The numerous ships that ply the Atlantic sea lanes during wartime head for English ports where they unload their precious cargo of troops, munitions, food and supplies.

In naval training schools, young recruits are being prepared for action in the North Atlantic, learning about weapons, equipment and tactics that will keep the convoys safe on their perilous journeys.

When convoys are formed up, a meeting of merchant and naval captains sets out the strategic plans that will thwart the roaming Nazi submarine (U-boat) "wolf packs".

[4] The format of Heroes of the Atlantic was as a compilation documentary with additional footage at sea and onshore in Halifax, Nova Scotia by director and cinematographer J.D.

[7] When reading grim battle statistics or as in Atlantic Patrol, narrating a particularly serious topic such as Canadian seaman at war, he was "The Voice of Doom".

[10] The NFB had an arrangement with Famous Players theatres to ensure that Canadians from coast-to-coast could see the documentary series, with further distribution by Columbia Pictures.