By PQ 17, the Allies had settled into a familiar rhythm for outbound Arctic convoys. The Germans had learned that pattern as well. Repetition was especially dangerous during the Arctic summer, when nearly continuous daylight favoured visual reconnaissance. A routine that had worked before could become a liability once enemy scouting matched predictable sailings with favourable conditions.
Notable Point · 17:48-18:26
When an established convoy routine became a liability
PQ 17 was the nineteenth outbound Arctic convoy, and its established operating pattern was especially dangerous under summer reconnaissance conditions.