Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic  - Atlantic Battleground

Allied forces, including the Royal Canadian Navy, fought against Axis forces in the battle of the Atlantic over a vast and often dangerous oceanic battlefield. Harbours and bases like Halifax were essential for ships, and commanders on shore planned and coordinated the movements of convoys and anti-submarine forces.

The Harbour of New York

A Canadian sailor gazes over his ship's rail at the Statue of Liberty (centre left) in the harbour of New York.

In 1942, New York City became the great departure point for trans-Atlantic convoys, replacing Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, although considerable shipping continued to flow through those two ports. New York was a frequent port of call for escort ships in the Canadian-organized Western Local Escort Force (later the Western Escort Force), which helped guard convoys and ships sailing to and from ports in north-eastern North America.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19801071-040_1