Gordon Campbell (2) (1886–1953)

This is a hard book to review, in large part because it is a book of its time, written by a First World War ship's Captain rather than an author or historian and written primarily for others in the Royal Navy or similar rather than the general public. Of course the general public of the immediate post-war period would have been mush more aware of naval and seafaring matters than the general public is now, certainly in Britain where the navy was so prominent.

So as a book to be read for pure enjoyment, probably not, however in the discussions of fitting out the Mystery Ships and the tactics deployed by them it is a massively important first-hand account. If this interests you, look no further.

It should also be noted that whilst not written with swashbuckling O'Brian-esque brio, the action scenes are none-the-less fascinating and the actions of the after-gun crew in the final fight described are simply awe-inspiring.

In the end the men under the author's command, which on a rough count can have been no more than 100, earned FIVE VCs - simply incredible. If the only reason for reading this book is in homage to the men who fought these ships, you will not have gone far wrong.… (mere)