The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, running from 1939 to the defeat of Germany in 1945. At its core was the Allied naval blockade of Germany, announced the day after the declaration of war, and Germany's subsequent counter-blockade. It was at its height from mid-1940 through to the end of 1943. The Battle of the Atlantic pitted U-boats and other warships of the Kriegsmarine and aircraft of the Luftwaffe against Allied merchant shipping. The convoys, coming mainly from North America and mainly going to the United Kingdom and the Soviet... Union, were protected for the most part by the British and Canadian navies and air forces. These forces were aided by ships and aircraft of the United States from September 13, 1941. The Germans were joined by submarines of the Italian Royal Navy after their Axis ally Italy entered the war on June 10, 1940. As an island nation, the United Kingdom was highly dependent on imported goods. Britain required more than a million tons of imported material per week in order to be able to survive and fight.
more
| Occurred: |
September 3, 1939 - May 7, 1945
|
| Location: | Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Labrador Sea, Irish Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Outer Banks, Arctic Ocean |