Battle of the Atlantic Battle of the Atlantic The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, running from 1939 to the defeat of Germany in 1945, and was a major part of the Naval history of World War II. At its core was the Allied naval blockade of Germany, announced the day after the declaration of war, and Germany's subsequent counter-blockade. It was at its height from mid-1940 through to the end of 1943. The Battle of the Atlantic pitted U-boats and other warships of the "Kriegsmarine" (Navy) and aircraft of the "Luftwaffe" (Air Force) against the
1st Battle Squadron Following the Battle of Jutland, the 1st Battle Squadron was reorganized, with "Colossus", "Hercules", "St. Vincent", "Collingwood" and "Neptune" all transferred to the 4th Battle Squadron. In January 1917, the squadron was constituted as follows: By 1918, "Agincourt" had been transferred to the 2nd Battle Squadron, and "Resolution", "Ramillies" and "Iron Duke" had joined the squadron on completion. For many years the squadron served in the Mediterranean as the main British battle force there. On 3 September 1939 the 1st Battle Squadron, serving in the Mediterranean Fleet, consisted of "Barham", "Warspite" and "Malaya", with headquarters at Alexandria, Egypt, under the