It was the 130th of the numbered series of Slow Convoys of merchant ships from Sydney, Cape Breton Island to Liverpool.

SC 130, comprising thirty-seven ships, departed Halifax Harbour on 11 May 1943 in the care of a Western Local Escort Force,[2] led by RCN destroyer Niagara.

As B-7 was one vessel short for the voyage, the corvette HMCS Kitchener was seconded from the local group for the crossing.

[4] SC 130 also included two oilers for mid-ocean re-fueling and re-arming, and the convoy rescue ship Zamalek.

[5] The convoy was found and reported on the evening of 18 May,[4] by U-304 which commenced shadowing, while the other U-boats gathered during the night.

[4] Later that day the convoy escort was reinforced by the 1st Support Group consisting of the Banff-class sloop HMS Sennen (Capt.