The Lusitania (Part One)

More than twelve hundred souls Meet their watery grave. German U-boat patrols Spark a fatal shockwave. This echo of the past Resounds throughout history. Rousing war unsurpassed, Deadly shroud of mystery. The empire aids Cunard, Loaning millions in pounds. Lord Inverclyde toils hard On deceptions unsound. They hide admiralty Within their merchant fleet, And in reality War barons plot deceit. Famed cruiser so agile Brings home the Blue Riband. Propellers prove fragile, New designs would respond. While retooling the craft, Gun mountings are installed. Hidden away most daft Down where the ropes are hauled. However they decide To switch their new design. Large cargo holds shall hide Munitions in her spine. War with Germany starts With land mines and blockades. America builds parts While Britain launches raids. The Isles become war zones With no sure passage back. Submarines would throw stones To sink the Union Jack. So Daniel Dow protests This British smuggling ring. The prior chief suggests Attacks these loads will bring. A German message warns: "Huge risk at British sea! If allied flags adorn, They'll be hacked to debris!" Captain Turner is picked To lead the merchant ship. "Speed shall avoid conflict On this momentous trip." Voyage two hundred-one Departs Pier 54 Under a watchful sun, Fresh ammo in her store. Steaming toward Fastnet Rock, Bowler Bill seeks advice. Three ships are sunk in shock, Warnings are confirmed twice. Posting double look-outs, They ready the lifeboats. Bill secures a black out While taking careful notes. Thirty miles from Cape Clear, The vessel enters fog. Weather thwarts so severe The captain slows their slog. The periscope spots them As orders are passed down. One button shall condemn, Destruction all around. The Old Head of Kinsale Watches the missile glide. The bomb shreds to assail Those weapons stowed inside.