Canada's Naval History

Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic - The U-Boats Surrender

With Germany's defeat in May 1945, its U-Boats (submarines) were required to surrender to Allied forces. The Royal Canadian Navy was involved in the surrender of U-Boats in European waters, while U-190 and U-889, surrendering to Canadian forces in the Western Atlantic, were brought to ports in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Artifact Record

15 U-Boats Surrender, Loch Eriboll

Many German U-Boats surrendered at specially designated ports in the British Isles, including Loch Eriboll on the north coast of Scotland.

While accompanying a convoy to the Soviet Union shortly after the German surrender in May 1945, EG 9, a Canadian escort group, encountered 15 U-Boats along the Norwegian coast. The Canadian ships directed the submarines to Scotland, and left the convoy to escort them on their journey. War artist Leonard Brooks flew north from London to record the event, and volunteered to join in boarding one of the surrendering U-Boats. More than 30 years later, Brooks recalled being terrified by the German crew's hostility.

15 U-Boats Surrender, Loch Eriboll
Painted by Leonard Brooks
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-1094