Convoy Escort Commander: A Memoir of the Battle of the Atlantic

by Peter Gretton

Vice Admiral Sir Peter Gretton's book is a brilliant account of his career in the navy through World War Two: fighting in the Second Battle of the Narvik and guarding convoys in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, before being placed in charge of Escort Group B7, which he described as the finest job in the Navy for a new commander. It was in this role that Gretton, and the seven warships under his command, were able to make their contribution to turning the tide against the U-boat threat. On April 22, 1943, Gretton was in charge of the escort for Convoy ONS 5 during its journey across the North Atlantic. Over the course of the voyage they were attacked by over fifty U-boats, and although they lost thirteen ships they managed to sink six U-boats and seriously damage many more. The U-boats had never faced such fierce resistance to their lethal raids. What tactics had Gretton used to fend off Doenitz's terrifying submarine wolf packs? And how had these strategies developed over the course of the war? Convoy Escort Commander demonstrates how Allied commanders searched for new methods to repel U-boat assaults, including using direction-finding radio and radar, employing special tactical formations, coordinating with air cover, and endeavoring to keep the convoy together and prevent straggling.

Genres: World War II, Military History, History, War

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2021

About the author

Peter William Gretton was an officer in the Royal Navy. He was active during the World War II Battle of the Atlantic, and was a successful convoy escort commander. He eventually rose to become Fifth Sea Lord and retired as a vice admiral before entering university life as a Bursar and academic.

Reviews

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle of the Atlantic was a grim affair during WWII with thousands of ships sunk and many thousands of lives lost. Peter Gretton’s memoir as a convoy escort commander is enlightening with details from the disastrous beginning of the war through the improvements that enabled most convoys to reach Great Britain with few losses. He touches on the lack of boldness in the British High Command early in the war. Operating in the frigid North Atlantic created hazards with frequent weather damage. Technical devices became increasingly complex. Lots of preparation before meeting the convoys seemed more tiring than the passage. The Germans had some effective weapons, but scientifically, they were far outpaced by the Allies. Well worth reading. Well worth reading.

[Julian Cribb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent WW2 autobiography, told from the perspective of the daring men in small ships who had to dash about trying to sink U-boats - and who ultimately triumphed. It was probably the coldest, wettest, most uncomfortable job of the entire war - months at sea in a tiny corvette or destroyer, being tossed by vast Atlantic storms and assailed by German submarines and bombers. Anyone who fell in or had their ship sunk was almost invariably lost in those icy waters. Despite this the men of the escort forces fought back with grim determination and a belligerence to match that of their foes, eventually besting them thanks to a combination of grit, technology and expertise. The most interesting feature of this particular account is Gretton's insistence that convoy escort duties were not 'defence', as most writers have depicted them, but in fact a very aggressive form of attack, pulling the U-boat wolf packs onto the 'punch' in large numbers where they could be sunk in large numbers by concentrated and well-rehearsed surface and aerial countermeasures. It was this tactic that thinned Doenitz's ranks and eliminated his most experienced and skilled U-boat commanders, so winning the longest battle of the war. By comparison, efforts by 'hunter killer' flotillas made little impact because of the sheer difficulty of locating the enemy in order to engage him. Gretton was a pioneer of those escort tactics. He began the war as 1st Lt in HMS Cossack in the Norway campaign, then went on to command a succession of destroyers and 'escort' groups. He writes modestly, clearly and with conviction of his experiences and the trials and tribulations of escort duty, leaving the reader with complete admiration of the courage and skill of those who fought this harshest and longest of the WWII battles. The book was written soon after the war ended, and so suffers from a certain amount of military censorship and an absence of private thoughts about the men he fought and served with, but other than that, is a cracking good account. It is the prototype from which films like The Cruel Sea and Greyhound ultimately evolved.

[andrew davey · Rating 3 out of 5]

As dry and arid as the north Atlantic is wet,this memoir is for those that feel they have to read everything ever written about this part of the second world war.
No real in depth information and to honest I was bored with the stiff upper lip attitude by the halfway point of this book.
Peter Gretton may have been an excellent convoy commander, but he's no storyteller.

[Charles McCain · Rating 5 out of 5]

While commanding convoy escort group B7, Captain Peter Gretton won the Battle of Convoy ONS, considered the turning point in the Battle of the North Atlantic. (ONS 5: Outward bound convoy to North America of Slow ships.....those ships which could only make five knots. This was the 5th convoy to follow this routing).

Over eight days in May of 1943, as many as 40 or more U-boats attacked ONS 5. I have read the signal log which is in the US National Archives of the convoy commander and it makes for sobering reading. "Estimate 50 U-boats your position." This from the Admiralty. From his own ships "have rammed U-Boat." "Four U-boats on surface."

Although 13 ships of the convoy were sunk, Gretton's Escort Group B7, which he had personally trained and trained and trained, sank approxinately 7 or more U-Boats and damanged just as many.

Basically, for every two merchant ships sunk, one U-Boat was sunk. This ratio stunned the Germans and UBoats were withdrawn from the North Atlantic.

Convoy Escort Commander is Gretton's account of this battle and other parts of his career. He is an outstanding writer and the book is hard to put down. He also has a hilarious sense of humour. In person as a naval officer however, Gretton was by the book, ruthless, and tolerated no mistakes. If you made the same mistake twice, you were out whether CO of a ship or depth charge handler.

He said that he dismissed one captain whose level of competence was only equal to commanding a tugboat. He trained his group so thoroughly that everyone knew exactly what to do without being told. Further, his instructions to his ships were adopted as standard regulations for all convoy escort ships in Western Approches.

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Job Well Done

Sir Peter Gretton offers almost a daily routine of an officer of the RN. At times it is very interesting and at other times not so much. He understates much of his Naval experience in WW II, but once in a while he lets slip a small bit of his actual feelings. Having said that I will also say the Escort Commander offers the reader an honest account, and although we may want the sound of the depth charges he leaves that to adventure writers. I found most interesting the last two chapters of his Memoir where he evaluates his time in service during the war. He is very explicit in his thoughts about lessons learned. Like the good Commander we can only hope that the RN has taken the necessary steps to insure the same mistakes are not repeated. Thank you for your service, sir.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, providing a first-person account of a World War II commander of convoy escort groups. The author, Royal Navy Captain Peter Gretton, describes the tactics and methods employed to protect merchant ship convoys from U-Boat attacks, as well as the logistics and maintenance efforts that supported the escort mission. Gretton's account emphasizes the stress faced during combat, to include the extended periods between attacks. His insights into the thought processes and priorities of an experienced escort commander offers an understanding of the complexities of Atlantic convoy operations. A great book for those wanting to understand the mindset and challenges of a wartime commander in the Atlantic theater. Highly recommended for naval history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the workings of WWII convoy escorts.

[Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly excellent first-hand account of the convoy system and submarine defense, from the British side, written by an outstanding practitioner.

As an ex-Navy officer with some submarine hunting experience myself (but not in wartime), I was particularly taken in by the very personal and practical discussion of the author. He gives a remarkable description of the conditions at sea. His competence is astounding. This book is the closest thing I have found to an autobiographical version of "The Cruel Sea" by Monsarrat, who was a corvette officer himself.

I have read a lot on the subject in the past 30 years, and found myself surprised that it took me so long to run into this book---it definitely deserves more prominence. One of the best books on the subject.

[CASPER HILEMAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convoy Escort Commander by Peter Gretton provides a detailed account of the heroic/tragic defense of the free world. This is a reprint of a title from 1963. This brings to mind the long past published post-World War II war memoirs. The first time I read a World War Two memoir was titled "Fighter Pilot" by Col. William Dunn. Future Vice Admiral Gretton served from the icy North Atlantic in the failed invasion of Narvik Norway to the heroic support provided to Malta and her beleaguered people.

[Helena Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent first-hand account of the war in the Atlantic by a Royal Navy officer who played a significant role. Written with humour and candour, it is an 'easy' read, yet insightful and educational as well. I particularly valued the concluding chapters in which Gretton provided a summary of his views on the convoy system and convoy management. This included a very brief history of convoys which, to my astonishment, go back to the 13th century! Well worth reading all around!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sort of account which puts flesh on the bones of general histories of the Battle of the Atlantic. From the bumpy beginnings of the War to the crucial convoy battles of 1943/44 to the final defeat of the U-Boats. Told with good humour in an easy to follow style suitable for all levels of knowledge, this is an ideal book to add to your library or just dip into. Thoroughly recommended.

[C. G. Telcontar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and to the Point

Gretton wastes no time or words on fluff or background. He does sound callous about the loss of men and his description of the Narvik action is disappointing. The convoy stories, however, are excellent. Essential reading if you are intrigued by the U Boat war.

[Andy Rix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, The book largely covers the wartime experiences of the Author as a convoy escort commander. The narrative follows a chronological path through the war and is informative both from the perspective of the experience of the war but also from the perspective of the tactical management of; the convoy, the escort group and any associated support groups.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novel about the war at sea against the German U-boats. The authors first hand accounts are riveting and fascinating. A great read for the history fan!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Philip Labossiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I had read this book back in the '80s when I was a young subbie. But having said that, some of the anecdotes brought back memories of life at sea. VAdm Gretton made some very valuable points that I could have used 40 years ago.

[Nick Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book.

A well written, first hand, record of life as a Convoy Escort Commander during the Battle of the Atlantic. Full of technical and stratigic detail, this book is a fascinating read.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative

I did however skip off and on through the last quarter of story. It was becoming some what heavy on persons actions and little action.

[Jorge3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

The author provides a captivating history of the convoy system. The author provides both big picture and intriguing details of the system.

[david f sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good read

If you like war related narratives then you will like this book I recommend it as a good one and I think you will like it too

[John Lovett Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this book as much as many others. Maybe me but it failed to retain my interest.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battle of the Atlantic-A Greyhounds View. A excellent look at the Second world war from the bridge of Royal Navy destroyers, from Norway to the defeat of the U-boats.

[David L. Deakin]

Surely this historical review of the circumstances which brought our country to its knees remains an object lesson. The Atlantic lifeline remains our Achilles Heel.
We are woefully ill-equipped to combat the current Russian submarine force of some 400 - yes 400 attack boats. Many potential adversaries have more submarines than the Germans had in 1939.
Nuclear "Hunter Killer" boats are our only salvation. Submarine warfare is the future.
God save us from ill informed, misguided politicians. At least introduce them to Peter Gretton's valuable object lesson!