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.
John Doyle's service dress and cap - the traditional "square rig" - reflects his wartime service. By the Second World War, it would have been worn mostly ashore and for certain activities on board ship.
The rating's rank of a "fouled" anchor - an anchor wrapped in a cable or rope - on the left sleeve indicates that Doyle is a leading seaman. The chevron below shows three years of good conduct. On the right sleeve, the crossed signal flags over a letter "C" are the trade badge of a coder. Near the cuff, chevrons indicate three years of service. The cap ribbon with ?HMCS' identifies its wearer as a Canadian sailor but omits the ship's name for wartime security reasons.
Service Dress, Leading Seaman John Doyle
Cap, CWM 19960051-001
Jumper, CWM 19960051-002
Trousers, CWM 19960051-003