Wales, the Mercantile Marine and the First World War
Author(s) Mark Matthews
Language: English
Genre(s): History
- February 2025 · 240 pages ·216x138mm
- · Paperback - 9781837722013
- · eBook - pdf - 9781837722020
- · eBook - epub - 9781837722037
About The Book
From the outbreak of war in 1914 to the creation of the Mercantile Marine Reserve and the eventual introduction of convoys in 1917, this book charts the experiences, contribution and sacrifices made by merchant mariners from Wales. During the First World War, merchant crew faced the dangers of mines, U-boats and commerce raiders in the course of moving the goods, men and materials that were vital for victory. The outcomes of such encounters are examined within a broader context of the diversity of vessels, trades and prevailing working conditions. This study also includes important new insights into the participation of both women and minority-group seafarers in the mercantile marine. Using a wide range of evidence drawn from contemporary newspaper reports, ships’ crew agreements and official papers, the multi-faceted world of civilian mariners caught up in the war at sea is revealed.
Endorsements
‘The history of seafarers seldom includes women and people of colour – so I welcome all the pages that give us an interestingly broad perspective. From Caernarfon stewardesses to Sierra Leonean firemen to Chinese cooks, this study is refreshing and exemplary.’
Dr Jo Stanley FRHisS, Honorary Research Fellow, University of Hull
‘Mark Matthews provides a clear and fascinating study of the role of Welsh merchant ships and seamen during the First World War, integrating personal stories and individual incidents with a broader analysis that never loses sight of the human element. This book sheds light on unjustly neglected themes, such as the role of women, as well as providing a persuasive and insightful account of the nature and impact on shipping of the German U-boat campaign. It is an important contribution to our understanding of both Welsh maritime history as a whole, and of the war at sea in 1914–18.’
Dr J. D. Davies FRHistS, FSNR, Chair of the Society for Nautical Research
Contents
Acknowledgements
List of Illustrations
Notes on conventions
Introduction
1.The normal run of business
2.Pay and conditions
3.The outbreak of War
4.Alternative lenses: Women; small communities; and the international nature of crewing
5.1915: Mines, U-boats and close calls
6.1915: Captured by U-boats and sunk
7.Changing the rules: Unrestricted submarine warfare 1915; Convoys 1917-18
8.Courage, compensation and commemoration 1916-18
Bibliography