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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.

Corvette Mess Deck, His Majesty's Canadian Ship North Bay
Corvette Mess Deck, His Majesty's Canadian Ship North Bay

War artist Tom Wood's canvas explores a corvette's crowded mess deck, where much of the ship's crew lived.

Wood's painting likely depicts HMCS North Bay in harbour, since an open inkwell (bottom centre) and drink bottle (right) would have been ill-advised in a rolling ship at sea. Usually damp, the mess deck could be awash in seawater during rough weather. Off-duty sailors attempted to eat, relax, write letters, or read. The mess deck was also a sleeping area, and occupied hammocks are visible at the top of the work.

Corvette Mess Deck, His Majesty's Canadian Ship North Bay
Painted by Tom Wood in 1946
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4854





Corvette Bridge
Cargo Ship in Convoy
On Escort Duty
HMCS Barrie
HMCS Chambly Model
HMCS Clayoquot , Bangor class Minesweeper
Model, HMCS Swansea
Merchant Aircraft Carrier (MAC) at Sea
"Taking a ?Green One'"
Fog
White Ensign, HMCS Arrowhead
Duffle Coat
John Doyle, HMCS Digby
Service Dress and Cap, Leading Seaman John Doyle
Corvette Mess Deck, His Majesty's Canadian Ship North Bay
U-190 Model
U-190's Crew, September 1942
U-889's Forward Torpedo Compartment
U-889 Running at Periscope Depth
The Sinking of the SS Winnipeg II
Torpedo Damage to HMCS Chebogue
HMCS Trillium Crowded with Survivors
Depth Charge Explosion
U-744 Being Boarded