PQ 17 was scattered after British leaders misread information about a possible Tirpitz sortie. Concern about the covering force also influenced the decision: some ships were American, and British planners feared losing scarce US heavy units after Pearl Harbor and damaging relations with Admiral King. Sending the heavy escort forward could expose it to aircraft based in Norway even if Tirpitz stayed in port. The Royal Navy already opposed Arctic sailings during the summer's near-continuous daylight because of the air threat. The next convoy received the resources available to force a passage despite German attacks.
Notable Point · 54:29-56:39
Why PQ 17 shaped later Arctic convoy protection
Fear of Tirpitz, heavy air attack and the loss of scarce Allied warships shaped the decision to scatter PQ 17.