Frederick 'Johnnie' Walker - From Stork to Starling (Part 2 - Early 1942 to June 1943)
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- čas přidán 30. 04. 2024
- Today we take a look at the middle stages of the WW2 career of 'Johnnie' Walker and the last voyage of HMS Stork under his command.
Part 1 - • Frederick 'Johnnie' Wa...
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...
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'Legionnaire' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Pinned post for Q&A :)
In the movie Das Boot, whenever the U96 is depthcharged, it seems that the crew’s response to leeks is to use valves or block the hole, is this realistic? And if so what are they doing? If not, then what should they be doing?
Have you ever covered "the new six" - the US Navy gunboats commissioned in 1927/28 for the Yangstze River Patrol? I didn't find them amongst the CZcams archive, and I think at least one, USS Luzon, may have had a colorful career, and of course, there is 1937's USS Panay Incident.
What options did the Chinese, or at least the richest Chinese warlords, have in the 1920s and Early 30s as to purchasing warships from other powers that weren’t intent on conquering them like the Japanese proved to be?
How about a special about Greek subs in WWII?
Hi Drach, apologies if I have missed this being answered in a recent drydock, but it's been in the news recently that the WWII ship De Wadden is going to be scrapped. Could you tell us about its history / the significance of the role it played in transporting resources across the Irish Sea
Drach needs to contact major movie producers and turn the Frederick 'Johnnie' Walker series into an epic movie blockbuster. Leave a thumbs up if you agree.
Nice idea, but with one ENORMOUS drawback..... Brits would prefer it if it was a depiction of the true story about a largely unsung British hero with "salt of the earth" British crews fighting alone against a deadly foe, as opposed to 5 star Admiral Freddy "Hotshot" Walker USN winning the war single handed for the US.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 yep and it would be as "historically accurate" as U-571 (typical bunch of Yanks stealing UK's glory)
Please contact Netflix, this needs their budgets, their attention to quality, their tendency to ignore Hollywood and produce in the nation of origin, and Netflix's massive international audience.
They'd screw it up.
@@walkerig1 Errr, you mean the producers of the dumpster fire called "All Quiet on the Western Front" (2022)???
Nah, thanks.
1 hour of still shots and monologue and he still manages to leave us on a cliff hanger
25:14-25:45 - HMS Wild Swan clearly lived up to the aggressiveness of its namesake bird; the crew must have had some amazingly effective anti-aircraft curses!
The army's anti-aircraft curse, "I hope you crash you noisy bastard" only has a 10% effectiveness rate so you need to organise the men in teams of at least 10.
It helps if they're welsh, all that close harmony really pays off.
The navy may have developed their own
Agreed. IMHO the Royal Navy should honor this ship and crew by applying the name to a new destroyer.
@@voiceofraisin3778 It only worked once for Milligan.
"I say, get out of that Fokker, you f@cker!"
Words are often more powerful than swords.
Ive been looking forward to this since the previous video. Please make some more videos on people who have become legends in the naval world Drach!
Olè
That's History.
Me too! Walker was a total badass!
I second this.
Brilliant! That was utterly absorbing and I literally yelled 'NO!' at the last frame!
Walker's speech words are excellent. I've always been a believer in 'less noise, more efficiency'
Same here!
Horario Nelson: I can turn into a Frigate!
Johnnie Walker: amateur 🦅 *flies away*
What was in that whiskey?
Please don’t take a month to get part three out. The story is great.
It's been a month there is still isn't Part 3 😢
Thank you for giving these brave men their due.
Go, Wild Swan. You're worth your own episode.
Yep! I'm ashamed to say this is the first I've heard of HMS Wild Swan. Her crew must have been a hideous shock for the Luftwaffe.
Absolutely loving the series on Captain Johnnie Walker, as well as just the Battle of the Atlantic in general. Thank you for the great work!
Drach, you left us with a cliffhanger. You crafty scoundrel. Will tune in next week.
Cracking narrative technique. We're all on the hook for the next chapter.
Captivating account of this British naval hero. You paint an excellent portrait.
Listening to this historical report, with the fantastic slide photographs, I felt i was actually there. The bravery of the merchant marines and sailors is inspiring!
My Aunt, was born in England, as a young child remembered the blitz over London. I remember her telling me, an American, " Your Navy maybe the biggest but our's is the best!". I never understood what she ment until now.
Thank you Drach!
Excellent again. Your voice is clear and precise and you have no dislike of the letter "r". Walker and others kept themselves awake frequently by using benzedrine. The stress upon the escort-duty sailors was huge. The standards of seamanship, stamina and co-operation was very high. They saved several thousands of lives.
Walker and so many others would win the battle of the Atlantic, may they never be forgotten.
Good comment. While the Battle of the Atlantic is not all that "forgotten", the details and personnel have been kind of not fully appreciated.
@@williestyle35 I was born in Liverpool, and many of my relatives fought in the Atlantic.
So for me its personal.
@@davidhouston4810 I can understand what you mean. The American "escort carrier" forces are something that became good and important to keeping the Atlantic pipeline open, that I feel gets overlooked - and was an idea advocated for by Walker.
Separate note : I'm from Chicago in the US. The U - 505 that was "captured" by Admiral Daniel V Gallery in the Atlantic (one of three brothers Gallery that served) and his escort carrier group is on display at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. It is quite well presented, with a little bit of the history of the Battle of the Atlantic (used to be a more "Navy" type display, before they *modernized" and built underground to protect the submarine). Thank you for your comments.
@@williestyle35 Thank you for your information.
You are a MASTER storyteller, Drach!
I served on HMS Starling in 1959( her last commission.) She was a navigation training ship at that stage. One of our last visits was to Kiel the German Navy UBoat headquarters. One of our engineers had been sunk on the Royal Oak but had no animosity towards the opposition. A great party was held in the German Navy Senior rates Mess and much beer and Schnepps drunk. Our final visit was to Bootle where the Civic Authority gave us a fabulous send off and Mrs Walker joined us for our final voyage to Portsmouth to pay off.
I must say, Drach. As much as I enjoy your videos about surface battles, the story of escorts fighting U-Boats is equally, if not even more, thrilling. Their war was just as important, if not more so, and considerably less glamorous. It’s amazing that those relatively small ships were able to carry those sailors and their big brass balls. Walker should be a national hero rivaling Nelson.
*Far* more important than big battles - while the big ships were in being as deterrents between a battle a year or so, the small ships were constantly fighting both the weather and the u-boats.
Possibly less true in the Med ( please Drach, do some more episodes on the Med! that has *everything* ) and from what little I know of the theatre, the Pacific even less, but the Atlantic was the longest running theatre & probably the busiest.
Walker RN was one of the first books I remember reading when I was in primary school back in the mid/late 60's and started my interest in naval history. Thank you for your excellent videos on this great man.
An excellent book.
I want a copy , sounds like a good read. @EllieMaes-Grandad
I've read it, _War in a Stringbag_ & _Convoy Commodore_ several times.
Three of the best books regarding the Navy in WW2 IMO.
Me too! :)
Thanks, I just looked and it's available on Kindle unlimited! Just downloaded it!
I'd like to SINCERELY thank Drach..... not for informing me about this Nelson-esque British hero, I've known fully of his and his crews exploits for many years... being born in Liverpool, with a father who served in the RN throughout the whole of WW2 meant I was steeped in British naval lore.... but my thanks are for his efforts in so effectively passing on legendary stories such as that of Capt Walker to so many eager new listeners of future generations.
Drach is truly "passing on the torch of history" to be rekindled in the future. Vitai Lampada !!! Splice the mainbrace !!!
Damn cliffhanger!
Very well placed however
Damn Drach and his episode ending "... to be continued". I had to laugh at it.
First ! Part two of this gripping account is welcome... the convoy actions are so interesting, thanks !
He is up there with Douglas Reaman, but not with fictional characters.
A great video recording the service of a great U Boat hunter. For the record, the turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic is often said to be May 1943. When so many of Walker's ideas came to fruition.
Absolutely fascinating. Captain Walker was an outstanding naval officer and your detailed examination of his career is so welcome.
Johnny Walker in detail never gets tired for me.
GREAT job teaching us about this focused, driven leader. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for part 3!
Thank you so much. I have 4 “go to” channels and this is one I check every day. At a time, at least in the United States, when historical events are distorted or simply ignored you are a beacon. Thank you.
Enjoying this series on Walker, especially the quotations from his speeches.
Man I need part 3! Thanks for this one Drach, probably the most enjoyable bio you’ve done so far!
Thank you, Drach!
Today's video is particularly welcome. (For reasons beyond the scope of the channel.)
Well, wish you the best whatever you seems facing. Regards
That's not fair 😕 leaving us hanging on, brilliant video thank you
Excellent video of a Great Man, thanks Drachy
Great story told by a great storyteller. Waiting for Ep3.
I love these biography videos. What a fascinating leader and war fighter!
Well done. Walker deserves every accolade.
WAR is ugly & harsh.
Best we don't do it too often.
But sometimes it is needed.
That was great, Drach. Ever since I first read “The Cruel Sea” I’ve been fascinated by this part of the war. Thank you for this tribute to those who endured so much as they fought for their country.
I'd also recommend HMS Ulysses.
Drach, it never ceases to amaze me the way You can turn History into a cliffhanger! i want the rest of the story Noooooowww !:-)
A greatfully received second chapter for the great Capt. F. 'Johnnie' Walker RN. Thank you Drach. One of the most inspiring small ship's commanders of the second World War IMO.
Obligatory from last episode
Capt. Walker: Here's *JOHNNIE* **Hedgehog and Depth Charge Noises**
Uboat Crews: **Screams of Terror**
Uboat crews a bit later:*drowning noises*
@@nikolaideianov5092 I believe "blub glub CRUNCH" is about what you're looking for...
And now, in his new ship: "Hello, U-552...Fancy some fava beans and a nice chianti?"
Talk about the right man in the right place at the right time! Walker really embodies the phrase "in the highest tradition of the Royal Navy". Nelson would have been proud.
FYI, for members of Kindle Unlimited, "Walker, R.N." is available to read for free. $5.99 if not a member.
I always love Story Time with Drach! Steel ships and Iron men. Menacing enemies, brave, staunch sailors, and commanders who wield their massive pairs of....epaulettes!
Thanks, a great presentation as always. Can't wait for part 3 - but i'll have to!!
Great Content yet again !!! Very appreciated. Watching Drach' videos is always a "Sanity break" in this crazed world. Best Regards from Alaska!
One of the longest & most hard fought naval battles of WW2 was the Battle of the Atlantic!! And this is just a very small taste of that battle. Thank you for posting this. It becomes rather clear that with all of these convoys of shipping that there are plenty of targets of opportunity for the U-boats. And the US building so many merchant vessels & a lot of them failing to even complete their maiden voyage was testament to the danger of those U-boats. And the fact that they were able to have escort carriers as well as all the smaller convoy escorts and have hunter/killer groups that were NOT associated with any one convoy made it more & more dangerous for U-boats as time weared on. Looking forward to getting to hear more about "The Battle of the Atlantic" in the future. I've heard so little about this part of the war that I find it very intriguing that this was such a large part of the war efforts. And without all of these convoys of shipping the war could have been lost.
THE longest battle of WW2... without those convoys and hundreds of thousands of civilian sailors the allies WOULD have lost the war.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684absolutely.
30,248 British 🇬🇧, 9,521 American 🇺🇸 & 1,451 Canadian 🇨🇦 merchant sailors lost their lives in ww2. The vast majority in the battle of the Atlantic
Walker seems to very much be the RN's version of George Patton. The parallels in their lives are fairly striking. Both were described as "sensitive" as youths, but were inspired by their predecessors to follow the careers that they did, and remade themselves into the "hard men" that they felt that they needed to be. Both developed a reputation for innovation and -- aggressively -- defending their ideas. Being of similar age, both gained some initial experience in their respective services in WWI. The tone and contents of their speeches to subordinates was very similar, as was their speeches to the women on the home front. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Only difference: Walker had his political convictions set straight, Patton did not... f***ing Nazi sympathizer that he was.
I absolutely LOVE these types of videos, hearing about the absolute badasses that actually won us the war is awesome!
Excellent. Thank you.
This is one of your best. Need... More... Soon...
So looking forward to this!
Thanks Drach. Inspirational
Man, those early learning curves and the accidents really puts into perspective how ASW was an evolving thing. Also those Spanish Fisherman had quite the show!!
You have a great narrative talent and I look forward to the next Johnnie Walker episode. Many thanks for your work on this.
Greetings and Salutations! Thank you Drax. Johnny Walker is one of the most admirable characters of the Royal Navy in the Battle of the Atlantic. All the best, Billi.
I first read the book "Captain "Johnny" Walker, R.N." about 40 years ago when I was 15 or so. My grandfather gave it to me. Maybe that's why I opted to enlist in the Singapore Navy a few years later.
Good timing on a ship named Stork
Excellent video! Capt Walker is a true hero. Bravo!
Keep working on this masterpiece of a series.
This second installment was well told. I was interested throughout and you left me wanting to hear more.
What a fun cliffhanger! Well done and thank you!
This is a very enjoyable series! Thanks!
Frederic Johnny Walker was the man. He was the bane of U-boats
These are great.
Great series Drach, can’t wait for the next instalment - regards markc
I love this series. Can’t wait for the next episode. Always a treat to find characters that helped shaped the course of history.
Looking forward to the next episode
Great job Drach. Waiting patiently for the next part.
Outstanding! Thanks Drach.
Utterly fabulous. Thank you. Like has been added.
Great video, Drach! Looking forward to the next part...
Cracking series Drach!
Superb account Drach - top job.
Great video as always!
Really excellent work
Outstanding....More please!
Brilliant series looking forward to next part!
Talk about timing!! Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, was just here in Victoria; one of her "tasks" was to lay a wreath at the Battle of the Atlantic memorial ceremony.
I'm really enjoying this series! Most excellent! Thank you very much!
Excellent! More please, soon.
Fantastic telling of a Glorious History!🔥😎
Yes Drach, cliffhanger! Sleep deprivation is no excuse to torture us dear friend!
Hi,having watched parts one and two I am eagerly looking forward to the next episode,thank you,Cheers Roly 🇬🇧.
Most excellent! Looking eagerly forward to me.
Cliff hanger got
Me good Drach! I love these episodes! Though I have admit your Q/A series have narrated some amazing dreams while I unconsciously continue to listen after falling asleep with ear buds in! Discovered your channel on deployment to Kuwait in 2021 and have been hooked ever since. This is my favorite series yet!
Drach I consider you a master of Ripping Yarns! Can't wait for next episode!
great story telling Drach, my fave uncle was on a HMCS corvette [i've forgotten which one] during the 2nd WW. i would sit and listen to the stories for hours at a time
At 9:30, convincing the enemy forces they'd rather be across the Atlantic ocean away from you, no matter how much luck played into it, is a huge victory. Crossing the Atlantic means more time, more fuel, farther from repair and resupply stations. The logistics impact was enormous.
Really enjoyed this episode @Drachinifel - felt almost like an adventure movie with your storytelling. I only create short videos by contrast and they feel like they take forever. You produce these incredibly long and detail-rich voyages into the past and you publish so often. Super human stuff!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you, keep working.
Holy crap, god bless bank holidays got Drach just a few minutes after it is out 😂 Wish you all the best and thank you for all the great work Drachinifel 😉
Bank Holiday?!? Which country to you live in; pretty sure the banks are open and the mail is delivered today here in the US.
I'm jealous.
Sink-0- die myoh! ? 1st of may ..you in a Portuguese influence d zone? Brazille? ...
@@user-ie1tz5rm8x Um, Cinco de Mayo means "5th of May", so why would May 1st be a Bank Holiday because of it?
Welcome in France 😂 well 1st of May as well as 8th are non working add historical Christian day of and the month of May is not the most productive one 🤣. Thanks for the memories, got this discussion quite a few times with my US colleagues 😉
PS Fun fact it is called Day of work so we celebrate working by doing nothing 🤣
@@khaelamensha3624 damn, now I'm really jealous!
Great stuff. Thanks you.
What an absolute worthy!
British destroyer Captains are the craziest of crazy, and magnificent.
You may want to read about Gerard Broadmead Roope. He fitted into that category very well indeed.
Awesome, you are in a class of your own
Can I just say I'm almost crying for the poor Wild Swan. She and her crew did their duty to the highest order. They saved lives.
Enjoying this series! Interesting that Walker's 'Kill them all!' approach isn't dissimilar to that of the 8th Air Force in 1944. Can't help but think that the escort roles parallel each other, albeit at different speeds/altitudes. Not surprised if the ideas weren't shared between services, but it's a shame they weren't.
I haven't been able to re-find the reference, but I remember hearing a story as D-Day got closer, that Eisenhower had to order the bomber groups to stop faking out the Germans with their targets. We WANTED them to know when and where we were going so they'd send up their fighters for the escorts to shoot down before D-Day.
Great episode. It had such a teaser of an ending. I'm awaiting the next installment eagerly.
Well done again. Can you to take the wartime history of Capt. Walker to the end please, what a cliff hanger!
Absolutely gripping.