Rounding up the Raider: A Naval Story of the Great War

by Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman

"Rounding up the Raider: A Naval Story of the Great War" by Percy F. Westerman is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three young naval officers—Frank Denbigh, Charlie Stirling, and Pat O'Hara—who find themselves aboard the Japanese liner "Nichi Maru" while returning to England after serving in a remote area affected by warfare. Their journey takes a thrilling turn when the ship is captured by a disguised German raider, the "Pelikan", prompting an intense struggle for survival and escape. The opening of the story sets a vivid scene on the "Nichi Maru" as Denbigh and his friends express excitement about returning to England, briefly enjoying the routine of their voyage. However, their casual conversation shifts to tension as they spot a mysterious vessel in the distance, foreshadowing impending danger. When the German raider reveals itself and takes control of the liner, the officers quickly change into their naval uniforms, signaling their readiness to face adversity. The narrative quickly establishes the stakes involved, as the three chums are marked as prisoners by the German forces, leading to an uncertain fate aboard the captured ship.