While covering Arctic convoy PQ-15 in heavy fog, Punjabi's lookout reported what he believed was a mine and the destroyer made an emergency turn. The maneuver carried her directly across King George V's bow, and the battleship cut Punjabi in two. Most of the crew escaped from the forward section or the water, but depth charges on the rapidly sinking stern detonated; USS Washington then passed between the two halves and suffered damage from the blast, while King George V also needed bow repairs. No mine was later found, making the episode a stark lesson in the cost of necessary decisions made with poor visibility and incomplete information.
Chapter · 2:26:26-2:29:11
Punjabi, convoy fog, and collision with King George V
Punjabi's loss during the distant cover for convoy PQ-15 shows how fog, formation maneuver, and an uncertain sighting could turn friendly capital ships into lethal hazards.