Titanic's wartime sisters
Olympic Titanic Britannic, by Simon Mills
The three liners Olympic, Titanic and Britannic were intended to secure the White Star Line’s reputation as a shipping giant in the 20th century. We all know what happened to the Titanic, but less has been said about the other vessels' wartime role.
The Olympic launched in 1911 and soon became a troopship in the First World War. Britannic was also intended for commercial service, but by 1915 had been requisitioned as a hospital ship. Just over a year later the vessel struck a mine and sank on route to Mudros.
Author Simon Mills is in a unique position as the owner of the wreck of the Britannic, and a wealth of archive documents, technical drawings and rare photographs support his narrative in this highly readable book.
Olympic Titanic Britannic
By Simon Mills
Adlard Coles, £25
ISBN: 978 14729 88652
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Carving out a career
Ships' Figureheads: Famous Carving FamiliesThe decoration of ships with figureheads was a way to present the might of military and mercantile power for centuries. These days, the skills needed to make these sculptures are kept alive by experts such as Andrew Peters, who has worked on restoration projects such as the Cutty Sark tea clipper.
Knotty problems solved
The Knot Bible: The Complete Guide to Knots And Their Uses by Nic ComptonKnot-tying is a vital competency skill for seafarers, and this expanded edition of The Knot Bible by Nic Compton offers guidance on over 200 knots and their practical uses.
Why it's nice to splice
Splicing modern ropes, 2nd edition: a practical handbook by Jan-Willem PolmanSplicing rope is as an essential skill for seafarers as tying a knot, but some skills are disappearing. This definitive guide on why splicing gets more from your rope is a great stocking filler for all boaters, whether recreational or commercial.
Heartfelt and humorous account of a career founded on fishing
Welcome Home - Fish or No Fish, by Skipper John RobertsWelcome Home – Fish or No Fish is a memoir that carries readers from the shores of Grimsby across the world’s oceans, charting a remarkable career at sea.