The Fighting Captain: The Story of Frederic Walker CB DSO*** RN and the Battle of the Atlantic

by Alan Burn

Book by Burn, Alan

Genres: Nautical, World War II

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

Reviews

[Jho · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book!

This is an exciting account of Captain Walkers career in the RN, whom has become one of my favorite historical figures of WW2. I appreciated the amount of effort and research that has been put into this, with varying accounts from people who worked with him, the pictures of ships and even a map with every single point marked out where a submarine was sunk.

[Tony Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a British World War II naval officer who most Americans have never heard of, but in Great Britain he is a naval hero. As a destroyer-man who specialized in anti submarine warfare escorting merchant ships across the Atlantic, an epic better known as the Battle of The Atlantic. Captain Frederick Walker, RN, was the convoy escort commander for numerous convoys from 1940 until early 1942, and during that time the destroyers he personally commanded were responsible for the sinking of 20 German U-boats ultimately defeating the U-boat Wolf packs as devised by Admiral Donitz.
This is a very readable book and will be of interest to most anyone interested in history, and in particular, the Battle of the Atlantic.

[Chris Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant biography of the most successful anti-submarine officer in hisfory

The stark reality of Allies victory over Hitler's U boats in fhe battle of the Atlantic is brutally described. The ships, men and equipment and the development of new tactics to survive, and then triumph is vividly related.
Walker's support group never lost a merchant vessel or a man to enemy action under his command, despite sinking 27 enemy submarines in the battle of the Atlantic, on the Russian convoys and throughout the D Day landings.
Based in Liverpool, where many of my relatives sailed to the war, and from where I have myself sailed many times - often from Walker's home dock - the tale held a personal poinioncy for me, but will be of interest to any reader of the genre or student of history.

[Jaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story I'd heard very little of previously. The story of a man who effectively took the Battle of the Atlantic to the Germans, where the hunter very much became the hunted. Captain Walker changed the ethos of convoy escorts from defence to attack and with the help of his support group established new tactics to confront the U-boat menace.
Under his direct command 20 U-boats were sunk and it cannot be underestimated how important this contribution was, not only physically in terms of vessels, but also psychologically as the crews of both the escort vessels and the U-boats experienced a reversal of fortune. A great read about a great man.

[M H Burges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the remarkable true story of Frederick John Walker RN a sea Captain during the 2nd World War. His dedication to keeping his ships crews and the merchant ships under his protection safe, overworked himself to death. He and his commanding officers had outstanding success in destroying U-boats. Constant presence on the bridge during the Battle of the Atlantic along with the pressures that this involved, certainly shortened his life. A worthy example of the best of the Royal Navy during wartime.

[Terence Lionel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

We finally know the whole story about the best Escort and Sub hunter during WW2. The book is well written and gives the reader and inside story about a great man. He knew his business but it cost!! He was finally recognized by his country!!! It was a little late in coming!!

[peter david mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heroic captain.

A fitting tribute to an outstanding naval hero. Walker was a highly regarded commander who would undoubtedly have been fittingly awarded a knighthood of he had survived the war. He was awarded several medals and sank as many as 20 submarines. The actions are vivid and exciting and the tactics are very illuminating. Highly recommended.

[George C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story

Well worth the read. Typical story of how a brilliant young man was overshadowed and somewhat derided by the “upper class men” until the real world sorted out who was right and who was dreaming.

[andrew davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another complete gem of a book. I don’t know how I do it.
A deck level account of a little covered campaign that will almost make you seasick because the story grips you and doesn’t let go.
I could read books like this all day and feel almost sad it had to end.

[David L. Deakin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magnificent

An exceptionally well written narrative of the outstanding contribution made by Captain John Walker in neutralising the U boat threat to the UK's vital Atlantic lifeline.
Unequivocally meriting five stars.
Recommended reading for all naval personnel.

[Andy Rix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story well told, provides an excellent view of ASW warfare and the organisation, management and deployment of the ships and groups that contributed to the Battle for the Atlantic. Focusing on the exploits of Britains most effective ASW practitioner and the ships and groups he lead

[David Lily]

"This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story. The plot was intricate and engaging, and I couldn't help but become emotionally invested in the characters. The author's writing was top-notch, making it a truly enjoyable read."

[Colin Purser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker rn

This is a book of war at sea . He saved many lives by his actions and shows what life at sea and conditions were like a well told story and easy to understand

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing. An epic story of a great man and his crew. I read this in a single day as I could not put the book down.

[Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biographic account of the late Great Captain Freddie Walker and his achievements with his RN Support Groups in WWII