The Russell Cawthorn Collection
The Great War 1914-1918, and Associated Conflicts The Naval War Royal Navy Surface Warships
RCC8291
The Petrol Navy. British, American and Other Naval Boats of War 1914 - 1920
by Steve Dunn
ISBN
9781399062855
Purchase Price
£8.99 (new)
Date Purchased
November 17, 2025
Publisher
Seaforth Publishing an imprint of Pen & Sword (2023, Barnsley, South Yorks)
Notes
On the outbreak of war the Royal Navy found it required more small craft than it possessed, to carry out minesweeping, anti-submarine patrols and coastal defence. This led to the formation of an auxiliary force of civilian vessels, including motor pleasure boats and yachts powered by the newly developed internal combustion engine. By mid 1915, the demands of naval duty had proved too much for these quirky craft. A meeting in the USA led to their replacement by American designed Elco motor launches (MLs) of which 550 were purchased, these giving great service for the rest of the war. They were usually crewed by RNVR personnel, who won 3 VCs. In 1915, the Navy also developed the hydroplaning coastal motor boats (CMBs) which served with equal distinction throughout the war. #Other countriee developed similar craft. This book is their story.
9781399062855
Purchase Price
£8.99 (new)
Date Purchased
November 17, 2025
Publisher
Seaforth Publishing an imprint of Pen & Sword (2023, Barnsley, South Yorks)
Notes
On the outbreak of war the Royal Navy found it required more small craft than it possessed, to carry out minesweeping, anti-submarine patrols and coastal defence. This led to the formation of an auxiliary force of civilian vessels, including motor pleasure boats and yachts powered by the newly developed internal combustion engine. By mid 1915, the demands of naval duty had proved too much for these quirky craft. A meeting in the USA led to their replacement by American designed Elco motor launches (MLs) of which 550 were purchased, these giving great service for the rest of the war. They were usually crewed by RNVR personnel, who won 3 VCs. In 1915, the Navy also developed the hydroplaning coastal motor boats (CMBs) which served with equal distinction throughout the war. #Other countriee developed similar craft. This book is their story.