The Convoy: HG-76: Taking the Fight to Hitler's U-boats

The Convoy is a new approach to the Battle of the Atlantic, focusing on HG-76, a major turning point in the naval war. It was accompanied by HMS Audacity, the Royal Navys first escort carrier, and fought its way through seven days and nights of relentless attack. Its arrival was seen as the first real convoy victory of the war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Convoy presents a novel perspective on the Battle of the Atlantic narrative, marking the first to delve into the captivating story of HG-76, a pivotal moment in the naval conflict. In December 1941, HG-76 embarked on a journey from Gibraltar to Britain, and it was specifically targeted by the German forces. A formidable wolfpack of U-boats was dispatched against it, accompanied by a significant commitment from the Luftwaffe, showcasing a rare instance of German inter-service cooperation. German intelligence operatives in Gibraltar and Spain possessed comprehensive knowledge of HG-76 even before its departure, seemingly augmenting the Kriegsmarine's odds. Nevertheless, the convoy valiantly battled through. The introduction of improved radar and sonar technology granted the convoy escorts a slight advantage over their adversaries, with Commander Walker at the helm, an expert in anti-submarine warfare who had devised innovative tactics for hunting U-boats. In contrast to previous Gibraltar convoys that had faced relentless attacks by Luftwaffe bombers operating from French airfields, HG-76 would be accompanied by HMS Audacity, the Royal Navy's inaugural escort carrier, a groundbreaking warship specifically designed to safeguard convoys against enemy aircraft and U-boats. After enduring seven days and nights of relentless assault, the convoy successfully reached the safety of a British port, suffering the loss of only two merchant ships. Its arrival was heralded as the first genuine convoy victory of the war. Expert naval historian Angus Konstam brings the story to life, seamlessly blending the technical and tactical advancements that secured the Allies' victory in the Battle of the Atlantic with a narrative that captures the harrowing experiences of those involved in convoy duties.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 161 x 243 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472857682