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by John Henshaw.
Hardback (7.0×10.0 inches). 224 pages. 2025.
The West sent 41 convoys and 13 individual sailings to the USSR during the war. Of the 865 merchant ships, 728 arrived (15.84% loss rate), much higher than trans-Atlantic convoys (4% loss rate). Convoy PQ-17 suffered a 66% loss rate among the merchant ships (p xv).
The book contains a full OOB of Allied and German forces involved in the battle over PQ-17, along with specs of all ships. The preparation and sailing, defensive measures, and the attacks and scattering of the ships receive a detailed look. The biggest impact came with the British Admiralty decision to scatter the convoy upon reports that the battleship Tirpitz and escorts had sailed to intercept the convoy. It proved a fatal micromanagement of the convoy.
A nice recap of the action of German air and naval attacks allows you to set out a tabletop scenario or two. Certainly, a what-if scenario could include the Tirpitz and escorts actually involved.
The book contains 75 black and white photos, 106 black and white ship drawings (overhead and profile), and two black and white maps.
It’s a well-written book that dissects PQ-17 down to individual ships and attacks. Well done.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
