Henry Harwood; Hero of the River Plate

The film ‘Battle of the River Plate’ brought the battle of three smaller British cruisers and the more powerful German pocket battleship Graf Spee to a whole post-war generation, with its Nelsonic flavour of winning against the odds. In Churchill’s words, the first major naval success of WWII, ‘warmed the cockles of the Nation’s heart’. The hero of the battle, Commodore Henry Harwood, was rightly feted with immediate promotion and a knighthood. Whilst the story of the battle has often been meticulously analysed, the hero has not had the same attention - until now. Peter Hore’s biography shows how Harwood’s early career and appointments played a significant part in his success at River Plate. An experienced cruiser man and a Spanish linguist, he demonstrated his considerable diplomatic skills in command of the Exeter before WWII, and forged contacts in both the British diplomatic service and local military authorities. He had also served on the directing staff of the War College where he gave a series of prescient lectures on dealing with surface raiders. But it was not just his service career that contributed to his success; he had a clear strategy to tackle a surface raider, concentrating his light forces at points where singleton merchant ships presented the greatest draw for the raider as opposed to lengthy patrols. The account of the battle shows how Harwood’s tactical skill and contacts came to the fore, but nothing can detract from the bravery and determination of the Royal Navy forces. Following the River Plate action, newly-promoted Rear Admiral Harwood first served on the staff in London before being appointed, at Churchill’s insistence, as Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean to replace Cunningham. Harwood arrived at a time when the Mediterranean fleet had been reduced to a handful of cruisers and destroyers with the Valiant and Queen Elizabeth under repair. With the need to replenish Malta, and with Rommel advancing on Egypt, and more vitally, Alexandria, Harwood’s problems were exacerbated by a lack of RAF co-operation and support from Montgomery. The situation worsened as Montgomery stated that he had little sympathy for the Navy. There was inevitably a personal element with the aesthetic Montgomery disliking Harwood who he saw as overweight and the epitome of all he despised. With the onset of ill-health, Harwood was relieved of his command. Peter Hore has, in the words of Admiral Slater in his Foreword, put Harwood’s “character and achievements” into perspective. Whilst Harwood‘s masterly handling of the destruction of the Graf Spee can be seen as the pinnacle of his career, the picture that emerges from this highly readable book is of a dedicated naval officer who led his forces with courage and skill. “Nothing can take this triumph from Harwood” says it all. Very highly recommended.