The Enemy Contacts Multiply

This flow follows the widening submarine threat as uncertain indications become coordinated attacks on several parts of the convoy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Signals from Ahead

Signals from Ahead Multiple indications Reports from James, Dodge, and Viktor reveal several radar contacts ahead of the convoy. The submarines appear to remain at a distance while signaling, suggesting coordination rather than an immediate isolated attack. A threat beneath the surface One additional indication appears and vanishes close to Keeling, hinting at an enemy already submerged in the convoy’s path. George Krause must protect against threats he cannot count and cannot confidently locate. The screen remains stretched He keeps the escorts in their assigned areas instead of concentrating them on every radar pip. The choice preserves coverage but leaves each escort to confront danger with limited support.

Attacks on Every Flank

Attacks on Every Flank Coordinated pressure During the night, James and Dodge report separate threats while Keeling and Viktor pursue another submarine. The escorts must exchange contacts, turn to intercept, and avoid interfering with one another in darkness. The enemy strikes back One submarine fires torpedoes during the pursuit. Viktor evades them, but the attack proves that the hunters are themselves targets and that each turn can expose the convoy or a ship in the screen. A contested night The U-boats exploit uncertainty, darkness, and gaps between escorts. Keeling’s work becomes less a single hunt than an effort to keep several simultaneous encounters from opening a fatal route to the convoy.

A Break in the Escort

A Break in the Escort Two ships are struck Kong Gustav sinks, and Viktor is hit while defending the convoy. The damage removes an experienced destroyer from the screen and leaves Cadena to rescue its crew. A commander turns back George Krause cannot reach Viktor instantly; Keeling must cross the disordered convoy before it can assist. The decision means accepting further danger to make sure the disabled ship is not abandoned. An escort lost Viktor is eventually abandoned and sinks after Cadena takes off its crew. The convoy continues, but its protection is weaker and the surviving ships must carry the burden farther east.

Wednesday afternoon as the convoy regains formation

Wednesday night during the Middle Watch

Thursday evening as daylight fades