Battle of the Atlantic

'The Battle of the Atlantic was the dominating factor all through the war...' - Winston Churchill

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest campaign of the Second World War. It was also perhaps the most crucial. For Britain it began on the first day of the war and continued until the last, almost six years later.

In 1939 Britain depended on its North Atlantic shipping routes. It could not survive for long against the superior military and industrial strength of Nazi Germany. It needed essential imports from the United States and Canada.

Here you can discover the vital role played by the Merchant Navy in keeping Britain alive during these dark days.

The Merchant Navy: Britain's lifeline Find out about the men and ships of Britain's Merchant fleet

The German threat Germany's U-boats and surface ships

Defending the line The weapons, technology and tactics that kept the ships safe

Liverpool and the Battle of the Atlantic Take a look at Liverpool's role as Britain's most important port during the war

Back from the brink The German Navy had many successes before the tide finally turned

The cost of the battle Both sides had paid a heavy price by the battle's end

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