Arctic Convoys 1942: The Luftwaffe cuts Russia's lifeline

During World War II, the Arctic Convoys were a series of supply ships that sailed from the United Kingdom to Russia. Germany's air power, including the Luftwaffe, caused significant damage to these convoys, sinking half of PQ-15, PQ-17, and PQ-18. The Allies were forced to suspend the convoys until December, when the long Arctic nights provided protection. However, in November, the Luftwaffe was redeployed south to challenge the Allied landings in North Africa, and the advantage was lost. This book provides a detailed history of the Arctic Convoys and the Luftwaffe's role in their defeat.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Arctic Convoys were a series of military shipments that transported supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II. Between spring and autumn 1942, Germany was winning the battle of the Arctic Convoys, sinking half of PQ-15, virtually obliterating PQ-17, and sinking 30 percent of PQ-18. The Allies were forced to suspend the convoys until December, when the long Arctic nights would shield them. Mark Lardas argues that Luftwaffe air power made the difference in 1942. With convoys sailing in endless daylight, German strike aircraft were now equipped and trained for torpedo attacks, and bases in northern Norway were available. Three-quarters of the losses of PQ-18 were due to air attacks. However, in November, the Luftwaffe was redeployed south to challenge the Allied landings in North Africa, and the advantage was lost. Despite this, the Allies never again sailed an Arctic convoy in the summer months. This is the remarkable history of the Luftwaffe's last strategic victory of World War II, fully illustrated with archive photos, striking new artwork, maps, and diagrams.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 183 x 248 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472852434