Talking of films such as "Das Boot", "San Demetrio, London" and "The Cruel Sea" I should perhaps point out that the story of San Demetrio is true, she belonged to the Eagle Oil company and as all British merchant ships were at the time, was operated by the company for the British Ministry of War Transport.
The following excerpt which I take from a recollection of my own father which I wrote some time ago, may be of interest in this field. I quote:- " I would only be six years old at the time Pa was Mate on the "Magician" so this is from what I have learned later. "Magician" sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, as Commodore ship of Convoy SC26 homeward bound for the U.K.. The convoy was attacked by a U-boat wolf pack in mid Atlantic about 307 miles south west of Iceland, when beyond reach of any escort vessels other than an armed Merchant Cruiser H.M.S. "Worcestershire". Of the original 22 ships in the convoy only 11 survived the attack and on dispersal in the North Channel "Magician" and (I think) three other ships made it safely to Liverpool on 9th April, 1941. The ships were visited by King George the Sixth, who came on board each ship to personally thank the Officers and crews for their efforts on behalf of the Country and Their Government."
In those days a huge proportion of the male population of Liverpool were involved in some way with merchant shipping. My own family being a part of that group of men.
Angus.