The Convoy: HG-76: Taking the Fight to Hitler's U-boats

(Hardback)

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The Convoy represents a fresh approach to the story of the Battle of the Atlantic. It is also the first to deal with the more spectacular story of HG-76, a major turning point in the naval war. HG-76 sailed from Gibraltar to Britain in December 1941 and was specially targeted by the Germans. A wolfpack of U-boats was sent against it, and the Luftwaffe was heavily committed too in a rare example of German inter-service cooperation. German intelligence agents in Gibraltar and Spain also knew every detail of HG-76 before it had even sailed, seemingly stacking the odds in favour of the Kriegsmarine. Despite this the convoy fought its way through. Improved radar and sonar gave the convoys escorts a slight edge over their opponents, while the escort group was led by Commander Walker, an anti-submarine expert who had developed new, aggressive U-boat hunting tactics. Previous Gibraltar convoys had been mauled by Luftwaffe bombers operating from French airfields. This time, though, HG-76 would be accompanied by HMS Audacity, the Royal Navys first escort carrier a new type of warship purpose-built to defend convoys from enemy aircraft and U-boats. Following seven days and nights of relentless attack, the horrors of which are brought home through a series of first-hand accounts, the convoy finally reached the safety of a British port for the loss of only two merchant ships. Its arrival was seen as the first real convoy victory of the war. Brought to life by expert naval historian Angus Konstam, The Convoy combines the story of the technical and tactical developments that won the Battle of the Atlantic for the Allies along with a narrative that reveals both the terror and the stubborn determination that defined the experiences of those that served on convoy duties.

Reviews

This gripping story of a vitally important wartime convoy battle is long overdue. * Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster *
Brilliant one of the most dramatic stories of the Second World War at sea brought meticulously to life. * Dr. Sam Willis, historian and broadcaster *
With his detailed research from many sources, Angus Konstam brings to life the story of the battle around convoy HG76, escorted by the brilliant Commander Johnnie Walker RN. * Vice Admiral Mike Gretton CB CVO, son of escort commander Sir Peter Gretton *
Angus Konstam brings a multi-perspective approach to this highly readable and engrossing account of Convoy HG76. * Captain Patrick Walker CBE RN, grandson of Johnnie Walker RN *
A work of real integrity, his portrayal of this epic struggle brilliantly captures the intensity and drama of this key episode in the Battle of the Atlantic. Simply gripping! * Captain Bill Oliphant RN, CEO Royal Naval Association *

Author Bio

Angus Konstam is a widely published and highly respected military and naval historian, with numerous books to his credit. A former Royal Naval officer, maritime archaeologist and museum curator, he is also a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Historical Society. Angus is the author of several major books, including his pirate biography Blackbeard, Jutland 1916, The Battle of North Cape and Sovereigns of the Sea an award-winning study of Renaissance warships. His most recent titles are the highly acclaimed Mutiny on the Spanish Main, and Hunt the Bismarck. For more on the author, please visit www.anguskonstam.com.