St. Seiriol

Details

ST. SEIRIOL
Liverpool & N. Wales
Steamship Co. Ltd
Capt. R.D. Dobb, Master
27th May
1330
To Dunkirk in company with P/V
1930
Queen of the Channel (1).
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Air raid in
progress.
2000
Proceeded to the beaches, and sent in 3
2200
life boats to embark troops.
Before the life boats came back, the
St. Seiriol returned to Dunkirk
the Wolthound
harbour at the request of a
destroyer. There she embarked about
600 troops.
2400ca
Left the Mole and proceeded to look
for the life boats. They were being
used for ferrying.
28th May
0415ca
Left Dunkirk. Queen of the Channel(1)
bombed and sunk.
0600ca
Folkestone. Disembarked 493 British
176
and 1 Fr. troops. (2)
29th May(3)
0900
To Dover.
1230
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1800ca
Arrived Dunkirk. Berthed alongside
mole with the P/V Fenella and the
Sp. S/V Crested Eagle.
Shifted to the beaches. Crested
Eagle, which had left the mole, was
hit by a bomb and set on fire.
St. Seiriol lowered her 4th life boat
and picked up 150 men from Crested
Eagle.
30th May
0300
Fog. Anchored in the Downs.
0630ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 178 troops.
The Master and crew, suffering from
strain, were examined by a Medical
Officer. He found them "unfit to
carry on any longer, consequently they
all returned to their homes. (4)
Total 672
Authority - R.O.III, pp.213, 241.
T.0.6213/40.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. A.R. MacKewn, R.N.R.
(1) The report erroneously states "Channel 499. Queen".
(2) (3) D.R. The Master's states 800. Folkestone sail. Lt. report A.R. states MacKewn, R.N.R., 6 ratings, took
command. 1000/29 and six stokers joined ship proceeded.
Master refused At to a naval party of the 1 P.O., ship. The Master
(4) Report was 1 Sto. put by P.O., under the Chairman open arrest, of the and Liverpool the and N. Wales
Steamship Co. Ltd.
72

Details

Page 150
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
SEA TRANSPORT OFFICERS.
The work done by the Sea Transport Officers
throughout the Operation of Dynamo, entailed an
enormous amount of labour, which was carried out
in a highly efficient manner.
Commodore Jukes-Hughes was in charge at Dover,
and it was entirely due to his organisation and
smooth working that enabled nearly 181,000 to be
disembarked at Dover without any hitch whatsoever,
and at Folkestone, nearly 32,000.
Commodore Edward Glyn de Styrap Jukes-Hughes.,R.N. (Retd.)
As P.S.T.O. was responsible for the successful
disembarkation of troops, and the greatest credit
is due to the capable and efficient way in which
the troops were disembarked and able manner in
which he was able to arrange for the quick turn
rounds of the various transports that came into
harbour.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Allan Raymond MacKewn, R.N.R.
In addition to carrying out the ordinary duties
of Sea Transport Officer, Lieutenant MacKewn went
in command of an armed party to the ST. SEIRIOL,
where the Master had refused to sail, thereby
showing great devotion to duty.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant-Commander Ralph William Soper, R.N.R.
In addition to carrying out his ordinary duties,
this officer volunteered to take over the duty of
Chief Officer of Transport, Canterbury, as there
was no relief available, thereby showing great
devotion to duty.
Recommended for decoration.
Major Lionel Steele Wilkinson, R.M.
During the period of the operation he was in
almost constant attendance at the office and was
only absent for very brief periods for sleep. His
local knowledge was of great assistance to the
P.S.T.O., and a great deal of the success of the
organisation is due to his great devotion to duty.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant/

Details

133
22
.
131
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and
sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft
in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to
other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and
abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft,
either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY
(Personnel Vessel)
M/S
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as
follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times
by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship
returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer
deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further
operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned
eventually under own steam.
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put
her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were
transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses
necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May

Details

164
163
APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
181
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
FLARE BURNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
DRIFTER:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
GUARDSHIPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLA
KING ORRY
A.B.V's:
LLANTHONY
CORVETTES:
KINGFISHER
G
ILLEMOT
F.A.A.
AIR FORCE
GRIEVE
AMULREE
TRAINING VESSEL:
M.T.B's:
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
PERSONNEL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX- MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
PRAGUE
OSPITAL CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST DAVID
PARIS
ST JULIAN
WORTHING
OTE:
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
Yachts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
tows of boats to the coast.

Details

Details

Details

Reference
No mention is made in the Admiralty Dover's Report
concerning the part played by the "ST. SEIRIOL" a small
passenger steamer belonging to the Liverpool and North
Wales Steamship Co. Ltd.
The Minister of Shipping, in his broadcast about the
Dunkirk evacuation, specially mentioned the Chief Officer
of this vessel who made two trips in the "ST. SEIRIOL" to
Dunkirk and spent the whole of one night in a Lifeboat picking
up survivors from another ship which had been sunk. He and
his boat's crew rescued 150 men. In consequence of his
efforts he became partially paralyzed in the legs and could
take no further action in the evacuation.
His action was outstanding and calls for some recognitior
It is suggested he should be decorated.
The Officers full name and address is:-
Joseph McNamee,
155, Islington,
Liverpool.
Almin
23rd July, 1940.
1s.
Wt14698/963
If JK filmy Troy- 100 no action
5/39 JC&SLtd.
Seems To have been Taken
644/230
IMITE)
BMD.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12,
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and
sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft
in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to
other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and
abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft,
either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY (Personnel Vessel)
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as
follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times
by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship
returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer
deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further
operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned
eventually under own steam,
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put
her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were
transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses
necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May
!

Details

APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
URNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
IPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLE
KING ORRY
:
LLANTHONY
ES:
KINGFISHER
GUILLEMOT
CE
GRIEVE
G VESSEL:
i
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
EL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
P. LGUE
L CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST. DAVID
PARIS
ST. JULIAN
WORTHING
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
achts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
OWS of boats to the coast.

Details

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during
operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
Of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing
or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the
operation, and two were damaged in collision.
of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN,
BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS,
AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had
been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2 MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST.HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3
AUTO
CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of
these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo
started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour
in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the
situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, but discovered some
of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put
an officer and some seamen and stokers on board to augment and
stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed
and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing
troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an
armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and
did not sail again.
4.
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she
should have completed 0 voyages. When due to commence her
fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail
again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if
required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from
the master of the MALINES last night to say him and
the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it
hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been
continually on their feet all the week and especially
the deck officers who have had to be on their feet
for so long. I myself have had 4 hours rest for the
week and am at present physically unfit for another
trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely
necessary to go I will abide with the masters of the
other ships decision.
P.S. absolutely nervous wrecks and certified by the naval
There is two more of the crew going ashore now
doctor.
In/

Details

Details

Page 4.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
NEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
RCHANGEL
MANXMAN
UTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
EN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
IARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
ANTERBURY
NGAROMA
LAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
OTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
OTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
INARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
ORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
#
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
ENELLA
ROEBUCK
ОЛМ QUEEN
ROUEN
SLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
SLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
ILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
ING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
ADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
EVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
OCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
AID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
re
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BATL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
/
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
C. 9 } (Tugs)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
(Continued)
Sunk

Details

pt. C.W. 29685
40
Page 150
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
3.
SeaTransport
SEA TRANSPORT OFFICERS.
adminal Shipway
The work done by the Sea Transport Officers
throughout the Operation of Dynamo, entailed an
enormous amount of labour, which was carried out
in a highly efficient manner.
0/
Commodore Jukes-Hughes was in charge at Dover,
ing
and it was entirely due to his organisation and
smooth working that enabled nearly 181,000 to be
disembarked at Dover without any hitch whatsoever,
8
and at Folkestone, nearly 32,000.
Commodore Edward Glyn de Styrap Jukes-Mughes. R.N. (Retd.)
As P.S.T.O. was responsible for the successful
disembarkation of troops, and the greatest credit
is due to the capable and efficient way in which
the troops were disembarked and able manner in
d
CBE
which he was able to arrange for the quick turn
rounds of the various transports that came into
ion
harbour.
h
and
in
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Allan Raymond MacKewn, R.N.R.
In addition to carrying out the ordinary duties
of Sea Transport Officer, Lieutenant MacKewn went
in command of an armed party to the ST. SEIRIOL,
where the Master had refused to sail, thereby
showing great devotion to duty.
n,
Min
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant-Commander Ralph William Soper, R.N.R.
In addition to carrying out his ordinary duties
this officer volunteered to take over the duty of
Chief Officer of Transport, Canterbury, as there
was no relief available, thereby showing great
is
devotion to duty.
ly
Mit
Recommended for decoration.
m
Major Lionel Steele Wilkinson, R.M.
During the period of the operation he was in
almost constant attendance at the office and was
only absent for very brief periods for sleep. His
0
local knowledge was of great assistance to the
alty
P.S.T.O., and a great deal of the success of the
organisation is due to his great devotion to duty.
this
in
on
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant/
td.

Details

Page 150
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Recommendations of Personnel.
SEA TRANSPORT OFFICERS.
The work done by the Sea Transport Officers
throughout the Operation of Dynamo, entailed an
enormous amount of labour, which was carried out
in a highly efficient manner.
Commodore Jukes-Hughes was in charge at Dover,
and it was entirely due to his organisation and
smooth working that enabled nearly 181,000 to be
disembarked at Dover without any hitch whatsoever,
and at Folkestone, nearly 32,000.
Commodore Edward Glyn de Styrap Jukes-Hughes.R.N. (Retd.)
As P.S.T.O. was responsible for the succes
disembarkation of troops, and the greatest cre
is due to the capable and efficient way in whi
the troops were disembarked and able manner in
which he was able to arrange for the quick tur
rounds harbour. of the various transports that came into
CBE
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Allan Raymond Mackewn, R.N.R.
In addition to carrying out the ordinary dut
of Sea Transport Officer, Lieutenant MacKewn wen
in command of an armed party to the ST. SEIRIOL,
where the Master had refused to sail, thereby
showing great devotion to duty.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant-Commander Ralph William Soper, R.N.R.
In addition to carrying out his ordinary duti
this officer volunteered to take over the duty 03
Chief Officer of Transport, Canterbury, as there
was no relief available, thereby showing great
devotion to duty.
Recommended for decoration.
Major Lionel Steele Wilkinson, R.M.
During the period of the operation he we
almost constant attendance at the office and
only absent for very brief periods for sleep.
local knowledge was of great assistance to the
P.S.T.O., and a great deal of the success of th
organisation is due to his great devotion to du
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutens

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during
operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
(i
Of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing
a:
or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the
operation, and two were damaged in collision.
er
Of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN,
nd
BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS,
le
AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had
been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2
MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST.HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3 AUTO CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
a
2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of
these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo
started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour
in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the
situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, out discovered some
of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put
os,
an officer and some set nen and stokers on board to augment and
stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed
and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing
troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an
armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and
did not sail again.
should 4. have completed 6 voyages. When due to commence her
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she
fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail
again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if
required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from
the master of the MALINES last night to say him and
the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it
hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been
continually on their feet all the week and especially
the deck officers who have had to be on their feet
for so long. I myself have had 4 hours rest for the
week and am at present physically unfit for another
necessary to jo I will abide with the masters of the
trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely
other ships decision.
P.S. absolutely There nervous wrecks and certiffed by the naval
is two more of the crew going ashore now
doctor.
In/

Details

Details

Fire was opened and WES effective in
Dynamo293
195
THE LIVERPOOL AND
TELEPHONE 1653 CENTRAL
TELEGRAMS "ST TUDNO, LIVERPOOL.
NORTH WALES
STEAMSHIP Co LIMITED
ST TUDNO.
a. #1 SEIRIOL
40, Chapel Street
er $
T.G. BREW. SECRETARY
Liverpool,3
TGB/CP.
12th June, 1940.
The Principal Sea Transport Officer,
Sea Transport Office,
Lord Warden Hotel,
Dover.
Dear Sir,
H.M.T.S. "St. Seiriol"
Your letter of the 5th instant, addressed to the
Master of "St. Seirioi" has been forwarded to this Office,
and we have to inform you that Captain Dobb is away from
homeand under Medical Treatment.
Ne attached a report signed by the Waster dated 8th
June, and addressed to this Company with the intention of it
being forwarded to the competent authority.
We have also received a report from the 2nd Officer
and we enclose extract of same.
We also attach an extract from the report which was
forwarded to the Director of Sea Transport on the 7th June
and signed by the Chairman of this Company.
We are expecting & report from the Chief Officer -
J. McNamee and Purser D.D. MeMahon, which will be forwarded on
to you within the next two or three days.
The Master of the vessel left the Ship by order of
the Medical Officeron Thursday 30th May.
Any further information which you may require we shall
be pleased to furnish.
Yours faithfully,
The Liverpool & North Wales
Steamship Company utaited.
Secretary.
and we Lowered our only Lireboat and rescued 150 nen from
the burning ship under very heavy fire from the Air.
Arrived Dover about 6.0 am and disembarked. (Thursday
30th May).
Yours faithfully, R.A.AM
Master.

Details

Fire was opened and WILLS effective in
197
53, Ambrose Street,
Bangor.
21
O3TIMU
10th June, 1940.
1
Extract from letter from
Mr Birss Jones. 2nd Officer. "St. Seiriol".
The night of the 27 th May.
"We arrived at Dunkirk between 7 and 8.0 pm and as soon as we
got alongside the Pier the bombing started from all directions,
so the Captain had orders to go out again and get all the Troops
he could get from the beach. The bombing was still going on
but we were lucky, so we dropped Anchor and the Captain ordered
10
boats to be Lowered and manned and to go ashore and get as many
128
troops as we could. I took charge of No.3 Lifeboat with J. Wishart
Greaser, and i,Roberts. A.B.
8
The night was dark out the burning buildings ashore lit
up the Beach, so I managed to get the boat full of wounded soldiers
O.,
e
and when I got out again I could not find the "St. Seirioi". While
was ashore the Captain got order to 80 back to the Pier and load
d
troops, so I took ay Load to & destroyer and put them on board
are
irned
there and I went for another boat load and back to the Destroyer.
pe
It was getting about half past eleven, so the Dieutenant told ne
and my men to go on board and cast the boat adrift as they were
to,
leaving at midnight. Just before we left the *St. Seiriol" came
55
close and hailed the destroyer that he had three of his sen ashore,
so he was told that we were on board. Ne proceeded with the
that
Destroyer and arrived at Dover and I joined "St. Seiriol" at
ards,
Folkestone midday on the 26th.
made
The We got night to of the the Pier 29th at May. Lunkirk about 7 o'clock, after Jerry had been
y
trying to bomb us all along the Coast. The first thing we saw
was the S.S. "Fenella" alorgside the Pier and P.S. Crested Bagle*,
e
iber
The "Fenella" had been bombed and disembarking the troops and her
:ions
Cre. to the other ship. After the "Crested Eagie" left the Pier
she was bombed and on fire so the Captain run her ashore. lie had
1
orders the boats. or course we had only two boats left. the
took to man of No.5 boat and the Chief Officer took charge of burned
other, charge managed to get some on board, wounded, scalded, all
and half SQ drowned. we It was hellish there and bombs dropping

Details

9807dmA EEC
. Togned
19816
TO FP THUS' тдло:
1
EXTRACT FROM LETTER dated 7th June, 1940.
To. The Director of Sea Transport,
From.
motî T93301
STATE CHAPEL 40 STREET STRAISHIP
21
.7901110
Ministry of Shipping,
1
Berkeley Square House,
LIVERPOOL
Berkeley Square,
LIVESPOUL
TEL 1835
9W as 2002 as bris mq 0.8 ons \ news YSM
London.W.i.
CENTRAL
COMPANY
381
LED
118 mort 2. gradmod
Dear Sir,
H.M.T.S."St.Seiriol"
about edd IIB Jeg bns nisss JUO 00 of ST9DTO
"We have now had an opportunity of interviewing the
around us. It was terrible and also a miracle
Master (R.D.Dobb) and various Members of the Crew of our
no gniog 11132 2.8W graderod 911 .dosed
steamer "St. Seiriol" on their exploits on the nights of 27th
and 29th May when the vessel was ordered to proceed to
0919610 mistqs0 90J DNS ALCOULT D9QQOTD 9W 02
got clear of them. We left there between 10 and
May Dunkirk to assist in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from that
and we consider it our duty to the Master and Crew to
VISA as J93 brie этопав 08 OJ DAS D9MNSM DILS
managed to get our two boats in the davits.
bring Port to the notice of the competent authority the exceptional Master
courage, endurance and devotion to duty shown by the
10
1497
Jisdel to dJ tw c.on to Food I
Captain Dobb acted wonderful in command
and Crew on these two occasions.
Bridge and also the Chief Officer. Mr.Onions
would respectfully draw your attention to the
We and seamanship displayed by the Master on the enemy night
JHI этолає againstud SHINTED ent find NISD 2.8W
staff had done their best looking after the wounded
of the 27th when he succeeded in taking his vessel and Mole try
coolness May, under heavy Gunfire and Bombing by to the
0'
and was then aboard by use of ships lifeboats, midnight and did.
aircraft, ordered by S.I.O. to go to the beaches which he
Aid) as we were bringing them on board. If
to 1101 Jsoa 9AJ Jeg OJ begsnem I OC
He and was get then troops ordered to return to the Nole about
eltdW 9dj "Your I obedient remain Servant
embarked nearly 600 B.E.F.Troops.
and also ships which were sunk by enemy
shore and was put successful in picking men from the water action were
On the the remaining lifeboat out to go to the who
night of 29th May he took his vessel well beach, in
bsol bns Te I9 9dd of NOBD 00 of 19171 Jones.
MY
based no mont Jug bns 2nd Officer. Seiriol"
and survivors then brought from other his Ship safely to Port with a complement of
ed
end of Hosd bris bsol Jsod Teddons
.E.F.men despiteintense air bombing.
9m blot 9dd 02 enevele Jasq fied JUOOS
doubt Lieut McEwen R.N. who was this, on and duty on
board Seiriol" wishes on to place on record his appreciation Lieut McBwen of R.N. the
We have no the 29th May will confirm
SISW veda as titubs Jsod 9dj Jaso bas based до 08 of
Captain gallant Dobb work and assistance he received from
emso "foimiss, edj Jiel SW Jawl
No praise is too high for the gallantry of Captain Dobb
erodes nom ald 10 bed 9d JANJ revorted 900
in the opinion of my Directors.
We would through by Chief Officer of the who,
also draw your attention to the J.McNamee good work
9dd NJ IW bebeecorq sW .bIsod no 9'19W 9W
undertaken in charge of and a ship's carried lifeboat with of two B.E.F.men other members to get off the
JS "lottles, 3" benief 1 ons isvol JS Devings
crew, helped a considerable Officer number B.Jones who under similar did similar tions
.dj8s
no
beaches, was in charge and also of another 2nd of the ship's lifeboats and
good work.
need bsd Vimet TOJIS , NOOLD'O \ Juods V8A JS 1919
did excellent work at their a Bren posts Gun, and
wse SW gridt Jamit sniT .Jaso0 9dj gnoss 116 dmod
by we understand permission of the the 4th Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy planes. and
ALL the Engineers Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned
Steward Onions. 2nd Steward J.E.Brown tending to
"eigel Dits 1919 and
D.D.McMahon The Chief we understand aid heroic board. work in
Ted bns 9dd DOB bedmod need bad #811909
Purser the wounded, there being no Doctor on
Supplies and other consumable Comfort stores to of the
1919 edd they and TOJIA .qide Teddo 9dd
our Catering ALL the Department Medical were used to give Medical and
ben 9W .emodes Ted aus nisiqe0 edd 02 only no bns oadmoo
rescued. After the strain work during and anxieties the previous of these week, two Doctor the trips whole at of
I .Jist assod OWJ Vido bad OW TO .afsed and
after the strenuous shaken and the Military that Dover, the
edd 10 egrado Food TODITTO Te IdO edj bega 10
Waster after he had hands were unfit to carry homes. any #
the crew were examined thoroughly them, decided without on hesitation longer,
behand ,bebisos bebauow ,basod по based SW eased n99d 0 9dd
aluensequently and all they all returned to their
(Signed) H.lan Maclver.
116 edmod Drts 10 Teldaido Dd dedmoo
Chairman.

Details

CHAP. IV
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
attacked misses, and, twice arrival by dive-bombers at Dunkirk en at route, 1655, receiving found some damage
was
in progress. on an air attack by 21 from aircraft near
enveloped air raid casualties lying about depots the and The was
investigate in the a vast pall of smoke from the oil area of Naval Headquarterters to
Captain Tennant local proceeded situation. ashore The whole to the Bastion
with was blazing, masses of wreckage. were streets, which were littered town
Parminter ; On arrival at Colonel the Bastion, Whitfeld, Captain Sub-Area Tennant Commandant; held a meeting and with Brigadier
H. P. Henderson, R.N., the B.N.L.O. It to was retain decided that the harbour Commander
as a W/T link.
untenable, and that it was impracticable the Wolfhound at Dunkirk was
At 1900 Captain Tennant assumed the duties of S.N.O. Dunkirk,
ordered the Wolfhound and Wolsey to proceed to the beach east of Dunkirk and
and embark troops, using their own boats. This they proceeded to do, but
did not get away unscathed; the Wolfhound grounded as she left Dunkirk
harbour and received further damage from a bomb which struck the jetty six
feet away. She made no more trips to Dunkirk, but on that evening she and
the Wolsey became the pioneers of beach evacuation.
Beach evacuation begins
Meanwhile, during the afternoon, four personnel vessels and two hospital
carriers had sailed for Dunkirk¹. Of these, the personnel vessels Queen of the
Channel and St. Seiriol left Dover at 1330, by Route Y, and entered Channel Dunkirk
at about 1930, during an air raid. The Queen of the beaches. had At
harbour barely embarked 50 troops when both boats ships were had started diverted ferrying, to the S.N.O. Dun-
kirk to troyers' passed 2230, boats, embark signalled however, which this motor 1,000 order were the boats. before men. Wolfhound manned to the the The The St. St. as Queen to Wolfhound, Seiriol's necessary Seiriol send of a beach by the personnel by then megaphone Channel, naval and with ship then, ratings the using to and Wolsey returning the or her commandeered east towed own off pier, to the by except boats, Dunkirk, Dunkirk the beaches des- em- the her
she harbour, destroyers barked was about unfortunately picked Wolfhound 150 up troops a and further sunk Wolsey, from by 700 aircraft the to troops. embark early She next troops was morning from the first the (May ship, beaches, 28th) shortly though
after leaving Dunkirk.
" tomorrow night is problematical "
S.N.O. local By 1958, Dunkirk, and Captain he sent Tennant this dramatic had arrived signal to at immediately.
Evacuation on 27th May, only an hour after he a the duties of the of
situation, available craft to beaches T.O.Of.1988."kirk
" Evacuation tomorrow transmission, night is was not received until 2055, but in and the
Please send every problematical.
This I The signal, Queen delayed of the Channel, in St. Seiriol, Canterbury, Maid of Orleans, Isle of Thanet
Worthing.
22

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. IV
from the St. Seiriol and Queen of the Channel, in addition to the drifters'
beaches during the night
dinghies, enabled these drifters of the to 27th/28th lift some May. 2,000 troops from Malo and Bray own
Results of S.N.O. Dunkirk's 2005/27
assembling off the beaches on 1 cruiser, 27th/28th May the Wolfhound,
As a result of the action taken the on night S.N.O. of Dunkirk's signals, there
3 Channel skoots and (the the Lena, St. Hebe Seiriol). other II and All small Oranje) these ships boats, were ordered to use Queen of thers, their own
Wolsey and 6 other destroyers¹, a
pulling boats, were yet available.
boats for ferrying, as no power cutters, whalers or other
S.N.O. Dunkirk's signals had therefore a big result; but owing to the diffi-
culty of passing orders at night in a shattered harbour his decision to divert
vessels to the beaches had unforeseen repercussions, and it was associated with
a false report that Dunkirk had fallen, and the failure of one personnel vessel
and 7 skoots to reach the beaches that night. The circumstances are described
below.
The P/V Canterbury, which had entered Dunkirk harbour at 2000, left at
2058 with 457 troops, including 140 stretcher cases. Before leaving, she was
ordered by the Sea Transport Officer to turn back ships attempting to
enter Dunkirk the order, evidently intended to divert ships to the beaches,
was misunderstood. In the Dunkirk road, the Canterbury passed the order
to the P/V Maid of Orleans and to the H/C's Isle of Thanet and Worthing, and
those vessels thereupon turned back to Dover. Later the order became
definitely garbled, for the skoot Tilly (which was in company with the 4 skoots
Hondsrug, Jutland, Patria and Brandaris) met the Canterbury (in company
with the 2 hospital carriers) 8 or 9 miles from Dunkirk, and received from her
the signal "Dunkirk is in enemy hands. Keep clear." This signal was
variously recorded by some of the other skoots, as Dunkirk has fallen. Re-
turn"; and all five of them, as well as the skoots Bornrif and Twente, did in
fact return to the Downs, although the Jutland and the Patria first closed
Nieuport Bank buoy in an unsuccessful endeavour to obtain more definite
information. Some of the skoots, in turn, promulgated this false report to
other ships, notably to the P/V Dorrien Rose; this ship, which received the
signal, unsafe to approach Dunkirk," did at first alter course to the north-
ward, but, shortly after, again set course for Dunkirk. It was subsequently
thought by some of the vessels concerned that the false information had been
passed by fifth columnists," though there is very little proof of this.³
Chronic shortage' of beaching boats
Such was the beginning of the great build-up of ships4 and of the inaugura-
tion of beach evacuation. The successful development of the latter was
necessarily good in into I the The of northern situation the dependent chronic having sector shortage changed on between the by continuation the south-west of beaching and of boats⁵. fine north-east weather, A wind would and and of any Wakeful the have strength making made went
from Dunkirk. The Windsor remained time they arrived, Anthony the Gallant had not yet returned
2 Portsmouth whither she had escorted on the patrol. S.S. Kyno. The
Canterbury's report.
4 3 See Appendices H.30 and H.32.
5 Appendices D, E and F.
D.R. page 3, para. 11.
24

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
had all come under fire from the shore guns at Calais and Gravelines. At
0415 on the 28th May the Queen of the Channel, loaded with 904. troops, was
attacked by one aircraft; 3 or 4 bombs were dropped, which straddled the ship
abaft the mainmast and broke her back, the starboard propeller shaft and the
rudder. By good fortune the Dorrien Rose, en route for Dunkirk, was in the
vicinity and rescued the troops : the Queen of the Channel sank about 1/2 hour
later. The St. Seiriol, which left Dunkirk at about 0415 with 494 troops,
reached Folkestone in safety.
Civilian crews feel the strain
Some 45 personnel vessels were used during operation "Dynamo"
Of these eight were sunk, at least six were so damaged by bombing or gunfire
as to render them unfit for further use during the operation, and two were
damaged in collision. Nine of the largest of these personnel vessels had been
engaged prior to "Dynamo" in operations at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne,
and their Captains and crews were beginning to feel the strain when Operation
"Dynamo" started.
Thus it was that the Master of the Canterbury, which had already completed
2 round trips to Dunkirk in operation "Dynamo", reported, on the 28th May,
that he was too worn out to make a third trip. The P.S.T.O. went on board
and explained the gravity of the situation to the Master, and the Canterbury
sailed at 0930 the next day. On her return voyage from Dunkirk she was
bombed and damaged, and after landing her 1960 troops went into dock for
repairs. In the 3 trips she made the Canterbury brought back 4,416 troops;
her Master, Captain C. A. Hancock, was awarded the D.S.C.
Personnel vessels not to be employed during full daylight
On the 28th May, however, it had become apparent that development of
the German air threat over the evacuation area, and the increasing artillery
fire from shore batteries covering the sea approaches to Dunkirk, prohibited
the employment of personnel and similar vessels during daylight, until the
position was restored, and that evacuation from Dunkirk by day must for the
moment be confined to warships and small vessels².
It was not, therefore, until later in the day, that the P/V Royal Daffodil
sailed for Dunkirk, and eight other personnel vessels and a hospital carrier³
received their sailing orders during the afternoon and evening.
The northern Route Y was by this time in general use⁴, but ships proceeding
from Dover to Dunkirk were ordered to use the southern and shorter Route Z,
if the passage from Calais Bell buoy to Dunkirk could be made in darkness.
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate responsible for servicing skoots
In these circumstances some 20 skoots reached Dunkirk, or arrived off the
beaches during the day and evening of the 28th May; others were on the way.
Their speed varied, but most of them were very slow. Eight of them went
into Dunkirk harbour⁵, and four to Bray beach⁶. The Abel Tasman, loaded
with ammunition, the Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with food, and three
I This number includes 3 store ships, 3 motor vessels and a few freighters, coasters and
tramps.
2 D.R. p. 4, para. 13.
3 The Scotia, Malines, Prague, Manxman, Royal Sovereign, Tynwald, Lochgarry, Killarney
and the H.C. Paris.
4 Appendix K.1.
5 The Caribia, Fredanja, Friso, Jutland, Tilly, Patria, Sursum-Corda, and Twente.
6 The Amazone, Doggersbank, Hilda, and Oranje.
29

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. VI
1650, she left the harbour, but soon after was damaged by a near miss. She
was able to reach Dover, but took no further part in "Dynamo." At 1720
the berth vacated by the Canterbury in Dunkirk harbour was taken by the
destroyer Verity.
Intrepid severely damaged
Meanwhile, at 1700, the Intrepid, hurrying back to Dunkirk from Dover
(where she had disembarked 661 troops), was bombed between Middelkerke
Bank and La Panne. A near miss caused severe damage, started fires, and
killed 2 and wounded 19. The Intrepid had to return to Dover, and took no
further part in Operation "Dynamo."
Hospital ship deliberately bombed
At 1700 also, the H/C St. Julien, en route for Dunkirk harbour, was de-
liberately bombed for a considerable period" in the vicinity of Nieuport
Bank buoy1; she was slightly damaged by near misses. The St. Julien lay
off Dunkirk harbour for about 1/2 an hour waiting for an opportunity to enter;
when air attacks recommenced, however, she sailed for Dover without having
entered the harbour.
At 1730 the Siroco sailed from Dunkirk harbour with 500 troops and a little
later was joined outside by the Mistral which had only embarked 4 troops.
Both the French destroyers proceeded to Dover. The Mistral took no further
part in "Dynamo."
Grenade hit, Calvi and Fenella sunk
At about 1750 the third air attack was made over Dunkirk harbour by waves
of bombers; some 100 bombs were dropped. Allied fighters, being engaged
by enemy fighters, were unable to interfere with the bombing². A near miss
blew a hole in the Grenade's side; the trawler Calvi, lying outside the John
Cattling, received a direct hit and sank immediately. Her masts and funnel
were above water, and her ensign remained flying from the foremast. The
personnel vessel Fenella, which by then had 650 troops on board, was hit on
the promenade deck; a second bomb hit the pier, and blew some concrete
through the Fenella's side below the waterline; a third bomb, falling between
the pier and the Fenella's side, wrecked the engine room. The Fenella's
troops were disembarked on to the pier and re-embarked in the Crested Eagle.
The Fenella was abandoned while sinking. The P/V St. Seiriol, which shortly
before had secured alongside the outer east pier, astern of the Crested Eagle,
cast off and shifted eastward to the beaches.
Grenade hit, set on fire, and abandoned
Then five minutes after the third air attack had begun the Grenade received
two direct hits; her engines were put out of action and she caught fire. As
she swung round, some of her ships company were able to step on board the
damaged trawler Polly Johnson. The Verity (which had been continuously
I Reports by Pangbourne and Lydd.
2 According to the R.A.F. Narrative, p.327, two Hurricane squadrons which arrived at
1710 were attacked by large numbers of Me. 109's ; one Spitfire squadron was attacked
from above and behind at 1715, and another was in combat with enemy fighters at 1740.
" None of our squadrons encountered enemy bombers, and the attacks on our shipping
between 1630 and 1745 hours (resulting, amongst other casualties, in the Crested Eagle
being hit and beached off Bray) can thus not have been interfered with by our patrols'
R.A.F. Narrative, p.327).
43

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
More Personnel ships feel the strain
In the early hours of 29th May Mercantile information Marine was received at
personnel vessels (manned to by Dunkirk harbour in crews) the
difficulties caused encountered by en route to, and off,
in making the entrance the heavy pall of smoke over a the
one round sail trip and during an officer, the (Lt. A. R. MacKewn, R.N.R.) of the
ing and shelling previous 24 hours, the Captain
and and sailed did not at sail 1100. again. On her return voyage was
unable to the ship
a hospital Parties to carrier² supplement and to ships' various crews drifters were and lent motor to three boats. personnel vessels and
port Officer at took Dover the during place of Officers in says on two occasions Sea Trans-
Commodore E. G. de S. Jukes-Hughes, "Dynamo," R.N., that who was Principal Sea
port Officers 'The effect of the personality personnel of the ships and proceeded Trans- to
noticeable. in them. A strong Master carried succeeded his crew with Master," him and he imbued says, them was with very sea
his spirit. A weak Master only in disturbing his crew."4
Surf. More ships sent to Dunkirk
work⁵. during At early 0709 May that surf on the beaches was retarding reported boat-
S.N.O., the Dunkirk, hours and of 29th other Senior Officers on the French coast
was going on at the rate of 2,000 an hour and asked for all ships to go to Dun-
S.N.O., Dunkirk, reported that embarkation from Dunkirk
kirk harbour⁶. An increased number of H.M. ships was therefore sent to
harbour, in spite of the danger that an accumulation of ships alongside the the
pier at Dunkirk by day might well invite an intensive air attack and, east
been seen, it actually did so. In view, however, of the military situation as has
limitations and the of Dunkirk harbour (with its narrow gangway along the east the
Dover, continued to send a proportion of ships to the beaches.⁷
probability of the surf reducing as the tide rose, the Vice-Admiral, pier),
Route Y under gunfire
and shortly after noon enemy shore batteries near Nieuport brought the
Meanwhile, at 1100, enemy troops were reported north-east of Nieuport,
Zuydcoote Z Pass (on Route Y) under spasmodic gunfire. The southern Route
X was already under fire from the guns at Calais and that Route
beaches. would soon be the only practicable daylight Gravelines, to Dunkirk so and the
it; By 1606 Route X was fully swept, and approach all ordered to use
passage ships from Dover, however, were instructed to use ships Route were Z, provided the
between Calais Bell Buoy and Dunkirk could made in darkness.
point Route Y, the locality in which south-west E-boat attack of the threatened, extreme and the
Route of X passed some 26 miles to the be north-east
report I Authority by the officers for this or is V. A. Dover's Report on Personnel No
apparently did not sail owners of the St. Seiriol Vessels, M011882/40. She
p.213, 2 219). again because her crew were mentions in an overwrought that she was state. damaged. (R.O.III,
3 5 R.O.III, See P.564. Lady in charge of Mann, of No. Princess 3 Party Maud (R.O.III, and the p.416). H/C St.Julien.
6 Appendix 0.1.
Appendix 0.2.
7 D.R., p.6, para. 24.
48

Details

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

Details

Page 4.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES name
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
of Inen
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9
)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
(Tugs)
C. 11
)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

32
35
THE NORTH LIVERPOOL WALESAND
TELEPHONE 1653 CENTRAL.
TELEGRAMS "ST TUDNO", LIVERPOOL.
STEAMSHIP Co LIMITED
T.S. ST TUDNO.
T.S. SI SEIRIOL.
40, Chapel Street.
M.V. BI SILIO.
T.G. BREW, SECRETARY.
Liverpool,3
TGB/CP.
21st June, 1940.
F.H. Keenlyside Esq.,
Private Secretary,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London. W.I.
Dear Sir,
We acknowledge receipt of your letter of the
19th instant, enclosing a letter from the Minister of
Shipping addressed to Captain R.D. Dobb, late Master of
the "St. Seiriol", thanking all concerned on board that
vessel for services rendered during the evacuation of
Troops from Dunkirk.
The contents of the letter has given great
pleasure to Captain Dobb who thanks you on behalf of
his Officers and Crew for the kindly thought which
prompted your communication.
As all those concerned in the rescue efforts
have left the vessel for health reasons, we are having
your letter of thanks framed and will instruct the
present Master to have the same exhibited in a prominent
position on board the "St. Seiriol".
We sincerely trust that the vessel will return
safely to her one time peaceful work as a Pleasure Steamer
and your letter will then be a reminder of the wonderful
work done at Dunkirk.
Yours faithfully,
The Liverpool & North Wales
Steamship Company Limited.
T.Shiren
Secretary.
apt R.

Details

Tune,
31 B
CONFIDENTIAL.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Work of Personnel Vessels.
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
Twenty-nine personnel vessels were used during
operation "Dynamo"; a list is given in the enclosure.
of these, seven were sunk, five so damaged by bombing
or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the
operation, and two were damaged in collision.
Of these ships the following, namely MONA'S QUEEN,
BIARRITZ, CANTERBURY, QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL, MAID OF ORLEANS,
AUTO CARRIER and ARCHANGEL; ST. HELIER and KING GEORGE V, had
been engaged prior to Dynamo, in operations at Dunkirk,
Boulogne and Calais, and had completed the following trips:
MONA'S QUEEN 3 QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 1 ARCHANGEL
1
BIARRITZ
2 MAID OF ORLEANS
3 ST. HELIER
2
CANTERBURY
3 AUTO CARRIER
2 KING GEORGE V.1
2. There was no doubt that the Captains and crews of
these ships were feeling the strain when operation Dynamo
started. After completing two round trips to Dunkirk harbour
in operation Dynamo the Master of the CANTERBURY stated on the
28th that he would not take his ship to sea for a third trip.
The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the
situation and ordered him to sail at 2230, but discovered some
of the crew had been given leave. The P.S.T.O. therefore put
an officer and some seamen and stokers on board to augment and
stiffen the crew. The ship sailed at 0930/29, but was bombed
and damaged on her return voyage from Dunkirk, and after landing
troops did not take any further part in the operation.
3. After completing one round trip the Captain of the
St. SEIRIOL refused to sail, and accordingly one officer, an
armed guard and 7 stokers were put on board at 1000 on the 29th.
The Captain was placed under open arrest and the ship sailed at
1100. On her return voyage the ship was bombed and damaged and
did not sail again.
4.
The TYNWALD transported 7534 troops in 5 voyages; she
should have completed 6 voyages. When due to commence her
fourth voyage at 1945/1, she refused to sail and did not sail
again until 1945/2.
On a written enquiry from the S.T.O., Folkestone, on
the 2nd June, whether or not the ship would sail for Dunkirk if
required, the Master, W. Qualbrough, replied by letter as follows:
"Dear Sir,
Your letter received. I had a signal from
the master of the MALINES last night to say him and
the master of the BEN MY CHREE had considered it
apt R.
hopeless to proceed to Dunkirk. Our crews have been
continually on their feet all the week and especially
the deck officers who have had to be on their feet
for 30 long. I myself have had 4. hours rest for th
week and am at present physically unfit for another
trip like what we have had. If it is absolutely
necessary to go I will abide with the masters of the
other ships decision.
i
P.S. There is two more of the crew going ashore now
g
absolutely nervous wrecks and certified By the naval
ER
doctor.
In/
rized.

Details

Details

-3-
nip.
Name & Address of Owners
Name of Master.
SS MAUD
London Midland & Scottish
Capt. H. Clarke.
IA
Railway,
Capt. W.H. Hughes.
L.M.S. Railway Headquarters,
Watford, Herts.
ST. SEIRIOL
Liverpool & North Wales
Capt. R.D. Dobb
S.S. Co., Ltd.,
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool, 3.
/PRAGUE
London & North Eastern
Capt. C. Baxter.
Railway Company,
26, Glengall Road,
Woodford Green,
Essex.
KING GEORGE V
David MacBrayne Limited,
Capt. R.E. MacLean.
LOCHGARRY
44, Robertson Street,
Capt. E. MacKinnon.
Glasgow, C.2.
KILLARNEY
Coast Lines Limited,
Capt. R. Hughes.
2, Crescent Road,
Kingston-on-Thames,
Surrey.
ST. HELIER
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt. R. Pitman
c/o Chief Docks Manager,
Cardiff.
ST JULIEN
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt.L.S.Richard
ST ANDREW
Paddington Station, W. .2.
Capt. H.C. Bond
ST DAVID
Capt. C.Joy.
PARIS
Capt. E. Biles
ISLE OF GUERNSEY
Southern Railway Co.,
Capt. F.W. Hodges
DINARD
Waterloo Station,
Capt. P. Lewis
WORTHING
S.E.L.
Capt. C.J. Munton
ISLE OF THANET
>
Capt. A.J. Hammond
60
&
These Masters took over when original Masters were too exhausted to
carry on.
x Evacuation of Calais.
+ This vessel was ordered to Dunkerque laden with B.E.F. petrol and
did not actually evacuate, troops.
INED
orized.

Details

151
TELEPHONE 1653 CENTRAL.
THE LIVERPOOL WALESAND
TELEGRAMS "ST TUDNO," LIVERPOOL.
NORTH
STEAMSHIP CO LIMITED
II
T.S. SI TUDNO.
40, Chapel Street.
T.S. SI SEIRIOL.
M. V. ST SILIO.
Liverpod.
T.G. BREW, SECRETARY.
TGB/CP.
10th December, 1940.
Your Ref.T.M.6213/40/9.T.A.6.
W. Hynard Esq.,
Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
intelling
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London.W.1.
Dear Sir,
With further reference to your letter
of the 7th August last, we enclose cuttings from
yesterday's issue of the Liverpool Echo, also
today's issue of the Liverpool Daily Post giving
a reference to the service rendered by our
"St. Seiriol" at Dunkirk in May last. These may
be of interest to Mr. E. Keble Chatterton.
Yours faithfully,
The Liverpool & North Wales
Steamship Company Limited.
Jobher
Secretary.
this time, Captain R. Morris and Captain R.
D. Dobb.
The Royal St. Seiriol ?
The exceptional courage and endurance of
St. Seiriol," says Mr. Chatterton, consider-
ably impressed the naval authorities. Such
trips also strained and shook her determined
crew, so that on arrival at Dover the military
doctor decided that all hands were unfit to
carry on any longer. They were sent to their
homes for rest and another crew took the ship
to continue the brave duty that must ever be
associated with this pleasure vessel."
TAVO
Later, in June, St. Seiriol was evacuating
lement each time. Our ship
refugees from Le Havre, again in deadly peril
from fierce enemy assaults from the air, and
bombed and shelled ahead of i
again got back safely.
The part played by St. Seiriol in the most
t from a few shell splinters
difficult combined naval and military opera-
amage.
tion ever carried out recalls the epic exploit
of the Mersey ferry steamers, Royal Iris and
Royal Daffodil, at Zeebrugge in 1918. When
peace comes, perhaps St. Seiriol will achieve
icer, Mr Macdonald, had a nar
Royal fame.
and smashed the glass of the
standing.
It seemed an unlucky day

Details

Braved
PIC WORK OF
ches
ST. SEIRIOL
Steamer's
SEVEN TRIPS TO
23
cuation
DUNKIRK
Making seven trips to Dunkirk in the
d them on to waiting
other ships, and then
midst of heavy bombing, the North Wales
iol herself with about 900
pleasure steamer St. Seiriol (1,586 tons),
f the seven voyages.
now on Admiralty service, played a
FICER'S GALLANTRY
brilliant part in the rescue of 335,000
rvived was a miracle in
men, in which a thousand ships of all
dozen aircraft flew over
sizes took part last May.
circled round to make
Only now is it possible to reveal the full
D with their missiles, and
story of her gallant work-as told by Mr.
cks with machine-gun
E. Keble Chatterton. the well-known naval
n the Crested Eagle, an
writer, in The Epic of Dunkirk (Hurst
0, became a furnace after
and Blackett, 10s 6d). Merseyside was well
Seiriol got as close as
represented among the rescuing craft. The
about 5½ hours her crew
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. for
pick up survivors.
instance, had eight of their ships engaged.
ficer, Mr J. McNamee,
and lost three of them-iKng Orry, Mona's
ulean service. Immedi-
Queen, and Fenella. The North Wales
Company's vessels were St. Tudno, St. Silio
he was at the beach,
and St. Seiriol, but it was the last-named
the boats, helping men
that won particular notice from the naval
id ferrying them to the
essel.
authorities.
"On arrival in
partially paralysed below
Exhausted Crew
1 that he asked was per-
According to Mr. Chatterton she proved one
back and do one more
of the most useful vessels engaged, and her
two masters during this
crew, subject to the immense strain of aerial
Morris and Captain R.
attack, and without rest during her continual
journeys to and from the historic beach, were
finally in an advanced stage of physical and
MINED CREW
nervous exhaustion. A week before her first
nal courage and endur-
trip sho had already managed to enter Calais
and, defying bombs. had reached the quay and
says Mr. Chatterton,
got away safely. Then. on May 27 she went
impressed the naval
over to assist at Dunkirk.
uch trips also strained
At first she was at the jetty, but afterwards
etermined crew, so that
lay off the beach, where her boats did
ver the military doctor
invaluable service. She would send three boats
hands were unfit to
to the beach, bring off an average of about
ger. They were sent to
forty-seven men in each, though bombs
rest and another crew
dropped from the planes like rain. and load
them on to waiting destroyers or other ships,
continue the brave duty
and then fill up St. Seiriol herself with about
be associated with this
900 men on each of of the seven voyages.
Later on, in June,
How she survived was a miracle in
Iready published, was
itself." says Mr. Chatterton. Often a dozen
ees from Le Havre,
aircraft flew over simultaneously, circled
beril from fierce enemy
round to make careful direction with their
air, and again got back
missiles. and raked the decks with machine-
gun bullets."
When the Crested Eagle, an oil-burning
who will sail on this
ship, became a furnace after a direct hit. St.
e should be spared to
Seiriol got as close as possible, and for about
ce-time duties, will be
five and a half hours her crew were toiling
wledge of the brilliant
to pick up survivors.
in "the most difficult
Her chief officer, Mr. J. McNamee,
nd military operation
performed herculean service. Immediately
as the Admiralty
after this he was at the beach, wading in
comparable with the
from the boats, helping men on to them, and
amers' part at Zee-
ferrying them to the nearest large vessel.
On arrival in port he became partially
nd, if Royal Daffodil
paralysed below the waist, yet all that he
why not Royal St.
asked was permission to go back and do one
more trip. She had two masters during
this time, Captain R. Morris and Captain R.
D. Dobb.
The Royal St. Seiriol ?
The exceptional courage and endurance of
St, Seiriol," says Mr. Chatterton, consider.
ably impressed the naval authorities. Such
trips also strained and shook her determined
crew, so that on arrival at Dover the military
doctor decided that all hands, were unfit to
carry on any longer. They were sent to their
homes for rest and another crew took the ship
to continue the brave duty that must ever be
associated with this pleasure vessel."
Later, in June, St. Seiriol was evacuating
lement each time. Our
refugees from Le Havre, again in deadly peril
from fierce enemy assaults from the air, and
bombed and shelled ahea
again got back safely.
The part played by St. Seiriol in the most
t from a few shell spli
difficult combined naval and military opera-
amage.
tion ever carried out" recalls the epic exploit
of the Mersey ferry steamers, Royal Iris and
Royal Daffodil, at Zeebrugge in 1918. When
peace comes, perhaps St. Seiriol will achieve
icer, Mr Macdonald, had
Royal fame.
and smashed the glass o
standing.
It seemed an unluc

Details

18
THE NORTH LIVERPOOL WALESAND
TELEPHONE 1653 CENTRAL.
TELEGRAMS "ST TUDNO", LIVERPOOL.
STEAMSHIP Co LIMITED
T.S. ST TUDNO.
T.S. SI SEIRIOL.
40, Chapel Street.
M. V. BI SILIO.
T.G. BREW, SECRETARY.
For
Liverpool,3.
TGB/CP.
8th August, 1940.
Your Ref.T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
230
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
London. W.1.
Dear Sir,
Evacuation of B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
We acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 7th
instant, and in accordance with your request we enclose
copies of the Reports received from the Master and Officers
of our "St. Seiriol" (Troop Transport) which took an active
part in the evacuation of Troops from Dunkirk. We also
enclose copy of our letter to you of the 7th June last.
We would add that copies of these reports were
furnished to the Principal Sea Transport Officerat Dover
at his request in a letter dated 5th June last.
We shall be pleased to furnish any additional
information that may be considered necessary.
Yours faithfully,
The Liverpool & North Wales
Steamship Company Limited.
T.E.Shew
Secretary.
All the Engineers aid excellent work au
and we understanu the 4th Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the wounded, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

1977
SHIP
COPY
18a
The Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company Ltd.
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool.1940.
7th June, 1940.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley puare House,
Berkeley Suare,
London.W.1.
231
Dear Sir,
H.M.P.S."St.Selriol"
We have now had an opportunity of interviewing the
Master (R.D.Dobb) and various members of the Crew of our
steamer "St. Seiriol" on their exploits on the nights of 27th
May and 29th May when the vessel was ordered to proceed to
Dunkirk to assist in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from that
Port and we consider it our duty to the master and Crew to
bring to the notice of the competent authority the exceptional
courage, endurance and devotion to duty shown by the Master and
Crew on these two occasions.
We would respectfully araw your attention to the
coolness and seamanship displayed by the Master on the night of
the 20th May, under heavy Gunfire and Bombing by enemy aircraft,
when he succeeded in taking his vessel to the Mole and was then
ordered by S.T.O. to go to the beaches and try and get troops
aboard by use of ships lifeboats, which he aid. He was then
ordered to return to the Mole about midnight and embarked nearly
600 Troops.
On the night of 29th may he took his vessel well in shore
and put the remaining lifeboat out to go to the beach, and also
was successful in picking men from the water who were survivors
from other ships which were sunk by enemy action and then brought
his ship safely to Port with a complement of B.E.F.men despite
intense air bombing.
We have no doubt Lieut McEwen R.N. who was on duty on
board "St. Seirioi" on the 29th May will confirm this, and Captain
Dobb wishes to place on record his appreciation of the gailant
work and assistance he received from Lieyt McEwen R.N.
No praise is too high for the gallantry of Captain Dobb
in the opinion of my Directors.
We would also draw your attention to the good work
undertaken and carried through by Chief Officer .McNamee who,
in charge of a ship's lifeboat with two other member of the crew,
helped a considerable number of B.E.F.men to get off the beaches,
and also 2nd Officer B.Jones who under similar conditions was in
work. charge of another of the ship's lifeboats and did similar good
All the Engineers aid excellent work at their posts
and we understanu the 4th Engineer Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward Unions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

VI
2.
dnesuay 29th May. 9.0 am. Proceeded to Dover for Orders.
235
.0 pm. proceeded to Dunkirk by North Route. When off Ostend
we came under gunfire from Shore Batteries, also from the Air all
the way to Dunkirk. Our guns were in action all the time. 1
can only describe it as a Cavalcade of planes.
About 6.30 pm. we arrived off Dunkirk Pier to find it
damaged and ships sunk on both sides of it. We got orders to
embark troops from the Beach, but in the meantime the H.M.S. "Crested
Eagle" was bombed and set on fire.
We lowered the Dinghy 1/c of 2nd Officer with other men, and
1 took charge of our remaining Lifeboat with four Naval Stokers. We
proceeded to the rescue of the men from the Burning Ship and brought
them aboard.
After we got everybody that it was humanely possible from
the burning ship we went to the shore.
On our approach to the Shore we were received with Six
Revolver Shots in quick succession from the direction of Dunkirk.
1 proceeded to where the first batch of the B.E.F. paraded, and indeed
I am proud to say their discipline was wonderful. An Officer waded
out to meet the boat and inquired how many men I wanted to go into
the boat. I tola him 1 could take about 50 but to let them come
10 at a time, so that we could keep the boat afloat. After the
boat was loaded the boys on the beach pushed her into the deep water.
So we continued until I was ordered to come on board. We received
order to proceed to Dover to get medical attention for the wounded
men on board. in the meantime the Crew were doing everything
possible with the Timi ted medical stores at their disposal. On our
way back to Dover sometime about 1.0 am Thursday the Vessel came in
contact with something which caused her to shake, also about this
time we were in the Company of Seaplanes. I presume they were laying
mines. About 3.0 am we let go Anchor in the Downs during thick fog.
5.0 am. Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Dover where we arrived about
6.30 am. After reportingwe had wounded on board we were allowed to
proceed to the Admiraity Pier where we were met by the Medical Staff.
Sir, + have made this report as brief as 1 could in so far as
my memory would carry me back.
Yours obediently.
Joseph McNamee.
Chief Officer. H.M.T. "St. Seiriol"

Details

15
2.
237
had Jumped overboard from the "Crested Eaglen. Others were
picked up in the sealler boats.
1 personally walked along the rubber of our vessel
hanging on to the Port eights 600 brought men out of the Water.
be had by this time resoued about 100 badly injured
and the Chief Stewerd 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
myself rengered what first Alo we could 05 there was no Doctor
on BoaΓa.
The rest 01 that night WBS spent in looking after the
comforts of the troops on board, giving them Blankets and
Crothing and offering Tea and Refreshments until we reached
Lover on Thursday morning.
Yours faithfully.
D.D. domahon.
Pursor. St. Seiriol"
soi
the Water.
injured
Brown and
soi
Doctor
the Water.
ured
the
cou,ng