Publisher's Synopsis
My Mystery Ships is a book written by Rear-Admiral Gordon Campbell, a decorated British naval officer who served during World War I. The book recounts his experiences as the commander of a flotilla of disguised ships, known as Q-ships, that were used to combat German U-boats during the war. Campbell provides a detailed account of the challenges and dangers faced by the crews of these ships, which were designed to look like harmless merchant vessels but were heavily armed and equipped with hidden weapons. He describes the tactics used by the Q-ships to lure U-boats into attacking, and the intense battles that ensued when the German submarines realized they had been tricked.The book also includes personal anecdotes and insights into the life of a naval officer during wartime. Campbell shares his thoughts on leadership, bravery, and the importance of teamwork in the face of adversity. Overall, My Mystery Ships offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of naval warfare during World War I, and provides a unique perspective on the use of deception and innovation in combat.1929. And an Introduction by Admiral Sir Lewis Bayly. Illustrations from photographs and sketches and diagrams by Lieutenant J. E. Broome. An interesting account by Campbell in his own words of his experiences on board the mystery ships in which he served. Mystery ships were camouflaged to appear like peaceful merchant ships, but with real guns that were hidden until a few seconds before opening fire, or more frequently opening fire the instant the guns were disclosed. They cruised on the trade routes hoping to encounter an enemy submarine so that they might attract her attention, and then when the submarine came to the surface to sink her because of heavier armament. He relates the encounters with the enemy, both successful and unsuccessful and how his crew were the only ones who, not only once, but twice, succeeded in sinking an enemy submarine after their own ship had been torpedoed.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.