In 1940, significant improvements were made in submarine-launched torpedoes, enhancing their guidance systems and range for underwater strikes. These advancements allowed submarines to engage enemy vessels from greater distances and with increased accuracy, transforming naval warfare strategies. The effectiveness of these torpedoes played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic, where controlling sea routes was vital for both the Allies and Axis powers.

Improvements in submarine-launched torpedoes during WWII inspired a range of submarine warfare ballads, with poets like W.H. Auden exploring the psychological toll of war. These poems often reflected on the hidden dangers of naval combat and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers.