Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic  - U-Boats and Convoys

The struggle between German U-Boats (submarines) and Allied convoys was the core of the battle of the Atlantic. U-Boats sought to destroy Allied merchant vessels and warships, while Allied convoys sought to transport food, supplies, weapons, and personnel across the Atlantic.

Cargo Ship in Convoy

Silhouetted against the skyline, this is one of thousands of general cargo ships which kept the lifeline of supplies flowing across the Atlantic.

Allied navies established convoys in an attempt to protect merchant ships from enemy attack. This ship has received some additional equipment to meet the threat, including a rearward-facing gun just visible at its stern (ship, right), and large rectangular life rafts, seen near the aft mast (centre right), which could quickly be launched. Despite convoys and other measures, German submarines and other Axis forces sank thousands of Allied merchant ships.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20070003-025_2