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Walker, R.N.: The Greatest U-Boat Hunter of the Battle of the Atlantic
The astounding biography of the most successful anti-submarine commander of the Second World War.
Perfect for readers of Eugene B. Fluckey, Iain Ballantyne and Peter Gretton.
The Battle of the Atlantic raged for over five and a half years during which thousands of ships were sunk as the U-boats nearly cut Britain and the Soviet Union off from vital supplies.
Yet through the work of exceptional naval commanders like Frederic John Walker the Allies were able to turn the tide of the battle and keep these essential lifelines open.
Terence Robertson’s remarkable book transports the reader back to this ferocious conflict in the heart of the ocean. Drawing information from Walker’s private papers and diaries, Robertson charts the course of this brilliant man’s navy career before going on to explain how Walker’s innovative methods were able to overcome the difficulties of tracking, repelling and destroying the U-boat wolf packs.
‘One of the best biographical accounts of the Battle of the Atlantic’ Birmingham Post
‘Terence Robertson's biography of this most forceful and resolute seaman is more than a story of the man. It is a saga of the means — of the patience, the courage, the ingenuity — by which the Royal Navy saved the Allied cause.’ The Sunday Times
‘This book shows with admirable clarity how the ding-dong struggle against the German U-boat developed and how much of our success in it was due to this unremitting and brilliant officer.’ Time and Tide
‘One of the most comprehensive accounts of the struggle of the small ships against U-boat and enemy aircraft to come out of post-war memoirs on this phase of the war.’ Aberdeen Press and Journal
Walker R.N. should be essential reading for all interested in the Battle of the Atlantic and life of one brilliant Royal Navy commander who is credited with destroying seventeen enemy U-boats.
Perfect for readers of Eugene B. Fluckey, Iain Ballantyne and Peter Gretton.
The Battle of the Atlantic raged for over five and a half years during which thousands of ships were sunk as the U-boats nearly cut Britain and the Soviet Union off from vital supplies.
Yet through the work of exceptional naval commanders like Frederic John Walker the Allies were able to turn the tide of the battle and keep these essential lifelines open.
Terence Robertson’s remarkable book transports the reader back to this ferocious conflict in the heart of the ocean. Drawing information from Walker’s private papers and diaries, Robertson charts the course of this brilliant man’s navy career before going on to explain how Walker’s innovative methods were able to overcome the difficulties of tracking, repelling and destroying the U-boat wolf packs.
‘One of the best biographical accounts of the Battle of the Atlantic’ Birmingham Post
‘Terence Robertson's biography of this most forceful and resolute seaman is more than a story of the man. It is a saga of the means — of the patience, the courage, the ingenuity — by which the Royal Navy saved the Allied cause.’ The Sunday Times
‘This book shows with admirable clarity how the ding-dong struggle against the German U-boat developed and how much of our success in it was due to this unremitting and brilliant officer.’ Time and Tide
‘One of the most comprehensive accounts of the struggle of the small ships against U-boat and enemy aircraft to come out of post-war memoirs on this phase of the war.’ Aberdeen Press and Journal
Walker R.N. should be essential reading for all interested in the Battle of the Atlantic and life of one brilliant Royal Navy commander who is credited with destroying seventeen enemy U-boats.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1956
394 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Terence Robertson
45 books3 followersAn officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, Terence Robertson worked as the news editor of the Sunday newspaper Reynolds News from 1949 until 1959, after which he moved to Canada to join the editorial staff of The Hamilton Spectator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 31, 2024
A first-rate account of the wartime exploits of Captain Johnnie Walker, RN, DSO (with three bars), – the leading practitioner of anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic. Walker died prematurely of a stroke in July 1944, but not before ships under his command and utilizing his tactical innovations sank sixteen U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic. Escort Commander is engaging and well-written. It’s a worthy tribute to a fighting sailor.
August 24, 2024
Walker, R.N. is punchy first-round WW2 history, focusing on Captain Frederic John "Johnny" Walker, the most decorated and successful anti-submarine warfare commander of the Second World War. The book glides over his early life and pre-war career as a successful misfit in the Royal Navy, a natural leader who clashed with his superiors and who's career seemed to have stalled when war broke out.
The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the critical points of the war. Without convoys from the Americas, Britain would have starved, Russia would not have received important lend-lease aid, and the Normandy landings might never have occurred. This was a campaign without fronts or decisive moments, a grinding war of attrition between escorts and U-boats.
In this war, Walker made a name for himself as an aggressive and preternaturally gifted hunter. In command of the Second Support Group, consisting of a core of Black Swan-class sloops, Walker sought out U-boats wherever they were most active, either in the Bay of Biscay or attacking allied convoys. He pioneered several tactics, specializing in a directed quiet kill, where he would stand off maintaining Asdic (the British term for Sonar) contact, while directing another ship to creep in and nail the target with depth charges. The descriptions of combat are plenty exciting, if a little repetitive, while the rest of the book is standard hagiography.
The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the critical points of the war. Without convoys from the Americas, Britain would have starved, Russia would not have received important lend-lease aid, and the Normandy landings might never have occurred. This was a campaign without fronts or decisive moments, a grinding war of attrition between escorts and U-boats.
In this war, Walker made a name for himself as an aggressive and preternaturally gifted hunter. In command of the Second Support Group, consisting of a core of Black Swan-class sloops, Walker sought out U-boats wherever they were most active, either in the Bay of Biscay or attacking allied convoys. He pioneered several tactics, specializing in a directed quiet kill, where he would stand off maintaining Asdic (the British term for Sonar) contact, while directing another ship to creep in and nail the target with depth charges. The descriptions of combat are plenty exciting, if a little repetitive, while the rest of the book is standard hagiography.
January 15, 2024
A True Hero
Factual history of a leader who was very successful in his battle against the U -Boats. I found it a little dry but when you ar3 dealing with fact no fiction - that will often be the case
Factual history of a leader who was very successful in his battle against the U -Boats. I found it a little dry but when you ar3 dealing with fact no fiction - that will often be the case
February 11, 2016
Truly enjoyable book about the remarkable character that was Captain Frederick "Johnnie" Walker. Without a doubt the single most succesfull u-boat hunter of World War 2, Walker's innovative tactics, relentless energy and, not the least, force of character, made him a figure of legend in the Royal and Allied navies during the war. It is doubtful if anyone contributed more directly to the defeat of the u-boat menace in the Atlantic, and his name deserves to be better known than it is.
Fittingly, the book is written within the same traits as Walker himself: simple, modest and straight to the point. It has a small preface about his prewar career, the rest of the book being a wonderfull summary of the u-boat hunting career of himself and the units he commanded; the 36th Escort Group and 2nd Support Group. I really enjoyed how the book lays out the details of every engagement during which he/they sunk a u-boat, not wasting time and space on irrelevant details so easily prevalent in these kind of books. I mean, I LOVE obnoxious amounts of details when it fits in, but in this book....I feel it would just have been wrong, being a biography of a reluctantly remarkable man that shied away from any attention. He would, in no doubt, have approved of the simple and concise writing of it, that is, in the unlikely event that he would have allowed someone to write about him in the first place...
A very enjoyable read, adding to my list of personal favourites. A big bonus is that the book is very easily read, virtually devoid of intricate and fancy synonyms, and very little knowledge of naval operations and warfare is needed for anyone to read and enjoy it.
Fittingly, the book is written within the same traits as Walker himself: simple, modest and straight to the point. It has a small preface about his prewar career, the rest of the book being a wonderfull summary of the u-boat hunting career of himself and the units he commanded; the 36th Escort Group and 2nd Support Group. I really enjoyed how the book lays out the details of every engagement during which he/they sunk a u-boat, not wasting time and space on irrelevant details so easily prevalent in these kind of books. I mean, I LOVE obnoxious amounts of details when it fits in, but in this book....I feel it would just have been wrong, being a biography of a reluctantly remarkable man that shied away from any attention. He would, in no doubt, have approved of the simple and concise writing of it, that is, in the unlikely event that he would have allowed someone to write about him in the first place...
A very enjoyable read, adding to my list of personal favourites. A big bonus is that the book is very easily read, virtually devoid of intricate and fancy synonyms, and very little knowledge of naval operations and warfare is needed for anyone to read and enjoy it.
June 26, 2019
I read this book in my Grade 11 year (1962-63) in high school. That is at least 56 years ago now and I still remember the book. I remember the book so well that I tried to buy it on Amazon only to find that it is not listed in their catalogue. I'm disappointed at that because this was a very influential book for me. It made the history of the war come alive and brought forth the intellectual aspects of naval warfare for me. Walker's evolution of the tactics and equipment that he used against the U-boats. it is over 60 years on and the details have faded but the identification of the problems and the generating of solutions to these problems have been very useful to me as models of practice in my engineering career.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
February 15, 2025
The subtitle tells the book’s theme: the greatest U-boat hunter of the battle of the Atlantic. Frederic John Walker, inevitably nicknamed ‘Johnnie’ after the brand of whisky, was a captain and commander of the small boat squadrons, largely consisting of corvettes and frigates, that were given the task of protecting Britain’s merchant-fleet convoys from German U-boats. Churchill famously said that the Battle of the Atlantic, that long, cold, patient, largely silent conflict that was fought on and under the ocean, was the only battle that kept him awake at night with worry.
Johnnie Walker did as much as any single individual to win the battle. From his revolutionary tactics, where he turned his patrol vessels into the hunters, seeking out and destroying the German submarines, to his unflagging devotion to duty that kept him on the bridge hour after hour, day after day, Walker led the way.
The book is, in some ways, a military hagiography. There’s little in the way of criticism but then, there was little criticism warranted, particularly when you reach the end and read how Walker’s devotion to duty quite literally drove him to an early death. Walker worked himself to death, dying in 1944 when the battle was mostly won but the war not yet over. He also lost his younger son during the war.
The Walker family, like so many others, sacrificed so much that we might live. It is good to remember, and honour, him. And it’s also a thrilling read, conveying well the cold and tension of the long nights when the corvettes searched for the wolf packs, knowing that at any moment a torpedo might come barreling towards them.
Johnnie Walker did as much as any single individual to win the battle. From his revolutionary tactics, where he turned his patrol vessels into the hunters, seeking out and destroying the German submarines, to his unflagging devotion to duty that kept him on the bridge hour after hour, day after day, Walker led the way.
The book is, in some ways, a military hagiography. There’s little in the way of criticism but then, there was little criticism warranted, particularly when you reach the end and read how Walker’s devotion to duty quite literally drove him to an early death. Walker worked himself to death, dying in 1944 when the battle was mostly won but the war not yet over. He also lost his younger son during the war.
The Walker family, like so many others, sacrificed so much that we might live. It is good to remember, and honour, him. And it’s also a thrilling read, conveying well the cold and tension of the long nights when the corvettes searched for the wolf packs, knowing that at any moment a torpedo might come barreling towards them.
November 5, 2023
Emotional account of one of great Navy Commanders during the WWII, It is well written and keeps reader focused on historic events. Unfortunately some authors of military history can't remember that war is finished more than half a century ago and still apply thinking from the middle of the fighting. There is constant humiliation of the enemy which is completely normal during hostilities. Denigrating enemy is simple way to rise moral of the troops during fighting but today is not really necessary. This way of writings produces just opposite effect - if German sub commanders were such incompetents British ASW commanders were even worse as they have been loosing Battle of Atlantic.
Second thing is dismissing as unimportant new enemy weapons. Homing torpedo is proven to be problem to be taken seriously and gliding bomb (acutely guided missile) Hs 293 was also serious weapon. On 27/8/1943, when HMCS Athabascan has been damaged by HS 293 sloop Egret (almost identical as Captain's Walker Stork) was hit by missile and sunk with all hands(194 man and officers). Compared to author Admiralty took a threat seriously and suspended patrols on the Bay of Biscay for more than a month!!
Unfortunately there some more authors who like to write the same way (Mr. John Weal from Osprey publishing for example). They should look at authors as Sir Max Hastings or Norman L.R. Franks.
and get some improvement.
Second thing is dismissing as unimportant new enemy weapons. Homing torpedo is proven to be problem to be taken seriously and gliding bomb (acutely guided missile) Hs 293 was also serious weapon. On 27/8/1943, when HMCS Athabascan has been damaged by HS 293 sloop Egret (almost identical as Captain's Walker Stork) was hit by missile and sunk with all hands(194 man and officers). Compared to author Admiralty took a threat seriously and suspended patrols on the Bay of Biscay for more than a month!!
Unfortunately there some more authors who like to write the same way (Mr. John Weal from Osprey publishing for example). They should look at authors as Sir Max Hastings or Norman L.R. Franks.
and get some improvement.
January 27, 2024
"Escort Commander" (original title "Walker, R.N.") is not a history of the Battle of the Atlantic in WW2 (as other reviewers are saying), it is the story of Captain John Walker, who was the most successful of the British navy "sub-killers", destroying more German submarines than anyone else in the British navy. And the book does not pretend to be anything else.
The story of Walker is very interesting and he comes across as someone who did things his own way, refusing special training and equipment updates to his ship because he felt that knew better than anyone else how to attack the German submarines. I wonder, but it is hard to question success. He did change the naval tactics of the time, saying instead of just protecting the merchant convoys, there needed to be "attack groups" seeking out the German submarines. He did get his way.
The book was good, but I do wish that it was more detailed with better biographical and historical information, it almost seems like it is on a high-school reading level and Walker deserves more (it is only 200 pages long). It was written in 1956 so perhaps more has been written about Walker since then...
The story of Walker is very interesting and he comes across as someone who did things his own way, refusing special training and equipment updates to his ship because he felt that knew better than anyone else how to attack the German submarines. I wonder, but it is hard to question success. He did change the naval tactics of the time, saying instead of just protecting the merchant convoys, there needed to be "attack groups" seeking out the German submarines. He did get his way.
The book was good, but I do wish that it was more detailed with better biographical and historical information, it almost seems like it is on a high-school reading level and Walker deserves more (it is only 200 pages long). It was written in 1956 so perhaps more has been written about Walker since then...
February 19, 2024
John Frederick "Johnny" Walker, RN simply was what the title of this book calls him: The greatest U-Boat hunter of the Battle of the Atlantic. Which wasn't a bad epitaph for a man who, had war not intervened, would have been somewhat forgotten as a promising naval officer who never lived up to his potential.
It was fortunate for the Royal Navy that he saw, rather more clearly than many far more senior, where the real threats to British Naval supremacy in the Second World War would come from and was available to meet the challenge.
This book is a source of historical record, not a novel, so there can be no spoilers. A man who cared deeply for his craft and for his crews literally worked himself to death. This book gives an insight into the man and, in an age removed from self-sacrifice, helps explain why he felt compelled to act as he did.
It was fortunate for the Royal Navy that he saw, rather more clearly than many far more senior, where the real threats to British Naval supremacy in the Second World War would come from and was available to meet the challenge.
This book is a source of historical record, not a novel, so there can be no spoilers. A man who cared deeply for his craft and for his crews literally worked himself to death. This book gives an insight into the man and, in an age removed from self-sacrifice, helps explain why he felt compelled to act as he did.
November 4, 2023
The book captures the essence of one of the greatest Naval Leaders during World War II. Captain Walker's leadership and exploits fighting the U-boats is beyond legend. Roberstson's classic book (written in 1956), written at the micro-level did have the opportunity interview Walker's contemporaries and crewmen, captures not only his spirit of dedication to mission and family, but the anxiety felt by many as the Battle of the Atlantic raged with the uncertainty of the early days. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to learn about the Battle of the Atlantic.
October 13, 2023
A good book about an interesting man or more specifically a job he did well. The focus is very much on the man and ignores many other things happening. Turning the Tide by Ed Offley a book you should read takes a different view and lays claim it was technology that beat the Germans. Obviously both matter.
June 5, 2024
An excellent book about a key figure in the war against U-boats. Well written and written at a time when the people who knew and fought beside him could be consulted first hand. I found the book both enjoyable and informative. I had run across references to Capt. Walker in various other books about the Battle of the Atlantic and have always wanted to read a book about him.
June 11, 2024
Bio of Wwii u-boat killer
Exciting and even though I,ve read a number of other books on convoy action true and fiction i learned a lot on tactics used that weren't made apparent in my other reading. Perhaps this was why he was so successful.all in all an excellent read and a true story of the fight in the north Atlantic
Exciting and even though I,ve read a number of other books on convoy action true and fiction i learned a lot on tactics used that weren't made apparent in my other reading. Perhaps this was why he was so successful.all in all an excellent read and a true story of the fight in the north Atlantic
June 19, 2024
I
I enjoy reading historical books that are a true representation of the focus of the book. I have read books about Montgomery, Patton, Eisenhower and Mitchel. I have a great interest in the leaders of the Allies fighting against the Axis Powers. Anyone that is of a like mind should enjoy this book.
I enjoy reading historical books that are a true representation of the focus of the book. I have read books about Montgomery, Patton, Eisenhower and Mitchel. I have a great interest in the leaders of the Allies fighting against the Axis Powers. Anyone that is of a like mind should enjoy this book.
August 15, 2023
Now I know!
I have read numerous books about the battle on the North Sea, but how the allies and Walker turned the tide was never clear to me. I learned a lot in this book and a war hero I had never heard of.
I have read numerous books about the battle on the North Sea, but how the allies and Walker turned the tide was never clear to me. I learned a lot in this book and a war hero I had never heard of.
December 27, 2023
Arguably the best book ever written about the Atlantic U boat battle
Gripping story of the trials and the wits needed to turn the tide in the north Atlantic during ww2. It would make a great movie!
Gripping story of the trials and the wits needed to turn the tide in the north Atlantic during ww2. It would make a great movie!
January 9, 2024
great tale
This is a great story of leadership, vision and commitment. Johnnie Walker was a example of leadership during a time of war when he was needed the most I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction it
This is a great story of leadership, vision and commitment. Johnnie Walker was a example of leadership during a time of war when he was needed the most I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction it
February 12, 2024
Captian John Walker - Chief of the Anti Sumarine hunters and Scourge of the Nazis
Without any doubt, Captian Walker epitimizes what a true British warrior and seaman came to be, to save a nation and help win the war. God Bless him!
Without any doubt, Captian Walker epitimizes what a true British warrior and seaman came to be, to save a nation and help win the war. God Bless him!
June 15, 2024
Brady
As a lifelong reader almost exclusively of books about aviation and the air war, I was absolutely spellbound by this book about a man who was on par with Jimmy Doolittle or any other military hero and leader one would care to mention.
As a lifelong reader almost exclusively of books about aviation and the air war, I was absolutely spellbound by this book about a man who was on par with Jimmy Doolittle or any other military hero and leader one would care to mention.
October 5, 2024
The Right Man for the Job
Action packed story of the one man who proved how to bring the German submarines in the Atlantic to bay. Action throughout the book and a necessary addition to anyone interested in the second world war.
Action packed story of the one man who proved how to bring the German submarines in the Atlantic to bay. Action throughout the book and a necessary addition to anyone interested in the second world war.
April 6, 2025
A well-researched biography of one of the Royal Navy's most effective captains in the Second World War. Although the book focuses on the military action, it does allow the personality of Walker some room. A good read for people with a strong interest in naval warfare in WWII.
August 6, 2025
What a man
This was great read how peacetime officer became a great hunter of submarines. The tactics that were learned developed help greatly to protect the convoys. What a great tactician and man.
This was great read how peacetime officer became a great hunter of submarines. The tactics that were learned developed help greatly to protect the convoys. What a great tactician and man.
September 25, 2018
Such a great story. Riveting.
January 8, 2023
Fascinating story of one of the most successful submarine hunters of Hitler’s War.
August 12, 2023
A real page turner, excellent book, so proud of the UBOAT hunters and their leader. Get this book, be a patriot.
September 10, 2023
A Hero
Just a brilliant man. One who we all owe a great gratitude to.
A must read for everyone interested in WW2 on the sea’s
Just a brilliant man. One who we all owe a great gratitude to.
A must read for everyone interested in WW2 on the sea’s
September 14, 2023
If your interested in anti-submarine warfare this is a great book. R.N Walker was the best sub hunter who ever lived. The book kept me interested the entire time.
October 11, 2023
Outstanding tale.
Very well written story about a true Hero and about how wrong those at the top are pig headed and fail to recognize talent.
Very well written story about a true Hero and about how wrong those at the top are pig headed and fail to recognize talent.
November 2, 2023
Excellent read more than 5 stars and fills the gaps in visiting his statue at the Pier Head Liverpool.
May 11, 2024
Great book
I really enjoyed reading about this hero, who is mostly unknown. He established how the anti-submarine would be fought in the Atlantic.
I really enjoyed reading about this hero, who is mostly unknown. He established how the anti-submarine would be fought in the Atlantic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews