This * 182 19t. REPORT OF "SKYLARK" - S/Lee MARES R.N.V.R. Abandoned in Mid Channel and crew taken on board 1ty "Strathelliott". S/L Mares was left behind at Dunkirk. 2 (Crew came back on Trawler).
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Motor Barge Sherfield 1 - 185 Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. Ex-Lighter X.95. Motor Launch Nanette II. Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops we were under way heading out to sea. from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniol Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never know, which perhaps was just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted - -"Ostend". This Dynam 193 " 183 196 REPORT OF "MARY ROSE" - S/I H. Mc.Clelland R.N.V.B. Ity Engines failed on way over. Ship taken in cow, began 2 making water fast and became unmanageable and was abandoned in Mid Channel where she sank. Crew taken on board the Trawler "Strathelliott" where they helped to take off troops from the beach at Dunkirk. Journey back made in trawler. No injuries to anyone. 8 on dng 18 #
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynams 188. Notor Barge Sherfield 1 # Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. 185 Ex-Lighter X.95. Motor Launch Nanette II. Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops we were under way heading out to sea. from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was just as well, brought us to a busy round which was painted - -"Ostend". This Dynamotique 197 184 * s 7 REPORT OF "SINGAPORE" R.N.V.R. Ity No personal injury to self or crew. Engine failed in North Sea and return had to take tow, Owing to heavy swell sudden strain WAB put on to tow and the winch was torn taking with it part of the fore deck, the anchor, cable and all ropes. Managed to repair ngine temporarily and returned to Ramagate. too
OR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. or Barge Sherfield # 185 Lighter Y.O. 63. Lighter X.95. Sub Dr. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. or Launch Nanette II. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, 31st May, 1940, we ceived. command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops om the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. were under way heading out to sea. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 though we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and cidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps B just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted -"Ostend". This a a most salutary effect on us and putting the wheel to starboard we headed for e battle. The succession of sunken ships with the oil saturated water covered. th junk and garbage of all sorts began to have a dampening effect on everybody. wever, we fortified ourselves with large helpings of Mr. Machonicie's Irish Stew. Continuing on passed Nieuport we found ourselves between two destroyers and shore battery in action;during this one of the destroyers was hit and the super- tructure burst into flames. On closing in it was obvious that there was no one board and we drew away a magazine explosion. Shells then began to drop round us rom the remaining destroyer and to further our consternation at this moment at orpedo passed under the "Sherfield", disappearing up the beach; whether fired by submarine or the other destroyer is not known. Next thing on the programs was the finding of a whole lot of chaps who had een in the oil-covered water for a considerable time and we experienced difficulty n getting them aboard as there were several wounded amongst them. These - were ostly off destroyers sunk during the day. During this interlule soldiers were een gathering on the foreshore, and owing to ebbing tide it was impossible to each the lighters and the motor boat. commenced to collect the soldiers and take chem to the lighters at twenty at a time. One young Army officer to whom great redit is due came along with a motor boat full of wounded, and after putting them aboard helped with the embarkation. In the meantime one lighter continued to fish people out of the water and the ther went alongside the wrecked "Clan MacAlister" and took off 15 wounded survivors of the "Keith" and other ships. All was going well when a number of enemy planes started to machine gun the beach and bombard the vicinity. It would be as well to mention that there were no other British ships or planes in sight, and being completely unarmed except for one Boer War rifle, we couldn't do much against them. As the last load was being gathered it appeared that the enemy were using Trench Mortars and machine guns from begind the Dunes. During a lull the second lighter and motor boat made for the open sea; while the motor barge was receiving her last load of wounded enemy planes started paying further attention to her. She stopped all movement and drifted about for the next three quarters of an hour, hoping to be taken for a derelect, which thank God she wast At length the planes eased off and she made a dash (at 6 knots) for the open the familiar whine of a power bomber was heard, followed by a pattern of bombe sea, large quantities of tea being consumed. Peace reigned, but not for long; exploding round the barge and a nice little machine gun attack followed. The remainder of the trip was quite uneventful, entering Dover at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. volunteers and the youngest being 17. A fine example was set by the fortitude Too much praise cannot be given to the Civilian members of the crews, all being of the Troops waiting on the shore and in the water. All Naval members of the orews acted as expected. missed On during the first night, had managed to get to Dunkirk and had had her full returning to Sheerness we found the third member of our convoy, whan - had share of excitement.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 xxx. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
-3- 250 sailing barges "Glenway", "Lark" and "Spurgeon" similarly loaded were towed over by the tugs "Persia" and "Cervia". Lt. Comdr. R.G. Wardrop and Lieut. F.H. Whalley R.N.R. returned from Dunkirk and reported back for duty on the Commodore's staff. JUNE 1st, The C in C of the B.E.F. Lord Gort arrived at Admiralty Pier at 0605. The tugs "SunX1", "Sun X11", "Sun V11", 'Océan Cock", "Challenge" "Crested Cock", and "Fairplay 17 with one sailing barge in tow left for Dunkirk. The tugs were intended to assist disabled craft and carried out this duty off the Belgian coast until they were forced back by heavy air attack. Numerous motor boats left the Prince of Wales Pier for Dunkirk beaches in tow of drifters. H.M.S. "Harvester" and "Salamander" arrived with extensive damage sustained during the night operations and repairs were at once carried out by H.M.S. "Sandhurst". At midnight enemy air craft attempted to lay magnetic mines off the Harbour. Mines were laid outside before the raiders were driven off by anti-aircraft fire. The mines were swept up during the morning. At 2130 the troops transport "Maid of Orleans" was badly damaged by collision in the Harbour. Several of the troops were thrown into the water but all were rescued by the tugs who happened to be in the vicinity. JUNE 2nd. The tug "Sun X1" towed in the self-propelled lighters Sherfield" and "YeC. 63" with troops on board. At 1430 the tugs coastal 87", and five motor-bosts in tow for the Dunkirk beaches. "Foremost "Sun X", 'Sun X1", and "Fairplay 1" sailed with six The tug life-boats Brassey" proceeded to the assistance of H.M.S. The "Mona's Isle" "Lady received severe damage from enemy bombs. tug X11", and "Ocean 22" Cock" refused to go owing to their lack of protection. "Foremost which had sailed at 2000 for Dunkirk. The tugs "Sun V11", "Sun JUNE the day troops were arriving in "Glenway" the Harbour returned in all from of craft. beaches filled with soldiers, in the got channel. kinds 3rd. During The sailing barges "H.A.C." and who had them off and sailed the Dunkirk them until they were picked boats. up by tug Some No troops came in Belgian to the fishing Dunkirk beaches on account Base made of a the quantity of brows "Halcyon", "Speedwell", brows were used with strong easterly wind. and ladders which were put "Vega", "Princess "Venimous", boats could be sent During the day the Repair aboard H.M.S. "Vanquisher", "Express", and "Malcolm". The numbers of troops Elixabeth", splendid effect "Sutton" at Dunkirk Mole and large were brought off during the night. JUNE 4TH. Tugs "Sun V11", and "Sun X11" left towing H.M.S. "Bideford" On completion of the up for the passage and following to days every to Portsmouth for repairs. operation of disembarking their troops Home from Ports Dunkirk and destroyers were patched During this day small craft, barges, endeavour subsequently was sailed. made to return the numerous lighters and tugs to their Ports. NOTES. ASUALTIES. During the this H.M.S. 10th to Port, June of 4th whom a "Sandhurst" total of dealt.wistely 6,880 wounded were and over 60 suffering from shock and 50 dead. EFECTS. The 26 Repair Base and H.M.S. "Sandhurst" by bomb and holes splinters temporarily rigging. in them and ai a suffered repaired craft cannon. damage also the
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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
CHAP. IX THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK side by two further hits, within a few inches of the to port, which the bomb hit. It seems probable for the that ship serious took a damage heavy list was now caused to until the upper deck was with one anchor down. water. Steam was increased lost and the ship stopped, depth charges set to safe and Torpedoes were gradually no range on and all were jettisoned. As the ship was now settling, the order Rear-Admiral to abandon Wake-Walker transferred the Keith to M.T.B. 102 this moment a further series ship was given, and from shook the ship with near misses amongst the men in the water. the men left her. At which landed of dive bombing most attacks of took off survivors and picked up men water. The skoot Hilda About 0830 the tug St. Abbs came alongside in the and assisted by the tug Vincia was bombed and sunk. As late as 1100 men were still struggling in the oil rescued 7 ratings. An unidentified grey yacht which was picking up survivors Lt. Gen. Laidsell, 2 officers, and 20 ratings. The minesweeper Salamander rescued slick, and the motor barge Sherfield, which had arrived off the coast with a small convoy of 2 X lighters and a motor launch, rescued 15. At about 0940 aircraft again appeared, and the Keith was sunk in a salvo of bombs from about 50 of the enemy. Three officers and 33 men were reported lost. Ten minutes later the St. Abbs, by this time off Dunkirk, was hit by bombs and sank in 45 seconds. Of the 135 officers, ratings and trcops on board, 30 were left swimming in the water, including the Captain of the Keith, Capt. E. L. Berthon, D.S.C., R.N., who was saved. Meanwhile the Skipjack, which had been busy off Malo embarking troops and fighting off continuous air attacks from 0530 which had reduced her ammunition supply to about 12 rounds a gun, was dive-bombed at 0845 by 10 aircraft and hit by 2 bombs. A minute later 3 more bombs hit her. She turned turtle and floated bottom upwards for about 2 minutes before finally sinking. A few survivors were picked up by the Hilda and the St. Abbs. Nearly all the 275 troops on board were below decks and had no chance to escape. Enemy aircraft machine-gunned men in the water. Ivanhoe damaged, Basilisk sunk. Already, by this time, another destroyer had been put out of action. At 0800 off Dunkirk harbour, the Ivanhoe, with 1,000 troops on board which she had embarked from La Panne, was dive-bombed and hit amidships. Damage was severe and she had 26 killed and 30 wounded. The troops and wounded the were transferred to the Havant, the Speedwell and the yacht Grive; and proceeded to Sheerness. tug While within radius of 1 mile of No. 6 W buoy, Ivanhoe, assisted by the Persia and escorted by the War Dept. M. L. Haig, 3 waves (each of 21 bombers) attacked the a Ivanhoe and other vessels in that area for half an hour, but the Ivanhoe received no further damage. and Dunkirk, the Basilisk the also Keith and bombed off La Panne. Three room, At about the time that Ivanhoe were under attack off attacks Bray were made. In the first was being exploded in No. 3 boiler out of action; six other bombs auxiliary exploded steam underneath lines the ship, causing the upper cutting the main and attack one bomb and putting all machinery deck and the ship's sides to buckle. Torpedoes and depth charges were jettisoned and at 0845 the ship was floating on an even keel. An hour later, while efforts were being made by the French trawler Jolie 90
INDEX Royal Air Command, 64, 83-4, 4, 88 (evacuated (fired from France), 17, 20, 30, (attacks 38 all that was asked of them, concentrated 123. at dawn and dusk): 100, (patrols Stren batteries) ; 99 (patrols on by own ships), 89, 93, 99 Royal Daffodil, 20, 25, 100-1. 29, 54n, 62, 102, 110 (damaged). 110-111, 115; did Royal Royal Sovereign, 29n, 54n, 64n, 107n, 108-9, 114n, 115, 117. Eagle, 42, 81, 95 (sunk). Royally,114n, Sabre, 23, 27, 44, 47n, 49 (takes across with beach parties), 53, 54n, 55, 62n, 64 (damaged), 86, 97, 101, 107, 114n, 118 (crosses compass damaged). St. Abbs, 71n, 90 (sunk). Achilleus, sunk, 93. St. St. Andrew, Shelled, 18: bombed, 20 ; last trip, 87. Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes, 107n. St. Clears, 32, 46. St. David, damaged, 38, 95. Ste. Denise Louise, 107n. St. Fagan, 71n, 88 (sunk). St. Helier, 20, 25, 64n, 94, 98-9, 108-9. Ste. Isabelle, 74. St. Julien, shelled, 17 bombed, 20, 43; crew supplemented, 48n; last trip, 87. St. Olaves, 107n. St. Patrick, 75n. St. Seiriol, 22, 24, 29, 43, 48 (damaged). Saladin, 44-5 (damaged). Salamander, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (damaged), 89-90. Saltash, 91-2. Sambre, 60. Sandown, 23n, 27, 31, 42, 105 (forbidden to sail). Santosy, lost, 117. Saon, 34n, 110. Sargasso, 60n, 107n, 108. Sark, 60. Saturn, 114n, 118. S.C.6 (French), 107n. Sceneshifter, rushed and sunk by French troops, 53. Schuyts. see skoots. Scimitar, 20n, 28n, 54n, 55, 62n, 91. Scotia, 29n, 54n, 83 (in collision), 92 (sunk), 118 (record lift). Scottish Co-operator, 60. Sea Falcon, 75n. Seaplane Tender 243, 71n, 75n, 110 (sunk). Seaplane Tender 254, 71n. Seaplane Tender 276, 71n, 110. Seaplane Tender 291, 71n, 75 (damaged). Seasalter, 60. Sea Transport Officials, serve in personnel ships, 48; in Dynamo Room, 74. Secrecy, effect on supply of small craft, 15. Seine, 31n, 60, 102. Sequacity, 19, 28. Seriola, 71n. Shamrock, lost, 53. Sharpshooter, 28n, 54n, 97. Shearwater, 34, 88, 99. Sheldvake, 34, 37n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 93. Shell fire (German) : causes serious interruption to shipping, 19; Route Y under fire, 48; La Panne beach shelled, 60, 76; interrupts sailings of personal ships, 70; danger of, magnified at Dover, 98. Sherfield, 72n, 90. Shelland, 60. Shikari, 20n, 28n, 47n, 54n, 55, 97, 102, 107, 114n, 119-20 (in Operation CK), 127. Shipmates, 23n. Signalling, see Communications. Silver Dawn, 32n, 51n. 205
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36 Pt 2. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE Payments made since presentation of Report on 21st July 1941. Repairs and Total Loss Vessel. Type Claimant Paper No. Hire and Replacements Remarks. Expenses £. s. d. £. S. d. £ S. d. "LARK" S/Barge Dover Harbour Board O. 9315/40. 8. 5. "BARBARA JEAN" T.O.9296/40. 18. 7. "ROYALTY" T.O.9298/40. 13. 4. 14. "PANDORA" Punt A. Read T.M. 5152/41. 30. "KATHLEEN" 17' Boat C. Morris 4918/41. 266. -. "FOLKESTONE M/V Spraggs Bros. 9201/40. 110. BELLE" (c/o Adams) 99. 17. -. "BLUEBIRD" M.L. Mrs. G. Ragless T.M. 4136/40 20. -. "OLIVE MAY" M/Barge Samuel West Ltd., T.0.8532/40 30. "LADY ROSEBERY" AS/barge = T.0.9306/40 20. -. "GLENWAY" 100. -. 65. "RIVER TOY" M/B. C.H.Elkington T.M. 2766/41 "ALPHEUS" M/Barge S. Instone & Co., T.0,9104/40 90. -: i, "SHERFIELD" J.J.Prior (Transport) Limited T.0.9423/40 66. -. Dover Harbour Board " 9. 1. "SHAWFORD" Prior (Trans) Ltd. 11 30. -. i, "CAROLINE" Row Boat H.E. Parker 5206/41 28. -. "SHRIMP" Skiff " " 3. 17. -. "FERROCRETE" M/Barge Assoc.Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd., T.0.7976/40 50. ex "HIGHLAND 28' Royal Mail Lines T.M.6352/40 PRINCESS" Lifeboat Limited 236. 5. ". "NEW PRINCE OF Southend Motor Nav: Balance of "Total Loss" WALES" P.M.B. Company Limited T.M. 3887/40 : ! 120. : : 1236. Compensation. "SHAMROCK" P.M.B. A. Barrell c/o T.M.3898/40 ! : 415. Balance of "Total Loss" W.G. & S. Beecroft Compensation "BONITA" M/V S.W. Newton c/o T.M.2779/41 30. -- 50. -. Wannop & Falconer ex "GLOUCESTER 13 Union Castle Mail T.M.9092/40 96. 7. -. Lifeboat No.12 CASTLE" Lifeboats S.S. Co. Ltd., 315. 8. 4. 7 Lifeboats 234. 14. -. Fitting out 6 Lifeboats which replaced missing ones. "SKYLARK III" M/V Mrs. M. Corsan T. 0.9203/40 487. i. "QUEEN OF M/V Bowmaker Ltd., T.M.3716/40 700. i Advance on account ENGLAND" "EMPRESS" M/V = " " 300. ! Advance on account "KNOWLES" Aux. London & Rochester T.O.7764/40. 8. 6.11. S/Barge Trading Co.Ltd., "THYRA" Aux London & Rochester S/Barge Trading Co. Ltd., " 14. 9. 3. "PUDGE" Aux. London & Rochester S/Barge Trading Co. Ltd., 21. 8. 6. London & Rochester Trading Co. Ltd., 75. -- -: Dover Harbour Board 10. 11. "CABBY" London & Rochester Trading Co. Ltd., "SCONE" 14. 3, London & Rochester Trading Co. Ltd., "SEINE" M/Barge 38.10. 8, London & Rochester T.O.8949/40. 66. 8. 1. Trading Cox Ltd., C/f £ 893.18. - £1,145. 3. 4. £3,432. 5. -
JR/Ris DUNKIRK EVACUATION. Claims Outstanding (other than TOTAL LOSS). Name of File No. Claim. Remarks & Action vessel. taken. BLUEBIRD T.M. 4136/40 £99.17.0d Awaiting T.619 + Hire EILEEN T.M. 8435/40 Hire £3 Awaiting report of local payments. FERRY KING T.M. 8438/40 Hire Awaiting claim & T.619. FOLKESTONE BELLE T.0.9201/40 Repairs & Offer made. Compensation for lost engine. QUEEN BOADICEA. T.M.3718/40 Repairs. Awaiting reply to offer. RAUMA T.M.5438/40 Repairs. Awaiting claim. TRUE BELLE T.M.8436/40 Hire. Awaiting report of local payments. WHITEWATER. T.0.9364/40 Repairs. L.A. Robinson's estimate of cost of repairs not accepted by owner. MOTOR BARGES. FERROCRETE. T.O.7976/40) MOLLOU T.0.9424/40) Awaiting rate of hire MOUNT T.0.9125/40) Hire for M. Barges to be OLIVE MAY T.0.8532/40) agreed with owners. PUDGE T.O.7764/40) SHERFIELD SHAWFORD T.O.9423/40. LIFEBOATS. Involved with Netherlands Commission from whom we have not been able to get a clear statement.
| "Sherfield") "Shawford") LIFEBOATS. | T.0.9423/40 | Involved with we have not been | Netherlands Commission from whom able to get a clear statement. |
Vessel Repairs. and Replacements. S. d. Total L Type Claimant Paper No. Hire & Exs. £. £. S. d. 27. 4. 9. "SKYLARK IV" F.V. (S.M.5) F.P. Collins Tm4796/40 44. 16. O. 375. 0. 0. "SKYLARK VI" M.V. J. Bolson & Son TO 9198/40 17. 0. O. 25. 0. 0. "SKYLARK IX" 75. O. O. M.V. Pascall Atkey & Son TO 9198/40 2. 3. 9. D. Hillyard 2. 9. 6. 54. 10. O. "SKYLARK X" M.V. TO 9154/40 160. 7. 2. "SEAGULL" M.B. C.E. Loose TM 6099/40 7. 19. 5. L.N.203 "SOUTHERN QUEEN" 500. 0. O. M.B. C.H. HARVEY TO 9271/40 5. 13. 6. "SOUTH RAY" M.Y. S. Burch TM 3790/40 12. 0. A.G. Bruce 4. 3. 3. 27. 5. 0. "SPINDRIFT" A.N. Hewett TM 3930/40 5. 15. O. "STONEHAVEN" 500. 0. 0. M.V. W.H. Stonehaven TO 9181/40 "SURREY" M.V. Thomas Bros. TM 3763/40 11. 4. 8. 5. O. 0. 219. 0. "SOUTHEND P.M.B. Southend Britannia TM 3888/40 0. 0. 0. 75. BRITANNIA" Co.Ltd. 35. 0. 0. "SUFFOLK'S ROSE" M.V. Jubilee Fish Co.Ltd. TO 9564/40 29. 1. 0. Re-allocated to Special Admiralty "SILVER SPRAY M.V. W.A. Ragless TM 4924/40 29. 9. 7. 42. 12. 6. Service. "SUNSHINE" R.13 TM 4783/40 203. 10. A.T. Verrion 0. "SUE SUE" row F.C. Wilson TM 9567/40 20. 0. 0. bt. "SPURGEON" S.BGE. H.W. Harvey TO 9297/40 15. 10. 6. 19. 15. 0. "SKIPJACK" M.B. W.W.Ringer TM 4749/40 31. 0. 0. 133. 16. 8. 6. 9. 0. "SOUTHERN QUEEN" M.B. G. Mockridge TM 4776/40 10. O. 0. Salvage Diving Tende: F.E. 154 "SARAH & EMILY" TM 5093/40 30. 0. J. Todd 0. "SEA BELLE" M.B. S.G. Odam TM 5238/40 7. 15. 0. "SANDOWN" M.F.B. G. Alexander TM 6464/40 3. 4. 0. 24. O. O. 3. 12. 11. "SERB" & "STONE" S.BGE. R & W Paul Ltd. TO 9296/40 49. 11. 5. Harrison (Lan.) Ltd. 5. 0. 0. "SALTCOTE BELLE" S.Bge. Francis Gilders Ltd. TO 9300/40 1. 15. 11. Andrews & Ellis TO 9303/40 See "SUNBEAM" S.Bge. under "Leslie" If " TO 9303/40 It 11 "SIDWELL" S.Bge. 11 .S.S. Gen. Steam Nav. TO 4270/40 116. 8. 11. "SWIFT" Co. Ltd. "SHERFIELD" M.BGE. J.J. Prior (Transport) Ltd., TO 9423/40 60. 17. 7. Not completed. " If If If 30. 6. "SHAWFORD" M.BGE 7. Not completed.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, Unclassified 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Notor Barge Sherfield 1 # Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. 185 Ex-Lighter X.95. Motor Launch Nanette II. Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. Dyram 189. 180 e STATEMENT OF PATRICK THOMAS SULLIVAN, ABLE SEAMAN, C/JX,147897. I am a survivor of the "SILVER QUISIDIV" that left Sheerness on Wednesday 29th May, 1940, for Dunkirk. We stopped at Ramsgate for about an hour, and then all the boats that WEBC capable put to sea at dusk, being nine boats all told, on the way over one blew her engine, others dropped out, and we finally reached Dunkirk at 0800 on Thursday. We proceeded to ferry troops to H.M.S. "Esk" and then the German artillery started shelling us, we carried on and after we had been working for about two hours, the planes came over and started to bomb us, one coming so close, it lifted us out of the water (roughly 25' off the starboard beem). We managed to take about 1,000 troops to the big ships, and then on our 10th or 11th trip, we had about 100 French soldiers on board, took them to a Trweler, who told us to go to Dunkirk harbour for another ship. We got there but found no ship, so we decided to come home. To had no charts or compsss, but trusted to our sense of direction. Halfway over we found a soldier's field compass and used that. Then we sighted land, and thinking it was Ramsgate or some other Port, we turned towards it, and got about half a mile off, when the Germans opened fire, then we discovered it was Calais. They pounded away at us with six batteries for roughly 30 minutes, one round hitting us in the stern and another on the starboard bow. The Yser, in company with us, was also hit and she started to draw water badly. She had a Verey's Light pistol and fired it, whereupon a Destroyer came up and covered us. We reached Ramsgate at 2100, managed to tie up and disembark the troops, then she was slowly sinking. We lost everything we set out with, but we were fitted out with clothes at the (word missing) and on H.M.S. PERVENT. (sd) P.T. Sullivan. Able Seaman, C/JX.147897. ing e
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Motor Barge Sherfield 1 M 185 Ex-idghter Y.O. 63. Ex-Lighter X.95. Sub Dr. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. Motor Launch Nanette II. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. we were under way heading out to sea. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was Just as well. brought us to a buny round which was painted -"Ostend". This Dyroms 188 181 REPORT. SUB LIEUT. P. SNOW. R,N. Motor Boat "REDA" - 12 ton - speed 8 knots. Left Sheerness at approx. 1900 on Tuesday 28th. Made first crossing to Dunkirk on Wednesday 29th Ity leaving Ramsgate at 1000. Arrived in company with five other small boats at 1700. Whilst proceeding up Dunkirk roads towards the beaches we were machine-gunned by Low flying aircraft. Bullet stuck in deck-head having failed to penetrate. Embarked soldiers on destroyers and sloops for 3 hours under continual bombardment from the air. Headed for Ramsgate at 2200 with a party of 21 English soldiers on board. Whilst leaving were deliberately bomhed one salvo falling within 30 yards of the boat. Loosened several planks but no material damage sustained. Arrived Ramsgate approx. 0600 Thursday. Left on second trip at 1100 on Friday 31st, arriving at Dunkirk at 1730. Took off about 50 Frenchmen to waiting ships and left for Ramsgate with 23 Frenchmen on board. Heavy bombers were bombing the beaches when we left at 2015. Anchored off N. Goodwin for the night and proceeded into harbour at 0530. Crew for 1st trip :- R.W. Rawlings (P.O Motorman) 1 Civilian Volunteer Crew for 2nd trip :- R.W. Rawlings 1. Leading Seaman 1. A.B. All times are approximate. (Signed) P.Snow Sub. Lieut, R,N.
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Motor Barge Sherfield 1 # 185 Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. Ex-Lighter X.95. Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. Motor Launch Nanette II. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Fist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. we were under way heading out to sea. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, panic! Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was Just as well. brought us to a busy round which was painted -"Ostend". This * 182 19t. REPORT OF "SKYLARK" - S/L. MARES R.N.V.B. Abandoned in Mid Channel and crew taken on board Ity "Strathelliott". S/L Mares was left behind at Dunkirk. 2 (Crew came back on Trawler).
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynams 188. Motor Barge Sherfield 1 # 185 Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. Ex-Lighter X.95. Motor Launch Nanette II. Sub it J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. we were under way heading out to sea. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniol Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted - -"Ostend". This Dynam 193 " 183 196 : REPORT OF "MARY ROSE" - S/I H. Mc.Clelland R.N.V.B. Ity Engines failed on way over. Ship taken in cow, began 2 making water fast and became unmanageable and was abandoned in Mid Channel where she sank. Crew taken on board the Trawler "Strathelliott" where they helped to take off troops from the beach at Dunkirk. Journey back made in trawler. No injuries to anyone. 8 dng if -
MOTOR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. Notor Barge Sherfield & Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63. 185 Ex-Lighter X.95. Motor Launch Nanette II. Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops we were under way heading out to sea. from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniol Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was just as well, brought us to a busy round which was painted -"Ostend". This Synamotique 184 REPORT OF "SINGAPORE" B/L.F.E. R.N.V.R. Ity No personal injury to self or crew. Engine failed in North Sea and return had to take tow, Owing to heavy swell sudden strain was put on to tow and the winch was torn taking with it part of the fore deck, the anchor, cable and all ropes. Managed to repair ngine temporarily and returned to Remagate. e our a too du the
OR CONVOY. 6/6/40. Dynamo 188. or Barge Sherfield M 185 Lighter Y.O. 63. Lighter X.95. Sub Dr. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N. or Launch Nanette II. On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, - ceived command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops om the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m. were under way heading out to sea. Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95 though we spent some time in trying to locate her without success. At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and cidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never know, which perhaps B just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted - -"Ostend". This a a most salutary effect on us and putting the wheel to starboard we headed for e battle. The succession of sunken ships with the oil saturated water covered. th junk and garbage of all sorts began to have a dampening effect on everybody. wever, we fortified ourselves with large helpings of Mr. Machonicie's Irish Stew. Continuing on passed Nieuport we found ourselves between two destroyers and shore battery in action;during this one of the destroyers was hit and the super- tructure burst into flames. On closing in it was obvious that there was no one board and we drew away a magazine explosion. Shells then began to drop round us rom the remaining destroyer and to further our consternation at this moment a orpedo passed under the "Sherfield", disappearing up the beach; whether fired by submarine or the other destroyer is not known. Next thing on the programs was the finding of a whole lot of chaps who had een in the oil-covered water for a considerable time and we experienced dirfi ulty n getting them aboard as there were several wounded amongst them. These - were ostly off destroyers sunk during the day. During this interlule soldiers were een gathering on the foreshore, and owing to ebbing tide it was impossible to each the lighters and the motor boat. commenced to collect the soldiers and take them to the lighters at twenty at a time. One young Army officer to whom great redit is due came along with a motor boat full of wounded, and after putting them board helped with the embarkation. In the meantime one lighter continued to fish people out of the water and the ther went alongside the wrecked "Clan MacAlister" and took off 15 wounded survivors of the "Keith" and other ships. All was going well when a number of enemy planes started to machine gun the beach and bombard the vicinity. It would be as well to mention that there were no other British ships or planes in sight, and being completely unarmed except for one Boer War rifle, we couldn't do much against them. As the last load was being gathered it appeared that the enemy were using Trench Mortars and machine guns from begind the Dunes. During a lull the second lighter and motor boat made for the open sea; while the motor barge was receiving her last load of wounded enemy planes started paying further attention to her. She stopped all movement and drifted about for the next three quarters of an hour, hoping to be taken for a derelect, which thank God she wast At length the planes eased off and she made a dash (at 6 knots) for the open sea, large quantities of tea being consumed. Peace reigned, but not for long; the familiar whine of a power bomber was heard, followed by a pattern of bombo exploding round the barge and a nice little machine gun attack followed. The remainder of the trip was quite uneventful, entering Dover at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. Too much praise cannot be given to the Civilian members of the crews, all being volunteers and the youngest being 17. A fine example was set by the fortitude of the Troops waiting on the shore and in the water. All Naval members of the orews acted as expected. On returning to Sheerness we found the third member of our convoy, whan - had missed during the first night, had managed to get to Dunkirk and had had her full share of excitement.
Movements recorded for Sherfield during the evacuation period, as plotted on the Operation Dynamo map.
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