2nd Escort Group (Royal Navy)

2nd Escort Group
ActiveApril 1943–May 1945
Country United Kingdom
AllegianceBritish Empire
BranchUnited Kingdom Royal Navy
TypeSupport Group
RoleAnti-Submarine Warfare
Size~6 ships
Part ofPart of Western Approaches Command
Garrison/HQLiverpool
March"A-Hunting We Will Go"
EngagementsOperation Musketry
ON 207
HX 264
SL 140/MKS 31
JW 58
Commanders
Commander nickname"The Boss"
Notable
commanders
Capt. F.J. Walker
Cdr. N.W. Duck
Cdr. D.E.G. Wemyss [1]

The 2nd Escort Group (2 EG) was a British anti-submarine formation of the Royal Navy which saw action during the Second World War, principally in the Battle of the Atlantic.

2 EG was formed in April 1943, one of five such support groups formed at the crisis point of the campaign. It was to act as reinforcement to convoys under attack, with the capacity to actively hunt and destroy U-boats, rather than be restricted to escort duties. Comprising six sloops of the Black Swan-class, the group was led by Captain F.J. "Johnnie" Walker, Britain's most successful anti-submarine warfare commander, in Starling. The combination of an active hunting group and a charismatic, determined and innovative anti-submarine specialist such as Walker proved to be a potent force; 2 EG was the most successful anti-submarine unit of the war, being credited with the destruction of 23 U-boats during two years of active service.

  1. ^ Note; pronounced "Weems".