Evacuees and the causes for German naval attacks on civilian ships during World War II
Clues
1. Chronologies
Clue: See Chronology section to become familiar with the sequence of events.
2. Maps
Clue: Look at the map to get a geographical perspective of the voyage. In particular, look at the route of the convoy and the location of the sinking in the Atlantic ocean.
3. Excerpt from Iron Coffins: A personal account of the German U-boat
Clue: Pay attention to the German strategy for naval warfare and their level of control of the Atlantic ocean. Why does the author say Germany needed naval superiority?
4. Excerpt from Miracles on the Water: The Heroic Survivors of a World War II U-Boat Attack
Clue: Consider the detailed account of the attack (how it happened) as well as the suggested reasons for sinking SS City of Benares by U-48.
5. Battle of the Atlantic, Historical Factsheet
Clue: Consider the reasons offered for the early success of the German navy during the Battle of the Atlantic and the challenges it created for Allies as well as their response to turn the tide in their favour.
6. Canada in the Second World War, The Battle of the Atlantic (Juno Beach Centre)
Clue: Look carefully to find out why the German navy becomes so sucessful at sea after 1939-1940.
7. Historical photographs of the event
Clue: What information do the visuals offer about the Battle of the Atlantic and the attack on SS City of Benares in particular? Consider the vessels involved, the sea conditions, and convoy organization.
8. Newsreels produced after the event
Clue: What information do the visuals offer about the Battle of the Atlantic and attack on SS City of Benares in particular? Consider the sequence of events, persons involved, their reactions to the attack.
9. Excerpt of radio address given by Dr. R.C. Wallace (chairman of the National Committee for Children from Overseas)
Clue : What does Dr. Wallace have to say about the nature and purpose of CORB?
10. Extra resources
Clue : What additional information do the virtual exhibits offer about the Battle of the Atlantic and the experience of British evacuees?