Captain Joe Baker-Cresswell

Royal Navy officer

Born: February 2, 1901 · Died: March 4, 1997

War & ConflictPolitics & Government

Who was Captain Joe Baker-Cresswell?

Captain Addison Joe Baker-Cresswell DSO (2 February 1901 – 4 March 1997) was a Royal Navy officer, aide-de-camp to King George VI and High Sheriff of Northumberland. Captain Joe Baker-Cresswell was born, and died, spanning nearly a century. He is noted prominently for his role as the commanding officer of HMS Bulldog during the capture of U-110, from which an intact Enigma cipher machine was seized. The U-110 capture on May 9, 1941, marked a pivotal moment in Baker-Cresswell's career, demonstrating exceptional naval leadership. The seized Enigma machine provided invaluable intelligence, enabling the Allies to decipher German communications and gain a strategic advantage. Baker-Cresswell's actions contributed to the war's turning point, highlighting the importance of naval intelligence and codebreaking in World War II.

Historical significance

Captain Joe Baker-Cresswell is renowned for capturing U-110 and securing an intact Enigma machine, significantly aiding Allied codebreaking efforts.

Related on thisDay

Capture of U-110 — May 9, 1941

41 Allied ships sunk: U-110's capture near Iceland on May 9, 1941, gave the British Navy a crucial advantage in the Battle of the Atlantic

Sources and further reading

Use the dated article for the day-specific account; use these references to check the event record and explore its wider historical context.

Date article: Capture of U-110 — May 9, 1941 Wikipedia source

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APA

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Chicago

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