Vintage Pair Framed Actual Photos WW1 Sinking of The William Frey by German Ship

Description

This is a Vintage Pair Framed Actual Photos Sinking of The William Frey by German Ship we are listing from a fine N.Y. estate collection. They are pasted on heavy cardboard. We opened one to know what we actually had. Each picture 13/12" x 10" not including the matting and frame. The name of the ship is on the bottom of each photo.
But soon after war broke out in August 1914, America began to supply food, materials and even munitions to Britain and other German enemies, such as Italy. Germany — itself under pressure from a British sea blockade — began using its "unterseeboote," better known as U-boats or submarines, to sink these merchant ships in 1915. The Germans believed that American merchant ships, by delivering supplies, were contributing in a real way to the success of their enemy, Great Britain.
“Cruiser law” of the era dictated that unarmed vessels first be boarded, inspected for contraband, and if contraband was found, be afforded enough time for crew and passengers to escape via lifeboats.
The first such attack, in January 1915, was of the ship William P. Frey, which was carrying wheat to Britain
. Germany sank several more U.S. merchant ships that year. However, because of the comparatively genteel rules of engagement, most of these early sinkings brought no casualties.