Cars

Interesting story James,  and sadly a demonstration of the  meanness of war. The Germans allowing the crew to leave their ship, then  being refused the save favour in return.

I have some more information:
From August 1914-1917 the Russian army imported from the US, France,England,Italy Switzerland, and Sweden 24,500 cars and trucks. The Russian land and town union imported 5000 cars and trucks. Also 6000 cars and trucks were comendeered during the war. Russo-balt built 200+ cars and trucks pre war and produced 400+ during the war. also on 10 july 1917 the merchant ship Perla carrying a load of coal and automobiles  was sunk by the U28. Note: German U-boat crews during WW I were sometimes reguarded as pirates by the Allies see the book "The Killing Time" for an account of the WW I U-boat war.