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
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.