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by Angus Kostam.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 96 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: Disaster in the Arctic
A perfect storm of events created the scattering of PQ-17 — a convoy of 36 cargo ships plus close escorts and distant escorts sailing around Norway to get to the Soviet Union. Of the 36, one hit ice and one ran aground in Iceland (p35), leaving 34 ships. Of those, only 11 ships reached Murmansk (USSR) as German aircraft, surface ships, and U-boats sank the rest.
Of note, many of the convoys started from Iceland and hugged the northern ice. In summer, they could sail farther away from Norway. In winter, as with this convoy, they had to sail closer. The closer they came to Norway, the better the chance that the Germans could find them.
Reports of the Tirpitz sailing encouraged the commander to decide to scatter — even though questions were raise at the time. Scatter they did and therein lies the tale of being unable to defend in strength.
The booklet contains 52 black and white photos, two color photos, four black and white illustrations, nine color maps, one color illustration, and three color two-page action illustrations. The OOB is quite good.
The format is down to near perfection and this booklet’s execution is also near perfect, too. Nicely done.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
