Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters  - The Arctic Convoys and Scandinavia

Following the Soviet Union's entry into the war against Germany, the western Allies established convoys carrying much-needed supplies to Soviet Arctic ports, most notably Murmansk. Canadian ships participated in these convoys, and also visited Scandinavian countries in the wake of Germany's surrender.

Seamen, Tribal Class Destroyer

Alfred Leete, an artist who served in British ships in northern European waters, evokes the horrendous weather faced by some Arctic convoys.

Sailors struggle from lifeline to lifeline on the slanting, frozen deck of a destroyer at sea. Duffle coats, mitts, scarves, balaclavas, and multiple layers of clothing provided only limited protection against snow and blowing spray. Survival in the frigid water for those lost overboard or whose ships were sunk was usually measured in minutes. Canadians had experience with difficult winter conditions in the North Atlantic, but still found Arctic convoys a difficult and exhausting experience.

Seamen, Tribal Class Destroyer
Painted by Alfred Leete
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19870272-003