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Arctic Convoys; Richard
Woodman; John Murray, P’bck ed.,
2004; £9.99; CA16378
Details of every action, large or small, and every ship, naval or mercantile, allied or enemy including U boats, are given in this meticulously researched account. Conflicts between the North Atlantic Drift and cold waters and between Atlantic depressions and polar high pressure caused gales, fog and ‘sea-smoke’. There were also ice growlers to contend with, while in high latitudes magnetic compasses are inaccurate and time zones narrow. The relatively confined gap, between the ice and Norway, left little room to hide. In summer continuous daylight exposed convoys to the enemy while at other seasons the weather was atrocious.
Escorts were a Home Fleet responsibility with some allied help although later most merchantmen were American. Friendly fire was a problem. The threat from German capital ships tied down British ones. Murmansk was very near the front line and Archangel iced up in winter. Russians were demanding but unappreciative; their bureaucracy was obstructive, even hostile, and their port facilities inadequate.
Useful maps and good photographs are included. Extensive notes cover facts not given in the text. Above all the author conveys the bravery of the men under appalling conditions. - JLC
Page created 14 June 2004
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