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.

John Doyle, HMCS Digby

John Doyle, from Osgoode, Ontario, served as a leading coder in the minesweeper HMCS Digby on escort duty on the east coast.

The demanding task of operating newly-built convoy escorts fell largely to volunteer sailors, like Doyle, from across Canada. After enlisting in Ottawa in 1942, and training in communications duties, Doyle served in Digby, a Bangor class minesweeper, from 1943 to 1945. Because the enemy laid few mines off the Canadian coast, minesweepers like Digby were used alongside corvettes and frigates to escort convoys. Doyle's ribbon for the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (right) includes a silver maple leaf indicating service outside of Canada.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19960051-008

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