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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.

Depth Charge Explosion
Depth Charge Explosion

This photograph shows the plume of water raised by an exploding depth charge, the principal Allied anti-submarine weapon for much of the Second World War.

Dropped over a ship's stern or launched over its side, depth charges would sink to a pre-selected depth before exploding. An explosion close to a submarine could destroy it by shattering its hull, while a near miss could cause damage forcing it to the surface. Given the difficulties of locating a submarine underwater, large numbers of depth charges were usually required for a successful attack.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000224-015_4





Corvette Bridge
Cargo Ship in Convoy
On Escort Duty
HMCS Barrie
HMCS Chambly Model
HMCS Clayoquot , Bangor class Minesweeper
Model, HMCS Swansea
Merchant Aircraft Carrier (MAC) at Sea
"Taking a ?Green One'"
Fog
White Ensign, HMCS Arrowhead
Duffle Coat
John Doyle, HMCS Digby
Service Dress and Cap, Leading Seaman John Doyle
Corvette Mess Deck, His Majesty's Canadian Ship North Bay
U-190 Model
U-190's Crew, September 1942
U-889's Forward Torpedo Compartment
U-889 Running at Periscope Depth
The Sinking of the SS Winnipeg II
Torpedo Damage to HMCS Chebogue
HMCS Trillium Crowded with Survivors
Depth Charge Explosion
U-744 Being Boarded