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The Petrol Navy: British, American and Other Naval Motor Boats at War 1914 – 1920 Hardcover – July 30, 2023

by Steve Dunn (Author)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 ratings
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On the outbreak of war in 1914, the Royal Navy found it required more small craft than it possessed to carry out minesweeping, anti-submarine patrols and coastal defense. This led to the formation of an auxiliary force of civilian vessels, including motor pleasure boats and yachts, relatively new types of craft powered by the internal combustion engine. The inclusion of these vessels came about when a group of motor boat owners suggested to the Admiralty that their vessels could play an important role in the defense of Britain. The result was the formation of the Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve (RNMBR) in 1912.

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, and these Elco launches gave great service for the rest of the war, usually officered by RNVR personnel who won three Victoria Crosses. In addition to the Elcos, in 1915 some naval officers developed the hydroplaning coastal motor boats (CMBs), which served with equal distinction in the latter part of the war. Post-war, both types saw valuable service in the occupation of the Rhineland and in the Baltic campaign, where three more VCs were won.

Other countries adopted similar craft. In Italy, the MAS torpedo motor craft achieved fame and success. And in France, MLs supplied by Britain, and by Elco, played their part. Germany too utilized small motor vessels, including the torpedo-armed Luftschiffmotorboote and Fernlenkboot remotely controlled designs. And when America entered the war, she built a fleet of so-called ‘sub chasers’, wooden-built and designed to counter U-boats along her East Coast.

The Petrol Navy tells the stirring story of these motor-driven boats at war, of their development and operations and of the many colorful characters who were their captains and crew. It will acquaint historians and enthusiasts with an important and previously untold aspect of the naval war, and will engross those with a more general interest in the First World War.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Seaforth Publishing
  4. Publication date
    July 30, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1399062859
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1399062855
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This well-written book is an important addition to the naval history of World War I. It is highly recommended to anyone interested in small military boats or naval history in general."
Roads to the Great War

About the Author

Steve Dunn is an author with a special interest in the Royal Navy of the late nineteenth century and the First World War. He has written biographies and narrative histories, most recently Blockade and Securing the Narrow Sea, both published by Seaforth. Steve lives in Worcestershire and southwest France.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Seaforth Publishing (July 30, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1399062859
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1399062855
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.86 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 ratings

About the author

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Steve R Dunn

Steve R Dunn

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Steve R Dunn is an author with a special interest in the Royal Navy of the early 20th century and the First World War. He has written twelve books of naval history and is a member of The Society for Nautical Research and the Britannia Naval Research Association.

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5 out of 5 stars
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
I have just finished Steve Dunn’s latest book, The Petrol Navy, which provides an excellent overview of the role played by motor-driven boats in WW1. This gripping and important story is not one that historians have focused on. This book isn’t about the nerve-wracking experiences of sailors in vast battleships or submarines, instead it turns the spotlight on these smaller craft and many of the colourful characters on board.

It’s also packed with great photographs and drawings, which adds to the detailed narrative. I can absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in naval history.
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W. A. Wakeham
5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
Fine history on little known subject
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