Into the Danger Zone: Sea Crossings of the First World War

by Tad Fitch, Michael Poirier, Hugh Brewster (Foreword)

A poignant look at the most vivid, dramatic transatlantic crossings of World War I As World War I loomed, the transatlantic passenger trade was at its peak, and as the enormity of the conflict grew, liners were conscripted into service. In an attempted blockade to cut off supplies, Germany began sinking Allied merchant vessels until by war's end just 351 U-boats sank more than 5,000 merchant ships, killing 15,000 sailors. This book recounts what it was like for both the military and civilians to experience a transatlantic voyage in a time of war and uncertainty, at risk from any number of dangers, including U-boats, mines, and enemy surface vessels. Attacks were frequent and tragedy all too common. This little-known chapter of the 20th century is explored here with engrossing narrative and a large quantity of rare and unpublished first-hand accounts, illustrations, and photographs.

Genres: Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2014

Reviews

[Bill Wormstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very unique peek at World War I, as it specifically looks at a previously ignored portion of the conflict – the role of ocean liners during the war. Many liners were conscripted by the military forces and governments for use as troop transports, hospital ships, and armed merchant transports.

Much of the story is told through written accounts by the passengers and crew of these ships. These stories include the tension of just being on board a ship in the war zone, expecting at any moment, striking a mine or being hit by a torpedo. And, the terror of trying to survive a sinking ship.

In addition to these accounts, many rare photos are presented, showing the various ships in their dazzle paint, the passengers and skippers of the ships, and even in a few cases, photos taken as a ship is sinking!

The authors bring in enough of the larger World War, so you can fit these events into the larger picture of the war.

This was a great book, which I very much enjoyed reading.

[Gabriel Davis]

07/26/19