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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.

Binnacle, HMCS Swansea
Binnacle, HMCS Swansea

Binnacles, like this example from the Canadian frigate HMCS Swansea, house a magnetic compass and were essential in ensuring that ships stayed on course and could accurately determine their position at sea.

A brass hood (top) protects the compass, which is lit by a small light. The use of non-magnetic materials like brass and wood reduces interference with the magnetic compass, while two compensating magnets (left and right) offset the effects of the steel and iron used in the ship. Lower on the housing, a clinometer (centre) measures the list or roll of the ship from side to side.

Binnacle
CWM 19660080-002

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4-inch Naval Gun and Mounting
.5-inch Vickers Mk III Heavy Machine-gun
"Pom-Pom" Anti-Aircraft Gun, HMCS Kamloops
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Depth Charge and Thrower
Hedgehog Anti-submarine Projectile
Squid Anti-submarine Mortar
"Squid Explosion", HMCS Copper Cliff
ASDIC Hut
Protection
Medium Frequency Direction Finding Loop
Binnacle, HMCS Swansea
Gyroscopic Compass
Sextant
Taffrail Log
Wheel House
Fueling Mid Atlantic
German Signal Lamp
W/T Operator and Messenger
"Mae West" Life Belts, HMCS St. Laurent
Royal Canadian Navy Life Vest
Royal Canadian Navy Lifeboat Bailer
Lee-Enfield Line-throwing Rifle