*British, WW1 & WW2, Admiral Sir Max Horton – Original Photograph*
Original Photograph of Admiral Sir Max Horton. This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007.
Approximate Dimensions: 15.3cm x 20.7cm. Mounted on card.
Admiral Sir Max Kennedy Horton (29 November 1883 – 30 July 1951) was a British submariner during World War I and later served as Commander-in-Chief of the Western Approaches during World War II, overseeing the Battle of the Atlantic.
Early Life
Born in Anglesey to Robert Joseph Angel Horton and Esther Maude Goldsmid of the Anglo-Jewish Goldsmid family, Horton joined the Royal Navy's officer training ship HMS Britannia in 1898. He was awarded the Board of Trade Medal for Saving Life at Sea after rescuing survivors from the SS Delhi.
World War I
Horton served as commander of the submarine HMS E9, making notable attacks, including torpedoing the German cruiser SMS Hela and sinking the destroyer S116, for which he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). He also served in the Baltic Sea, damaging the German cruiser SMS Prinz Adalbert and sinking multiple merchant vessels. Horton earned two bars to his DSO for his continued success and leadership during the war.
Interwar Years
Promoted to Rear Admiral in 1932, Horton held various commands, including the 2nd Battle Squadron and the 1st Cruiser Squadron. In 1937, he became Vice Admiral and took command of the Reserve Fleet.
World War II
At the start of World War II, Horton commanded the Northern Patrol and was later made Rear Admiral Submarines in 1940, tasked with revitalizing the submarine arm. He became a key figure in the Battle of the Atlantic, establishing convoy rescue ships and reorganizing escort tactics. In 1942, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches, where he implemented the successful support group strategy, helping to turn the tide against German U-boats. Horton was promoted to full Admiral in 1941 and retired in 1945.
Later Years and Memorials
Horton was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1945 and received the Freedom of the City of Liverpool. He was honoured with memorials in Liverpool Cathedral and his birthplace, Rhosneigr. A footstone in his honour was funded by the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation in 2021.
Honours and Awards
Horton’s honours include the DSO and two bars, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, the Croix de Guerre, and foreign decorations from Russia, France, the Netherlands, the USA, and Norway. He was also awarded the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit by the United States in 1946.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAOXAH_1965195208
