The Allies have one chance left to catch the Axis forces in Tunisia before they can reach the Tunis defences, in the USSR both the Axis and Soviets are making plans for a fight near Kursk, and in the skies, in the South Pacific a Japanese aerial offensive ends and Yamamoto himself flies off to congratulate his pilots.

Serving on board a merchant-ship during the Second World War is a hazardous endeavor. Stalked by submarines, attacked by surface raiders, and hunted by bombers, the convoys and individual cargo ships face constant danger on their routes across the seas. And that is in addition to the job's typical hazards. But what is life like for a regular sailor on board these ships? And what motivates a man to sign up for such a dangerous job?