War Under the Red Ensign 1914-1918

War Under the Red Ensign 1914-1918

by Bernard Edwards (Author)

Synopsis

The Kaiser's determination to starve Britain into surrender and the development of his Navy and the U-boats in particular meant that Britain's merchant navy was in the front line throughout the Great War.This book charts the progress of the war at sea which began with the sinking of the oil tanker San Wilfrido off Cuxhaven only eight hours after the official declaration of war. The merchantman Glitra was the first victim of a German U-boat (U-17) on 20 October 1914 she was to be joined by many, many more.As the war on land intensified so the naval struggle grew ever more bitter. As vividly described there were many incidents of atrocious behaviour, amounting to war crimes, by the attackers against their hapless victims; sinking of lifeboats, machine-gunning of survivors, attacks without any warning designed to cause maximum casualties.We learn of instances where the weak gallantly fought back such as the duel between Captain Bissett-Smith s Otaki (with one gun) and the heavily armed German surface raider Moewe. Although he went down with his ship, Captain Smith was posthumously awarded the VC, and remains the only merchant seaman so honoured.War under the Red Ensign contains many inspiring and shocking accounts of war at sea and is a gripping read.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 160
Publisher: Pen & Sword Maritime
Published: 30 Aug 2010

ISBN 10: 1848842295
ISBN 13: 9781848842298

Author Bio
Bernard Edwards pursued a sea-going career commanding ships trading worldwide. After nearly forty years afloat. Captain Edwards settled in a tiny village in rural South Wales, to pursue his second career as a writer. His extensive knowledge of the sea and ships has enabled him to produce many authentic and eminently readable books which have received international recognition.