Arctic convoys

Arctic convoys
Coote, R G G (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer · Public domain · source
Conflict	Arctic convoys
Part of	World War II
Date	1941-1945
Place	Arctic Ocean
Result	Allied victory

Arctic convoys were a series of military operations conducted by the United Kingdom, United States, and Soviet Union during World War II to supply the Soviet Union with military equipment and supplies through the Arctic Ocean. The convoys played a crucial role in the Allied victory in the war, as they helped to maintain the Soviet war effort against the Axis powers, including Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The convoys were escorted by Royal Navy ships, such as HMS Duke of York and HMS Anson, as well as United States Navy ships, including USS Washington (BB-56) and USS South Dakota (BB-57). The convoys were also supported by Royal Air Force and Soviet Air Forces aircraft, including Supermarine Spitfire and Petlyakov Pe-2.

Introduction

The Arctic convoys were a vital part of the Lend-Lease Act, which was signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, allowing the United States to supply military aid to its Allies, including the Soviet Union. The convoys were organized by the British Admiralty, with the support of the United States Navy and the Soviet Navy. The convoys sailed from Iceland and Scotland to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangelsk, carrying cargo ships with tanks, aircraft, and other military equipment. The convoys were escorted by destroyers, such as HMS Onslow and USS Rowan (DD-405), as well as cruisers, including HMS Sheffield and USS Wichita (CA-45).

History

The first Arctic convoy, Convoy Dervish, sailed in August 1941, and was escorted by HMS Devonshire and HMS Suffolk. The convoy was successful, and it marked the beginning of a long and difficult campaign to supply the Soviet Union through the Arctic Ocean. The convoys continued throughout the war, with the Germans and Italians attempting to intercept and sink them using U-boats, such as U-47 and U-251, and surface ships, including Admiral Hipper and Tirpitz. The convoys were also threatened by bad weather and icebergs, which made navigation and communication difficult. Despite these challenges, the convoys continued to sail, with the support of Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Route and Operations

The Arctic convoys sailed through the Barents Sea and the Kara Sea, using the Northern Route to reach the Soviet ports. The convoys were organized into two main routes: the PQ series and the JW series. The PQ series sailed from Iceland to Murmansk, while the JW series sailed from Loch Ewe in Scotland to Kola Inlet in the Soviet Union. The convoys were escorted by destroyers, cruisers, and battleships, including HMS King George V and USS Iowa (BB-61). The convoys also included aircraft carriers, such as HMS Victorious and USS Enterprise (CV-6), which provided air cover for the convoys.

Convoys and Their Fate

Many of the Arctic convoys were successful, but some were intercepted and sunk by the Germans and Italians. One of the most notable convoys was Convoy PQ 17, which was attacked by German U-boats and aircraft in July 1942. The convoy lost 24 ships, including SS Christopher Newport and SS Alcoa Ranger. Another notable convoy was Convoy JW 51B, which was attacked by German surface ships in December 1942. The convoy lost two ships, including SS Chester Valley and SS Daniel Morgan. Despite these losses, the convoys continued to sail, with the support of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Georgy Zhukov.

Notable Convoys and Incidents

One of the most notable incidents involving the Arctic convoys was the Battle of the Barents Sea, which took place in December 1942. The battle involved HMS Sheffield and HMS Jamaica against Admiral Hipper and Lützow. The British ships emerged victorious, sinking Friedrich Eckoldt and damaging Admiral Hipper. Another notable incident was the sinking of the Scharnhorst, which took place in December 1943. The German battleship was sunk by HMS Duke of York and HMS Belfast during the Battle of North Cape. The Arctic convoys also played a role in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, as they helped to supply the Allies with military equipment and supplies.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Arctic convoys played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II, as they helped to maintain the Soviet war effort against the Axis powers. The convoys also marked a significant turning point in the war, as they helped to shift the balance of power in favor of the Allies. The convoys were recognized by Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin as a vital part of the Allied effort, and they were commemorated by the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom after the war. The convoys are still remembered today as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the sailors and soldiers who participated in them, including Lord Louis Mountbatten and Ernest King. The convoys are also commemorated by the Arctic Star medal, which was established by the British government in 2012 to recognize the contributions of the sailors and soldiers who participated in the convoys. Category:World War II