What was the Battle of the Atlantic?

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War, lasting from 1939 to 1945.

It was a struggle for control of the Atlantic Ocean between Germany, which was using U-boats, and the Allied forces, including Canada, Britain, and the United States.

Ships crossing the Atlantic were vital in supporting the war effort in Europe. The ships brought food, fuel, troops, and weapons. If those supply lines were cut off, countries like Britain could have been forced out of the war.

Germany tried to sink Allied supply ships using submarine attacks, often targeting convoys. In response, Allied navies escorted ships with warships, used sonar and radar to detect submarines, and deployed aircraft to patrol the ocean.

Canada played a major role, especially from places like St. John's, which became a key convoy escort base. Although Newfoundland was not yet part of Canada.

By 1943, the Allies had gained the upper hand using better technology and tactics. The campaign continued until the end of the war, but Germany’s ability to disrupt shipping was largely defeated.