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The Lusitania Saga & Myth: 100 Years On
By David Ramsay
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
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About this ebook
The SS Lusitania entered service with Cunard in 1907. The first transatlantic express liner powered by marine turbines, she could complete the Liverpool-New York crossing in five days and had a top speed of 25 knots. She restored the British supremacy of the key North Atlantic route which the Germans had seized.
All this ended on 7 May 1915 when she was torpedoed by a German U-boat and sank 18 minutes later with the loss of 1,198 passengers and crew (interestingly 39% of those aboard survived whereas only 32% of those on the Titanic survived despite the latter taking 2 hours, 40 minutes to sink.)
The Author concentrates not just on the disaster but its aftermath including the political recriminations and the inquiry. As a result of the loss of 128 American citizens the Germans signed an agreement not to attack US shipping. Their breach of this was a major contributory reason, along with the Zimmermann Telegram, why the USA entered the War.
This is a fascinating study of a major shipping disaster with profound consequences
All this ended on 7 May 1915 when she was torpedoed by a German U-boat and sank 18 minutes later with the loss of 1,198 passengers and crew (interestingly 39% of those aboard survived whereas only 32% of those on the Titanic survived despite the latter taking 2 hours, 40 minutes to sink.)
The Author concentrates not just on the disaster but its aftermath including the political recriminations and the inquiry. As a result of the loss of 128 American citizens the Germans signed an agreement not to attack US shipping. Their breach of this was a major contributory reason, along with the Zimmermann Telegram, why the USA entered the War.
This is a fascinating study of a major shipping disaster with profound consequences
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Reviews for The Lusitania Saga & Myth
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
3 ratings2 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5On the 7th May 1915 The Lusitania was sunk off the coast of Ireland by a German U-Boat and it eventually helped to precipitate the entry of America in to the First World War. David Ramsey has written The Lusitania Saga and Myth 100 Years On which is one of the more interesting books that has recently been published on the subject and certainly the most objective.The Lusitania when Cunard put her in to service in 1907 was one of the most advanced liners on the high seas; she was the first express liner on the Atlantic routes to have steam turbines to generate her power and outclassed all her rivals. She was a success on the New York routes and was very much a commercial success, and also had regular passengers.When a German U-Boat sunk her on 7th May 1915 there was a very heavy loss of life and was one of the major times there were mass casualties amongst civilians rather than military personnel. After the sinking Captain William Turner had to defend himself from charges of incompetence from all sides and had to fight to defend his previously excellent reputation. The sinking was condemned by the allied countries and neutral alike especially the savagery of the attack.Since the sinking many myths have grown from it, such as the ship was carrying gold, or that it was carrying German Spies who were about to be arrested. Since that day so many legends and conspiracy theories have grown, some encouraged by the Germans propaganda at the time.David Ramsey through some excellent research delves in to the history of the ship, the challenges that the Lusitania faced both prior to the war and also during the war, and the political recriminations after its sinking. This is one of the most fascinating studies in to a maritime disaster that really did have world changing consequences, and various myths have grown since.This really is a well researched, well written account that all those who read it will enjoy, as the writing is engaging and it is well illustrated throughout with maps and pictures. Ramsey also reminds us that The Lusitania took 18 minutes to sink and that 1,198 people lost their lives, or 39% of those on board had survives, compared to the Titanic which took over 2 hours to sink and only 32% survived. This is an excellently updated book for historian, enthusiast and general reader alike.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is a thoughtful, well-organized and well-written book. The author does more than just tell the story. He explains in detail why the Lusitania was torpedoed and outlines the thinking of all the political and naval personages involved.