The stories of two naval heroes - Lieutenant Commander Jim Macdonald DSO DSC**MID(2) RNZNVR and Lieutenant Walter Drake DSC RNZNVR
The wartime stories of New Zealand’s naval heroes are not often told, and yet they are central to our history. Two books have recently been published by Gerry Wright that will go a long way towards correcting this imbalance. These stories profile the heroic roles of two New Zealanders who played key roles in the Royal Navy during a time of real need.
Image caption: MTB 234
“North Sea Warrior” tells the story of Lieutenant Commander Jim Macdonald who was New Zealand’s most highly decorated naval officer of World War II. “A War by Stealth” profiles Lieutenant Wally Drake who may have sunk more enemy ships than any other New Zealander in World War II, and did so without firing a shot in anger.
About 7000 New Zealand officers and ratings served with the Royal Navy during World War II. New Zealand had the manpower but few ships, while Britain had ships with limited manpower. New Zealanders saw active service in ships of every type of ship from battleships and aircraft-carriers to submarines, motor-launches, and landing craft, and in every sea from Spitzbergen in the Arctic to the shores of Japan.
In Coastal Forces Jim Macdonald commanded Motor Torpedo Boats, and soon earned a reputation as a daring and innovative officer. As a Sub-Lieutenant and Second-in-Command of MTB31 he was awarded his first Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in March 1942. When the ship was attacked by three German E-boats and set on fire, he not only fought the fires, but dived overboard to save the life of the Chief Motor Mechanic, and also helped in the salvage of the ship. He was also the youngest man to command one of the King’s fighting ships.
Later, in Command of MTB241 he fought nine actions in four months and was awarded a Bar to his DSC. In September 1943 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and at the age of 22 became the youngest officer to command a flotilla of MTBs. Jim Macdonald was awarded a second Bar to his DSC in July 1944 for his performance in two actions, and in seven successful mine-laying operations. As Flotilla Leader, when his own ship was sunk he transferred to another and continued the action.
In July 1944 he attempted to sink a heavily armed German transport with three MTBs until it made safety of the harbour. While returning to his base, he discovered a second convoy and pressed home a successful attack, despite the risk of enemy air attack during broad daylight. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for this action. He was twice mentioned in despatches and as one of the most highly decorated New Zealanders of the war Jim Macdonald was regarded as an “Ace” of coastal forces.
Another notable New Zealander operating in coastal waters during the War was Walter Drake. As First Lieutenant, and later Commanding Officer of Motor Launch 106 and finally senior officer of the 51st ML Flotilla, Lieutenant Walter Charles Drake, DSC, RNZNVR took part in thirty four successful mine-laying operations in enemy waters off the Dutch coast in the North Sea. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in July 1944.
Not many went to war with instructions from ‘On High’ requiring that on meeting the enemy to ‘retire behind smoke and try again on the following nights until you are successful’. As well as minelaying, Wally’s contribution included the development of navigation aids to assist navigation in the difficult coastal waters off Europe. His last significant operation was to navigate the invasion force into Walcheren to open the entrance to Antwerp. In this operation involving Canadians and Royal Marines the British suffered over 12,000 casualties.
New Zealand is a small and young nation with a well researched and documented naval history. These two new books – A War by Stealth and North Sea Warrior will go a long way towards providing long overdue recognition for the stories of two of our most famous naval heroes.