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
| Writing | Nicholas Monsarrat | Novel |
| Writing | Eric Ambler | Screenplay |
| Directing | Charles Frend | Director |
| Editing | Peter Tanner | Editor |
| Costume & Make-Up | Barbara Barnard | Hairstylist |
| Crew | Sydney Pearson | Special Effects |
| Costume & Make-Up | Sidney Turner | Makeup Artist |
| Sound | Alan Rawsthorne | Music |
| Camera | Gordon Dines | Director of Photography |
| Art | Jim Morahan | Art Direction |
| Camera | Chic Waterson | Camera Operator |
| Production | Leslie Norman | Producer |
| Directing | Norman Priggen | Assistant Director |
| Sound | Leo Wilkins | Sound Recordist |
| Crew | R. S. Abram | Technical Advisor |
| Directing | Jean Graham | Continuity |
| Crew | J. E. Broome | Technical Advisor |
| Sound | Ernest Irving | Conductor |
| Production | L. C. Rudkin | Unit Production Manager |
| Visual Effects | Geoffrey Dickinson | Visual Effects |
| Crew | Jo Jago | Second Unit Cinematographer |
| Production | Hal Mason | Production Supervisor |
| Sound | Stephen Dalby | Sound Supervisor |
| Camera | John R.F. Stewart | Additional Photography |
| Costume & Make-Up | Anthony Mendleson | Wardrobe Designer |
| Crew | Paul Beeson | Second Unit Cinematographer |
