Submarines, Mines and Torpedoes in the War

The volume opens a vivid picture of how the First World War turned the ocean into a hidden battlefield. It explains that more than two hundred submarines from the major powers were prowling the seas, supported by a growing corps of specialists, floating docks, and a maze of mines and anti‑submarine tactics. Readers are taken through the scientific and logistical foundations that made under‑sea combat a decisive new phase of naval strategy.

The book walks through the fleets of Britain, France, Russia, Japan, Germany and Austria, describing each nation’s submarine designs, torpedo armaments and mine‑laying methods. Detailed sections on anti‑submarine warfare, mine‑sweeping vessels and the emerging technology of underwater explosives give a clear sense of the challenges faced by sailors and engineers alike. Filled with contemporary illustrations, the work balances technical detail with vivid storytelling, making it an accessible guide for anyone curious about the early days of modern naval warfare.