At the time the great value of the service performed by the 3rd Escort Group was fully realised in high circles. Baker-Cresswell’s name appeared in the next list of promotions from Commander to Captain, and the Admiralty was also generous in the matter of recommendations for decorations. In due course Baker-Cresswell and Smith were gazetted Companions of the Distinguished Service Order; Taylor, Dodds and Balme were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross; Chief Stoker Capelin of the Broadway, Telegraphist Long of the Bulldog, and Able Seaman Rutledge of the Aubrietia received Distinguished Service Medals, and 14 officers and men were “ Mentioned in Dispatches.” Dodds remembers that, at the investiture at which he received his D.S.C., King George VI told him that the operation in which he had gained it was perhaps the most important single event in the whole war at sea; which shows how much the monarch knew about what went on in the service to which he himself had devoted so much of his early life, and which always retained his deep affection. When the reports on the operation reached Admiral Noble he forwarded them to the Admiralty with the comment that “ Commander Baker-Cresswell has worked up the 3rd Escort Group to good efficiency, and a fine spirit prevails.” That, though undoubtedly true, hardly expressed the real reasons for his recommendations. Those have, until now, been perhaps the best kept secret of the whole war. So well kept was his secret that when, nine years later, Baker-Cresswell received a letter from the Admiralty telling him that he was to be placed on the Retired List, and thanking him for his past services to the Navy, not a word was said about the most outstanding accomplishment of his whole career.
1 According to Commodore Mackenzie’s report. If he was correct the Nailsea Manor, originally No. 94, must have changed her position in the convoy. See Map 6 (p. 144).
1 See p. 61.
2 There is an unusually large discrepancy of times here. Wohlfarth says he sighted the Empire Caribou at 5.17 a.m. (G.M.T.) and fired at her at 5.32. British records say she was hit at 4.45. It may well be that the German times are in this case the more accurate.
Epilogue
BAKER-CRESSWELL returned to Iceland in his Bulldog during the night following his interview with Admiral Tovey. Two days later he had collected the 3rd Escort Group and was at sea again on his way to meet the slow homeward convoy SC.31. The mid-ocean groups were never allowed much rest during the difficult months of 1941. On 21st May he met the convoy in 40° West, about the longitude of Cape Farewell in Greenland; for the recent appearance of U-boats so much farther out into the Atlantic had forced our escorts to extend their protecting shield. On the present occasion Admiralty intelligence estimated that no less than nine enemies were searching for the convoy, and as Baker-Cresswell had only six of his group with him he felt distinctly uncomfortable. But it was not, in fact, the U-boats which were to menace these new charges of the 3rd Escort Group; for on the very day that Baker-Cresswell met his convoy, the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen sailed on their Atlantic foray. By the evening of 23rd May, when our patrolling cruisers sighted them in the Denmark Strait, the convoy had reached a point directly in the path of the powerful German squadron, whose progress Baker-Cresswell was able to plot from the reports of the shadowing warships. He was not, however, unduly anxious; for he knew that the Hood was in the vicinity, and his thought was “ It will be all right—the Hood will surely fix them.” Then came a signal stating that the Bismarck had sunk the battle cruiser—news which the escort commander at first simply could not credit. He had dined on board that magnificent ship, which the Royal Navy had regarded with pride and affection ever since she had first entered service in the early 1920s, only a few days earlier when in Hvalfiord. Surely, he thought, they must have got the name of the sunken ship wrong?
During the early hours of 24th May the visibility, which has been extreme, began to close down, and Baker-Cresswell knew that his convoy might be steering into acute danger. What could he do? Although most of the Western Approaches destroyers had landed their torpedo tubes in order to reduce top-weight and enable them to carry more depth charges, he had refused to have them removed from the Bulldog. Now he was glad of that decision; for his was the only destroyer anywhere near the formidable enemy. The weather conditions seemed ideal for torpedo attack, and he therefore broke wireless silence to ask permission to join in the chase; but his Commander-in-Chief ordered him to remain with the convoy. By this time the enemy was only 50 miles away, so the escort commander organised his group to prepare to cover the convoy with smoke and engage the most powerful warship afloat. Happily the Bismarck altered course to the west at the critical moment—we now know that she was striving her utmost to shake off the cruisers which were shadowing her so pertinaciously—and so passed a short distance astern of the convoy. The story of how the Admiralty then drew an ever-tightening net around the fleeing warship, for Admiral Tovey to sink her far away to the south-east early on 27th May has passed into history. We may be thankful that the Bulldog and her consorts, who had so recently made such an important contribution to the British victory at sea, were not called on to sacrifice themselves in a hopeless fight against vastly superior odds; but the Group’s records show that they were fully prepared to do so.
INDEX
Admiralty: instructions to Seal, 25; Submarine Tracking Room, 36, 78, 98; orders to discourage scuttling, 38-39; on capture of Perla, 44; orders and route for OB.318, 58; D.E.M.S. Organisation, 63; Operational Intelligence Centre, 67; diverts OB.318, 79; warns convoy, 104; investigates complaints by survivors, 128; orders operation “ Primrose,” 139; reports dispersal of OB.318, 150; takes over captures, 152–3.
Aelybryn, s.s.: as rescue ship, 126; torpedoed by U.556, 143–6;
Allen, Lt.-Cdr. C. B.: commands Rochester, 88
Amazon, H.M.S.: in 3rd E.G., 83; sails from Iceland, 85; attacks U.94, 87-94; screens OB.318, 99; in attack by U.201, 122–3; takes over prisoners, 138
Angle, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 56, 69, 97, 122
Ashley-Longbotham, Rev. R.: travels in Burma, diary, 95–7; account of attacks by U.110 and U.201, 133–4
Athenia, s.s.: 100–1
Atlantic Coast, s.s.: 77
Aubrietia, H.M.S.: in 3rd E.G., 82; joins OB.318, 85–6, 98, 99; in attack by U.110, 107–112; blows U.110 to surface, 108–110; U-boats attacked by, 120, 129, 131–2; leaves OB.318, 141
Auricula, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 60
Bain, Captain D. K.: 129
Baker-Cresswell, Cdr. A. J.: senior officer, 3rd Escort Group, 61, 79; meets OB.318, 79; career of, 80–2; training of group, 82–3; arrives Iceland, 83–4; rendezvous with OB.318, 85–6; in attack by U.94, 87–94; releases 7th E.G. corvettes, 99; rejoins convoy, 98; dispositions used by 3rd E.G., 99; searches around convoy, 100; in attack by U.110, 106–112; orders boarding of U.110, 110; patrols around prize, 120; takes U.110 in tow, 136–140; on responsibility of escorts, 139–140; tows U.110, 151; reports sinking of U.110, 151; arrives Iceland and Scapa, 152–3; congratulated by First Sea Lord and decorated, 153; in Bismarck operation, 155–6; see also under Bulldog and 3rd Escort Group
Ballard, Lt. A. H.: commands Daneman, 91; in attack by U.556, 145
Balme, Sub.-Lt. D. E.: in charge boarding party, 114; boards and searches U.110, 117; on board U.110, 134–7; decorated, 153
Bengore Head, s.s.: sunk by U.110, 106–112; rescue of crew, 120
Berhala, s.s.: 148
Berndt, Leutnant B.: First Lieutenant U.570, 40–41 f.n.
Bismarck, German battleship: 154–5
Bockett-Pugh, Cdr. I. H.: commands 7th E.G., 60; career of, 60–1; escorts OB.318, 68–70; receives Admiralty diversion, 79; turns over to 3rd E.G., 86; report on OB.318, 86; see also under Westcott and 7th Escort Group
Borgfred, s.s.: 121–2
Boston, H.M.S.: 145
Bragadin, Cdr. M. A.: Italian historian, 35 and f.n.
Brett, Lt.-Cdr. R. E.: captain of Seaham, 45
British Prince, s.s.: 66
Broadway, H.M.S.: in 3rd E.G., 85; in attack on U.94, 87–94; scree
ns OB.318, 99; in attack on U.110, 106–112; in later attacks, 120, 131–2; screens Bulldog, 137–9
Brockwell, Captain H. W.: master of Aelybryn, 144–5
Bronzo, Italian submarine: capture of, 45
Brown, Captain C: master of Empire Cloud, 125–6
Buckley, Lt.-Cdr. P. N.: captain of Shark, 32
Bulldog, H.M.S.: senior officer’s ship 3rd E.G., 79, 83; attacks U.94, 87–94; screens OB.318, 99; in attack on U.110, 106–112; boarding party from, 114 (f.n.); possible attack on U.201, 131–2; takes U.110 in tow, 136–140; arrives Iceland and Scapa, 151; in Bismarck operation, 155–6
Burma, s.s.: in OB.318, 66, 86
Burwell, H.M.S.: in capture of U.570, 39; rescues survivors of Gand, 148
Campbell, Lt. H. B.: 39–40
Campbeltown, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 59, 68–9, 86
Carls, Admiral Rolf: 28
Chambly, H.M.C.S.: in boarding of U.501, 47
Chaucer, s.s.: 124
Chilliwacky H.M.C.S.: in boarding of U.744, 47–8
Colonial, s.s.: Commodore’s ship in OB.318, 66; sunk, 148
Colvin, Lt. G. R.: 40
Convoys mentioned: HX.145, 36; HX.144, 36; SC.40, 36; SC.42, 47; HX.280, 47; HX.84, 56; OB.318 (see separate entry); HX.122, 76–8; SC.29, 76–8; HX.123, 99; HX.112, 102; HX.124, 138; HX.133, 147
Convoy OB.318: composition, assembly and sailing of, 57–9, 61–2; number of ships and tonnage, 61–2, cargoes and destinations, 62–3; convoy conference on, 64; numbering of ships, 64–5; passes up Minches, 67–9; rounds Butt of Lewis, 68, 76; attacked by U.94, 86–94; attacked by U.110, 106–9; attacked by U.201, 122–6; attacked by U.556, 142–5; dispersed, 145; summary of losses, 149–150
Coyne, Lt. T. W.: commands Nigella, 98; in attack by U.201
Cromarty, H.M.S.: 45
“ Cruizers Act ”: 18
Cunningham, Admiral Sir Andrew B.: 44
Damman, H.M.S.: in 3rd E.G., 85; in attack by U.94, 88; screens OB.318, 99; in attack by U.201, 122–133; in attack by U.556, 141–6; rescues survivors, 145
Dark, Captain W. F.: master of Ixion, 90–2
Darter, U.S.S.: 48
Davies, Lt. T. E.: commands Hollyhock, 98; in attack by U.201, 125
Devereux, Captain J. J.: master of Colonial, 148–149
Dianthus, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 60, 86
Dodds, Lt.-Cdr. G. E.: in Bulldog, 106, 119; boards U.110, 134–7; decorated, 153
Dönitz, Admiral Karl: interrogation of survivors from Seal, 28; recommends British torpedo pistol, 29; orders U.141 to Lorient, 70; H.Q. at Lorient, 71; reviews Atlantic battle, 72–3; orders concentration of U-boats, 75; low opinion of Italian S/Ms, 75; commends Kuppisch, 94; decorates Lemp, 101; concentrates U-boats against OB.318, 104; summarises attacks on OB.318, 149–50
Eastern Star, s.S.: sunk by U.94, 88–92 Eatley, Sergeant, G.H., R.A.F.: attacks, U.141, 69–70
Ecke, H.: in U.110, 104; capture of, 113, 115
Eichelborn, Leutnant H.-J.: in U.110, 103; rescue of, 115
El Mirlo, s.s.: 93
Empire Caribou, s.S.: sunk by U.556, 146
Empire Cloud, s.s.: torpedoed by U.201, 124; salvage of, 131–3
Escort Groups, General: formation, composition and command of, 52–4; esprit-de-corps in, 55; bases used 1941, 56
3rd Escort Group: mid-ocean escort for OB.318, 61, 69; given rendezvous, 70–1; meets and escorts convoy, 83–86; in attack by U.94, 86–94; favourite disposition of, 99; in attack by U.110, 114–6; in attack by U.201, 123–133; in attacks by U.556, 147–8; spirit and efficiency of, 154
7th Escort Group: first escort for OB.318, 59–60, 71; attacks false contacts, 78; turns over to 3rd E.G., 86; corvettes in attack on U.94, 86–94; corvettes released, 99
Esmond, s.s.: sunk by U.110, 106–112
Furious, H.M.S.: 149
Galileo Galilei, Italian Submarine: sinks James Stove, 32; surrender of, etc. 32–6
Gallery, Rear-Admiral D. V., U.S.N.: capture of U.505, 45–6
Galvani, Italian Submarine: sinking of, 35
Gand, s.s.: sunk by U.556, 147–8
German Navy: ranks and British equivalents, 24 (f.n.); propaganda reports, 143
Gherardi, Temente A.: captain of Bronzo, 45
Gneisenau, German battle-crusier: 56
Godt, Korv. kapitän: interrogates Seal survivors, 28
Graph, H.M.S.: formerlyU.570, service with R.N., 40–42
Gregalia, s.s.: sunk by U.201, 124
Greger, Oberleutnant: in U.30 and no, 102–3
Guadalcanal, U.S.S.: in capture of U.505, 45
Hercules, s.s.: 143
Hollyhock, H.M.S.: in 3rd E.G., 85; joins OB.318, 98, 99; in attack by U.201, 122–133; in attack by U.556, 141–6
Hood, H.M.S.: sinking of, 155–6
Horton, Admiral Sir Max: Flag Officer Submarines, 23; on capture of Seal, 30
Hyacinth, H.M.S.: captures Perla, 42–5
I.1, Japanese Submarine: sinking of, 48
Iceland: occupation of, 50; 3rd E.G. leaves, 85; 3rd E.G. returns to, 151
Intelligence: general value of, 14–20; operational and technical, 19; emphasis placed by Admiralty on, 20; value obtained from U.110, 152–3
Interrogation: of prisoners, 20–1; of crew of U.570, 40; of crew of U.110, 113
Iron Baron, s.s.: 77
Ixion, s.s.: sunk by U.94, 88–92
James Stove, s.s.: sunk by Galilei, 32
Jewiss, F/O. E. A.: in capture of U.570, 38
Jones, Lt. J. I.: captain of Hyacinth, 42; decorated, 43
Kandahar, H.M.S.: in hunt for Galilei, 33–5
King George V, H.M.S.: 153
King George VI: on capture of U. 110, 154
Kingstone Agate, H.M.S.: in capture of U.570, 39; tows U.570, 39–40
Kiwi, H.M.N.Z.S.: sinks Japanese S/M. I.1, 48
Knight, Lt. N. L.: captain of Northern Chief, 38
Korn, Frg-Kapitän H.: in hunt for Seal, 24
Kretschmer, Kap. Leutnant: captain of U.99, 51 (f.n.): 102
Kuppisch, Kap. Leutnant H.: commands U.94, 77; attacks OB.318, 92–4; damage suffered, 94
Lang, Kap. Leutnant: captain of UJ.128, hunts Seal, 25–6
Lange, Oberleutnant, H: captain of U.505, 45
Lemp, Kap. Leutnant F.-J.: commands U.30 and 110, 100–112; death of, 114–5
Lestrange, Lt. H. O.: captain of Kingstone Agate, 39
Loch Achray, Loch Glendhu, Loch More, H.M.S.: 48
Loewe, Oberleutnant, D.: in U.30 and 110, 102–3; Nazi views and unpopularity of, 103; rescue of, 115
Lonsdale, Lt.-Cdr. R. P.: captain of Seal, 24; on capture of Seal, 30–1; ordained priest, 31 (f.n.)
Lucerna, s.s.: 93
Luftwaffe: in Atlantic battle, 73–5
McCafferty, Captain J. B.: master of Esmond, 111–2
Mackenzie, Rear-Admiral W. B.: Commodore of OB.318, 66–67, 76, 79, 104; in attack by U.94, 88; in attack by U.201, 122–133; in attack by U.556, 142–5; disperses convoy, 145; sunk in Colonial, 148–9
Malcolm, H.M.S.: rescues survivors, 146, 150
Marchington, Lt. R. H.: commands St. Apollo, 98; in attack by U.201, 126–132
Marigold, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 60, 86
Marriott, Lt. P. B.: captain of Graph, 41; attacks U.333 unsuccessfully, 41
Merchant Navy, Allied: losses in 1941, 49
Miller, Lt.-Cdr. F. D.: captain of Shoreham, 33
Moa, H.M.N.Z.S.: sinks Japanese S/M.I.1, 48
Moonstone, H.M.S.: captures Galilei, 33–5
Moorman, Boatswain W. J. H.: captain of Moonstone, captures Galilei, 33–5; special promotion and decorated, 35
Moose Jaw, H.M.C.S.: in boarding of U.501, 47
Nailsea Manor, s.s.: 90–2
Napp, Teniente B.: captain of Perla, 44
Nardi, Cap. di Corvetta C: captain of Galilei, 34
Nasturtium, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 60, 68, 86
Naval Control Service Officers: duties
of, 59, 64, 67
Naval Prize Fund: 18
Newman, Sub.-Lt. P. D.: in Aubrietia, 112
Newmarket, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 59, 68–9, 86
Niagara, H.M.C.S.: in capture of U.570, 39
Nigella, H.M.S.: in 3rd E.G., 85; joins OB.318, 98, 99; in attack by U.201, 122–133; leaves OB.318, 141
Noble, Admiral Sir Percy: C.-in-C. Western Approaches, 51–2; standardisation of tactics by, 54; at convoy conferences, 64; diverts OB.318, 70, 71; broadcasts position of OB.318, 99; investigates complaints by survivors, 128; on attacks on U.201, 129; orders for salvage of U.110, 139; orders dispersal of convoy, 141; commends 3rd E.G., 154
Nolte, Leutnant: boards Seal, 26–7
Northern Chief, H.M.S.: in capture of U.570, 38; tows U.570, 40
OB.318, Convoy: see under Convoy
Østervold, O.: master of Eastern Star, 91
Palmer, Lt.-Cdr. C. G.: captain of Cromarty, 45
Pawsey, Captain H. T. W.: commands Ranpura, 84; in attack by U.94, 89; see also under Ranpura
Perla, Italian Submarine: capture of, 42Ø5; commissioned into R.N., 44Ø5
Pollard, Lt. J.: boards Perla, 42Ø3; decorated, 43
Poole, H.M.S.: in capture of Bronzo, 45
Pound, Admiral Sir Dudley: congratulates Baker-Cresswell, 153
Prien, Kap. Leutnant G.: sinks Royal Oak, 51
Primrose, Group Captain W. H.: 84
Primrose, H.M.S.: escort for OB.318, 60, 68, 86
“ Primrose ” operation: code name for capture of U.110, 189; decorations awarded for, 153–4
Prinz Eugen: 153
Pulvertaft, Cdr. (E) W. G.: in capture of Perla, 43–4
Rahmlow, Korv. Kapitän H.: captain of U.570, 36; failure of, 37; interrogation of, 40
Ranpura, H.M.S.: armed merchant cruiser, 56; joins OB.318, 84–7; in attack by U.94, 93; sights periscope, 124; stays with convoy, 142
Rees, Captain E.: Vice-Commodore of OB.318, 66
The Secret Capture Page 16
