They were at that time unsuccessful.
At the end of 1916 I gave directions for a reconsideration of the matter, and fresh trials were made; but early in 1917 there seemed to be no prospect of success, and the trials were again abandoned.

However, Captain Villiers displayed great confidence in the idea, and he introduced modifications, with the result that later in the year 1917 directions were given for fresh trials to be undertaken.

At the end of the year success was first obtained, and this was confirmed early in 1918, and the device finally adopted.

A curious experience during the trials was that the vessel carrying them out was actually fired at by a German submarine, with the result that the net protection saved the ship from being torpedoed.

It is not often that an inventor receives such a good advertisement.
DEPTH CHARGE THROWERS The first proposal for this device came from Portsmouth, where the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral the Hon.