The book places attacks on Tirpitz within the problem of sustaining Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union. Official historian Stephen Roskill described the planning and execution of each convoy as a gamble that would eventually bring disaster. PQ 15, PQ 16, and PQ 17 appear as stages in that mounting crisis. Planners faced Luftwaffe aircraft from northern Norway, U-boats, and major German surface raiders at the same time. Tirpitz mattered because her threat complicated the balance among escorts, covering forces, and the other dangers facing every convoy.
Chapter · 2:53-3:59
Target Tirpitz and the Arctic convoy threat
Patrick Bishop's Target Tirpitz shows planners expecting disaster as they balanced Luftwaffe aircraft, U-boats, and German surface raiders against the Arctic convoys.