A seaman’s eye view of Britain’s merchant fleet in wartime.
This book offers a first‑hand account of the Merchants’ Service during the war, balancing the daily life at sea with the larger demands of national defense.
David W. Bone presents the period from the outbreak of war through the later stages of the conflict, showing how merchant ships were pressed into service, how officers and crews adapted to new rules, and how collaboration with the Royal Navy shaped operations. The work weaves observations of ships, routes, and the human stories of sailors, pilots, and wireless men into a broader portrait of wartime logistics and resilience.
- How transports and troop ships were requisitioned, refitted, and deployed to France and beyond.
- The rise of wireless communication on merchant vessels and the important role of Marconi’s system.
- The development of the convoy system, station-keeping, and the joint effort with naval forces.
- Personal perspectives that illuminate life at sea, the challenges of war, and the evolving relationship between owners, crews, and authorities.
Ideal for readers of maritime history, wartime logistics, and the experience of the Merchant Service during a pivotal era.