The Germans largely ignored returning convoy QP 13 while concentrating on PQ 17's eastbound cargo. That priority is judged short-sighted because the empty merchant hulls could carry future cargoes elsewhere. The fate of HMS Edinburgh shows that westbound traffic was still vulnerable when it offered an attractive target. Convoy warfare posed a choice between destroying supplies immediately and reducing the enemy's longer-term transport capacity.
Notable Point · 19:21-20:50
Why Germany prioritised loaded eastbound ships
German forces concentrated on cargo bound for the Soviet Union, although returning ships could still be attacked when they offered worthwhile targets.