The Mystery Ships of Nova Scotia in the First World War

THEY SAILED INTO HARM’S WAY. Disguised as ordinary fishermen, they worked the sails and ropes, all the while seeking to attract fire from enemy German submarines. They were live human bait, facing potential danger, frayed nerves, and boredom—in hopes of encountering and battling a U-boat, to protect essential Atlantic shipping in support of the war. When ashore, they faced ridicule for not being in uniform, and could never reveal the rare way they served the war effort.   Noted historian John N. Grant tells the long-buried story of Nova Scotia’s Mystery Fleet—a fleet based in Sydney, NS, and St. John’s, NL. They bravely performed their secret duty—and then sailed into anonymity.  Grant has gathered the evidence, with many of their names, and produced a brisk, readable and respectful telling of this rare corner of Nova Scotia’s First World War. INCLUDES 18 HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS.