Torpedo Attack on Outbound Arctic Convoy PQ-18
Convoy PQ-18 at sea. An underwater detonation erupts next to HMS Ashanti. The destroyer HMS Eskimo is seen in the foreground. Merchant ships are in the background.
After the disastrous Convoy PQ-17 which was decimated by German bombers and U-boats after the convoy was ordered to scatter, there had been a delay before the next Arctic convoy was organized. More consideration was given to the defence of Convoy PQ-18’s escort and it became the first Arctic convoy to be accompanied by an Escort carrier – HMS Avenger. Nevertheless the convoy still had to pass around the North Cape and pass within range of German bombers located in northern Norway.