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Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic  - Weapons and Technology

Combatants in the battle of the Atlantic relied on weapons and technology to attack the enemy, to defend themselves, to communicate, and to rescue friends and foes.

W/T Operator and Messenger
W/T Operator and Messenger

Wireless (radio) operators, called "wireless telegraphists" or "W/Ts," ensured that warships remained in contact with each other and with naval installations on shore.

War artist Tom Wood has depicted a wireless operator (right) on board a ship receiving a transmission. A messenger (left) waits to take the message to the appropriate officer. Wireless telegraphists were trained in receiving and sending messages, and in the care and maintenance of their equipment.

W/T Operator and Messenger
Painted by Tom Wood in 1945
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4920





4-inch Naval Gun and Mounting
.5-inch Vickers Mk III Heavy Machine-gun
"Pom-Pom" Anti-Aircraft Gun, HMCS Kamloops
Anti-Aircraft Gun and Crew in Action
Depth Charge and Thrower
Hedgehog Anti-submarine Projectile
Squid Anti-submarine Mortar
"Squid Explosion", HMCS Copper Cliff
ASDIC Hut
Protection
Medium Frequency Direction Finding Loop
Binnacle, HMCS Swansea
Gyroscopic Compass
Sextant
Taffrail Log
Wheel House
Fueling Mid Atlantic
German Signal Lamp
W/T Operator and Messenger
"Mae West" Life Belts, HMCS St. Laurent
Royal Canadian Navy Life Vest
Royal Canadian Navy Lifeboat Bailer
Lee-Enfield Line-throwing Rifle