Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

EMPIRE HENCHMAN
Tug (United Towing
Co,. Ltd.)
(?)E. Fishe,
(?Fisher), Master.
30th May
0800
1300
Arrived Dover from Sheerness.
Left Dover for Dunkirk, in company a
2000
M/B (Lieut. R.N. 1/c).
Off Dunkirk. Towed small boats from the
beach to destroyers. Four such
trips were made.
-
Entered Dunkirk harbour, by order of
the Lieut. R.N. in the M/B. Found
no troops on the quay. Proceeded to
the beaches.
2210
Ordered to stand by the M/S Sharpshooter
which the tug Foremost 22 was about
to take in tow.
Foremost 22 towed Sharpshooter to
Dover, Empire Henchman accompanying
31st May
0800
her. When near Dover, Empire Hench-
man assisted to take the ship into
Dover harbour.
1600
Left Dover towing a barge loaded with
food and ammunition.
2000
Arrived off Dunkirk. Handed over the
barge to the French authorities.
Towed boats from the beach to
destroyers.
1st June
0300
On orders from the Lieut. R.N. in charge
of the M/B, proceeded; an empty
barge in tow.
-
Arrived Dover.
1100
Left for Dunkirk towing a barge loaded
with food and ammunition.
1600ca
Off Dunkirk. Told by a naval drifter
not to enter Dunkirk until dark,
because of shelling.
Whilst standing off, attacked by 20
-
aircraft. Tug and barge damaged by
Proceeded. Half way across took A/B
near misses.
1800
Thyra in tow.
2300
Arrived Dover with the barges.
2nd -
Laid at Dover, partially disabled.
4th June.
Nil
Authority - W.W.
284

Details

Details

H.43
Small French trawler
R.H. Scott, Master
State say
See under Chasse-Maree or harbour by the
*WAVE 97399
The H.A.C. and Thyra were then teken
In tow by the tog St. Abba,
lat Jane
0500
Arrived Dunkirk. Tow slipped and bargs.
ordered to beach themselves. The
B.A.C. was towed into the bench by She
Thyra which then embarked the
crew.
2nd June
The was towed back at night,
damaged, but full of troops.
Estimated Total 200
2200
6 5

Details

H.A.C.
Sailing barge (H.A. Cunis
R.H. Scott, Master
Ltd.)
31st May
-
Towed out of Dover harbour by the
barge Thyra.
The H.A.C. and Thyra were then taken
May
0845
in tow by the tug St. Abbs.
1st June
0500
Arrived Dunkirk. Tow slipped and barges
ordered to beach themselves. The
H.A.C. was towed into the beach by the
Thyra which then embarked the H,A,C's
crew.
1415
2nd June
The H.A.C. was towed back at night,
damaged, but full of troops.
drifters.
Од
Estimated Total 100 57
seiled for Ramsgate.
2200
Arrived
Ramagate.
Disembarked
60
troops.(1) (1)
1st June(2)
Sailed
for
Dunicisk,
attack
near
6 * buoy.
Arrived off Dunkirk. The beaches
almost empty,
0800ca
While returning to enter the harbour,
pew the dr. Ivanhoe on fire and In
tow or the tug Persia,
Closed the Ivanhoe and offered
assistance. Haig USE requested to
05001's the Ivanhoe, which she dids
It. Cdr. Pisani then says:
"After ciroling him at speed, as
ensmy airoraft were active, I
noticed that he had slipped his too
and appeared to be proceeding at
about 12 knots. Persia full actern
but at No.6 booy Ivenhoe stopped
and told me to instruct Permis
to resume tow. An tow was being
connected, and subsequently for 8
on hour, 3 waves of 21 (sech)
enemy bombers attacked Lynnhoe,
incoming trensports, and out-going
missellaneous vessele, all within
0845ea
2 miles of No.6 W bucy". (3)
The Heig steaming at 30 knota
maintained a continuous fire with
har 2 gune, and circled the Ivanhee
and the Persin, "Insocurate bombing
resulted, only one salvo falling near
the Forsia."
Near W buoy, a tug bound for Dunkirk
yas contacted and sent to a destroyer
the Havant/in distress near Hills
Bank,
orr II. Foreland the fest M/B Heleyone
from pamagate closed the Huig who
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. or Ramagate report.
The Asst. Dir. Mil. Transport's report states, "Ferried
800 sroops" and *Disembarked 65 troops".
(2) Lt. Cdr. Pisani mistakenly saya "2nd June".
(3) It VISA at this time that the This withossed the sinking of
the U/S Skippack.
6

Details

LARK
Sailing barge (T. Scholey
and Co. Ltd.)
R.H. Scott, Master
31st May
2230
Left Dover in company with the S/B
10th May
0030
Glenway in tow of the tug Persia.
1st June
0800
Arrived 1 mile east of Dunkirk pier.
The beachwards. Lark and the Glenway sailed
-
The Lark beached herself by order of
the French for whom she was carrying
stores. The Lark's crew transferred
1400ca
to the barge Thyra. The Lark did not
1930cm
return from Dunkirk.
troops
2200
Sailed for Nil
comended.
31st May
0500
Arrived Ramagate. Disemberked 75 troops.
0600
Sailed for Dunkirk with shaler in tow.
Authority - Γ.0.9436/40.
Anchored off Malo beneh.
1100
Collected two "Inrge passenger bonte"
and embarked troops.
Note: At 1100, the Adventuress landed
85 troops at Margate,
1515ca
"All three ships filled" - about 170
troops. Proceeded.
1930ca
Arrived Ramsgate. The Large disemberked
50 troops.
1st June
0600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1000ca
off const between Gravelines and
DOBRITK.
Heavy Combing of large ships,
A damaged British destroyer [the
1005ca
Havent was taken in too by tug [the
K/8 Saltash].
1015ca
Steared N.W. from 5 W booy to get clear
of big ships.
1025cm
Salvo of bombo dropped 30 yards astern
of a troopship [the Proguel near 9 W
1030ca
French beuy. destroyer [the Foudrovant] hit
by bombs) she Bank within about one
minute, about 1 mile north or 13 W
10350a
British booy. destroyer [the Keith) bombed 3
miles N.N.E. from 5 W buays She WB.D
later suns by nunfire from a sloop
Proceeded to Picked up 8 men
[the M/S Salamander|-
1115
from B. small boat.
1800
Arrived Proceeded. Remugate, pisembarked 12 troops
1815
Perried about 310 troops from ships
outside the harbour to Ramsgate
pier.(3)
Total 147
Gervice veesel of this name appears for the
time in the Red List on 23rd June,
report in D.R. 55 landed at 2030.
or Ramegate report.
151

Details

Aux. Barge
PUDGE
Lond. &
Mr. W. Watson, Master
Rochester
Trading Co.
Ltd.)
Requisitioned at Millwall and towed
29th May
to Tilbury - thence to Southend.
The Ocean Cock towed the Pudge, and
the barges Doris, Ena and Tollesbury
to Ramsgate and thence to Dover.
1430
Arrived Dover.
30th May
0830ca
Volunteers invited to go to Dunkirk.
31st May
of the 17 barges lying at Dover, all
volunteered. Six barges were
selected - the 3 auxiliary barges;
Pudge, Thyra and Lady Roseberry;
and the 3 sailing barges Doris, H.A.C.
and Duchess.
The 3 auxiliary barges proceeded
forthwith out of harbour with the
sailing barges in tow; and were
picked up by tugs.
Pudge, Doris and Lady Roseberry -
in that order, were taken in tow
by the tug St. Fagan. (1)
1st June
0130ca
Arrived off Dunkirk beach during
0350ca
The darkness. Lady Roseberry was ordered by the
tug to tow the Doris inshore.
While proceeding to do so, and while
the Pudge was starting up her engines
the St. Fagan was blown up by a bomb(2)
The Pudge picked up 1 stoker and the
Mate of the tug.
The were also sunk in the explosion, and
Lady Roseberry and the Doris
the Pudge picked up their crews.
The Pudge sailed.
After about 5 miles, the Pudge was
taken in tow by the tug Tanga.
1130ca
Arrived Ramsgate.
Authority R.O.II, p.620.
Not "St. Fabian" as stated by Mr. Watson.
Watson says 1t was a mine.

Details

ST. ABBS.
Tug. (Portland)
Lieut. T.E. Brooker, R.N.
(Retd.)
31st May
1000
Left Dover with 3 barges in tow, viz.
the A/B Thyra(1), and the S/B's H.A.C.
and Duchess.
2100
The S/B Duchess (1) broke adrift and
was taken in tow by a "sloop" [ the
M/S Lydd].
1st June
0030
Anchored about 6 miles from Dunkirk.
0330
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
0600
Proceeded towards the beaches. Air
attack.
0630
Anchored. Thyra(2) towed H.A.C.
inshore to the beaches.
0730
Air attacks. Weighed.
0800
dr. Keith hit by bomb. St. Abbs
took off survivors, and picked up
others from ships boats and from the
water.
120
0830
The M/S Skipjack was hit by a bomb and
sank quickly. The M/S Salamander
which was also rescuing survivors
sailed for the harbour entrance. The
St. Abbs continued to rescue Keith's
survivors.
0900
The St. Abbs sailed for the harbour
entrance.
0930
St. Abbs blown up by bombs. She sank
"
in 45 seconds. About 130 ratings
and soldiers were on board; about
30 men were seen swimming in the
water after the St. Abbs sank.
Nil.
Authority - D.R. "losses". M.017681/40
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
L/Stwd. E.S. Lawrence.
(1) Said by Mr. R.B. Henderson, Boatswain, R.N., in his report
to be the S/B Doris. Actually the Doris was in tow of
(2) Mr. Henderson says it was the Duchess.
the tug St. Fagan.
56

Details

Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
Sun XII
and Co. Ltd.)
A.V. Mee, Master.
B.R. Mastin, Navigating
Master
2300ca
29th May
Left Tilbury Docks for Ramsgate, towing
H.A.C. and Beatrice Maud.
the A/B Thyra and the S/B's Royalty,
1210
30th May
Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Dover.
1500
Arrived Dover with the 4 barges.
1600
31st May
Left Dover for Dunkirk towing the S/B's
Ethel Everard and Tollesbury loaded
with water and provisions for
Dunkirk; tug Fairplay I, also towing
barges, in company. Air attack en
route.
2350
Arrived Dunkirk. Both tugs put their
barges ashore at Braye-Dunes.
Both tugs proceeded 3 to 4 miles to
the east to collect troops, but none
were available.
1st June
0400
Returned to Braye-Dunes. Proceeded to
Dover.
0410ca
Off Dunkirk. Air attack.
1030
Arrived Dover.
2030
Sun XII assisted dr. Worcester which
had been in collision with P/V Maid
of Orleans.
2155
Left Dover for W buoy.
Off the North Goodwin, Sun XII was
one of 7 tugs steaming in single
line ahead (see Sun XI)
2nd June
0300
Arrived W buoy. Ordered to return.
0920
Arrived Dover.
Nil
Authority. A.T.C.
W.W.
191

Details

Auxy. Barge (Lond. &
THYRA
Rochester Trading Co. Ltd.)
Mr. E.W. Filley,
Master.
2330
29th May
Requisitioned at Millwall and towed
Sun XII with other barges, to
to Tilbury. Towed by the tug
Southend. Thence ordered to Ramsgate
and thence to
30th May
1430
Dover harbour.
31st May
-
Proceeded outside breakwater with S/B
H.A.C. in tow. The Thyra and H.A.C.
were taken in tow by the tug St. Abbs.
1st June
0500
Arrived Dunkirk. "Shot off" by the tug
at the Pierhead and told to beach
barges.
0630ca
Towed the H.A.C. into the beach, and
embarked 11 French troops. Picked
up (off the beach) the crews of the
S/B's Glenway and Lark; also 8
British troops that were aboard them.
Including the crew of the H.A.C.
the Thyra now had 28 men on board.
1400ca
Proceeded. Half way across, was picked
up by the tug Empire Henchman.
2345
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 19 troops(1)
Total 19
Authority - R.O.II, p.618
(1) D.R. gives June 2nd as date of disembarkation.
232

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
M.T.B. 107 447
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 68 405
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 67,
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
D.C.M.B., 484
CHICO
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 x476
M.A.S.M. No. 7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8V487 8 491
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
193
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
VEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
X
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
x
TARANSAY

Details

616
OG of the m.v.s "SEINE" Official No.160693 of Roohester.
580
j
8
Crow :-
Master - C.V. Cogger.
Mate - H.L. Stafford.
Engineer L. Godden.
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
May 22nd 1940
Sailed from Rochester at 7. O-a.m. for S.R.O. Jetty,
ednesday
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived
579
HEAD OFFICE
MAIDSTONE OFFICE
BRICK WORKS
REGISTERED OFFICE
TELEGRAMS "BARGES" ROCHESTER
EARL STREET
OTTERHAM QUAY
12 13. WATER LANE. E.C.S.
TELEPHONE: STROOD 7295-6-7
TELEPHONE
RAINHAM. KENT
TELEPHONE ROYAL 421415
NEAREST STATION STROOD.SOUTHERN RY
MAIDSTONE 4022.3
TEL
TELEGRAMS COASTING BILGATE
LONDON & ROCHESTER TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
DIRECTORS: E.A.GILL M.I.N.A. GILL A.A.HUTSON PEARSON
BRICK MANUFACTURERS
SAILING & MOTOR SHIPOWNERS
CANAL ROAD
SAND BALLAST
LIGHTERMEN AND
GRAVEL AND
GENERAL FREIGHTAGE
CONTRACTORS
ROCHESTER
GENERAL MERCHANTS
DATE
OUR REF
YOUR REF.
EAG/CC
15th June 1940
Commander L.F.N. Ommaney.
Assistant King's Harbour Master,
H.M. Dockyard,
CHATHAM.
Dear Commander Ommaney,
You said you would like to have a sight
of the reports of our men who were employed on the Dunkirk
episode.
Three of our auxiliary barges the were service so
the employed, in touch "CABBY" with the was him "THYRA" ordered a to Coaster find "PUDGE" Southwards In out addition of what and about report. "CABBY". he so 220 to we did. these, tons have d.w. been After our motor was unable also vessel to get
employed "SEINE" which and I is enclose also, his consider they are worth the them notice on
of the C. in C. perhaps you If you will be good enough to pass
to him.
Yours sincerely,
VICE ADMIRAL
payid
27 JUN 1940
*
DOVER

Details

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m.,
towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend,
thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all
the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to
beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their
assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our
barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to
di
go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any
kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as
possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the
barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them
as they had been left on the beach with 8 tor in for the Frenchmer
to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get
out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to
proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed
half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

Details

I William Watson am Master of the auxiliary barge "PUDGE".
We were requisitioned on the 29th May whilst lying outside the
581
6
Millwall Dock, towed to Tilbury, given three days rations, and
then to Southend. The "OCEAN COCK" towed us to Ramsgate and
subsequently to Dover with the barges "DORIS" "ENA" and "TOLSBURY".
We arrived at Dover at about 2.30 on the 30th May. We lay alongside
the Prince of Wales Pier for the rest of that day and were told we
should probably load in the morning.
On May 31st at about 8.30 a Naval Officer called the Captains
ashore and asked for Volunteers to go over to Dunkirk and said
that nodody could be forced to go but he would be very grateful
for any volunteers and preferred the auxiliary barges.
There were about 17 barges lying at Dover and all volunteered.
Six barges were selected, three auxiliaries and three sailing barges,
"PUDGE" "LADY ROSEBERRY" "DORIS" "H.A.C." "DUCHESS" and "THYRA".
The three auxiliary barges "THYRA" "LADY ROSEBERRY" AND "PUDGE"
each proceeded forthwith out of the harbour with the other three
+1
barges in tow and were picked up by a big tug. The tug which picked
us up was the "ST. FABIAN" and the "PUDGE" was on the hook with the
"DORIS" next and the "LADY ROSEBERRY" third.
The tug which had just arrived from the South Coast gave us & big
7" wire which was made fast round the mast case, under the windlass
and through the fairlead in the bowboard, and we arrived under the
shore close to Dunkirk during the hours of darkness that night (I
am not sure of the time).
We had some trouble in locating the inshore channel as the Captain
of the tug did not seem to know the locality and apprently had no
chart. By the time of daybreak on Saturday, we were about

Details

Details

Details

C.W.19295
(Revised-June, 1983.)
D-51.
1940
FROM WHOM
DATE
Merchant Service Vessels employed in Operation "Dynamo".
/
(Extracted from Case 5458).
Personnel Ships
Case 5458 Vol. III. 7.)
29.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
"
III. 6.
sunk
1.
"
DORRIEN ROSE
"
1.
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
"
III. 6.)
sunk
1.
SCOTTISH CORPORATION
"
III. 6.)
1.
MASSEY SHAW
"
III. 6 & 8)
1.
LIGHTER X 209
"
III. 6.)
1.
C.E.in C. TUG PRIMA
)
"
III. 6.)
1.
"
HOPPER BARGE W.24)
1.
"
"
"
W.26)
1.
"
"
"
W.95)
1.
THYRA
1.
PUDGE
London and Rochester ( "
II.5.)
1.
CABBY
Trading Company,
1.
SEINE
)
Limited.
1.
BEFENDER
1.
RELIANCE
1.
LETITIA
Bawley Boats
III 8
1.
ENDEAVOUR
"
Civilian crews.
1.
RESOLUTE
1.
RENOWN (Sunk)
1.
QUEENSLAND,
Tilbury Dredging Company.
(Case 5458.Vol.III.8.)
1.
JOHANNA
"
(Dutch eel boat)
III.8. 1.
River M/L "MADAME SANS GENE" (sunk)
"
III.8.) 1.
M/V "SEA ROAMER"
"
III.8.) 1.
"FAAR BREEZE" Drifter
1.
Votor Boat "KIT CAT"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Southend Lifeboat "GREATER LONDON"
1.
Launch belonging to Skylark Shipbuilding
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Co. Poole.
opper " Barge "Lady Southborough"
1.
"
1.
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
"
"
GALLIONS RANCH
Tilbury
l.
"
(
"
"
FOREMOST 101.
Contracting
III.8.) 1.
"
"
FOREMOST 102.
& Dredging
1.
"
"
1.
JAMES 67.
Company.
Dutch eel boat "CHANTECLER"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Motor Life Boat unnamed,
#
(S.Lt.Amos, R.N.V.R.)
III.8.) 1.
Motor Yacht "RYGATE II"
"
III.8. 1.
M/B "QUICKSILVER"
"
III.8. 1.
Motor Cruiser "BOBELI"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "RAPIDE"
"
III.8.) 1.
"NAID ERRANT"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "THARK"
#
III.8.) 1.
Total. 71.
Mainly civilian crew, but R.N. or R.N.R.Officer in command.

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

Details

INDEX
Silver Moon, crosses to France without charts or compass, 53.
Silver Queen, 53, 60n.
Simpson, Ch. Skpr. D. W. L., R.N.R., lost, 34.
Simson, Capt. D. J. R., Capt. D. (19), killed, 9.
Siroco, 39, 43, 62n, 69 (sunk), 85.
Skipjack, 20, 28n, 31, 60, 86, 90 (sunk).
Skipwith, Cdr. L. P., handling of Royal Sovereign, 108.
Skoots: Commissioned, 7; return to Downs in error, 20; reach Dunkirk and beaches, 29;
continuous service, 30.
Skylark, sunk, 72.
Small craft: provision of 5, 15, 17, 21, 32, 51 manning difficulty, 17; sent to Dover,
in error, 21, 22; shortage of, 24-5, 32-3, 61, 76, 80-82, 127 losses of 32, 36; difficulties
due to weather, 36, 48, 69-70; overcrowding, 36; supply increases, 51, 61, 71
ordered to move towards Dunkirk, 86-7; return empty to England, 100.
broached to and stranded, 58, 69-70; cast adrift and lost, 60; all vanished, 86;
Snaefell, 100-1.
S.N.O. Afloat, see Bush, Capt, E. W. and Wake-Walker, Rear-Adm. W. F.
S.N.O. Dunkirk, see Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Solomon, S/Lt. M. B. H., R.N.V.R., 73n.
Spanish refugees, 100-1.
Speedwell, 86, 90, 107n, 109, 114n, 117.
Spurs, 32n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 110 (damaged).
Starlight Rays, 60n, 107n, 108.
Stella Dorado, 34n, 69, 85 (sunk).
Stella Reigel, 85.
Stephenson, Vice-Adm. G. O., 49 (act. Cdre.), 58 (takes charge off La Panne), 66-7, 79,
83; effect of his arrival, 126.
Strathelliot, 72, 101.
Stubbs, Lt., 81.
Submarine Chaser 6, 107n.
Submarines (German): believed minelaying, 38; sighted, 69.
Sunshine, 60n, 75n.
Sun IV, 71n, 104n, 117.
Sun V, 32, 36 (put out of action).
Sun VII, 71n.
Sun VIII, 71n.
Sun X, 107n, 111.
Sun XI, 71n, 107n, 111.
Sun XII, 71n.
Sun XV, 71a, 104, 114n, 117.
Sunny Isle, lost, 110.
Surcouf, 62n.
Sursum Corda, 29n.
Survivors, machine gunned, 44, 90, 92.
Sutton, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (attacked), 101.
Swallow, 69-70, 72n, 114n.
Swift Wing, 7In.
Tanga, 71n, 88, 114n, 117.
Tanks, British worn out, 6.
Taransay, 71n.
Taylor, Rear-Adm. (act. Cdre.), A. H., (Dynamo Maintenance Officer), 21, 97.
Tennant, Capt. W. G., 16, 50 (appointed S.N.O. Dunkirk); 21-22 (assumes duty)
22 (sends dramatic signal) 24, 48 (asks for all ships to be sent to Dunkirk) ; 50 (res-
ponsible England). under R.A. Dover) ; 50n (false report sent in his absence) ; 108 (embarks for
Thark, lost, 117.
Thele, 71n.
Thérèse Compas, 73.
Thérèse Louis, 62n.
Thirlwall, A/Ldg. Sea. R., 93.
Thomas Bartlett, sunk, 34.
Thornton, Lt. Cdr. M., 47n.
Thuringia, sunk, 34, 38.
Thurston, Lt. N., mortally wounded, 86.
Thyra, 71n.
Tibbits, Lieut., 79.
206

Details

Page 6.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
#
RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
PELLAG II
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL Renumed FRANCOLIN NOWJACKDAN
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN x
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
SUN XI
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
Renamed Wranglu.
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

indicates Card for read and visal on newser driving
It.
NELSON (MB)
VINCIA. (Tug)
NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT.
No 4
WALMER CASTLE
No 101
Hopper barges.
WESSEX (Lighter)
No 102
WEST. COVE
WEST GROVE
ORIENT LINE (M.B)
WOLFE (WD wap)
WOOTTON (J-g-w Fevry)
PERSIA (Tug)
W24 (Hopper Barge)
PIGEON (WD Crap.)
PRIMA (Tug)
X 95
PUDGE
X 134
(Lighters)
x 209
QUEEN'S CHANNEL (Hopper Baye)
QUEENSLAND
YC 63
YC 71
(highten)
RICAS
yc 72
ROBERT CLIFF
ROWAN (Smack)
ST.ABBS
ST. CLEARS
# ST. FAGAN
Dialy 'Lhila (T.M.1899/UND)
ST. OLAF
SAMBRA (M.B)
SAVIOUR
Claim all
SEINE
SHEFFIELD (M.Bmge)
SILICIA (Coaster)
SINGAPORE
SMALL VIKING
SPEEDWELL renamed FRANCOLIN
now JACKDAW.
SPRITE (Harborn Camch)
SULTAN
SUN IV
SUN X
(Tugs)
SUN XI
SWALLOW
S.O. ONE
TANGA (Tug)
TENIAS
THYFORSA
THYRA renamed WRANGLER
TUG XV
37270.
# Smith

Details

PELLAG II
ANTHE MARIA (Fishing boat)
PERSIA (Tug)
PIGEON (WD crap)
PRIMA (Tug)
INTA (Trawler)
PUDGE
67. (Hopper Bmse)
QUEEN'S CHANNEL (Hopper Baye)
HANNA (Eel Boat)
QUEENSLAND
RDAN
RICAS
IGSGATE
ROBERT CLIFF
ROWAN (Smack)
BRASSEY (Resene ing)
ST. ABBS
SHEILA
ST. CLEARS
SOUTHBOROUGH (Hopper Bange)
# ST. FAGAN
VDANIA
ST OLAF
ROC
SAMBRA (M.B)
us
SAVIOUR
UISIANA ? Orusisana
SEINE
SHEFFIELD (m Bange)
ERRANT Marad Errant
SILICIA ( Coastin )
LDEN
SILVER BREEZE Schney Breye
ANNIE IV
# SILVER QUEEN rosemb
BOROUGH (WD craft)
SINGAPORE Card for
ARQUIS (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
ASSEY SHAW Fire Hoat)
SPEEDWELL renamed FRANCOLIN now JACKDA
YSPEA
SPRITE (Hanhour Lannch)
NWOOD
SULTAN
BOAT 42
SUN IV
-
27 27B. B.
SUN X
(Tugs)
:
43 (RAF)
SUN XI
--
101
..
SWALLOW
..
102
--
SO.ONE
- 243
,
- 270
"
TANGA (Tug)
- 275
TENIAS
THYFORSA
NETTE (M.L) Cand fw Nanette II
THYRA Renamed WRAN
ELSON (MB)
TUG XV TUG XVI
WHAVEN LIFEBOAT
37270
4
101
Hopper Banges
VINCIA (Tug)
102
WALMER CASTLE
BREEZE
FERIA offerma
WESSEX (highter)
WEST.COVE
IVIA
WEST GROVE
RIENT LINE (M.B)
WHITE HEATHER (M.B)
WOLFE (WD crap)
WOOTTON ( log W Ferry)
W 24 (Hopper Bange)
over

Details

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. -

Details

Page 6.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINORU II (M.B.)
# RENOWN
MINWOOD
RESOLUTE
MONARCH
RICAS
MOTOR-BOAT 42
ROBERT CLIFF
MOTOR-BOAT 27 B
ROSA WOOD AND PHYLLIS LUND
MOTOR-BOAT 43 (R.A.F.)
ROWAN (Smack)
MOTOR-BOAT 101 (R.A.F.
RYGATE II (Yacht)
MOTOR-BOAT 102 (R.A.F.
ST. ABBS
#
MOTOR-BOAT 243 (R.A.F.
ST. CLEARS
MOTOR-BOAT 270 (R.A.F.)
#
ST FAGAN
MOTOR-BOAT 275
ST OLAF
M.L. 8 (W.D. Craft)
SAMBRA (M.B.)
MURIOUS
SAVIOUR
NANETTE (M.L.)
SCENE SHIFTER
NELSON (M.B.)
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR
NEMO IV
SEA FALCON
NEWHAVEN LIFE-BOAT
SEA FOAM
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
SEASALTER
No. 4
in
SEINE
No. 101
(Hopper Barges)
SHAMROCK
No. 102
)
SHEFFIELD (M. Barge)
OCEAN BREEZE
SILICIA (Coaster)
OFFERIA
SILVA FOAM
OLIVIA
SILVER BREEZE
ORIENT LINE (M.B.)
#
SILVER QUEEN (M.B.)
PAULETEER
SINGAPORE
PEGGY IV
SYKLARK (Abandoned)
PELLAG II
PERSIA (Tug)
SKYLARK I
PIGEON (W.D. Craft)
SKYLARK II
PIONEER
SKYLARK VI
PRIMA (Tug)
SMALL VIKING
PRINCE OF WALES
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
PRINCESS FREDA
SPEEDWELL
PRINCESS LILY
SPRITE (Harbour Launch)
PUDGE
SULTAN
QUEEN
SUN IV
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
SUN X
SUN XI
~~~
(Tugs)
QUEEN BOADICEA II
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
SWALLOW
(Hopper Barge)
S.O. ONE
QUEENSLAND
TANGA (Tug)
QUICKSILVER
THARK
QUI SI SANA (M.B.)
TENIAS
RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT
THYFORSA
THYRA
RAPIDE
REDA (M.B.)
TONY
TRITON
RELIANCE
TUG XV
# Sunk
(Continued)

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
X3+30
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 107. 447
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 68 405
M.T.B. 67, 443
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
CHICO
D.C.M.B., 484
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 476
M.A.S.M. No.7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8.V487
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
493
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
WEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
TARANSAY

Details

616
OG of the m.v.g "SEING" Official No.160693 of Roohester.
580
j
6
Crow :-
Master - C.V. Cogger.
Mate - H.L. Stafford.
Engineer Is, Godden.
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
May 22nd 1940 Sailed from Rochester at 7. 0-a.m. for S.R.O. Jetty,
ednesday
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived
579
HEAD OFFICE
MAIDSTONE OFFICE
BRICK WORKS
REGISTERED OFFICE
TELEGRAMS "BARGES" ROCHESTER
EARL STREET
OTTERHAM QUAY
12 WATER LANE. E.C.S.
TELEPHONE: STROOD 7295-6-7
TELEPHONE
RAINHAM KENT
TELEPHONE ROYAL 4214-5
NEAREST STATION STROOD SOUTHERN RY
MAIDSTONE 4022.3
TEL RAINHAM (MENT) 01151
TELEGRAMS COASTING BILGATE
LONDON & ROCHESTER TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
DIRECTORS: E.A.GILL M.I.N.A. GILL A.A.HUTSON PEARSON
SAILING & MOTOR SHIPOWNERS
CANAL ROAD
BRICK MANUFACTURERS
LIGHTERMEN AND
SAND BALLAST
GENERAL FREIGHTAGE
GRAVEL AND
CONTRACTORS
ROCHESTER
GENERAL MERCHANTS
YOUR REF.
OUR REF
DATE
EAG/CC
15th June 1940
Commander L.F.N. Ommaney.
Assistant King's Harbour Master,
H.M. Dockyard,
CHATHAM.
Dear Commander Ommaney,
You said you would like to have a sight
of the reports of our men who were employed on the Dunkirk
episode.
Three of our auxiliary barges were so
the employed, "CABBY" the was ordered Southwards so we have been get
"THYRA" "PUDGE" and "CABBY". After unable the service to
in touch with him to find out what he did.
In addition to these, our motor vessel
"SEINE" which is a Coaster of about 220 tons d.w. was also
employed and I enclose also, his report.
consider they are worth the them notice on
of the C. in C. perhaps you If you will be good enough to pass
to him.
Yours sincerely,
VICE ADMIRAL
27 JUN 1940
*
DOVER

Details

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m.,
towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend,
thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all
the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to
beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their
assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our
barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to di
go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any
kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as
possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the
barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them
as they had been left on the beach with 8 in for the Frenchmer
to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get
out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to
proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed
half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

Details

I William Watson am Master of the auxiliary barge "PUDGE".
We were requisitioned on the 29th May whilst lying outside the
581
6
Millwall Dock, towed to Tilbury, given three days rations, and
then to Southend. The "OCEAN COCK" towed us to Ramsgate and
subsequently to Dover with the barges "DORIS" "ENA" and "TOLSBURY".
We arrived at Dover at about 2.30 on the 30th May. We lay alongside
the Prince of Wales Pier for the rest of that day and were told we
should probably load in the morning.
On May 31st at about 8.30 a Naval Officer called the Captains
ashore and asked for Volunteers to go over to Dunkirk and said
that nodody could be forced to go but he would be very grateful
for any volunteers and preferred the auxiliary barges.
There were about 17 barges lying at Dover and all volunteered.
Six barges were selected, three auxiliaries and three sailing barges,
"PUDGE" "LADY ROSEBERRY" "DORIS" "H.A.C." "DUCHESS" and "THYRA".
The three auxiliary barges "THYRA" "LADY ROSEBERRY" AND "PUDGE"
each proceeded forthwith out of the harbour with the other three
-
barges in tow and were picked up by a. big tug. The tug which picked
us up was the "ST. FABIAN" and the "PUDGE" was on the hook with the
"DORIS" next and the "LADY ROSEBERRY" third.
The tug which had just arrived from the South Coast gave us as big
7" wire which was made fast round the mast case, under the windlass
and through the fairlead in the bowboard, and we arrived under the
shore close to Dunkirk during the hours of darkness that night ( I
am not sure of the time).
We had some trouble in locating the inshore channel as the Captain
of the tug did not seem to know the locality and apprently had no
chart. By the time of daybreak on Saturday, we were about