Armed merchant cruisers, 1878-1945 / Richard Osborne, Harry Spong & Tom Grover.

"Armed Merchant Cruisers (AMCs) performed many essential functions during both World Wars but their vulnerability in action gained them the unfortunate sobriquet of "Admiralty Made Coffins". Despite their obvious limitations, the AMCs of the 10th Cruiser Squadron played a significant role in defeating Germany during the 1914 - 1918 conflict, while, in both wars, they were able to substitute for regular cruisers and escorts engaged in patrol and escort work. This book explores the origins, capabilities and uses of AMCs in 1885, 1914 - 1918 and 1939 - 1945 as well as explaining the reasons for their demise during the latter conflict."--Taken from the preface.