At the start of World War II, Cmdr. Ericson is assigned to convoy escort HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced officers and men just out of training. The winter seas make life miserable enough, but the men must also harden themselves to rescuing survivors of U-Boat attacks, while seldom able to strike back. Traumatic events afloat and ashore create a warm bond between the skipper and his first officer
| Directing | Charles Frend | Director |
| Writing | Eric Ambler | Screenplay |
| Writing | Nicholas Monsarrat | Novel |
| Costume & Make-Up | Sidney Turner | Makeup Artist |
| Camera | Gordon Dines | Director of Photography |
| Camera | Chic Waterson | Camera Operator |
| Sound | Alan Rawsthorne | Music |
| Crew | Sydney Pearson | Special Effects |
| Art | Jim Morahan | Art Direction |
| Editing | Peter Tanner | Editor |
| Directing | Norman Priggen | Assistant Director |
| Costume & Make-Up | Barbara Barnard | Hairstylist |
| Production | Leslie Norman | Producer |
| Directing | Jean Graham | Continuity |
| Camera | John R.F. Stewart | Additional Photography |
| Crew | R. S. Abram | Technical Advisor |
| Crew | Jo Jago | Second Unit Cinematographer |
| Sound | Stephen Dalby | Sound Supervisor |
| Sound | Leo Wilkins | Sound Recordist |
| Production | L. C. Rudkin | Unit Production Manager |
| Production | Hal Mason | Production Supervisor |
| Visual Effects | Geoffrey Dickinson | Visual Effects |
| Sound | Ernest Irving | Conductor |
| Costume & Make-Up | Anthony Mendleson | Wardrobe Designer |
| Crew | J. E. Broome | Technical Advisor |
| Crew | Paul Beeson | Second Unit Cinematographer |
