Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic  - Weapons and Technology

Combatants in the battle of the Atlantic relied on weapons and technology to attack the enemy, to defend themselves, to communicate, and to rescue friends and foes.

Anti-Aircraft Gun and Crew in Action

Canadian war artist Donald Cameron Mackay's painting depicts a gun crew firing on enemy aircraft using a 20mm Oerlikon cannon.

The Swiss-designed Oerlikon, widely used by both Allied and Axis forces during the Second World War, had a higher rate of fire than the 2-pounder pom-poms and had more stopping power than the lighter machine-guns fitted to Royal Canadian Navy's ships. While used as anti-aircraft weapons, as seen here, on a wide range of ships, Oerlikons also proved effective in engagements against surfaced German submarines, keeping enemy crews below decks and away from their own guns.

Anti-Aircraft Gun and Crew in Action
Painted by Donald C. Mackay
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4197