THE MYSTERY SHIRS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1890, 15 October 1918, Page 4

THE MYSTERY SHIRS.

•0" BOAT LIFE

Although we are now in this filth year of the war, very lit I ie i.s known |)v the “man in the street" about the “Q” boats, concerning which curiosity has been aroused by a recent speech by Sir Erie Oeikies. Until then their, .doings had been kept more or less a strict secret.

It would be difficult to describe tiiese ‘‘mystery ships,” as they were taken from all classes of vessels, from tramp steamers to passenger ships. No two were exactly alike. The organisation was wonder!til, and the success which attended the efforts of those in charge fully ,instilled the lime spent in planning definite campaigns. No detail was 100 small for-a I lent ion.

If the “Q" boat was a passenger ship, members of the crew were detailed to act as passengers. Dock (-hairs were placed on the tipper deck, and cricket was even played. The captain of a “mystery ship”

whieh happened to lie a collier had to adopt different methods. Not more than three or lour men were allowed on deck at .the same lime. The crew were instructed not to look too clean or tidy, as even tins small detail would he noticed by a submarine commander and would arouse suspicions.

The “Q" imat work on ‘’special service" is particularly dangerous, yet every man is a volunteer, far more men have offered their services for these ships than will ever be required.