LOW TEMPERATURE TUSSLE

摘要

With the Soviet armies in desperate need of equipment and reinforcement, to combat Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 (Operation Barbarossa), the only early means of the allies delivering materiel was by ship via the Arctic ports at Murmansk and Archangel. Within weeks of the ill-fated Kirkenes-Petsamo offensive - also known as Operation EF (1941), see panel - in northern Norway at the end of July, the first Russia-bound convoy assembled, and Operation Dervish got under way on August 21. Concurrent with it was Operation Strength, which was to transport 48 Hawker Hurricanes for the Soviet Air Force, half of which still needed to be semi-assembled aboard the old carrier HMS Argus. These would initially be used by the RAF s 151 Wing, to be based in Murmansk and which would fight alongside the Russians. Force M, which comprised the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious with a cruiser and destroyer escort, provided cover for both operations. In contrast to later convoys, there was no enemy interference and once judged safe, Force M was ordered to conduct attacks against enemy shipping off northern Norway.