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Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic  - Sea Battle: HMCS Assiniboine vs. U-210

On 6 August 1942, the Canadian destroyer HMCS Assiniboine, escorting straggling ships at the rear of convoy SC 94, sighted German submarine U-210 on the horizon. In a pursuit that culminated in a running gun battle, Assiniboine, damaged and set on fire by U-210's guns, rammed and sank the submarine.

Fire-fighting, HMCS Assiniboine
Fire-fighting, HMCS Assiniboine

Taken during the pursuit, while Assiniboine was still under enemy fire, this photograph shows the fire-fighting party putting out the blaze started by U-210's guns.

The blaze, fed by gasoline stored on deck, threatened to consume the bridge from which the ship's officers directed the combat. This photograph shows a fire hose on deck while the fire-fighting party (centre) moves forward past the torpedo tubes (left) and the ship's whaler (right). Lieutenant Ralph Hennessy, Assiniboine's first officer, commanded the fire-fighting party and was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his role in the action.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000224-028_6





U-210, Seen from HMCS Assiniboine
HMCS Assiniboine
Fire-fighting, HMCS Assiniboine
Ramming U-210
Medal Set, Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays, HMCS Assiniboine
U-210 Survivors
Burial at Sea, HMCS Assiniboine
HMCS Assiniboine Arriving at St. John's
Damage to HMCS Assiniboine
Ramming damage to HMCS Assiniboine