Arctic Convoys: The Lifeline to Russia

The Arctic convoys that sailed from Britain to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangel between 1941 and 1945 were among the most dangerous supply operations of the war. Sailing through seas patrolled by U-boats, attacked by the Luftwaffe, and battered by Arctic storms, the convoys delivered over four million tonnes of war materiel to the Soviet Union.

The route took ships around the northern tip of Norway, within range of German air and naval bases. In summer, the midnight sun left convoys exposed to air attack around the clock. In winter, temperatures plunged below minus 40 degrees, and ships became encased in ice that had to be constantly chipped away to prevent capsizing.

The most catastrophic loss was convoy PQ-17 in July 1942, which was ordered to scatter after reports of the German battleship Tirpitz putting to sea. Without escort protection, 24 of 35 merchant ships were sunk, with the loss of 153 merchant seamen. The disaster led to a temporary suspension of Arctic convoys and remained controversial for decades.

Despite the dangers, the convoys delivered tanks, aircraft, ammunition, food, and raw materials that were critical to Soviet victories on the Eastern Front. Russian veterans and families remember the Arctic convoys with profound gratitude, and the route remains a powerful symbol of Allied cooperation.