Under the White Ensign: A Naval Story of the Great War

"Under the White Ensign: A Naval Story of the Great War" by Percy F. Westerman is a story about the harrowing experiences aboard the British armed merchant cruiser "Portchester Castle" during World War I, especially the adventures of Sub-lieutenant Tom Webb. The story plunges the reader into the dangerous waters of the Bay of Biscay before moving to the Mediterranean, highlighting the constant threat of U-boats and the lurking danger of espionage. Introduced to Webb as he is on watch, the story quickly showcases his skills while also introducing Laddie, a sheepdog owned by Lieutenant Jack Osborne, whose keen senses help unmask lurking dangers. Taut with suspense, this historical adventure displays the tensions and strong bonds among the ship's crew as the ship suddenly has an intense encounter with a German submarine, setting the stage for thrilling adventures to come.