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-744 Being Boarded

This March 1944 photograph shows Allied sailors boarding the German U-Boat (submarine) U-744 following the second-longest submarine hunt of the Second World War.

In a coordinated effort that used around 350 depth charges, six Canadian and British escort ships forced U-744 to the surface after over 30 hours of attacks. The warships repeatedly hit the surfaced submarine with gunfire, and then boarded it, removing survivors and some materials for intelligence analysis. HMCS Chilliwack's boat, seen here, was the first alongside. Following an unsuccessful attempt at towing the badly damaged submarine, the escorts sank it.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19910001-029

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