Arctic Convoys memorial

[William Douglas]

Visiting the Arctic Convoys memorial, in Wester Ross, I was reminded of the terrible conditions endured by both those in the protection warships, and those in the unarmed merchant ships carrying essential supplies to Russia.

About 1400 merchant ships delivered essential supplies to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program, escorted by ships of the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and the U.S. Navy. Eighty-five merchant vessels and 16 Royal Navy warships (two cruisers, six destroyers, eight other escort ships) were lost. Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine lost a number of vessels including one battleship, three destroyers and at least 30 U-boats as well as a large number of aircraft. The convoys demonstrated the Allies' commitment to helping the Soviet Union, prior to the opening of a second front, and tied up a substantial part of Germany's naval and air forces.
Stan Douglas, a New Zealander, tells his story here: https://goo.gl/jG9sZc