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70th Anniversary of the Arctic convoys during the Second World War

22nd August, 2011

The invasion of Russia by Germany in 1941 led to Arctic convoys to provide material for the new front. The UK, USA and Canada were involved in shipping supplies, weapons and ammunition. Code-named 'Operation Dervish' approximately 1400 merchant ships accompanied by Royal Naval protection vessels carried vital cargo to the northern Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel enabling Briitain's new ally, Stalin's Soviet Union, to survive, defend themselves and stay in the war and contribute to our continuing freedom.

 Warships stationed in Scapa Flow escorted merchant supply vessels on the hazardous and most arduous of all convoy routes. A dangerous wartime operation with heavy loss of life amongst both the Merchant and Royal Navies. About 3000 seamen lost there lives to the freezing conditions, sometimes -60 C, and attacks by German submarines and aircraft.

HMS Searcher together with seven Escort Carriers were based in Scapa Flow. Their aircraft were engaged in bombing and mine-laying operations on the Norwegian coast to obstruct German convoys. The first naval convoy sailed in August 1941 when submarines started operating against German shipping supporting the Axis attack from Norway towards Murmansk. By December over 100 merchantmen had set out in both directions. Only one was lost to a U-boat. PQ17 was the most disastrous and infamous of the convoys. In July 1942 more than 20 vessels were sunk following orders to scatter to avoid attack by warships including the Tirpitz.

A naval training base specialising in anti-submarine techniques for crews preparing to particiapte in the convoys was set up in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. The Western Isles Hotel became the HQ of HMS Western Isles under Vice-Admiral Sir Gilbert Stephenson. A deep water north facing inlet in a remote location in Loch Ewe in Wester Ross was the assembly point for the Russian and Scandinavian convoys. Round the loch at Aultbea, Tuiraig and Firemore were anti-aircraft guns to protect the ships. Pool House, Aultbea acted as the shore command centre.

 

HMS Scotsman submarine
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