Nigeria became Rear Admiral Philip Vian's Force K flagship for operations around Spitsbergen and the approaches to the Soviet Union. During Operation Gauntlet, the force carried Canadian troops and specialists, evacuated Norwegian and Soviet personnel, and destroyed coal mines and fuel stocks. It also destroyed a German weather station on Bear Island. Nigeria and Aurora intercepted a German convoy, sinking the training ship Bremse before Nigeria suffered bow damage, possibly from a mine. Arctic convoys could not simply be announced and dispatched. The navy first had to examine the routes and operating conditions, deal with enemy facilities, and establish working contacts with the Soviets.
Chapter · 23:40-25:08
Force K prepares the Spitsbergen and Arctic convoy route
As Force K's flagship, Nigeria supports evacuation, denial, reconnaissance, and combat missions needed before Arctic convoys begin.