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

Service Dress and Cap, Leading Seaman John Doyle

John Doyle's service dress and cap - the traditional "square rig" - reflects his wartime service. By the Second World War, it would have been worn mostly ashore and for certain activities on board ship.

The rating's rank of a "fouled" anchor - an anchor wrapped in a cable or rope - on the left sleeve indicates that Doyle is a leading seaman. The chevron below shows three years of good conduct. On the right sleeve, the crossed signal flags over a letter "C" are the trade badge of a coder. Near the cuff, chevrons indicate three years of service. The cap ribbon with ?HMCS' identifies its wearer as a Canadian sailor but omits the ship's name for wartime security reasons.

Service Dress, Leading Seaman John Doyle

Cap, CWM 19960051-001
Jumper, CWM 19960051-002
Trousers, CWM 19960051-003

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