This story has great meaning to me. I was a seventeen year seaman serving aboard the Heavy Cruiser Tuscaloosa. We were part of the cruiser covering force for convoy pq17. There have been unanswered questions in the minds of all that served in that ill fated convoy. The author has explained how the First Sea Lord doomed 23 ships by what Winston Churchill called,"The worst order of World War 2." It is a perfect illustration of what happens when civilian authority affects military judgements in wartime. Admiral Pound was not considered a good choice for his post by the Royal Navies senior Admirals. Churchill wanted him because he would listen to the Prime Minister's advice. The author makes us feel the terrors of the Murmansk run and shows us that both heroes and cowards were involved. We brought back the pitiful survivors in the fall,who were appalled by the fact that their Naval escort had deserted them.Not knowing why we had been ordered to withdraw, we could not even defend our actions. Highly recommended to all lovers of great drama at sea.
