INTRODUCTION 



IN this book I have tried to give an understanding of 

 the deep-sea fishers of the North Sea and some of the 

 other fighters who have been, or are, connected with that 

 famous ocean. I have dealt almost exclusively with the 

 trawlers for two reasons because I know them best and 

 because they are the most important section of our 

 splendid army of toilers of the deep. 



There has not been in the history of the modern 

 industrial development of Great Britain any revolution 

 so amazing and romantic as that which has taken place 

 within the last twenty years on the North Sea fishing- 

 grounds ; nor is there any stretch of water which for other 

 reasons has come into so much prominence. 



Two and a half centuries ago trade rivalry between 

 Great Britain and Holland brought about the bloodiest 

 of all our modern naval fights, most of which took place 

 on the North Sea, and if in the near future the same 

 cause brings us into conflict with a powerful and jealous 

 neighbour, it is certain that this ocean will be again the 

 area of appalling battles, with consequent paralysis of 

 trade and crippling of our food supplies a devastating 

 calamity. 



