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PQ17: An Arctic Convoy Disaster

It was the first time that I`d seen Clarkson since the Top Gear nonsense. A very informative and enjoyable program. I think I miss him. :study:
 
I can't understand why they didn't just get someone to have a look at the Tirpitz at anchor - there wa sa defined resistance network and surely RAF recce capability?
 
I can't understand why they didn't just get someone to have a look at the Tirpitz at anchor - there wa sa defined resistance network and surely RAF recce capability?

The int. was already there as was shown last night. There was little or no radio traffic and the Norwegian resistance hadn't reported the largest battleship afloat missing! Unfortunately this was ignored and the fleet was ordered to scatter and the escorts ordered home.
As usual with nearly all military disasters, it was a combination of bad luck and most of all human error.
 
Watched it (again) last night, an excellent and thought-provoking film. The only thing possibly missing was the sheer exhaustion of it all - four on, four off, with Action Stations very probably during the four off and if not the ship heaving around so that sleep would be impossible - for weeks. For the Merch, plod plod pod and just hope. Then back to sea and do it all again. Once in the icy water the agony would not last long.
 
Thanks for the heads up just watched it now, my old Dad was on HMS Chaser an escort carrier that took part in later convoys. He considered himself lucky having had 2 brothers KIA (army RAF) & 1 a Jap POW, his abiding memory was the cold & wet conditions as well as getting lice after contact with some Russians on board his ship.

HMS Chaser, British escort carrier, WW2
 
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Great program, one thing has always bothered me and Clarkson takes it up in proper style, is that just why were the Merchant Navy on the Arctic convoys blanked for so long by Whitehall? No awards just a lapel pin, was it the usual snobbery or what? Taking until 2013 for a proper medal is disgraceful, why? Not proper chaps?
 

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