The Dreadnought of the Air

"The Dreadnought of the Air" by Percy F. Westerman is an early 20th-century story where Sub-Lieutenant Basil Dacres, a young naval officer, experiences adventurous events dealing with a mysterious airship. The novel combines naval fiction with new aviation themes, showing Dacres' journey and involvement set against military life and secrets, beginning with Dacres as a spirited officer aboard H.M.S. "Royal Oak" near Singapore. After the prank, he resigned from the Navy but, becomes amazed by reports of a strange airship no one seems to be able to find across cities in England. The story builds up the mystery and adventure of Dacres as he faces the challenges of his leaving and the thrilling possibility of connecting with the airship.