Canada's Naval History

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.

Ship's Company, HMCS Stormont

The crew of the frigate HMCS Stormont experienced the harshness and terror of Arctic convoy work in December 1944.

During this time, their ship helped escort convoy JW 62 to Kola Inlet near Murmansk, in the northern Soviet Union, and the returning convoy RA 62 heading to Loch Ewe, Scotland. Terrible weather and poor ASDIC (sonar) conditions hampered coordination with the convoy and anti-submarine operations. On the return trip, the convoy faced German submarines patrolling near Kola Inlet and German torpedo-bombers based in northern Norway.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19940001-580