Fishermen, the Fishing Industry and the Great War at Sea: A Forgotten History?

During the Great War, fishermen, fishing vessels, and coastal communities around the British Isles played a crucial role in the maritime front line. Approximately 3000 fishing vessels were requisitioned and armed by the Admiralty, and more than 39,000 fishermen joined the Trawler Section of the Royal Naval Reserve. This book examines the reasons why these fishermen and fishing vessels were called upon to play such a crucial role in the littoral war against mines and U-boats, and the contribution that non-belligerent fishing vessels continued to play in maintaining the food supplies of the beleaguered nations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2019
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The recent discourse in academic publications and national exhibitions surrounding the Great War at sea has primarily centered on capital ships, such as the Battle of Jutland and the role of U-boats. However, there has been limited attention given to the significant contribution of fishermen, fishing vessels, and coastal communities throughout the British Isles. Despite their crucial role, fishermen and armed fishing craft were consistently on the maritime front line throughout the conflict, serving as the backbone of the Auxiliary Patrol and engaging in relentless actions against U-boats or conducting minesweeping duties.

Approximately 3000 fishing vessels were requisitioned and armed by the Admiralty, and over 39,000 fishermen joined the Trawler Section of the Royal Naval Reserve. The class and cultural divide between working fishermen and many RN officers was vast. This book delves into the multifaceted role played by fishermen and the fish trade during the conflict. It explores the reasons why, in an era of dreadnoughts and advanced military technology, so many fishermen and fishing vessels were called upon to play a vital role in the littoral war against mines and U-boats, not only around the British Isles but also off the coasts of various other theaters of war.

The book will analyze the nature of the fishing industry's wartime involvement and examine the continued contribution of non-belligerent fishing vessels in sustaining the food supplies of besieged nations. By examining these aspects, the book aims to shed light on the overlooked contributions of fishermen and fishing vessels during the Great War at sea and their vital role in ensuring the security and stability of the nations involved.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 238 x 171 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786941756