032 ARCTIC CONVOYS 1942: The Luftwaffe Cuts Russia's Lifeline

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In 1942, Luftwaffe air power made the difference with crew and strike aircraft trained and equipped for torpedo attacks from bases in northern Norway. 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 percent of PQ-18 was sunk. The Allies were forced to suspend the convoys until December, when the long Arctic nights would shield them.

Yet 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 in the summer months. Fully illustrated with archive photos, striking new artwork, maps and diagrams.