All Battles

Black May

1943 • Nordatlantik
The Royal Navy during the Second World War Depth charges exploding after being dropped by the destroyer HMS VANOC over the spot indicated by the submarine detecting apparatus, which reported a contact during an Atlantic Convoy. Some crew members can be seen at the stern watching the explosion.

The Royal Navy during the Second World War Depth charges exploding after being dropped by the destroyer HMS VANOC over the spot indicated by the submarine detecting apparatus, which reported a contact during an Atlantic Convoy. Some crew members can be seen at the stern watching the explosion.

Author: Royal Navy official photographer, Tomlin, H W (Lt)License:PD
Source

Historical Overview

Black May refers to May 1943 in the Battle of the Atlantic campaign during World War II, when the Kriegsmarine U-boat arm suffered high casualties with fewer Allied ships sunk; it is considered a watershed in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Quick Facts

Outcome:British/US victory.

Allied ASW

  • Commander: -
  • Strength: Support Groups
  • Casualties: gering

Kriegsmarine

  • Commander: Karl Dönitz
  • Strength: ca. 100 U-Boote
  • Casualties: 41 U-Boote

Strategic Context

Allied technological and tactical superiority.

Read more on Wikipedia

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