Frederick 'Johnnie' Walker - Gladiator of the Convoys (Part 1 - 1896 to early 1942)

Today we take a look at the early life of 'Johnnie' Walker and the first major opening engagement he fought in WW2, the convoy HG-76
Sources:
Walker RN - Robertson, Terence (1956)
www.amazon.co.uk/Fighting-Cap...
www.admiraltytrilogy.com/pdf/B...
Naval History books, use code 'DRACH' for 25% off - www.usni.org/press/books?f%5B...
Free naval photos and channel posters - www.drachinifel.co.uk
Want to support the channel? - / drachinifel
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'Legionnaire' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@Cbabilon675]

Just how good was the any aircraft defense of the u? Boats at this time period, Deering this engagement of the convoy?

[@brendonbewersdorf986]

Why did Japan never adopt similar convoy escort and defense methods despite having taken a lot of lessons from the British during WW1?

[@AbeBSea]

Are you going to profile other more junior officers, e.g., Tameichi Hara, Dick O'Kane, et al.?

[@themanformerlyknownascomme777]

I was recently reading a thread on the Type XXI and one commentator on it made a comment about how the Type XXI program embodied the German’s weakness for total overhaul, the man was suggesting that the Kriegsmarine should have engaged in a GUPPY-like program for existing U-boat classes rather then putting all faith on a completely new submarine. Do you agree with this statement? Could any of the Kreigsmarine’s uboat classes be retrofitted in this first place? What benefits could be provided and would such features be worth it? And could this be done in a far more reasonable time then having the classes replaced by newer Elecktroboot designs?

[@bkjeong4302]

@@brendonbewersdorf986 Because their ASW was complete garbage. The worst part of their doctrine in fact, and by a considerable margin.

[@Cobra-King3]

U-Boat: **Screams of Terror by the crew** Mr Walker: HERE'S *JOHNNIE*

[@ManiusCuriusDenatus]

I came here looking for this comment or some iteration of it. I found it. Thank you.

[@ColinFreeman-kh9us]

@@ManiusCuriusDenatus well said brother…. dyin ! Lmfao

[@maxkennedy8075]

*smashes through bulkhead door with a hedgehog bomb welded to a girder*

[@bigal1863]

Comment of the year

[@Neithan02]

Mr?

[@mikedale1422]

I was in Liverpool last fall. The guide made quite an effort to make sure we saw the Beatles statues near the docks. The guide walked right past the statue of Johnny Walker. When I pointed that out he said “ Oh, yes. He was in the war”.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

Condolences on the necessity of you being in Liverpool. Glad to hear you picked the tour guides brain about Walker. Surely the Beatles were far more important.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

@@therealuncleowen2588 The Beatles were far more important for the Beatles bank accounts. Without the likes of Walker, UK would have been far worse off in so many respects. Without Beatles we wouldn't have noticed . . .

[@michalsoukup1021]

Beatles DID give at least one great service to the UK, and Liverpool more so, thanks to Beatles it was cooler to be a rocker than a criminal.

[@BishopStars]

What was John really like?

[@dulls8475]

@@therealuncleowen2588 Yes with the popularisation of drugs. Look how that worked out.

[@kemarisite]

47:11 "tell that damn aircraft to go around the other way", note that this anecdote was relayed, but transferred to the Arctic Convoys, by Alistair McLean in HMS Ullyses, along with the explanation "you're making us dizzy".

[@grahamlait1969]

The same story appears in Nicholas Monsarrat's book 'Three corvettes', a diary of his service in WW2 in convoy escort corvettes. He must have been good because he started as a junior officer and ended as the captain of an ASW frigate.

[@remko2]

iirc Dutch author Jan de Hartog used the same anecdote in one of his novels about the exploits of dutch tugboats during the war.

[@TheIndianalain]

That's where I read it! Loved that book.

[@nledaig]

Monsarrat had Walker and the escort crews in mind when he wrote "The Cruel Sea"

[@chrisf6876]

I have been waiting for your history of Captain Walker one of the greatest fighting sailors to serve in the Royal Navy

[@liberalsockpuppet4772]

I'm from the US and I sometimes suffer from historical tunnel vision. I'm glad to be finally learning about Johnny Walker.

[@bigblue6917]

@@liberalsockpuppet4772 Somethings are worth waiting for. You, of course, had USS England which didn't hold back when it came to sinking Japanese submarines

[@richardbennett1856]

I'm blaming the government for not telling the stories of heroes like Captain Walker The US won the war. That's the school books we had to read in the 1960s. For that matter, little was written back then about Captain Willis Lee, another shooting star that burned out. Tell us more, Drach!!

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Apologies?​@@liberalsockpuppet4772

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

​​@@richardbennett1856Where there any Libraries in your day? Some guy named Franklin liked them. Thanks 8:09 .

[@drewhardin3992]

In this single presentation you managed to match the information density of about a day's worth of History Channel shows even when they actually did history.

[@williestyle35]

Not to be a contradictory jerk, but... The "old" History Channel would show many different WWII and historical information shows in a single day, covering multiple subjects. Drachinifel did a great job here profiling Johnny Walker, but only his career and service to the RN.

[@drewhardin3992]

@@williestyle35 I get your point, but the content they showed was heavy on advertising, very heavy on music and visuals, and generally very light on depth. The History Channel was great if you want to learn about the basics of something you don't know anything about. But because it was essentially an advertising platform that provided a bit of content (that they eventually stopped caring about) the focus was very heavy on flash and spectacle. When I was younger I found some value in such a presentation, but not for a very long time. Drachinifel tries for something different, which is basically an entire presentation that stays on point and provides a detailed narrative. My point isn't so much to attack the History Channel, but to find it interesting that their very slick presentation format gave me less information in multiple hours of content than Drachinifel provides in a single hour of focused narrative. It isn't as polished, but I learn more real details about a topic here than I do on anything shown on television. (Neither can match a book, but that is just the way that format works).

[@williestyle35]

@@drewhardin3992 I get what you are saying and understand the point you are making. I should have been clearer about the content I was talking about. In addition to their own "slickly" produced content, History channel would show the more information "documentary" series produced by others. Things like "Victory At Sea" or the groundbreaking (for the time it was made in the early 70's) "The World At War" series, they would license and reshow. But in general History Channel did really only give condensed versions of the subjects they covered, largely to drive advertising and cover as many "popular" as possible subjects of interest.

[@drewhardin3992]

@@williestyle35 The World at War and Victory at Sea are still two of my favorite shows I was able to watch. I did watch the History Channel when they were primarily focused on history. I just appreciate what Drachinifel is doing. This channel in particular has helped drive my interest in this entire topic and helped me find lots of great sources and details.

[@paulmartin4168]

Eric "Winkle"Brown has given a first hand account of sinking aboard HMS Audacity Another perspective of the same campaign.

[@DABrock-author]

IIRC he also bagged 2 of the Condors that were shot down during that convoy run.

[@RLFWE1]

Johnnie walker and winkle brown: the best of the best

[@tobihighvoltage]

Loved hearing this story. I’m used to stories of submarine commanders, but men like Walker were real heroes and deserve much more recognition than they are often awarded.

[@MsZeeZed]

Convolvulus : a plant genus including Bindweed, Silver Bush & Morning Glory. Perfectly normal name for a WWII Flower-class Corvette.

[@mbryson2899]

I was driven to look it up, too!

[@johnjackson4322]

@@mbryson2899 Reference: Flanders, M and Swann D

[@e.k.bellinger9496]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convolvulus_arvensis There is a purple variety that has been domesticated so that it doesn't take over the whole back yard.

[@mikeynth7919]

I was thinking someone had his maiden aunt naming these ships when he got stumped getting past "Petunia".

[@christopherreed4723]

​@@johnjackson4322 Yes!! Beat me to it! "The fragrant honeysuckle spirals clockwise to the sun, And many other creepers do the same. But some climb anti-clockwise, the bindweed does, for one. Or convolvulus, to give her proper name..." Flanders & Swann "Misalliance", from "At The Drop Of A Hat"

[@MikeyNewman1974]

I was at the 2004 ceremony in Liverpool with Captain Walkers Old Boys. It was very touching. My grandfather served with Captain Walker during WW2 and held him in great esteem. I'm off to dig out the photos now! Thank you for this video.

[@bennewnham4497]

For as long as there has been an Otto Kretschmer or Gunter Prien, there has been Frederick 'Johnnie' Walker. This British sailor, battle theorist and anti submarine warfare genius is the Original Gangsta of badass U-Boat killers - a man so dedicated to his work that he left no stone unturned in his unwavering quest to find and exterminate every U-Boat that dared cross his path. He was the first man to take on the U-Boats and truly emerge victorious, setting the precedent and creating the blueprint for the countless hunters and slayers that followed him, and he showed the world that not even the most badass U-Boat commander out there could stand up to a good old-fashioned Royal Navy captain with a bad attitude and a mountain of depth charges.

[@S0RGEx]

One of, if not the, greatest ASW specialists of all time, along with John Williamson IMO.

[@PumaTwoU]

I would disagree. Your best book on this subject is: A Game of Birds and Wolves: The Ingenious Young Women Whose Secret Board Game Helped Win World War II - by Simon Parkin.

[@joeelliott2157]

I would rank Johnny Walker above John Williamson, captain of the USS England, though he did have a truly astounding patrol.

[@airplanes42]

This man was a true hero that deserved more acclaim.

[@exsubmariner]

I served under his grandson P J Walker who was captain of HM submarine otter 79 ,81 , we were unaware of his grandad and he never spoke about it

[@GearGuardianGaming]

i wouldnt want to command a submarine and talk about a successful sub hunter either, i dont blame him lol

[@jeffreyskoritowski4114]

I'm sure his grandfather was rolling in his grave at an astonishing speed.

[@exsubmariner]

@@jeffreyskoritowski4114 not really is grandson my captain was appointed ASW Anti submarine warfare. Chief advisor later in his career He used his skill that as a submarine captain to his advantage in detecting and fighting submarines just like his grandad

[@davemitchell9941]

Ahh the ol trials boat, ss09, which was handed to a private yard for a refit as a comparison. 1984. We dockies in Guz ended up with Osiris ss22 a super O n more difficult to refit. Excellent comparison, lol 🙄 Still Osiris went to sea on time & got her safe to dive ticket, after trials. Otter from memory didn’t pass muster in her basin dive n ended up being towed to gosport n hidden away from public view. Similar tale to the Leander frigate refits!! Complete nonsense. Got the utmost respect & admiration for you submariners, you certainly earns your keep, great lads to be around & work with.😊

[@exsubmariner]

@@davemitchell9941 hi Dave enjoyed reading your reply the dockyard workers worked their asses off during the Falklands war good old days back in the 80s and 90s but it's all gone now all the boats have gone up north I lost the majority of my brain cells down Union Street amongst other things Take care mate,,,,,!

[@RossEphgrave]

I read about Walkers exploits as a teenager. He was a driven leader. Fearless and inspiring. In 1982 i wrote an essay about him for my grade 10 history class. My professor failed me beacuse he claimed it was make believe. That none of the exploits ever occurred. Im a Canadian and i was shocked at the time and never forgot it. Thank God there were leaders like Walker in WW2.

[@user-gl5dq2dg1j]

Should have brought in all of the reference books and dumped them on his desk.

[@johnhadley7715]

Which proves the point: many of our educators are intent on placating and anesthetizing pupils. The goal: a quiet day FOR THE TEACHER.

[@MrRobster1234]

I had a friend "Arthur Powell" who jumped onto the deck of a German sub that was forced to the surface by an American aircraft north of Cuba in 1942. His corvette was the "Oakville". He shot two Germans with a pistol and the rest of the crew surrendered. It was a brief victory when we were losing everywhere. He was a formidable man well into his 70's.

[@currentbatches6205]

Not the same sort of stupidity on the other end, but I applied for a job a loooong time ago and they had one of those 'if it looks like this from two sides, what does the third side look like?' tests. They called me back, only to ask me 'How did you steal our (dim-bulb) test?!' I walked out assuming the HR dept was much less intelligent than the engineering dept, but not willing to deal with that stupidity.

[@nledaig]

@@johnhadley7715 Cannot see any logical connection between that comment and the comment from the Canadian?

[@michaelj132]

I read an autobiography of the man. A truly remarkable character and a real fighting sailor. The Western Approaches museum in Liverpool is really worth a visit and has had an exhibit on him. Also his statue down near the Pier Head.

[@Eric-oo8rb]

To think there was a time when people like Walker, Douglas Bader and countless other legends just walked the earth like we do.

[@bigblue6917]

The Fighting Captain. That is how I became aware of Walker

[@LD-wm7jm]

His affects are also in Bootle Town hall

[@tonyhughes7688]

Great book

[@michalsoukup1021]

This man from the POV of German submariner cca 1942 'It can't be bargained with, it can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity! Or remorse or fear and it absolutely will not stop!... ever..."

[@Wolfeson28]

Escort Commander Imhotep?

[@michalsoukup1021]

@@Wolfeson28 terminator

[@Wolfeson28]

@@michalsoukup1021 Ah right. Should've remembered. :)

[@robertf3479]

I first heard about Captain Walker before first heading to sea myself, an absolutely fascinating character. Great Britain owes this man a debt of gratitude. I've been looking forward to Drach covering him and I am NOT disappointed at all. Well done sir.

[@indplt1595]

After Captain Walker died in a Royal Navy hospital in July 1944, he was buried at sea by the crew of the destroyer HMS Hesperus, a renowned U-boat killer in its own right that was the preferred command of one Donald Macintyre who was a disciple of Captain Walker's ASW tactics whose first U-Boat kills, on 17 March 1941, were of U-Boat ace Joachim Schepke (36 kills) in U-100 and the "Tonnage King," Otto Kretschmer (44 kills) one month after Macintyre took command of the destroyer...HMS Walker.

[@kevinalkire]

Might be the best "five" minute guide Drach has ever put out. Incredible string of actions.

[@pizzaivlife]

More or less.

[@user-gl5dq2dg1j]

I haven't watched yet and had to scroll back up to check the time and date. I figured this was not one of his Wednesday videos but I was wrong.

[@f12mnb]

Great episode. The convoy battles illustrate one more change in warfare - it was no longer a lot of marching around culminating in one great decisive battle. It was a relentness 24 hour 7 day struggle.

[@robruss62]

True to a point. However, but for the battleships and carriers and cruisers more or less dealing with the German and Italian surface fleets, the escort forces would not have been able to concentrate on ASW duties. In the Pacific, one of the main reasons Lockwood's subs had a much better time of it was thanks to Spruance and Halsey's battlefleet taking care of Combined Fleet, as well as Japanese land based air.

[@user-gl5dq2dg1j]

@@robruss62 The Japanese were slower to react to US subs (granted working torpedoes would have sped up that response but the damage would have been more effective earlier) than the US to U boots. The 6 month slog off Guadalcanal put a strain on IJN destroyer forces that they didn't have the ability to replace while the US was building new shipyards to help churn out destroyers and destroyer escorts and other smaller vessels so the bigger ship yards could churn out carriers, cruisers, and battleships.

[@bigblue6917]

Cometh the hour cometh the man. And Walker was that man.

[@captainvladmir7535]

Been an admirer of Johnnie Walker since the first time I read anything about him. Teenager from Arkansas, reading accounts of this British guy fighting U-Boats decades before, going "This guy...this guy here...." One of my favorites of your videos, @Drachinifel. Can't wait for part two.

[@theblackbear211]

Being both ex- Navy, and a retired merchant mariner, I have long said "God Bless Johnny Walker". Thanks for sharing his story, his efforts both directly, and indirectly, saved an untold number of lives.

[@briannicholas2757]

Brilliantly narrated. Drach has real gift for recounting battles and keeping the human element alive and well.

[@baggypanttrucker]

A very informative video. Captain walker is one of my all time military heroes. Unfortunately he tends to be overlooked by history, mainly, I think, because he didn't survive the war, dying in service.

[@nicksykes4575]

Hi Drac, I can't believe you never mentioned the other legend involved in HG76, one of Audacitys Martlet pilots, who claimed 2 Condors, was Eric "Winkle" Brown.

[@user-lc6mx7fg4y]

yeaahh, you're quit right!!! Unless to mention that Audacity was according to "Winkle" Brown dead in the water. Sub was surfaced and they eyed each other, until someone lost nerves and opened fire on the sub, which in return answered with torps..

[@yes_head]

Drach is a Navy guy to the bone. Pilots are people who take ships to their berths. 😀

[@davidrenton]

@@yes_head he actually mentioned Eric Winkle Brown in his last Dry dock, i.e 1st Jet Carrier Landing

[@matthewrowe9903]

Thank you for covering Walkers life the man was a legend whose life was sadly short but so full of achievement

[@TheRealMarxz]

I first came across "Johnnie" Walker and the Starling in 1999 in a book called "Business in Great Waters" ( John Terraine) which was a genuine "Can't put down" book - which surprised me given A: I'm far more a SciFi/Fantasy reader and B: it's over 700 pages - managed to finish of in 2 days/3 nights and re read it more leisurely only a few short months later

[@isidroramos1073]

An impressive book, I concur. Did you also read Terraine's RAF history 'The Right of the Line'? I think they were conceived to be read together...

[@mgytitanic1912]

I've read that book twice since coming across it in a second hand bookshop. It's an amazing read.

[@Rjayboxing]

And there I was thinking the content couldn't be any better.... this is going to be great

[@Kevin_Kennelly]

20:12 "I've just shot a prisoner by mistake." 24:07 "If a U-boat was detected by any means then the area was to be immediately plastered in burning phosphorous and magnesium in such quantities, that one might be forgiven for thinking a second sun had risen." 40:25 "something of a bent bow"

[@SeraphoftheRoundTable]

The latter is my dose of Drachism for the day. 😂

[@GearGuardianGaming]

you could just throw the entire thing from 18:49 - 21:04 because theres so many in that span its long and tedious to type them all. my favorite: "lower the port seaboat" "motorboats gone adrift" 😂

[@Rio_1111]

​@@GearGuardianGaming 20:31 "Where's ordinary seaman Burns?" "He's fallen down the funnel" "Get him out!"

[@pologoone6639]

​@@Rio_1111Yeah, that sounded like a training scenario based on bitter experience. Mainly cause the immediate response is "Get him out." And not "Wait. What?"

[@merdiolu]

My favorite chief submarine hunter of war.

[@buckduane1991]

Apparently that Condor pilot was a very understanding and accommodating type of person… and probably was as dizzy as the British officer watching him after circling so long.

[@simongeard4824]

As they say, was is long periods of boredom punctuated by short moments of terror. When you're flying a long-range patrol plane and there's nobody shooting at you, you've got to find entertainment where you can...

[@legoeasycompany]

@@simongeard4824 I mean maritime patrols can be very lonely, so it must have been nice to find a few friends to chat with

[@guypierson5754]

@@legoeasycompanytbh, if that pilot survived the war, that was probably one of the highlights of his military career. Only the British would do such a thing. I can imagine Polish destroyers signalling the pilot “We are Polish and we have called for air cover, make your peace with God” much like their messages when attacking enormously larger ships and signalling “We are Polish and intend to ram you defend yourself”, or a US service member signalling “We are going to bomb Berlin for you” but only a British officer would vent their frustration with a polite request.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Of all the names of the flower class corvettes the only one that was rejected by the RN Ships’ Names and Badges Committee, Was "HMS Pansy" which was renamed to "HMS Heartsease" before its completion.

[@Bruce-1956]

Remember reading about him many years ago. A fascinating man as are many of his generation.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

I have the book about him, written years ago. An excellent read. Beyond the amazing story of his life, it illustrates the poor UK military thinking of the time, how we had more than one "narrow margin" to deal with . . .

[@cutedgehouse]

Anything this guy does raises the bar. Excellent! Far better than anything before.

[@colin7073]

Captain Walker is commemorated by a statue at the Pier Head in Liverpool. Also a bust of him and a history of his exploits are on display at the Western Approaches Museum in Liverpool which is a fantastic museum of the organisation and secretive work of the staff in the war, planning the safe passage of ships in convoy to the UK. This museum is a must see and is located just behind Liverpool town hall in 1-3 Rumford St, Liverpool L2 8SZ. Thanks to Johnny Walker and all the brave matelots and merchant seamen who paid such a heavy price, supplies were able to reach the UK and beyond . Lest we forget.

[@michaelkinsey4649]

His birthplace blue plaque is in a quiet back street behind Plymouth Hoe. He is very much an unknown hero in Plymouth, much better remembered in Liverpool. Thanks for this Drach!

[@autumnmcgowan9544]

The sinking of the Audacity was almost a disaster for naval aviation Thankfully Captain Eric "Winkle"Brown would survive the sinking and go on to achieve the feat of flying 487 different aircraft types, including many of the more exotic types operated by the late war Luftwaffe. He would hold a record for most flight deck landings and go on to make the first carrier landing of a jet fighter in December 1945 as well as the first tricycle gear, and rotary wing landings.

[@davidrenton]

if any pilot needs a 10 hour movie about them it's Winkle Brown

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

@@davidrenton If it ever happens It'll be about 5 star Fleet Admiral Earl "Buckaroo" Brown USN.

[@davidrenton]

@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 the one that sunk the Bismark , the Belgrano and was George Wshingtons Nephew, make it now i say he also decrypted enigma

[@Bans94]

Yes yes, this is all very informative Drac but when are we going to get the breakdown of how a US Navy Submarine was taken out by Godzilla in 1998? Seems like a government coverup to me!

[@johnd2058]

Profile pic checks out

[@shawnc5188]

A nuclear submarine was taken out by space aliens in 1989…

[@thecursed01]

and a russian one defected and was hidden in a river in the usa also in the late 1980s @@shawnc5188

[@thecursed01]

and don'T forget the pink "sea tiger" submarine's actions at the start of ww2 :)

[@PalleRasmussen]

Outside the scope of this channel ;-)

[@alexbenis4726]

Thank you for this, I've always been very interested in Captain Walker, the first picture you posted of him, he looks so care worn and older than his actual years- the stress of serving his country.

[@user-kr9jq7yz5o]

Sadly, I just heard that Lou Conter the last survivor of USS Arizona passed away yesterday.

[@kiereluurs1243]

'Oh dear, the Japanese got him after all!!' (At 102.)

[@bob1505]

This was a delightful surprise to see your byline under the thumbnail on one of my favorite topics. Thank you Drach. Waiting for Part 2.

[@icecoffee1361]

Great episode 👍 walker is my favourite British RN officer, I was in Liverpool last year with my 13 year old and I was telling him boringly about Johnny walker by his statue that 99% of people walk past and know nothing about how important he was for the us in WW2

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Can you imagine if he was an AMERICAN ???? He'd have a nuclear missle cruiser named after him, roads across the US would be named in his honour, and up until 20-30 years ago kids in school would have been taught his huge contribution to their country's war effort. Cross the Atlantic to the UK and almost NO-ONE knows about him. I'm from Liverpool, my father was in the Royal Navy during WW2 and a number of relatives were on merchant ships plying the Atlantic during the war so I was told about "Johnny" Walker since I was a young lad.

[@davidrobinson4553]

One of the first books I ever read after joining our local library in North Derb2yshire was titled Walker RN, 56 years ago if my memory serves. I read that book time and time again... Thank's Drach have a Coffee👍🇬🇧👍

[@wgj4813]

I read his book when at school age 15. I was mesmorised by his devotion and commitment during the war to which he gave his all and his life.

[@curthenderson6407]

I found this riveting. Best recounting of convoy escorts fighting submarines I've heard!

[@derrickstorm6976]

Never thought a U-boat would have shot down a plane!

[@mpersad]

A terrific start to the series on the incomparable Walker! Great use of archive materials and the maps of the Gibraltar convoy action were particularly noteworthy. Thanks Drach, another superb production.

[@john_in_phoenix]

Excellent story about a battle that I'd not previously been aware. Many thanks @Drachinifel !

[@rackstraw]

18:04 This brought back some not-so-fond memories of Refresher Training (REFTRA) at GITMO...and the litany of drills and evolutions is accurate.

[@RetiredSailor60]

Did a 6 week REFTRA at Gitmo in Summer of 1983 on USS Semmes DDG 18 and an abbreviated REFTRA in 1994 on USS Whidbey Island LSD 41.

[@gregedmand9939]

My uncle bounced back and forth across the Atlantic aboard the HMCS Fennel. Even inadequate vessels like corvettes were able to effectively contribute to defeating the U-boat menace, thanks to the likes of Walker.

[@leehotspur9679]

Canadians did a sterling job for the battle of the Atlantic

[@stevedodd6773]

Growing up on Merseyside, Captain Walker was my hero since I read his biography when I was eight, courtesy of Wallasey library service. Thank you for sharing details of his career with our fellow naval history students.

[@f12mnb]

Someone did try to help Walker - being on capital ships was hoped to get him noticed on the promotion track, luckily his devotion to ASW was persistent.

[@captainvladmir7535]

Yeah, I feel like the China assignment was probably meant to get him noticed by brass. Which, you know, it did...

[@davidf3696]

Thank you for shedding light on this hugely significant hero of the war in the Atlantic. Like several others I read the book Walker RN in high school in the 1960’s and was so impressed by Captain Walker’s contribution. Unfortunately, thanks to Hollywood and the recent production “Greyhound” most people believe that Tom Hanks and the Americans resolved the U-Boat terrors in the Atlantic when in fact it was Captain Walker’s ingenuity and efforts that won that battle.

[@bruces1g]

Excellent!! Which comes as no surprise. I was unaware of John Walker's exploits and now anxiously await part two! Thank you Drach for the education.

[@Eric-oo8rb]

Huh, what are the odds, I was reading a book last night and it’s talking about Walker, The 36th Escort Group and HMS Swallow. I was thinking to myself “I wonder if Drachinifel has any videos on any of those 3 subjects? I’ll check tomorrow morning.” and here were are…

[@frasermckee473]

An absolutely excellent telling of not only CAPT Johnny Walker's introduction to a/s warfare, but of that HG battle. As an A/S officer, CAPT Walker is still, after 80 years, a hero of mine, and I have, from Mrs. Walker, his page of his as=it--happened bridge clipboard notes of that very convoy. Plus a pair of his dividers he kept in his pocket to measure chart distances, as. in the uproar of continuous battle he could never find the navigator's pair! His motto - preparedness! CDR (TAS) F M McKee, RCNVR/RCN(R)/CFR, etc.!

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Great post, and thank you for your own service.

[@MrEnvirocat]

Thanks for a very detailed tale of Walker's career and battle out of Gibraltar. I've read of this battle before, rather centered around the HMS Audacity, but lacked the background and shaping of the career of Commander Walker. By bringing all of the elements together from an RN perspective, it really added to the zeitgeist of the moment and I gained a real feeling to what was at stake at the moment. Major Kudos and very Well Done.

[@geoffreyofmonmouth9796]

Johnnie Walker is an absolute hero to me. I recommend anyone to get and read a copy of Walker, R.N. which tells his story in great detail.

[@alexandermonro6768]

I think that was one of the first naval history books that I ever read!

[@michaelinsc9724]

Fantastic! Thrilled to see you're covering this in your usual detail.

[@alistairmills7608]

This is a good example of an individual following their unique passion in an institution, the Military systems which often seek to crush and condemn individuality, especially in this time period WWI and WWII. Im so glad Walker followed his passion and serve with such increadibly crucial areas of WWII.

[@ColinFreeman-kh9us]

Amazing man, all we really leave behind in this world is memories this guy left some of the very best. EVER….

[@davidnikoloff3211]

Excellent. That was a great deal of work on your part Drach. I am looking forward to the next episode. You made the events come to life.

[@gyrene_asea4133]

Yes, Drach did an excellent job with this.

[@ant4812]

Captain MacKendrick of the Audacity had one of the "Empire" bulk grain MAC ships named after him.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

He'd also been a Fairey Swordfish pilot earlier in his career.

[@swaggaming2564]

funny coincidence, i was reading a book of collated royal navy memoirs from 1914-1945 and there was a very good account from walker’s 2IC or similar role, and here’s a video about him from drach.

[@inyobill]

Your presentations are consistently very interesting. This is one of your best.

[@myriaddsystems]

Brilliant delivery, thoroughly engaging! Convulvulus is a bindweed, sometimes found winding up telegraph poles in the UK, displaying white trumpet shaped flowers, part of the nightshade/potato family

[@Conn30Mtenor]

Nations fighting for their existence produce Johnnie Walkers.

[@daviddavid5880]

I suspect that warm, handmade woolen socks would be one hell of a boon to a wet deck tin can sailor in the North Atlantic. Poor guy was probably soaked and frozen more often than he was dry.

[@GearGuardianGaming]

some people enjoy such things

[@aBRUSHforCONFUCIUS]

Wow! Fantastic, informational and captivating. It shows perfectly how a man, developes himself, for his work and learns to be knowledgeable, flexible and innovative. Then he shows his subordinates, how to think for themselves, work together and rely on their training. This is what men do. This ia my favorite biography, you have done yet. Lastly, how frightening it must be, to have to go into cold water, in the night.

[@leehotspur9679]

Thoroughly enjoyed this account of Capt Walker RN .Being ex RN from the 60,s myself i could relate a lot of my past experience to the the matelots that went before us , Capt Walker , Staunch as they come a Go getter , I served under Capt Basil Place RN VC X craft Tirpitz Fame ,Now thats another Ripping Yarn for you Thanks for sharing ,Much appreciated

[@jhjl1]

I am so pleased you have made this great documentary about my favourite naval hero.

[@mtm101designs9]

I read the book about "Johnnie" Walker and totally enjoyed this episode. Really great job of illustrating the battles. Thanks and looking forward to the next episode.

[@misterangel8486]

Drach making my day again.😎 Thanks👍🖖

[@williamashbless7904]

About time! The men and ships of the Escort Groups deserve far more recognition than they have been given in the past. Walker was the backbone of the Allied anti-submarine efforts.

[@RonOhio]

I'm always fascinated by stories about anti submarine warfare. Looking forward to part deux.

[@davidlavigne207]

Thanks for the history brief. This battle is described in fine style in Angus Konstam's book "The Convoy." I can't wait for a part two about 'Johnnie' Walker, perhaps the finest ASW officer of WW2.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Fantasic Drach!!! I've long awaited for you to cover this bloody hero. Now setteling down to enjoy this. Thanks

[@tokencivilian8507]

Yet another great narrative of a fantastic piece of history. Thank you Drach.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Very well done, Drach!

[@glennricafrente58]

Wow, not just a special but a series. Thanks, Drach!

[@tonyhughes7688]

As a Liverpool Lad, grandson to merchant seaman of the Battle of the Atlantic. I thank you for your excellent presentation and look forward to the following episodes. A truly great man, a real hero, I recall my Dad's stories recounting his heroic efforts.

[@StephenDaystratos]

This is one of the best things you've ever done. ❤

[@Mr_G977]

Totally agree. I was a member of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors (RCNC) and served as an officer at sea in uniform on the very last of the steam powered Leander frigates HMS Adriadne. There is nothing quite like it to be on the bridge of a steam powered warship when the ship 'rings on both' and goes full power ahead and that is in peacetime. Let alone to be sub hunting to kill and avoid being killed . When I came ashore, my first boss an RN Capt (retired) who had joined the RCNC, had served in the Western Approaches Command at Liverpool during WW11 told me about Capt. Walker RN. . I have a book written about Walker. He deserves to be much better known and honoured. The picture of him leaning forward on an open bridge in the Atlantic, in battle, giving orders on the 'con' says it all. A master of his craft. A gifted leader and a man the ship's company had the utmost confidence in. In the RN the crew rates the Captain as either a 'skipper' or a 'driver'. Skipper is a mark of respect but a 'driver' is one whose ship handling is so good that it inspires admiration and complete trust, Walker was the ultimate when it came to being a 'driver'. In my time at sea I served under a skipper and then a driver on the same ship. The difference was like night and day.

[@johnlawless9636]

I've been waiting so long for this. I've read the book and it's amazing, what a captain and crew

[@-xirx-]

Love this! Eagerly awaiting part 2

[@andrewmartin8180]

I heard about this hero before only passing. Thank you, drac for this

[@thomaskositzki9424]

Woooow, Drach does a piece on "Johnnie" Walker, bane of the submarines! I am very excited about this one.

[@billd8031]

Absolutely brilliant talk through and illustrations of the Gib to UK convoy. I've read the Johnny Walker biography, but this talk brings it really alive 👍🤓😁

[@oceanmariner]

Can't wait for part 2. As always great research and presentation. Thanks!

[@aerospacenews]

Great job telling this story @Drachinifel !

[@michaelholt8590]

Just hearing the name HMS Rhododendron must have struck fear in the hearts of the enemy.

[@gbcb8853]

Not as much as HMS Pansy

[@michaelholt8590]

@@gbcb8853 Hahahahaha I missed that one.🤣🤣🤣

[@leehotspur9679]

All made the Compass Rose famous ,Courageous Corvettes Battling the War in the Atlantic and The Cruel sea

[@garynew9637]

Haha

[@deflatedrubberduck]

Great content, can't wait for part 2!

[@bigsarge2085]

Fascinating history, thank you!

[@nickdanger3802]

I read captain Walkers biography decades ago and as I recall he had been scheduled for retirement when the war started.

[@GearGuardianGaming]

same goes for a lot of admirals at the time

[@majorbloodnok6659]

Thank you for giving this great man his due.

[@charlescassells4562]

Great documentary! Captain Walker sank one of the Uboats that had sunk my Dad's ship, a tanker, the Empire Norseman, in February 1943. Fortunately, there were then no casualties -I would not be here otherwise! Waiting for part 2 of the video.

[@briancox2721]

I wonder if Heinlein knew about Walker's career. In Starship Troopers, the OCS head master states that candidates that fail out of OCS are transferred back to their units as NCOs as quickly as possible, it being recognized that having a brilliant man in the wrong position is disastrous for both the man and the organization.

[@glenmartin2437]

A riveting account. Walker was in a class by himself. Thanks.

[@gregsutton2400]

Fantastic video I read Walker RN years ago and this make it seem very fresh. What a genius warrior he was.

[@LeftIsBest001]

Can't wait for part 2!! 😊