It was no uncommon occurrence during the autumn of 1917 for six to eight tons of bombs to be dropped in one night.

I have not the figures for 1918, but feel no doubt that with the great increase in aircraft that became possible during that year this performance was constantly exceeded.
SPECIAL SERVICE OR DECOY SHIPS The story of the work of these vessels constitutes a record of gallantry, endurance and discipline which has never been surpassed afloat or ashore.

The earliest vessels were fitted out during the year 1915 at Scapa, Rosyth, Queenstown and other ports, and from the very first it was apparent that they would win for themselves a place in history.

The earliest success against an enemy submarine by one of these vessels was achieved by the _Prince Charles_, fitted out at Scapa, and commanded by Lieutenant Mark-Wardlaw, an officer on the Staff of Admiral Sir Stanley Colville, then Admiral Commanding the Orkneys and Shetlands.
In the early months of 1917 it was decided to augment greatly the force of these special service vessels, and steps were taken to organize a separate Admiralty Department for the work.

Special experience was needed, both for the selection of suitable ships and for fitting them out, and care was taken to select officers who had been personally connected with the work during the war; the advice of successful commanders of decoy ships was also utilized.