British fishermen are among the unsung heroes of the First World War.
The conflict with Germany had an
immediate and enduring impact on their lives and livelihood. They were
immediately caught up in the sea war against the Kaiser’s navy, confronting the
threats presented by the submarines, minelayers, gunboats and capital ship of
the High Seas Fleet. Often they found themselves thrust into strange, dangerous
situations, which put their lives at risk and tested to the limit their bravery
and skill as seamen. This is their fascinating story.
For the first time in this two-volume study Douglas d’Enno provides a
comprehensive and lasting record of the services rendered by the fishermen and
their vessels, both under naval control and on their own account. His pioneering
history shows the full extent of their contribution to the British war effort,
from minesweeping and submarine detection to patrol, escort and counter-attack
duties. The areas of action were not limited to the home waters of the Channel,
the North Sea and the Western Approaches but ranged as far as the Arctic and the
Mediterranean’s Aegean and Adriatic
seas.
Extraordinary stories are recounted here of the hazards of
minesweeping, battles with U-boats, decoy missions, patrols, blockades, rescues
and capture by the enemy. First-hand accounts make up the essence of the
material. Reports from the leading trade journals, specialist literature and
personal manuscripts vividly recall the fishermen’s experiences and the
hardships and dangers they faced throughout the war.
