The Battle of the Barents Sea on 31 December 1942 tested whether aggressive escorts could keep a stronger surface force away from a convoy. Captain Robert Sherbrooke repeatedly led his destroyers toward the enemy, using the threat of torpedoes to force the German ships beyond gun range of the merchants. He continued directing the escort after Onslow was hit and he was seriously wounded, leaving the bridge only after the next senior officer had taken control. Such independence carried risks: officers willing to disregard orders could also lose their forces when their judgment failed. In this action, the approaching British cruisers further restricted the Germans by bringing another force toward them from the opposite side.
Chapter · 4:10-14:23
Why the Battle of the Barents Sea was a leadership test
Sherbrooke's repeated attacks kept German heavy ships away from the convoy while British cruisers approached from another direction.