Remembering Admiral Sir Max Horton R.N.
Western Approaches Museum will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the passing of Second World War and Battle of the Atlantic hero, Admiral Sir Max Horton R.N., on 30 July.
Recognised as a crucial figure in Allied operations during the Battle of the Atlantic, Admiral Horton commanded activity from the Royal Navy’s Derby Street Headquarters, which relocated from Plymouth to Liverpool in 1941.
Max Horton was born on 29 November 1883 in Anglesey, North Wales. He joined the Royal Navy on 15 September 1898, aged 14 years and 10 months. While serving on his first ship, HMS Duke of Edinburgh, he was awarded the Board of Trade Medal for Saving Life at Sea for his actions when the SS Delhi ran aground.
During the First World War, Horton sank his first German naval ship, SMS Hela, on 13 September 1914 off Heligoland. He later sank another vessel, S116, near the mouth of the River Ems. These actions were recognised with the award of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
In recognition of his continued submarine service, he was promoted to Commander and in 1917 he was awarded a Bar to his DSO.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Horton held commands including HMS Conquest and HMS Resolution. In October 1932 he was promoted to Rear Admiral, commanding the Second Battle Squadron in 1933 and the First Cruiser Squadron in 1935. He was promoted to Vice Admiral in 1937 and given command of the Reserve Fleet.
By 1939, he was a Lieutenant Commander commanding one of the Royal Navy’s first ocean-going submarines, E9. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Horton was appointed Rear Admiral Submarines in 1940, a year before his posting to Western Approaches.
During the First World War and in the early stages of the Second World War, submarines were not highly regarded in some circles of the Admiralty, nor within the Kriegsmarine.
Having been promoted to full Admiral on 9 January 1941, Horton was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches, on 17 November 1942. Among his early initiatives was the creation of convoy rescue ships to accompany Atlantic convoys, long trawlers equipped with accommodation for up to 150 survivors, expanded galley facilities, food storage and medical staff.
Admiral Horton also reorganised escort strategy. By taking one ship from each escort group, he formed Support Groups that could be tasked by Western Approaches to assist convoys in distress without being tied to them.
This allowed escort groups to continue protecting convoys while Support Groups actively hunted U-boats.
This tactic proved crucial in the spring of 1943, shifting the battle from a defensive posture to an offensive one, taking the fight to the U-boats and significantly undermining their effectiveness through sustained counterattacks.
He also established a ‘School of Battle’ in Larne, Northern Ireland, in February 1943. Here, escort ships in training would shepherd a mock convoy, represented by HMS Philante, a converted luxury yacht, while being stalked and “attacked” by British submarines.
A keen golfer, Admiral Horton rarely missed a round, as convoy operations largely took place at night. Playing off a handicap of eight, Horton, known as the ‘Eye of God’, maintained a nightly presence at Headquarters, overseeing and supporting operations.
He is widely credited with playing a pivotal role in the Allied victory in the Battle of the Atlantic.
In June 1945, he was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and in January 1946 he was made Bath King of Arms.
He was also awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.
Western Approaches Headquarters closed after VJ Day in 1945 and at his own request, Horton was placed on the retired list to facilitate the promotion of younger officers.
Admiral Sir Max Horton died following a heart attack on 30 July 1951 and a memorial to him stands in Liverpool Cathedral.
In 2019, a life-size sculpture of Horton was unveiled in Rhosneigr, Anglesey. Reflecting his Jewish heritage, a footstone added in 2021 reads:
“Admiral Sir Max Horton R.N. Honouring British community and diversity, Commander-in-Chief responsible for British participation in the Battle of the Atlantic, WW2. Be strong and of good courage.”