Details

BURTON
Sailing barge DA. Recess
See under Sun III
4d
1615
Left immage with 4 drifters of the
lot M/R flotilla, 7181 the Pidget,
Fisher DOZ. Jooketa and
2300
Entered DURKIPE harbour. MITER
Armitage R.N.V.E. who WAS temporarily
in command of the 1st M/R.P.(1) case
on board.
25300a
Recd. signal that the A.B/V King Oret
use in danger of foundering. Her
0.0., however, stated that he did not
propose to abandon her.
12th seall
003068
The Bystander went alongside the pier
and embarked, in all, 74 troops,
about 30 of whom were French. lisan-
while the King Orty had left her
berth and yes leaving the harbour.
0130
The Bystander was a cable esters of the
King Orry when she foundered.
The Bystander lovered her boat and
menned it with seaman-took Ja Biton
and seamen Iso Boott. Largely due to
the former's efforts, 25 officers
and mon were resoued.
The Bystander sailed.
0830
Arrived Ramagate, Disembarked 74
troops(2) STX ressued GROUP
1715
Chiled for Dunkirk in company with the
2830
Engine broke down. The Bratanier
lat M/R.F.
returned to Ramagate.
Total 74
Minustry - R.O.II, P.158.
R.O.III D.332.
the Pattering number were meder
CASE J.E.H. Bison.
(1) (2) 14, D.B. Cdr. - but A.J. not commanded repart. the let M/R.P.
136

Details

GREDO (D.G.924)
French M.F.V.
3rd June
0920
Disembarked at Ramsgate about 53 French
troops. (1)
ARED
and smiling Lork. barges Glenway, Searzeon
Anchored with Total 53
Obtes
1500
Processed to Ramagate and thence to
Dovor, with the barges.
May
0600
Left Dover, towing a lighter loaded
1230
fresh veter story and troops.
Arrived Dunkir's roads.
Anchored, with the lighter, about
Doet off the beach. The lighter
node her way to the beach.
13156a
Dent to the assistance of dr. Impolsive
which bad grounded on DD uncharted
rook, and took her in tow,
31:10
CASE off the tow. Escorted Impulsive
to Bunkink Fier heads, whence she
proceeded so Dover on one engine.
STARTAS Cook proceeded in company.
2000
MAST LOVER.
let June
2000
word to assistance of dr. 96 [1.0.
which bird been 10 collisit
with D/V Moid of Opionnal in Dover
cardoor. After assisting to rescue
Exerge in the soa, took Purcester
in sow, and aboiated by $00 togs
CANADA Cook, Challenge and Sun III,
berthed her,
EL3000
Than proconded towards Donkirk with
orders to pick up or reacue
(### Bun XI).
June
Unable to anything.
Authority
(1) Ramsgate report, which names the ship the "0.924".
214

Details

DU GUESCLIN (D.G.910)
French M.F.V.
30th May
1030
The Du Guesclin and the Surcouf together
landed 35 troops in England.(1)
31st May
1335
Routed from the Downs to Dunkirk by
2000
the destroyer Leopard.
(see under Margaux (D.692)) left
1st June
0920
With 4 naval ratings 18 sailed
from Remagate, wi Total Princess,
both tugs towing the I.O.W. forry
boat Fishbourne.
1030ca
But the Duke's tow rope into the
Princess and went ahead.
[1120ca
The Princess's tow rope broke, She
got another connected.]
1250ca
The Commander on board the Fishbourne
ordered the Dute to contact the
tog Bun III and her 4 sailing barges.
Did DO, and took the 8/B Heate Away
from the Bun III.
Bed visibility, lost contact with
other tugs and the Fishbourne.
The B/B Ada Mary having twice broken
away from the Sun III. the Dake took
her in tow.
1440ca
Approx. 2 miles from Denkirk. Air raid
in progress. Picked up 20 soldiers
from n drifting life bost and left
20 others and 1 naval rating for the
Sun III to pick up.
1620es
Took from the dr. Basilisk's lifeboat
11 ratings and midshiman; their
lifeboat WILLS then put astern or the
2 sailing barges.
1705
Directed by 2 aircraft to net course
181508
south, and was led to two lifeboate.
The Sun III tock the larger; the
Duke took from the other, 13
Spaniards and 1 Canadian.
20200a
Another 8/B [the Bhannon) broke adrift
from the Sun III and the puke look
her in tow.
7x8 June
0600ca
Arrived Ramagate. Small craft were
sent out to take off the 44 survivors.
0730ea
The Duks left the 3 sailing barges off
the DOWNE, and went into harbour.
083000
Was sent out to retch the Fichbourgs
This was done- [See tog Primeral
into herbour, as she was diasbled,
Jane
0800(2)
Proceeded with the Log context to
Shosburyness.
7000140
Authority W.W.
(1) D.R., which records that "Sourcouf du Quesclin" lunded
the
35 troops. 1115.
258

Details

DUKE(1)
Tug (Saml. Williams &
Sons Ltd.)
B.P. Mansfield, Captain.
31st May
1030
Left Gravesend. Dagenham for Southend, via
Left Southend, for Ramsgate, towing
2000
the S/B Ashingdon.
Entered Ramsgate harbour having left
the barge in the Downs.
1st June
0920
With 4 naval ratings on board, sailed
from Ramsgate, with the tug Princess,
both tugs towing the I.O.W. ferry
boat Fishbourne.
1030ca
Put the Duke's tow rope into the
Princess and went ahead.
[1120ca
The Princess's tow rope broke. She
got another connected.]
1250ca
The Commander on board the Fishbourne
ordered the Duke to contact the
tug Sun III and her 4 sailing barges.
Did so, and took the S/B Haste Away
from the Sun III.
Bad visibility, lost contact with
other tugs and the Fishbourne.
-
The S/B Ada Mary having twice broken
away from the Sun III, the Duke took
her in tow.
1440ca
Approx. 2 miles from Dunkirk. Air raid
in progress. Picked up 20 soldiers
from a drifting life boat and left
20 others and 1 naval rating for the
Sun III to pick up.
1620ca
Took from the dr. Basilisk's lifeboat
11 ratings and 1 midshipman; their
lifeboat was then put astern of the
2 sailing barges.
1705
Directed by 2 aircraft to set course
1815ca
south, and was led to two lifeboats.
The Sun IIItook the larger; the
Duke took from the other, 11
Spaniards and 1 Canadian.
2020ca
Another S/B [the Shannon broke adrift
from the Sun III and the Duke took
her in tow.
2nd June
0600ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Small craft were
sent out to take off the 44 survivors.
0730ca
The Duke left the 3 sailing barges off
the Downs, and went into harbour.
0830ca
Was sent out to fetch the Fishbourne
This was done. [See tug Princess]
into harbour, as she was disabled.
3rd June
0800(2)
Proceeded with the tug Contest to
Shoeburyness.
Total 44
Authority W.W.
(1) (2) Not TugsPrince mentioned and in Princess D.R. state they left in company with the
Contest at 1115.
259

Details

Details

SUN III
Tug H. J. Alexander & Co. Ltd)
F.W. Russell,
Master.
1200ca
31st May
Left Southend with the 4 S/B's
Haste Away, Ada Mary, Burton
Haste Shannon in tow. Off Broadstairs, and
but Away and Ada Mary broke adrift,
1715
were picked up.
Arrived Ramsgate with barges.
1st June
0915ca
Left Ramsgate with the 4 barges in tow,
and proceeded astern of a car ferry
[the Fishbourne] which was en route
for Dunkirk.
1030ca
The 2 sternmost barges broke adrift,
but were picked up. Abreast the
South Falls, the sternmost barge
(Haste Away), broke adrift and was
taken in tow by the tug Duke, which
was in company. The Fishbourne
was now out of sight.
1200ca
The sternmost barge (Ada Mary) broke
adrift and was taken in tow by Duke.
1230ca
The tow rope broke, but tow was
reconnected. Approaching the Outer
5
Ruytingen, embarked some 20 soldiers
from a lifeboat.
1700ca
Directed by a plane to 2 boats full of
soldiers near Whistle buoy on the Le
Dyck [ease Gravel One load
taken by Sun III, the other by Duke.
Sun III then had about 148 men on
board.
2130
Decided to return. Off Broadstairs
Shannon broke adrift but was picked
up.
2nd June
0600
Arrived Ramsgate. 148 troops landed in
launches.
3rd June
1200ca
Ordered to Southend.
1940
Southend.
Total 148
Authority - W.W.
A.T.C.
(1) St. Clears states that she searched for 2 hours, but failed
Montrose states Sun there V. was fog; St. Clears does not,
to locate the
however, mention this. It is clear that visibility
was restricted.
183

Details

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

Details

DUEST
P33
S.T. "PRINCE"
10th June, 1940.
Sirs,
On Friday, 31st May we 10 left Dagenham at about 10 a.m., for
Gravesend and arrived at 11.15 a.m. We picked up a pilot and then
proceeded to Southend where we arrived at about 12.30 p.m. Instruc-
tions were received to tow the sailing barge "Bassildon", to Ramsgate.
Leaving Southend 1.30 p.m., we arrived at Ramsgate Harbour at
about 6.30 p.m. Orders were given by the Naval Officer to take her
off in the Downs, drop anchor and leave her, and proceed in harbour
for further orders. We assisted craft in the Harbour - trawlers,
etc., and shifted stores and barge. We had to stay on board while
in the Harbour and wait for orders.
by
at
At 5 a.m. on Saturday, 1st June, I had orders to get stores and
gear abaord, together with two naval ratings, and to assist tow
the "Fishbourne" - a Portsmouth (Isle of Wight) ferryboard - over
to Dunkirk. Taking the "Fishbourne" in tow, we left Ramsgate
Harbour about 9. 30 a.m. We towed her until 11 p.m., when we were
2 miles offDunkirk. Her Commander then told us to turn roun and
get away home as soon as possible as enemy aircraft were about.
We arrived off Ramsgate Harbour at about 7.30 a.m. on Sunday, 2nd
June, and proceeded into Harbour to await orders. I had instruc-
tions to stand by, as they expected we were going over to Dunkirk
again. and cook our place.
On Monday, 3rd June, steam was ordered for 6.a.m. and we
told to stand by. After shifting sailing barges, etc. in Harbour,
we received orders to proceed home. We left Ramsgate Harbour Sticeep
about 11.15 a.m., and proceeded to the downs. We picked up the
Gravesend tug #Contest* who escorted us up to Southend. After
9.30 clearing at Southend III I proceeded up to Dagenham, arriving at CO
you
bed p.m. and the difficulty in the Sailing Barges in
tow, we lost contact with our other and the Ferry Bost.
the Mary" had the "Sun 1714, I
decided to keep her my COW, H. Mansfield. Mate.
in Signed ) Capt. J. Benson. with
two barges each.
G. Young.
H. Mansfield. Hands
Dunkirk (socording to the reckoning W. Mance. of the S.T. "Sun
At about 2.40 p.m., when approxim
board side, during which our own George. shlit up the
WO Cound a violent air raid in progr J. Hardy. Stokers. our
enemy craft. At the same time we sighted a life boat adrift with
about 40 English soldiers aboard and one Navel rating. We picked to
20 soldiers and left the rest aboard the S.T. *Sun III". Things
Looking very bad, and upon the advice of an officer in charge of the
soldiers, and owing to the fact that us did not know the executive
shereabouts of our destination having lost contact with our
Commander who VIRB abroad the Ferry Bost, we steamed about for an
hour and then followed the "Sun III". About 4.20 R.M. 10
sighted smother life boat which turned out to be from the destroyer
"Hasilisa" which had been sunk in an air raid off Dunicine
There WILLIAM 12 survivors aboard 11 sailors and 1 interesta
rat
We took abroad. Their boat was then put adtorn or suffing anst.
r C
ed
We sysin proceeded on our sourse, and at 5+5 two British
aircraft circled come us and mighalled CLS to wes not course for
Bouth. This 410, AND the followed. After
fo
for about TO minutes, was with of the accordes,
ke
two life busts, und X the of the to the
in
we book Fena who 14 Canadian
te:
ein

Details

(34
S.T. "DUKE"
VETO
Sirs,
We left Dagenham at 10.30 a.m., May 31st, arriving at
Gravesend at 11.10 a.m. where we picked up as Pilot. We then
proceeded to Southend, arriving there at 12.30 p.m.
Acting on orders from the Admiralty, we put two hands aboard
the Sailing Barge "Ashingdon" and took her in tow, and proceeded
to Ramsgate Harbour, arriving off the Harbour about 6.40 p.m.
Acting upon instructions received from the authorities, we left
the S.B. "Ashi ngdon" at anchor in the downs below the Harbour, and
took the tug into the Harbour about 8 p.m. to await further orders.
On Saturday morning, 1st June, we had orders to stand by at
daylight, and received further orders to take stores, water and
armoury together with some amunition, aboard, and stand by to tow
the Ferry Boat ishbourne' to Dunkirk. We had four Naval ratings
put aboard and at 9.20 a.m., together with the S.T. "Princess",
we took the F.B. "Fishbourne" in tow. After towing for about 70
minutes, we put our rope into the S.T. "Princess" and then went
ahead of the S.T. Princess with our two ropes in her head. About
11.20 a.m., owing to the starboard rope of the S.T. Princess"
breaking, we were forced to slip our rope to enable them to get
another rope aboard the Ferry Boat; the S.T. Princess" then came
alongside and took our place.
After steaming for about 12 hours, we were ordered up alongside
the Ferry Boat where the Commander gave us orders to turn back and
find the Steam Tug "Sun III" and four Sailing Barges, and also keep
in contact with him. We sighted the Steam Tug and Sailing Barges
off our starboard bow, and went over and took the S.B. "Haste-Away"
ying
from S.T. "Sun III" and left him with the other three. Owing to
bad visability and the difficulty in keeping the Sailing Barges in
tow, we lost contact with our other gugs and the Ferry Boat. After
the S.B. "Ada Mary" had broken adrift twice from the "Sun III", I
decided to keep her in my tow, proceeding to our destination with
two barges each.
Firemen
At. about 2.40 p.m., when approximately 2 miles north of
Dunkirk (according to the reckoning of the Master of the S.T. "Sun III)
we found a violent air raid in progress, with bombing off our star-
board side, during which our own fighting aircraft split up the
enemy craft. At the same time we sighted a life boat adrift with
about 40 English soldiers aboard and one Naval rating. We picked up
20 soldiers and left the rest aboard the S.T. "Sun III". Things were
looking very bad, and upon the advice of an officer in charge of the
soldiers, and owing to the fact that we did not know the exact
whereabouts of our destination - having lost contact with our
Commander who was abroad the Ferry Boat, we steamed about for an
hour and then followed the S.T. "Sun III". About 4.20 p.m. we
sighted amother life boat which turned out to be from the destroyer
"Basilisk" which had been sunk in an air raid off Dunkirk Harbour.
There were 12 survivors aboard - 11 sailors and 1 midshipmany whom
rated
we took abroad. Their boat was then put astern of sailing craft.
r our
ed
We again proceeded on our course, and at 5.5 p.m. two British
aircraft circled round us and signalled us to set our course for
South. This we did, and the +Sun III" followed. After steaming
for a
for about 70 minutes, and with the help of the aircraft, we sighted
ke a
two life boats, and leaving the larger of the two to the S.T. "Sun III'
in the
we took from the other 11 Spaniards and 1 Canadian soldier.
ter
eing/

Details

QUEST
135
-2-
Again we went on our original course, and after approximately
11 hour steaming, another sailing barge broke adrift from #Sun III"
which I also took in tow, arriving off Ramsgate Harbour about 6 a.m.
on the 2nd June.
We signalled the authorities, and were told to lay off and
small craft would be sent out for the survivors.
At about 7.30 a.m. I left the three sailing barges off the
Downs and proceeded into the Harbour and awaited orders. At about
8.30 a.m., I was sent out to fetch the Ferry Boat into Harbour as she
was disabled. This I did, then tied up andawaited further orders.
At 10.30 a.m. we received orders to stand by to coal and take
stores aboard ready for another journey to Dunkirk, but these
orders were later cancelled.
We stood by until 8 o'clock on Monday morning, 3rd June, and
then received orders to proceed together with the S.T. "CONTEST",
acting as Pilot on an Admiralty course to Shoeburyness, arriving
there at 6.30 p.m. We received instructions from the Naval Patrol
Boat to proceed to Dagenham Dock, arriving at 9.15 p.m., and after
putting gear into Stores I tied up at 9.45 p.m.
( Signed )
Capt. B.P. Mansfield.
) H. Willis (Junr.)
Crewe
C. Sweetlove.
my my
)
A. Campbell.
Driver
W. Nye.
from
Firemen
of
rated
r our
wed
, for a
ke a
in the
fter
eing/

Details

ING
PART
VF ELS TAKING PART IN THE DUNKIR
QUA
Master
Owners.
Tug
SUN"
H. Cole
x
W.H.J. Alexander & Co. Ltd
1019128
"SUN III"
F. Russell
X
do
"SUN IV"
C. ALexander
X
do
"SUN V
W. Mastin
X
do
"SUN VII"
G. Cawsey
do
"SUN VIII"
S. Smith
do
"SUX X"
W. Fothergill
Latter is. Gamern
do
Stm Tommis Co.
SUN XI"
J. Lukes
x
do
X.
"SUN XII"
(Mee) B. Mastin X Litter to Was washin, na)
do
Actician
"SUN XV"
mate,
J. Belton
X
do
XX08SAXX
XXXXXXXX
Elliot Steam Tug Co., Ltd
"CONTEST"
H. Bates
x
/
"CHALLENGE"
C. Parker
x
do
or
"FOSSA"
G. Finch
x
Gaselee & Son, Ltd.
"BETTY"
G. Leeks
X
do
nsit
rk's
ials
"CRESTED COCK"
T. Hills
X
The Gamecock Steam Tow
"OCEAN COCK"
A.V. Mastin
x
do
my
WATERCOCK
W. Fothergill (This Tug went to do Dover only
FOREMOST 87"
J. Fryer
Managed by W. Watkins, Lt.
"FAIRPLAY ONE"
S. Wright & G. Finch
do
(1084
"CERVIA"
W. Simmonds
William Watkins, td.
992,000
Gpt
"DORIA"
(REG
A. Mastin
do
"FABIA"
F. Smith
do
"GONDIA"
C. Pratt
do
"HIBERNIA"
B. Youseman
X
do
"JAVA"
W. Jones
X
do
For
(Continued)