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.

Torpedo Damage to HMCS Chebogue

On 4 October 1944, the German submarine U-1227 torpedoed the Canadian frigate HMCS Chebogue, which was escorting a westbound convoy.

The acoustic torpedo homed in on the sound of Chebogue's propellers, and its exploding warhead blew off 10 metres of the ship's stern, killing seven sailors. In this photograph, an officer (left) examines the extensive damage that nearly sank the frigate and left it unable to move under its own power. Towed by a series of ships, Chebogue reached Wales after eight days. Declared a total loss, the frigate was not repaired.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19920085-1009_1

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