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“Arctic Convoys 1942”


B O E K B E S P R E K I N G by : Frank NEYTS


Osprey Publishing issued a most interesting book “Arctic Convoys 1942. The Luftwaffe cuts Russia’s lifeline”. The book is written by Mark Lardas and illustrated by Adam Tooby.

Between spring and autumn 1942, Germany was winning the battle of the Arctic convoys. Half of PQ-15 was sunk in May, PQ-17 was virtually obliterated in July, and in September, 30 per cent of PQ-18 was lost. The Allies were forced to suspend the convoys until December, when the long Arctic nights would shield them.

In this book, Mark Lardas argues that in 1942, it was Luftwaffe air power that made the difference. With convoys sailing in endless daylight, German strike aircraft – newly equipped and trained for torpedo attacks, and based in north Norway – could wreak havoc. Three-quarters of the losses of PQ-18 were due to air attacks. But in November, the Luftwaffe was redeployed south to challenge the Allied landings in North Africa, and the advantage was lost. Despite that, the Allies never again sailed an Arctic convoy during the summer months.

Fully illustrated with archive photos, striking new artwork, maps and diagrams, this is the remarkable history of the Luftwaffes’s last strategic victory of World War II.


Like all publications of Osprey Publishing, a most interesting book !


“Arctic Convoys 1942” (ISBN 978 1 4728 5243 4), a softback, counts 96 pages and costs £14.99 or USD 24.00, P&P exclusive.

 

 

 

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