Canada's Naval History

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.

"Taking a ?Green One'"

This photograph, from the album of Canadian sailor George R. MacDonald, gives an impression of conditions aboard an escort in the mid-Atlantic.

With crew (upper left) in the traditional wet-weather gear of sou'wester hats and oilskin coats, the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent is taking a "Green One", with the sea smashing over the ship's rail. In such conditions, crew working on deck would secure lifelines to the ship to guard against being carried overboard. One of the ship's depth charge throwers and several reloads are visible in the foreground.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20060010-016_p6a

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