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Description of  Into the Danger Zone: Sea Crossings of the First World War

A poignant look at the most vivid, dramatic transatlantic crossings of World War I As World War Iloomed, the transatlantic passenger trade was at its peak, and as the enormity of the conflict grew, liners were conscripted into service. In an attempted blockade to cut off supplies, Germany began sinking Allied merchant vessels until by war's end just 351 U-boats sankmore than5,000 merchant ships, killing 15,000 sailors.This bookrecounts what it was like for both the military and civilians to experience a transatlantic voyage in a time of war and uncertainty, at risk from any number of dangers, including U-boats, mines, and enemy surface vessels. Attacks were frequent and tragedy all too common.Thislittle-known chapter of the 20th century is exploredhere with engrossing narrative and a large quantity of rare and unpublished first-hand accounts, illustrations, and photographsAs the First World War loomed, the transatlantic passenger trade was at its peak and, as the enormity of the conflict grew, many liners were conscripted into military service. In an attempted counter-blockade of the UK, German U-boats began sinking Allied merchant vessels, in some cases sparking international outrage. Eventually it was the declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917 that drew the previously neutral United States into the conflict. By war's end, the U-boats had managed to sink over 5,000 ships, killing 15,000 people in the process. Into the Danger Zone recounts what it was like for both military personnel and civilians alike to experience a sea voyage at a time of war, when they could encounter any number of dangers, including U-boats, mines and enemy surface vessels. Attacks were frequent and tragedy all too common. Using a wealth of unpublished, rare and fascinating first-hand accounts, illustrations and photographs, Fitch and Poirier present an engaging history of this often-neglected chapter of the twentieth century.