Offensive Actions

Abstract

This chapter refers to the kernel of the Trawler Reserve that had been created prior to the war and was born of the perceived need to develop a defensive force capable of dealing with the threat of offensive enemy minelaying. It details how fishing vessels and fishermen were recruited by the Admiralty for defensive minesweeping duties and other directly belligerent activities. It also recounts the opening months of the Great War that had seen extensive activities by enemy surface minelaying vessels and submarines off the British coast. The chapter talks about the general instructions issued to Auxiliary Patrol units stationed around the British coasts in early 1915 that were specifically focused on dealing with the threats on spies. It looks into vessels operating in the Orkney and Shetland Archipelago that were required to sink or harass U-boats voyaging westwards by way of the top of Scotland.