Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Western Approaches Command
Commander RDS Crosse, Staff Officer Convoys, (left) discussing a special convoy movement map with Captain Lake, RN, Duty Officer in the Operations Room at Derby House, Liverpool.
Active	1939–1945
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Military formation
Part of	Royal Navy
Garrison/HQ	Liverpool
Commanders
Notable commanders	Martin Dunbar-Nasmith (1939–1941) Percy Noble (1941–1942) Max Horton (1942–1945)

The Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches was a very important leader in the Royal Navy during World War II. This commander and their team, often called 'Western Approaches Command,' kept British ships safe. They protected ships sailing in the Western Approaches, which was a key area of the Atlantic Ocean.

History of the Command

At the start of World War II, Admiral Martin Dunbar-Nasmith was in charge. He was already the Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth. He also became responsible for the Western Approaches area.

Moving the Headquarters

In June 1940, France was taken over during the war. This meant that the main routes for ships crossing the Atlantic had to change. They now went around the north of Ireland. By late 1940, the main headquarters in Plymouth was not in a good spot. So, the decision was made to move the headquarters to Liverpool.

On February 7, 1941, the new headquarters opened at Derby House in Liverpool. A backup control bunker was also built in Magee College, Derry. Derby House was given a special Navy name, HMS Eaglet. Shore bases were often named like ships. This was so Navy staff could be officially listed as serving on a ship. The headquarters for No. 15 Group RAF, which was part of Coastal Command, also moved to Liverpool at the same time.

New Leadership and Tactics

On February 17, 1941, Admiral Sir Percy Noble became the new Commander-in-Chief. In January 1942, the Western Approaches Tactical Unit (WATU) was created. WATU's job was to create new ways to fight German submarines. These submarines were attacking the ships crossing the Atlantic. WATU worked from the top floor of Derby House.

Over the next two years, Admiral Noble set up important bases. These bases for ship escort groups were in Greenock, Derry, and Liverpool. He also created training facilities. These training efforts were very important for winning the Battle of the Atlantic.

Derby House, Liverpool, in 2013

On November 19, 1942, Admiral Max Horton took over from Admiral Noble. Admiral Horton remained Commander-in-Chief until the Western Approaches Command closed on August 15, 1945.

Admiral Horton's Impact

Admiral Horton's leadership was key to defeating the German submarines, known as U-boats. He used the growing number of escort ships to create "support groups." These groups would help convoys that were under attack. Unlike regular escort groups, support groups did not have to stay with one convoy. This gave them more freedom to act.

They could chase submarines spotted by planes or found using special radio equipment (HF/DF). Regular escorts had to return to their convoys. But support groups could keep hunting a submarine for many hours. They would keep going until the submarine was forced to come to the surface.

Western Approaches Museum

The main part of the command bunker at Derby House was very strong. It was too expensive to tear down. So, while the rest of the building became modern offices, the bunker was turned into a museum. It is now open to the public. The parts visitors can see are only a small section of the original complex. The museum is called the Western Approaches Museum.

After many years of not being looked after, a non-profit group called BigHeritage took over the site in 2017. They did a lot of work to restore the bunker. They even found new hidden parts of the complex. Since reopening, many more people have visited the museum. It is now one of the most popular historical places in Liverpool.

Commanders-in-Chief, Western Approaches

Plaque in Liverpool at Western Approaches HQ

Here are the admirals who led the Western Approaches Command: