- Type of Memorial
- Other memorial
- WMR Reference Number
- 100879
- Description
- Framed and glazed testimonial mounted onto a wall. Testimonial is handwritten in calligraphy and in blue and black lettering.
- Inscription
- Captain Frederick John Walker/ A Member of the Third Class or Companion of the Military Division of the/ Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion of the Distinguished Service Order/ with Three Bars./ Royal Navy/ Died 9th. July, 1944/ Captain Walker was one of the first officers to become an Anti-Submarine Specialist when he qualified in the year 1921./ While serving at Dover in the rank of Commander he was mentioned in despatches for his services at the evacuation from Dunkirk./ In the autumn of 1941, he became Senior Officer of the 36th. Escort Group in H.M.S "STORK", and quickly became an outstanding Group/ Leader. In December he was escorting a convoy ; after a nine-day battle with U'Boats, four of which were sunk, the convoy/ finally won through. His achievements were recognised by the award of the D.S.O./ Early in 1942 Walker had taken part in a fiercely contested battle of the Northern Russian convoys and for his work with them/ was awarded a bar to his D.S.O. On the 30th. June 1942, he was specially promoted to Captain./ In mid 1943, as Captain (D) Second Support Group, in H.M.S "STARLING", he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath/ for his services in destroying U'Boats in the Atlantic. In November, he added to his glory by finding and sinking two more/ U'Boats in less than 12 hours, thereby winning a second bar to his D.S.O./ Early in 1944, Captain Walker achieved the supreme triumph of his career, when he and his Group sank six U'Boats for which he/ was awarded a third bar to his D.S.O, and two years additional seniority. The Group received a tremendous welcome on/ their return to Liverpool, where the presence of the First Lord of the Admiralty underlined the Navy's appreciation of his/ outstanding achievements. On two further occasions he was mentioned in despatches for his services in hunting enemy U'Boats./ In June 1944, Captain Walker sank his last U'Boat - the twentieth to fall to him or to his Group. On return from this operational/ patrol, he was suddenly taken ill and died within a few days at a Liverpool Hospital, at the age of 48. He was buried at/ sea from H.M.S "HESPERUS". As she proceeded to sea, with her ensign at half mast, the crews of merchantmen in convoy/ mustered on deck to pay tribute to a brother seaman who had fought so well./ He had the personality, determination and understanding of human nature, necessary to weld individual ships into a fighting team./ Having created his team he led it brilliantly./ His fame and personality will always stand out in the annals of the Royal Navy.