British Submarines at the Western Front

I'm happy to report that I presented a short discussion on the topic "British Submarine Operations in the Great War" yesterday, March 9th. The occasion was the 14th annual AGM and conference of the Western Front Association-Pacific Coast Branch.
Given the advanced spot I had in the program--ie last on the list--I'm very appreciative of the large number of attendees that stayed after the official close, and of the organizers, who let me run over my allotted time!
Bravo Zulu to the Branch and their officers, who had an excellent turnout and put on a terrific program. More about that soon.
And a reminder to others who couldn't make the event, I'd be only too pleased to arrange to bring the topic to other groups.

My email: bob.mackay@hotmail.com.

When Cavalry and Submarines Collide (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, I described an upcoming "collision" between cavalry and submarines at the Western Front Association AGM and Seminar, March 7-9. That will be a brush between the two military/naval arms in a figurative sense.

But the real thing did happen. In World War I, during the disastrous Gallipoli campaign, British and Australian submarines forced their way through the Dardanelles, wreaking havoc with Turkish naval shipping and transports. On one occasion E-14, under the command of LCdr M. E. Nasmith, drove a steamer aground. While preparing to land a boarding party to blow up the ship, E-14 came under fire from a party of Turkish cavalry. To quote By Guess and By God, "Bullets rained down from above and Nasmith felt for once that discretion was the better part of valour".

Part 1 can be seen here.

When Cavalry and Submarines Collide (Part 1)

The Western Front Association, Pacific Coast Branch's annual general meeting and conference is scheduled for the Bay Street Armoury in Victoria. It will run from March 7th to 9th this year. President Peter Broznisky will welcome attendees to the festivities which will include speakers, a mess dinner, and a welcome on the evening of the 7th. Details can be found here.
I first joined the WFA because of my interest in WW I's Canadian Cavalry Brigade, which resulted in my first novel, Soldier of the Horse. Since that book was published, I have been working on my second, which is set in a Cold War Canadian submarine. The research for the submarine novel has included WW I material, and at this year's WFA conference I will be presenting on "British Submarine Operations in the Great War". So this "collision" between horsemen and boats will not involve flying shells and ricocheting bullets.
But--stay tuned for Part 2.