The Convoy Under Repeated Attack

This flow traces how scattered submarine threats turn a difficult passage into a sustained contest for the convoy’s survival.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

An Enemy in the Screen

An Enemy in the Screen Fresh danger After Keeling and Viktor destroy a submarine, radar reports several more contacts ahead. The first victory does not clear the route; it reveals that the convoy is entering a wider enemy concentration. A ship is struck A merchant ship is torpedoed while the escorts are spread across the convoy’s flanks and approaches. Keeling turns back through the formation, trying to protect Cadena and keep a likely attacker away from the rescue ship. Loss amid rescue Cadena recovers men from boats as the stricken vessel capsizes and sinks. Keeling must weigh the value of rescuing survivors against the danger of leaving ships and escort positions exposed.

The Night Assault

The Night Assault Darkness and scattered ships As evening falls, enemy contacts gather ahead of the convoy. George Krause keeps the escorts on station because sending them all forward would open dangerous gaps in the screen. An attack breaks through A surfaced submarine uses the darkness to press into the convoy. Keeling crosses the ships’ path to intercept, narrowly avoids a collision, and exchanges gunfire amid a burning vessel and confused merchant-ship fire. Protection under pressure The night attack shows how quickly a defensive screen can become entangled with the ships it protects. Keeling’s counterattack cannot prevent damage to the convoy, but it limits the enemy’s freedom to strike unopposed.

The Final Handover

The Final Handover An aircraft finds the force A Catalina confirms friendly air support and helps the approaching escort group locate the convoy. Its arrival changes the immediate balance, though the damaged escorts still need protection. Reporting the cost George Krause tells Diamond that seven merchant ships have been lost and Viktor has sunk. Keeling has only two depth charges remaining; Dodge and James are also depleted and damaged. Passage to safety The relieving force takes the convoy, while Keeling escorts Dodge and James toward Londonderry. The operation ends with survivors and ships still at sea, but no longer under George Krause’s sole command.

Wednesday afternoon after the first sinking

Wednesday night during the First Watch

Friday morning after Catalina arrives