Canada's Naval History

Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic - U-Boats and Convoys

The struggle between German U-Boats (submarines) and Allied convoys was the core of the battle of the Atlantic. U-Boats sought to destroy Allied merchant vessels and warships, while Allied convoys sought to transport food, supplies, weapons, and personnel across the Atlantic.

Artifact Record

White Ensign, HMCS Arrowhead

This battered White Ensign from the corvette HMCS Arrowhead testifies to the North Atlantic's atrocious weather.

Although this flag appears to have been through a battle, the damage is the result of wind and water, which have torn seams and frayed fabric. Before the switch to flags printed on nylon fabric, flags were made of strips of coloured cloth sewn together in the necessary patterns. This flag, damaged during a storm, was kept by Arthur Statham, who served aboard Arrowhead. From 1910 until 1965, Royal Canadian Navy ships flew the same white ensign as Britain's Royal Navy.

White Naval Ensign
CWM 19680136-001

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