Canada's Naval History

Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic - The Battle of the St. Lawrence

The struggle on the Atlantic between Allied navies and German U-Boats (submarines) brought the naval war into Canada, turning the river and Gulf of St. Lawrence into a battleground. From 1942, German U-Boats sank 23 merchant and naval ships; improvements in anti-submarine defences ultimately stemmed these losses.

Damage to HMCS Magog

These photographs help show the extent of the damage U-1223's torpedo inflicted on the frigate HMCS Magog.

The explosion of the torpedo's warhead destroyed over 18 metres of Magog's stern, leaving the ship badly damaged and without propulsion. After being towed to Quebec City for inspection, the severity of Magog's damage led to its being written off as a total loss.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030315-002_p10