British Naval Trawlers and Drifters in Two World Wars
Steve R Dunn
Seaforth Publishing, £35

The genesis of this book lies in the legacy of John Lambert (1937-2016).

Lambert trained as a technical draughtsman, did his national service with the RNVR, continuing into the RN for nine years’ service.

He then joined the Metropolitan Police and resisted all offers of promotion as he became more and more absorbed in maritime research.

Lambert’s passion was for the details of warships.

He began by writing articles accompanied by plans but soon the plans themselves became central and he acquired a dedicated following among ship modellers.

His particular interest was in the classes of smaller vessels from destroyers downwards and in accurate depictions of weaponry.

He published a number of detailed reference books, particularly on Coastal Forces.

At the time of his death however there was still a mass of valuable material accumulated towards a potential encyclopaedia.

Continues below…

From the Loft Floor to the Sea: Book review

From the Loft Floor to the Sea charts the building of the Falmouth pilot cutter, Pellew from drawings to launch…

The best sailing books & cruising guides of 2021

The best sailing books of 2021? Julia Jones reviews the latest maritime reading

Uncommon Courage: Book Review

Uncommon Courage: the Yachtsmen Volunteers of World War Two is a fascinating account of the Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve's…

The Life of a Boat: Book review

Julia Jones, Yachting Monthly's literary reviewer discusses The Life of a Boat by Graeme Ewens, which is sold to support…

For those who relish detailed technical drawings and scrupulous accuracy the 50-odd pages of carefully reproduced plans of different classes of fishing vessels and the guns with which they were equipped, will be a treat.

The text too is full of high quality black and white photos, also from the John Lambert collection.

Naval historian Steve R Dunn is described as editor and as providing ‘an introduction’. This is serious understatement.

Dunn’s 130 knowledgeable and well-written pages offer fascinating insight into the ways variety of ways fishing vessels were used during the two world wars.

Their principal tasks were mine-sweeping, anti-submarine work and convoy escort.

The story of the trawler Northern Gem both on the outward journey of the notorious PQ17 convoy and its return QP14 is a wonderful example of the seafarers’ imperative to save lives.

There are many individual stories within the overall narrative. (I wish there had been an index)

The focus is on fishermen and their role in the RNR(T) (Trawler Reserve) and the RNPS (Royal Naval Patrol Service) This doesn’t give space for the involvement of yachtsmen – such as YM’s own former editor Maurice Griffiths who took a lead in identifying vessels suitable for some of the complex minesweeping work.

The narrative begins at at end of 19th Century – Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee – when Britain could reasonably be described as a ‘thalassocracy’ and ports such as Fraserburgh and Lowestoft were crammed with sailing herring drifters.

Sadly, that is no longer the case.

Buy British Naval Trawlers and Drifters in Two World Wars at Amazon (UK)

Buy British Naval Trawlers and Drifters in Two World Wars at Amazon (US)

Buy British Naval Trawlers and Drifters in Two World Wars at Waterstones (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Enjoyed reading British Naval Trawlers and Drifters in Two World Wars: Book Review?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• • • Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
    • Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
    • Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.