First World War Atlantic Convoy This photograph shows six
merchant ships in a First World War Atlantic convoy. In response
to increasing merchant ship losses caused by German U-Boats
(submarines), the British Admiralty introduced convoys in 1917.
By grouping together merchant ships and providing them with
escorting warships, the U-Boats' task of finding and sinking
ships was made much harder, and Allied shipping losses fell
significantly. This photograph was likely taken by Sub-
Lieutenant Arthur Rankin, the navigation officer aboard HMCS
Canada, which helped escort convoys off Canada's east coast.
George Metcalf Archival Collection