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.

Depth Charge Explosion

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