Canada's Naval History

Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic - Sea Battle: HMCS Assiniboine vs. U-210

On 6 August 1942, the Canadian destroyer HMCS Assiniboine, escorting straggling ships at the rear of convoy SC 94, sighted German submarine U-210 on the horizon. In a pursuit that culminated in a running gun battle, Assiniboine, damaged and set on fire by U-210's guns, rammed and sank the submarine.

Burial at Sea, HMCS Assiniboine

HMCS Assiniboine's crew pause from nursing their damaged destroyer back to port to bury Ordinary Seaman Kenneth Watson, the destroyer's youngest sailor and its only fatality in the battle with U-210.

A shell from one of the U-Boat's anti-aircraft guns killed 18-year-old Watson who, though already wounded, had continued to supply his gun crew with ammunition. He was buried at sea with full honours the following day. Thirteen other members of Assiniboine's crew had been wounded in the battle.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000224-028_7