interesting documentary interviews

[Bilge_Rat]

The reason ships were ordered not to stop was because if they did stop to rescue survivors, they would be torpedoed by U-Boats. Much easier to torpedo a stationary ship than a moving one.

The RN tried stopping in WW1...it did not work out too well...

http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/cressy.htm

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Bilge_Rat

The reason ships were ordered not to stop was because if they did stop to rescue survivors, they would be torpedoed by U-Boats. Much easier to torpedo a stationary ship than a moving one.

Very true. This also led to trouble for u-boats later when they tried to get help for ships they had sunk (see Laconia incident).

The RN tried stopping in WW1...it did not work out too well...

Indeed. I've always thought it funny that the British took advantage of u-boat captains' honor by developing the Q-ship, then cried foul when that led to the Germans declaring unrestricted submarine warfare.