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.

Protection

Donald Mackay's painting depicts the bridge of the destroyer HMCS Restigouche, escorting a large convoy of troop ships, including the four-funnelled Aquitania (centre left).

Mackay is likely portraying troop convoy TC 1, which left Halifax with 7,400 soldiers of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division on 10 December 1939. One crew member (centre) is communicating with another ship by signal lamp, while an officer (left) records the message. The two large loops (right) are the direction finding aerial used for navigation. Other navigational equipment is visible, including a gyroscopic compass repeater (centre) providing compass directions.

Protection
Painted by Donald C. Mackay
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4245