Social Studies 10 Lessons 📖

By: Gen L

In partnership with Hyperion University, 2023

Lesson 6: Battle of the Atlantic

Attempted Isolation

  • Britain depended on supplies from the US and Canada
  • 1940-1943, German subs (U-boats) attempted to isolate Britain from the Allies.
  • U-boats sunk supply ships, which were ferried across the Atlantic in convoys escorted by warships.
  • Teams of U-boats (Wolfpacks) hunted convoys

Defending the Convoys

  • The Royal Navy had excellent anti-sub skills and equipment, but couldn't do the job alone
  • Canada built many escort ships (Corvettes) for convoys
  • Emphasis in Canada was quantity, and high priced anti-submarine technology was not included.
  • New volunteer Navy had few experienced sailors.
  • Sailing in the North Atlantic was a harsh intro to war.

Convoys

  • Convoys escorted by Canadian ships suffered heavy losses
  • US also escorted convoys, as far as Iceland.
  • After Pearl Harbour, the US sent most of their fleet to the Pacific.
  • Winter 1942-43, heavy losses was causing the allies to lose the Atlantic War.
  • German U-boats even entered the St. Lawrence River

Gaining the Upper Hand

  • March, 1943, US, British and Canadian Admirals meet in DC.
  • New Plan - Br. to equip & train Canadians, US provides air cover, Canada takes over protection of entire North Atlantic.
  • Allies gained the upper hand
  • Success was due to better equipment, training & air cover.

Cracking the Cryptex & Conclusion

  • Bletchley Park, Milton-Keynes: Br. crack the German code (Enigma), using a stolen machine.
  • Canadians manned two British Aircraft Carriers
  • By the end of the war, Canada had the 3rd Largest Navy in the World, 373 ships.

Advances in Anti-Sub Warfare

  1. Air Coverage
    • Closing the "Black Gap"
  2. Depth Charges
    • Barrels full of explosives with a pressure sensor.
  3. Hedgehogs
    • Multiple mini missles with percussion caps, explode on impact.
  4. Cracking Enigma
    • Cracking of the Enigma Cipher

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