Depth charges explode astern of Canadian warship

Photo entitled Depth charges explode astern of a frigate during trials in 1944.

Depth charges were cylinders packed with explosives. They could be dropped into the water from rails on the stern of warships (as seen here), or fired over a ship’s side from throwers. After sinking to a pre-set depth, the charges exploded with the aim of destroying the submarine with their shock waves. Experience and considerable luck were required for their effective use. They had to explode within a few metres of the submarine’s tough hull to cause any damage. For the first years of the war, depth charges were the main weapon used against submarines by Canadian and Allied warships.

H.M.C.S. Grandmere used depth charges to attack U-69 after the U-boat torpedoed and sank S.S. Caribou.