Trawler crews may not look as smart or disciplined as the men of the Royal Navy, but they have an instinct about the sea that is bred in their bones.

So when war broke out, the Germans began sowing mines in Britain’s vital shipping lanes, many of these fishing boats were given a new and dangerous task —to stop catching fish and start catching mines! And despite their scruffy, disorganised appearance, the fighting fishermen proved they could show the regular navy a thing or two!

Story: R A Montague

Art: Flores

Cover: Ian Kennedy