“Q” BOAT LIFE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1918, Page 4

“Q” BOAT LIFE.

Although, we are r.ovv in the fifth year* of the war, very little is known by the “ man in the street ” about the “ Q ” boats, concerning which curiosity lias been aroused by a recent speech by Sir Eric Geddes. Until then thendoings had been kept more or less a strict secret It would be difficult to describe these “ mystery ships,” as they were taken from all classes of vessels, ftom tramp steamers to passenger ships. No two were exactly alike. The organisation was, wonderful, and the success which attended the efforts of those in charge fully justi- ! fled the time spent in planning definite j : campaigns. No detail was too small j j for attention. I ! If the “Q” boat was a pa setiger j ship, members of the crew wjre de- J tailed to act as passengers. Dock j chairs were placed on tlie upper decks ( and deck cricket was even played. j | The captain of a “ mystery ship ’ | which happened to be a collier had to ! adopt different methods. Not .more • than three or* four men were allowed on deck at the same time. The crew • were instructed not to look too clean ■ or tidy, as even this small detail would be noticed by a submarine commander and would arouse suspicions. ;

Tbo“Q” boat work on “special service” is particularly dangerous, j yet every man is a volunteer. Far | more men have offered l heir services for these ships than will ever be required. There are many dramatic anil thrilling stories yet. to be told of these famous vessels —stories in comparison with which the most exciting fiction will be found to he very dull indeed. | ip” • a—ra—»earn