The Harwich Naval Forces: Their Part in the Great War

The narrative recounts the operations of a coastal naval base and its light cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and auxiliary vessels during the First World War, drawing on eyewitness testimony rather than official records. It describes early actions against enemy mine-layers, sorties and major fleet engagements, convoy and patrol duties, seaplane-raid escorts, reconnaissance and submarine mine-laying, and mine-sweeping and auxiliary trawler work. Episodes of gallantry, heavy losses, rescues, narrow escapes, and alleged enemy criminal conduct are chronicled, alongside the day-to-day rigours of patrolling, escorting, and maintaining sea lanes under constant threat.