SC convoys facts for kids

The SC convoys were groups of ships that sailed together across the North Atlantic Ocean during World War II. These convoys were a very important part of the Battle of the Atlantic. They helped keep supplies moving safely from Canada and the United States to the United Kingdom.

These convoys were called "SC" because they were slow convoys. This meant the ships in them traveled at 8 knots (about 15 km/h) or less. Because they were slow, they were more likely to be attacked by enemy submarines.

What Were SC Convoys?

The SC convoys usually started in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. From there, they sailed east across the Atlantic to ports in the UK, mostly Liverpool. The first SC convoy, called SC 1, left Sydney on August 15, 1940.

Later, when the United States joined the war, some convoys started from New York. But because New York was very busy, the starting point soon moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Even with these changes, the convoys kept their "SC" name.

How Long Did They Run?

SC convoys sailed from August 1940 until May 1945. They were stopped for a short time in the summer of 1944. This was because many escort ships were needed to help with the Normandy landings, a huge invasion in France. During that time, all eastbound ships joined the faster HX series.

In total, 177 SC convoys sailed during the war. They carried 6,806 ships across the ocean. Only three convoys did not complete their journey. SC 52 was attacked and had to return to port. SC 62 and SC 63 were scattered by terrible weather, forcing ships to sail alone.

Attacks and Losses

About 29 of the SC convoys were attacked by enemy forces. These attacks led to the loss of 145 ships. Many more ships were lost if you include those that fell behind the convoy or were lost in accidents.

Because SC convoys were slow, they were often targets for attacks. Many of the biggest battles of the Atlantic campaign involved SC convoys. Out of 40 convoys that lost six or more ships, 11 of them were SC convoys.

Famous SC Convoy Battles

Here are some of the most well-known battles involving SC convoys:

Convoy SC 7

This convoy was attacked in October 1940. It was a very bad day for shipping, as 20 ships were sunk.

Convoy SC 42

In September 1941, this convoy faced heavy attacks. Two U-boats (German submarines) were sunk when more ships came to help the Canadian escort. However, 14 ships were lost in just three days.

Convoy SC 48

This convoy was attacked between October 14 and 18, 1941. One of eight U-boats was damaged, two warships were sunk, and one was damaged. Nine ships from the convoy were also sunk.

Convoy SC 94

In August 1942, this battle marked the start of some of the most intense convoy battles in the North Atlantic.

Convoy SC 104

In October 1942, this convoy lost seven ships. However, the escort ships managed to sink two U-boats.

Convoy SC 107

This convoy lost 15 ships in November 1942. Five of these ships were torpedoed by a German submarine called U-402, commanded by Siegfried von Forstner.

Convoy SC 118

Attacked in February 1943, this convoy saw more action. Siegfried Freiherr von Forstner, commanding U-402, torpedoed seven ships. One of these was the Henry R. Mallory, which was carrying American troops to Iceland.

Convoy SC 121

This convoy was attacked in March 1943 after a very strong storm scattered the ships. Out of 275 crewmen from the sunken ships, only 76 were rescued.

Convoy SC 122

Attacked in March 1943, this battle combined with another convoy battle (HX 229). It became the largest convoy battle of the entire Atlantic campaign.

Convoy SC 130

In May 1943, this convoy was successfully defended. Five U-boats were destroyed, and the convoy did not lose any ships. This battle was part of a period known as Black May, when the German navy pulled its submarines back from the North Atlantic.