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.

U-190's Crew, September 1942

This photograph, recovered from U-190 following its surrender to the Royal Canadian Navy at the end of the Second World War, depicts the submarine's crew at its September 1942 commissioning.

U-190's crew, who lived at very close quarters inside their U-Boat, were fortunate in comparison with other German submariners. Despite being attacked twice during six war patrols, not one member of the roughly 50 crew was killed. Over 700 German U-Boats were lost to enemy action between 1939 and 1945; in 1944 alone, almost 8,000 submariners died with their boats.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19870078-001

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