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.

HMCS Assiniboine Arriving at St. John's

Assiniboine, forced to leave embattled convoy SC 94 due to damage inflicted in the fight with U-210, limped into St. John's, Newfoundland, on 9 August 1942.

Conspicuous in this photograph are the dark plugs of patches projecting outwards from holes caused by the submarine's guns, and the fire damage to the starboard side of the destroyer's superstructure (centre). Less apparent is the severe damage caused by ramming U-210, including the ship's twisted bow (bottom right).

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19920166-127