Second World War - Battle of the Atlantic & Coastal Command

This lesson explores the Battle of the Atlantic and the role of Coastal Command during World War II. Students will examine the strategies, challenges, and key figures involved in this crucial battle. Activities include a quiz-quiz-trade exercise, video analysis, source-based research, and a writing task. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the effectiveness of different strategies used to counter the U-Boat threat and their impact on the war.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Introduce the Battle of the Atlantic and explain its significance as the longest continuous battle of World War II. Discuss why Winston Churchill considered the U-Boat threat as the most frightening aspect of the war.

Quiz-Quiz-Trade:
Use keyword cards to walk around the classroom and quiz peers on key terms and concepts related to the Battle of the Atlantic.

What was it?
Provide an overview of the battle, focusing on the objectives, strategies, and key events. Discuss the impact of U-Boats on Allied shipping and the initial challenges faced by the Allies.

U-Boats – The Danger:
Explain how U-Boats operated with hybrid engines and why this was advantageous. Discuss their strategy of forming wolf packs to attack merchant ships and the early successes they achieved.

Convoy System:
Discuss the introduction of the convoy system and how it helped protect Allied shipping. Show a video on the Western Approaches Command and its role in coordinating convoys.

Allied Responses:
Examine the various strategies and innovations used by the Allies to counter the U-Boat threat, including:

Coastal Command’s early challenges and improvements
The role of Günther Prien and the attack on Scapa Flow
The ‘Happy Times’ for U-Boats and the mid-Atlantic air gap
Technological innovations such as sonar, VLR Liberators, and the Enigma code-breaking
Gallery Walk:
Move around the room to view the ‘gallery of factors’ that contributed to the Allies winning the Battle of the Atlantic. Add these factors to a worksheet and discuss their importance in groups.

Writing Task:
Write an essay addressing the question: “How did the Allies win the Battle of the Atlantic?”

From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.

Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.

Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store.

Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.