Created July 2001
Updated: 21 November 2008
Page 2
"Let who
will speak against Sailors; they are the Glory and Safeguard of the Land.
And
what would have become of Old England long ago but for them?"
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I received an email, 17th February 2006, with three images of Henry McCormick. His grandson is trying to find out which of Walker's ships this gentleman served upon. I do know it was NOT HMS Kite. If anyone recognises the name and/or the images please let his grandson know on the following email address, replace the * with an @ in order to call him direct. rayjonno*aol.com |
 Image 1 - I think he has his hat on backwards so as not to display his ship's name ?? |
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Footnote: On Oct 2nd 2001 I received an email from a gentleman, John Decker, who had read this page. He claims a slight "inaccuracy" regarding the landings of agents on the USA Mainland. His words follow: "In fact, there were actually four German saboteurs that were landed from U-202 at Amagansett beach, Long Island, New York; not five. Only two saboteurs were executed from this landing. In total, there were eight German saboteurs that were landed in the United States in June of 1942. The other landing took place at Ponte Verda Beach, Florida where four more German saboteurs were landed from U-584. On August 8, 1942, six of the eight German saboteurs were electrocuted and two were given prison sentences because these two betrayed the other six German saboteurs and turned them in to the FBI. It was President Roosevelt that granted these two German saboteurs prison sentences rather than execution after learning about their cooperation with the FBI." I replied that I has seen a programme on Discovery TV regarding the FBI which confirmed MY figures. However, to allow for historical accuracy, I have gladly reprinted John Decker's words here. I have since received a mail from Ray Holden on this subject. Reprinted below: Walker RN states that four were landed at Amagansett Beach, Long Island , by U 202 and at the same time five Spies were landed at Jacksonville by U 548. uboat.net states that both U Boats each landed four Spies. (11/11/01). I think the definitive answer may well be found here: http://www.uboat.net/ops/special_ops.htm As you can see, three different versions with three different facts. Thanks Ray, for your contribution.
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Newspaper Cuttings of Walker's Ships |
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On March 17th 2004 I received an email from someone who has shown me how great a man Captain Walker really was. A story of human interest in the midst of chaos. Here is that email:
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Corporal Bentham, RAF 1112608, shuffled wearily along the platform at Euston, dragging his kitbag. He was surrounded by hundreds of servicemen of varying ranks who weren’t smiling either. He looked at his watch, which said 11.45. His train was due to leave at midnight, to return him to his native Lancashire for seven whole days. He was proud of his watch; solid gold; a gift from his wife who had taken the risk of posting it to him in wartime. He couldn’t wait to see her, and their two children, after so long. He squeezed on to the train, quickly realising that his three-hour journey would be a bad one. There were no seats left, of course, and soldiers were stretched-out on the net luggage racks in each compartment. He lit a cigarette, only to have it knocked from his mouth by the kitbag of a sailor who was slowly fighting his way along the corridor. This just would not do. Always having been a bit of a “chancer”, in a Methodist sort of way, he pushed back to the platform and on towards the empty 1st class sections he had noticed earlier. This was much better, he thought, as he lounged in luxury with a compartment to himself. The train was due to leave in five minutes, his watch told him, and who would know? Suddenly the door slid open and in stepped a naval officer. The airman leapt to his feet, slammed-on his cap and saluted. “I’m sorry sir, I shouldn’t be in here”, he said, and reached fearfully for his kit. “That’s all right corporal, I could do with some company”. “Thank you very much sir, “ said a very relieved airman, unable to believe his luck. “Do you mind?”. Said the officer, producing his pipe. “Not if you don’t sir” said the corporal waving his packet of Players. The officer smiled and started to fill his pipe. The corporal lit his cigarette and quietly observed his companion. A good ten years older than his thirty four. He looked weary, this sailor. Why not? There was a war on. He was tired himself. Conversation began, initiated by the corporal, who had no wish to lose his illegal luxury. The officer had been lucky in his choice of companion. Corporal Bentham was a man of sensitivity, wit, and a born raconteur. The two men began to relax. Before long the smoky atmosphere was filled with laughter, and the corporal saw that he was with some kind of kindred spirit, despite their difference in status, and began to enjoy himself. After perhaps an hour the pair lapsed into companionable, puffing silence. A few minutes later, completely at his ease, the corporal said “I’ve got a nephew in the navy. Sir”. “Oh good,” said the navy man, “what ship? |
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"H.M.S. Starling, sir”. Silence from a stunned naval officer, who snatched the pipe from his mouth. “Good God man-that’s MY ship.” “Oh well then”, from an unfazed corporal, “you must know my nephew”. The officer slowly re-seated himself and said with disbelief “What’s his name?” “Fowler sir, Arthur. Named after me I think”. The officer slowly shook his head and smiled. “He’s my chippy”. When the two parted company it was Captain Walker who reached for the corporal’s hand. They said their goodbyes still laughing and wished each other luck. That was 1943. The airman was my father. I heard this story many times from the age of six onwards. I have no idea whether Captain Walker related it to my cousin, his chippy, who died many years ago. I cannot believe that he did not. I still have my father’s gold watch! You mention the video about the Battle of the Atlantic. I appear in it briefly, even in close-up, playing saxophone in a big-band re-creating the music of the era! I feel sure you will have enjoyed my story, bringing back as it does a few hours in the lives of two men whose paths just happened to cross. Allan Bentham |
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I have some more information from Allan about life on Starling. Here they are:
A SHIP, THREE CHURCHES, AND A CHIPPY. The war was almost over. The Battle of the Atlantic certainly was. The few German U-boats left were in disarray, short of fuel, ammunition and spares. The British fleet was now occupied elsewhere. On a foggy evening few noticed as HMS Starling limped into port on the Isle of Man. After many months guarding convoys and hunting U-boats the ship was badly in need of repair. Over the next few days the ship’s chippy, Chief Petty Officer Arthur Fowler, was to be hard at work tearing out damaged timber and replacing it. His task completed, he was left with a pile of high-quality off-cuts which he was reluctant to regard merely as scrap. A devout Christian, he had attended Sunday services at three of Ramsey’s Churches. During the following months, even at sea, he whittled away at the off-cuts, rejecting many of his own efforts. He eventually presented three plaques, his carvings of the ensign of HMS Starling, to churches in Ramsey. We hope that they are still to be seen. |
From an Article is a Wigan Newspaper, undated, entitled From The Past - A Nostalgic Look At Wigan. 50 Years Ago: Saturday March 25 1944 ... A Wigan man has just taken part in the greatest anti-submarine action of the war so far, in which six German U-boats were destroyed and numerous others routed, AB Fowler, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fowler of Chatham Street, Wigan. is serving in H.M.S. Starling, which under Britain’s leading anti submarine ace captain Frederick Walker. as gained a victory in the Atlantic which the First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. AV Alexander) has likened even to the Battle of Trafalgar. Nine hours after the first sighting, a final pattern of depth charges fired by HMS Starling, brought ranch wreckage to the surface and established the destruction of the third U-boat within the space of 16 hours. Shortly after Starling had fired her last depth charge, a U-boat surfaced nearly a mile on the sloop’s port quarter. HMS Starling at once engaged with gunfire, scoring hits with both her four inch and smaller armament. The U boat’s crew quickly abandoned ship, and eight minutes after surfacing, the enemy sank. The entire crew were then picked up and made prisoners of war. |
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Unknown Newspaper (left) records the "death" of HMS Starling as she finished with engines for the last time (late 50s)
The front page of the Royal Navy magazine The Battle & The Breeze dated May 1944.
On the front page HMS Starling's Ensign Flying high
My thanks to Allan Bentham for the above, I do
hope you have more to follow. |
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In an early morning mist the returning sloops of the Royal Navy forming the N0. 2 Escort Group were officially welcomed when entering dock at Liverpool in triumph. To these little ships including "Starling", "Wild Goose", "Woodpecker", "Kite", and "Magpie" goes the credit of creating a record run of kills. In twenty two days they routed a U-boat pack as it lay in wait to attack British convoys and scored a "hat trick" of sinkings in one period of 16 hours. Not a single ship in convoy was lost in a trip of over 6,000 miles. No casualties in personnel were suffered, but the sloop "Woodpecker" (Commander H.L.Pryse) was torpedoed near the end of operations and taken in tow. Eight days later, under stress of heavy weather, she foundered, but her entire company was safely transferred to other ships. Our artist the stirring scene as the victors, led by the senior ship, H.M.S. "Starling", and followed by others, including "Wild Goose", and "Magpie", steamed into dock, cheered by Captain "D" (Captain Brewer, R.N.), staff officers, bluejackets and Wrens. A band of the Royal Marines played appropriate music for the occasion. Behind "Starling" is "Wild Goose", flying a large ship's flag from her main-head. Wrens in the left foreground have broken ranks in their enthusiasm, blue-collared ratings are beyond, then dockyard workers, Marines, police, soldiers, and civilians on right. Mr Alexander, First Lord, in welcoming home the officers and men, described Captain FJ Walker DSO and two Bars who led No. 2Escort Group as "our leading anti-submarine ace." He said that Captain Walker and those under his command had now sunk seventeen U-boats, and added, "if you take any victory you secure over a great pack of U-boats that have from time to time numbered as many as twenty or more, you are engaging in a battle with almost as many numbers as there were in the Battle of Trafalgar." |
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Of the sloops themselves all were built since the outbreak of war. Details of their construction remain secret. "Chief credit for the 'sock on the nose' for Admiral Doenitz", said Captain Walker, "must unquestionably go to HMS 'Wild Goose'. Of the six U-boats destroyed, four were initially detected by 'Wild Goose', who also played a major part in their destruction. 'Wild Goose' handed me her contact on a plate. I could ask nothing better than to take the field again partnered by this doughty and well-trained warrior". Thanks to Terry Briody for the above. |
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Email From "Trevor" 04 Oct 02. I have been doing a bit of research on the image that Ray says is definitely the Starling If the pennant numbers are indeed F386 as they appear to me; the ship would be the HMS Hedingham Castle that was indeed in Reserve in Pompey 1956 - 57, but was sold for scrap in October of 1957. The Starling was re-designated from U66 to F66, as I said in my last email. If you have the official photo of her in the mid 50's, you will see her pennant numbers clearly. Also the transom on the image on your web page is too broad for it to belong to the Starling, because she had a nice rounded one, and the funnel is not upright enough to match the Starling's either. It is a long time ago, 57-58, since I was the sparker on the Starling, but I remember that she was not as nice looking as the image that you have, purporting to be her. I hope this information is useful to you, and you don't mind standing corrected on the image. If you wish to contact Ray or any other "potential readers" with messages email me. |
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From: Eric Tomlinson Around 1968 I read "Walker RN" I opened the book at tea time and finished reading it at 7.00 a.m. next day. I was sorry to have finished it. I lent it out several times and, eventually, it wasn't returned. Your site is better in that I have "passed it on" but can't lose it. One thing you didn't mention: in the book, there was a description of Captain Walker's two ship stalking method. One would shadow a U-boat with asdic and guide another (ahead, with asdic inoperative) over the target. There was a multiple advantage to this tactic: with the greater distance it was possible to estimate the target depth more accurately, the U-boat perceived the hunter at a constant distance and the presence of the assassin was not so apparent. If I remember correctly, it was a successful stratagem. Sorry, you probably knew that but it may be new to some readers. Thank you for the trouble you have taken. It is a fine tribute to a master tactician and a memorial to all who ensured our survival. Here is an interesting message received April 2nd 2004: I came across Your Web Site about Capt Walker with great interest. I was in the honour guard for Capt Walkers funeral in Liverpool in 1944. Did you know that the honour guard was made up of Canadians from HMCS Iroquois? We were in behind the gun carriage carrying Capt Walker. If I remember right he was put on HMS Hesperus and buried at sea. I often wondered how many people knew that the honour guard behind the gun carriage was made up of Canadians. (ex stoker) Tom Ingham-- HMCS Iroquois. Below are three images from Tom. My grateful thanks |
I received an email from a gent who had just watched a new documentary on TV (which unfortunately I missed) Battle of the Atlantic. In this programme it was alleged that Walker would "throw back any survivors" that would not divulge necessary information about their U Boat. I thought this highly unlikely and replied as such. But apparently I may be wrong in my assumptions as Captain Walker, beloved by his men, was ruthless towards the enemy, especially after his son had been reported dead in a lost sub in the Mediterranean. Here is a verification email I received from Ray Holden 24/07/02. On one occasion when HMS Kite picked up survivors, Walker in command, one was the U Boat commander. 2 other U Boat Commanders were already on board having been taken captive were paraded on deck. No 1 had taken charge of taking the survivors on board and Walker asked him to obtain the U Boats recognition number from the newly rescued commander. No 1 informed Walker that the Commander refused this information. Ask him again came the reply. Still refusing to give the number was the reply from No 1. Walker leaned over the superstructure of the bridge and glared at his captive "Then put him back into the water No 1". He obtained that number without any further orders because everyone present understood that this was a direct order, including the U Boat Commander. Walker well knew that he had to match the ruthlessness that the U Boats used against the merchantmen and was well able to; his hatred ran very deep in his blood, these are the qualities that make such a successful commander. |
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From Tony Green. HMS Wren. May 25th 2004. I served as a sub-lieut on HMS Wren from May '44 to Feb '46. The memories of those days still hold me enthralled. The short video of our return to L'pool after sinking the six subs was particularly emotional for me having been personally involved in the ASDIC room and also as OIC 'B' gun during that hunt. Prior to joining the RNR I had been a cadet on the TSS City of Pretoria. We were near the Azores on our way to Singapore when the Japs hit Pearl Hbr. We carried on to Singapore but by the time we arrived the Japs were almost there so believe it or not, we had to drop all our cargo (All military supplies) on the dock at Batavia (Now Jakarta). We then towed a damaged British submarine to Bombay and then on to Alexandria. From there we tried three times to get to Malta but each time were beaten back to Alex or Haifa. We then went round the Cape to New York and loaded a full cargo of ammunition for the UK. We arrived safely but by that time I was fed up trying to fight the Germans with a Hotchkiss machine gun on the port bridge wing so left the ship and transferred to the RNR as a midshipman. The City of Pretoria meantime loaded a full cargo of military supplies, sailed towards Murmansk and was never seen again. That's why I am able to write this now!! Since 2004 I have been unable to contact Tony, nor are my emails getting through - I can only fear the worst and hope it is not so. |
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Some of the lucky ones. A U Boat crew await rescue by Captain Walker. 75% of U Boat sailors left port, never to return home, these were fortunate, they did!
Image: Maritime Museum Liverpool |
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Colin Sparrow-Clarke has sent me the following two images which include his dad, Fred, on board HMS Labuan when she was with Walkers Group.
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Image: Maritime Museum Liverpool |
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The following images were sent to me in July 2005 by Len Bell and, as far as
I am aware, have never before been seen outside his family:
Caption Reads: HMS Stork after submarine torpedo off Algiers 12th Nov.1942 |
Caption reads: Stork, Gardenia & H28 exercising off Londonderry Sept/Oct 1942 |
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Attacking a U Boat May or June 1942. Since presumed sunk after Gardenia stood by for 2 days. |
Stork (on bow?) carrying a placard showing U-81.
I am unsure what this means as U-81 is described in
www.uboat.net as |
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On 27th February 1944, HMS Woodpecker became the only ship Walker lost. She was hit in the stern by an acoustic torpedo fired by U-256 at grid 48.49N, 22.11W and she sank later whilst under tow. An image here, of HMS Bittern, clearly shows what can happen when hit in the stern. Thanks to Martin Carr, Canada, for the image. See also: http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3920.html The damage below is bomb damage, Norway, but it gives a good idea.
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In these pages
about
Captain Walker RN, there are references to the HF/DF used to such great effect
in locating surfaced U Boats. Source: http://www.marconiveterans.com Eugene Derek Griess
A tribute by Fred Kenyon of Australia Derek Griess was first and foremost an engineer who devoted his life to his profession in electronics. He epitomized the old style dedicated professional engineer who loved his work. In his day the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company (M.W.T.) pioneered the introduction of communications and broadcasting systems all over the world. The role of a Marconi engineer was a very demanding one. To arrive in a country on the other side of the earth with a pile of gear crated up in wooden boxes and then to have the sole responsibility to turn it into a working transmission system demanded great skill and dedication. We should perhaps remember that there were no satellite phones and contact with one's base was either very difficult or impossible, telex's and telegrams took time and often the man in the field was left to his own slender resources. There was no overtime and it was accepted that work twenty four hours a day seven days a week was the norm. The staff available to help were often completely raw and needed training and frequently the proposed ON AIR date had been publicised so an expectant audience awaited the first transmission. After a long day Derek would pound away on a portable mechanical typewriter to send his reports back to Chelmsford often asking for spare parts or seeking a missing shipment. It was in this difficult role that Derek established many friends and admirers throughout the world. The Marconi types were a rare breed and Derek represented the best of them. He had the ability to communicate with the head of the customers company or the cleaner often in another language. To them he was Mr Marconi and that company was indeed fortunate to have such a unique representative. There are many many tales of his exploits, for example during the war in the early forties he played a major role in defeating the German submarines then taking almost total control of the Atlantic. During this period he crossed the Atlantic many times during a very active war. He spent a great deal of time later in the Middle East and there is a story of the King of Jordan presenting Derek with a gold watch in gratitude for installing major communications systems for Jordan. But on his return to London when stopped by customs Derek was astounded when asked to pay duty on the King's gift so he politely told the customs to keep it. He was always willing to spend precious time explaining to a new recruit how something worked and never talked down to people. He greatly admired Albert Schweitzer and was very similar in many ways. Even in appearance and mannerisms perhaps it was his Alsatian background. He loved Bach organ music and Schweitzer in particular. But whereas Schweitzer was very much a dedicated Christian Derek with his intellectual background found faith difficult. But the interesting thing is that he lived his life with devotion to the highest possible ethical principles. His life was full of good deeds and kindness and thoughtful ness to others. I would like to think that when he enters heaven there will be a big welcoming crowd of his family and friends and that he will be overwhelmed and amazed. I can see him saying now "But why did they let me in" and perhaps the man in charge might reply - Derek you obeyed the greatest commandment - Jesus said to his disciples "Love one another as I have loved you". Derek you expressed love and help to so many in so many places and expected nothing in return. My thanks to Ken Earney also. |
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I found the following page on a military historian site, I have no idea how old the messages are, but as you can see, most deal with Capt Walker and his lads. Please note - this is NOT my site, send any emails direct the the address below: Naval Historians and Enthusiasts Noticeboard Photographs and information on historical events about cruisers requested for this new website. If you have any information you would like to send us including photographs of crew members serving on sloops and also photographs of the ship please e-mail them to us at: mail@militaryart.freeserve.co.uk MESSAGES HMS WHIMBREL GEORGE HOGG.. I am looking for anyone who may have known my father George Hogg, he came from Northumberland. I know he served on HMS Whimbrel and he had some connection with radar. I am not sure of the dates he was on the ship but I do know he served on the arctic convoys for a time. I am trying to piece together his time in the Royal Navy and have had limited information from the Royal Navy archives. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him and who would know a little of his naval service. He died in 1974 before I was old enough to ask about his time in the Navy. My contact email is Hoggstuff@hotmail.com . Ian Hogg. HMS IBIS GEORGE WILLIAM BEECHING... We would be interested in hearing from any known survivors who served with my Uncle George William Beeching on the HMS Ibis between 1940 and 1942 when the ship was hit by an airborne torpedo on 10 November. We believe he was a sick berth attendant. If any one has any photos, information or anecdotes we should be very grateful if these could be shared with us. He was also awarded the Albert Medal in gold post- humously. This was later stolen whilst on loan to a museum. If anyone has any information in respect of the medal or indeed any suggestions as to how we may be able to retrieve the medal, these would also be welcomed. Many thanks in anticipation of your help. Ian and Vicki Logan. contact here HMS MAGPIE WILLIAM CRABTREE.. I would like to contact anyone who knew my dad, William, who served on HMS Magpie and HMS Moon during and just after WW2. Contact me at pamandmarklee@aol.com HMS BLACK SWAN CYRIL JOSEPH POOLE.. My father, Cyril Joseph Poole served on this ship, I believe as a radio operator in the second world war. I know my mother has pictures of the ship and perhaps some of the crew and I am looking for more information on the ship or crew members. One thing my father told me before he died was that his captain on the Black Swan is shown in newsreel footage in the film of 'The Cruel Sea'. Clive Poole contact here HMS WILD GOOSE I am researching into my grandfather's war history. I know that he served on board HMS Wild Goose during WWII. Any information that you could provide regarding this ship would be much appreciated. Contact Stephen at stephenc_young@yahoo.co.uk I'm currently researching info on the 'HMS wild Goose' as my Grandfather served on this ship during WW2, any info regarding this ship or routes it may have sailed would be gratefully received, please contact: jay03h@hotmail.com, thanks. HMS WOODPECKER Some time ago I left a message (see below) concerning
crew members of HMS Woodpecker who (see message above) I am looking for any crew members still living who picked up survivors from HMS Woodpecker in February 1944 after it was torpedoed. I am looking especially for the Seaman who pulled my father out of the sea. My fathers name is Able Seaman Stanley Carter and was a front gunner. I feel that I will not be able to trace the Seaman but I have to try. I do know that the seaman was not working in the engine room or the torpedo room beyond that I cannot help any more. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Shirley Carter Shirley_e_Carter@mariam01.fsnet.co.uk IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE EMAIL ME AT military@military-art.com
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June 2005: I'm asking for help from all of you on this page. I am researching my grandfather's naval career. Ideally I'd like to contact anybody who may remember him, with the possibility of finding some photos. Evan Walter Fisher born 1900, joined up on his 13th birthday. Fought in the battle of Jutland aged 16 1/4. Trained gunners through the inter war years and was Gunner Command on HMS Starling from March '43 to October. Known as Walt or 'Jacky' (because of the Fisher). He was from Bath and rather hard of hearing due to those 15 inchers. If anybody has any info I'd be delighted to hear from you, thanks, Nick Fisher. mrnickfisher*hotmail.com - replace * with @ to email Nick. |
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My grandfather Norman Douthwaite was in Captain Walker’s old boys, he was a stocker petty officer in the engine room on Stork, Starling and others in the group, he died 17 years ago aged 66. My dad has a photo taken in the ward room of HMS Eaglet (where they held the monthly meeting) of Lady Walker, Lord Mountbatten, my Grandad and several other men (Edwin Freestone, Mr Williams, Walter Riley and others). My father, when at college in Hoylake, found the bell that now hangs on the wall of Bootle Town Hall, on a training ship in West Kirby in 1968. (Les Douthwaite is my fathers name.) Edwin Freestone (grandfather of Terry Pearce featured on your web site) was my grandfather’s friend; he lived in Rainford, My Grandad Lived in St.Helens. Edwin and my grandfather used to travel to all the meetings together. My Dad would like to speak to anyone involved with Captain Walkers or any descendants of my grandad’s ship mates. Please get in touch. Les Douthwaite. 0151 3271105. January 2005.
My Grandfather was Edwin Freestone (deceased) who for many years was the Chief ERA on the Starling and Secretary of the Captain Walkers OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION in Bootle (now disbanded). Do you know any information about my late grandfather I would love to find out as much as possible I do have a few photos of him and a video given to me with him in the engine room of Starling (although a very brief second is shown the video is called perilous waters.) Yours truly, Terry Pearce |
The artist who made the bust of Walker, now on display in the Ops Room in HQ Western Approaches, was Allen Curran. His brother John, sent me this image of the bust whilst under construction in his shed in Liverpool. |
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http://www.britishpathe.com - I downloaded a free video of the
6 In One Trip
Homecoming from this site; its about 3078kb long,
low resolution, and very watchable. It lasts about 3 minutes. Thanks to Ray for finding it. Entitled U Boat Killers.
Some stills from
the video are shown here:
Books on Johnnie Walker:
The Fighting Captain by Alan Burn - still in
print. I got my copy from
www.amazon.co.uk
Walker RN - Terence Robertson - out of print
Relentless Pursuit -
Commander DEG Wemyss - out of print
Yankee RN - Commander AH Cherry - out of print
Escort Carrier
1st Edition - Kenneth Poolman - out of print
Escort Carrier 2nd Edition - Kenneth Poolman - out of print
Walker Video of the
homecoming 6 In One Trip - download times will depend on your net capacity.
If possible use Win Media Player to view it.
http://smmlonline.com/reviews/models/blackswan/blackswan350.html
The 2nd Edition of Escort Carrier includes HMS Vindex at war; she worked closely with the 2nd Escort Group and one paragraph is relating to the sinking of HMS Kite. All these books may be available on the net.
