This photograph shows the plume of water raised by an exploding depth charge, the principal Allied anti-submarine weapon for much of the Second World War.

Dropped over a ship's stern or launched over its side, depth charges would sink to a pre-selected depth before exploding. An explosion close to a submarine could destroy it by shattering its hull, while a near miss could cause damage forcing it to the surface. Given the difficulties of locating a submarine underwater, large numbers of depth charges were usually required for a successful attack.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000224-015_4