THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC
The Battle of the Atlantic was the struggle between the Allied and German forces for control of the Atlantic Ocean. The Allies needed to keep the vital flow of men and supplies going between North America and Europe, while the Germans wanted to cut these supply lines.
Early in the war, German U-boats took a heavy toll on merchant shipping as the Allies struggled to find effective ways to combat the enemy threat. Between 1939 and 1942, the Germans increased the number of U-boats from 30 to 300 and developed effective hunting techniques like using groups of submarines, called wolfpacks, to attack convoys. Their efforts initially paid off, with huge amounts of shipping being lost to German U-boats . The situation was very serious for the Allies, as merchant ships were being sunk faster than they could be replaced.
Technology also played an important role in the Battle of the Atlantic. Both sides kept trying to get the upper hand in technology and tactics. New radar and sonar technologies helped the Allies find the U-boats and new weapons, like the “Hedgehog” bombs, helped sink the submarines more effectively. The Germans also developed technological advancements like snorkel tubes that allowed U-boats to run their diesel engines while travelling underwater. Eventually, the improved equipment and tactics of the Allies finally helped turn the tide of the battle in their favor.
Furthermore, Canada played an important role in directing Allied efforts in the Battle of the Atlantic. Canada’s Merchant Navy provided support to the convoy systems with the Corvettes that where small but fast warships. However, Helping the Allies triumph in the Battle of the Atlantic came at a high price with huge economic and human losses.
This battle ended when Germany surrendered in 1944 and the War in Europe was over.
Early in the war, German U-boats took a heavy toll on merchant shipping as the Allies struggled to find effective ways to combat the enemy threat. Between 1939 and 1942, the Germans increased the number of U-boats from 30 to 300 and developed effective hunting techniques like using groups of submarines, called wolfpacks, to attack convoys. Their efforts initially paid off, with huge amounts of shipping being lost to German U-boats . The situation was very serious for the Allies, as merchant ships were being sunk faster than they could be replaced.
Technology also played an important role in the Battle of the Atlantic. Both sides kept trying to get the upper hand in technology and tactics. New radar and sonar technologies helped the Allies find the U-boats and new weapons, like the “Hedgehog” bombs, helped sink the submarines more effectively. The Germans also developed technological advancements like snorkel tubes that allowed U-boats to run their diesel engines while travelling underwater. Eventually, the improved equipment and tactics of the Allies finally helped turn the tide of the battle in their favor.
Furthermore, Canada played an important role in directing Allied efforts in the Battle of the Atlantic. Canada’s Merchant Navy provided support to the convoy systems with the Corvettes that where small but fast warships. However, Helping the Allies triumph in the Battle of the Atlantic came at a high price with huge economic and human losses.
This battle ended when Germany surrendered in 1944 and the War in Europe was over.
Sources:
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/historical-sheets/atlantic
HMCS-Moose-Jaw.jpg
line-of-u-boats-640.jpg
Depth-charge-from-destroyer.jpg
atlantic-battle-prowl.jpg
Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues Textbook
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/historical-sheets/atlantic
HMCS-Moose-Jaw.jpg
line-of-u-boats-640.jpg
Depth-charge-from-destroyer.jpg
atlantic-battle-prowl.jpg
Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues Textbook