The Ghost Ships of Archangel: The Arctic Voyage That Defied the Nazis

by William Geroux

An extraordinary story of survival and alliance during World War the icy journey of four Allied ships crossing the Arctic to deliver much needed supplies to the Soviet war effort.

On the fourth of July, 1942, four Allied ships traversing the Arctic separated from their decimated convoy to head further north into the ice field of the North Pole, seeking safety from Nazi bombers and U-boats in the perilous white maze of ice floes, growlers, and giant bergs. Despite the risks, they had a better chance of survival than the rest of Convoy PQ-17, a fleet of thirty-five cargo ships carrying $1 billion worth of war supplies to the Soviet port of Archangel--the limited help Roosevelt and Churchill extended to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin to maintain their fragile alliance, even as they avoided joining the fight in Europe while the Eastern Front raged.

The high-level politics that put Convoy PQ-17 in the path of the Nazis were far from the minds of the diverse crews aboard their ships. U.S. Navy Ensign Howard Carraway, aboard the SS Troubadour, was a farm boy from South Carolina and one of the many Americans for whom the convoy was to be a first taste of war; aboard the SS Ironclad, Ensign William Carter of the U.S. Navy Reserve had passed up a chance at Harvard Business School to join the Navy Armed Guard; from the Royal Navy Reserve, Lt. Leo Gradwell was given command of the HMT Ayrshire, a fishing trawler that had been converted into an antisubmarine vessel. All the while, The Ghost Ships of Archangel turns its focus on Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, playing diplomatic games that put their ships in peril.

The twenty-four-hour Arctic daylight in midsummer gave no respite from bombers, and the Germans wielded the terrifying battleship Tirpitz, nicknamed The Big Bad Wolf. Icebergs were as dangerous as Nazis. As a newly forged alliance was close to dissolving and the remnants of Convoy PQ-17 tried to slip through the Arctic in one piece, the fate of the world hung in the balance.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, War, Military Fiction, Russia, Historical

352 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2019

Reviews

[Veeral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the clearest account of convoy PQ-17 that I have ever read.

One caveat though - The author admits that he had never heard about PQ-17 before writing this book. I was surprised. The blunder of PQ-17 is one of the most talked about topics among World War - II enthusiasts. But one has to admire such an admission by the author though.

But this does not take away anything from the book. On the contrary, I think the author went into it with a clear mind - without any preconceived notions or biases - and that's why this account feels different from the others. And though the author follows many people on the four ships (from a total of more than 30 ships) that were in PQ-17, it doesn't get confusing. The writing is crisp, and to the point.

A very good addition to the history of PQ-17 Convoy.

[Joy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ghost Ships of Archangel recounts the true story of Allied Convoy PQ-17, which departed Iceland in July 1942 carrying war supplies to the Soviet Union. When British Admiral Sir Dudley Pound ordered the convoy to scatter, the merchant ships were left vulnerable to attack, resulting in a large majority of vessels being sunk. The book focuses on four surviving ships that earned the nickname "ghost ships" by painting themselves white and heading north into the deadly Arctic ice fields to evade German detection.

Geroux weaves together multiple viewpoints from high-level leaders to individual sailors, drawing on diaries, interviews, and memoirs. It highlights the contributions of the Merchant Marine, whose members suffered proportionally worse casualties than those in military service. I always enjoy learning about lesser known (to me) episodes in history. I was intrigued to find out this event is taught in Russia as part of the history of WWII.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Geroux brings to life the journey through the 24 hour-daylight Arctic in July, 1942 of the four Allied ships separated from convoy PQ 17, 35 merchant ships total, with a military convoy consisting of 6 destroyers, 2 anti-aircraft ships, 2 submarines, 11 smaller craft, 6 auxiliary ships in an effort by the Allied Navies to provide 200,000 short tons - one billion dollars worth of essential supplies to the Russian front. The convoy gathered in Iceland, and proceeded June 27, 1942 with a slightly altered convoy route. The summer heat would allow for a passage north of Bear Island with an evasive detour in the Barents Sea.

When the order came down to scatter to avoid German attack, four ships headed due north into the ice fields to escape the punishment of the combined air and marine forces of the German war machine. Geroux introduces us to personnel on these four 'ghost' ships -"U.S. Navy Ensign Howard Carraway, aboard the SS Troubadour, was a farm boy from South Carolina and one of the many Americans for whom the convoy was to be a first taste of war; aboard the SS Ironclad, Ensign William Carter of the U.S. Navy Reserve had passed up a chance at Harvard Business School to join the Navy Armed Guard; the SS Silver Sword was commanded by Captain Clyde Colbeth; and from the Royal Navy Reserve, Lt. Leo Gradwell was given command of the HMT Ayrshire, a fishing trawler that had been converted into an antisubmarine vessel".

And then he takes us to the heart of the problem - Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, who put these ships into this perilous situation with their diplomatic games. And one terribly expensive misspoken order from the British Admiralty.

The ships of PQ17 faced endless German submarine and air attacks due to the unending Arctic summer sun, and the Tirpitz, the sister ship to the Bismarck and known as 'The Big Bad Wolf', in convoy with many other German war ships. The German convoy worked out of conquered Norway ports, attacking Allied convoys as they attempted to deliver goods and weapons to the Russian port city of Archangel. Fortunately for us, fuel shortages limited the Tirpitz' use. As it was Operation Barbarossa did a great deal of damage as the war progressed and convoys became more and more essential to defeating the German war machine.

William Geroux takes us there. This is a very complex story told simply with humanity intertwined into the tale. The Ghost Ships of the Archangel shows us what a slim margin separated the winners and losers of the Second War. And how the ingenuity and heart of these brave sailors were able to bring 11 of the 35 merchant ships of convoy PQ17 into Russian Ports, delivering 70,000 short tons of essential supplies and weapons to the Russian Front. PQ17 lost 24 merchant ships, 153 merchant mariners were killed and 5 aircraft were lost.

I received a free electronic copy of this history from Netgalley, William Geroux, and Viking Publishers. Thank you for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this historical record of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of the book.
pub date May 14, 2019
Viking

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another tale of WWII that was unknown to me. This book recounts the journey of the Merchant Marines who traveled the perilous seas to deliver supplies. Particularly this story takes us to the Artic as the U.S. and Britain connived to bring Stalin to the Allie side of the war. Stalin's price was being supplied the necessaries to defeat Hitler as he penetrated Russia. It was most, likely, one of the more absurd attempts to win him to the Allie side.

Only 2 routes were available to enter Russia by sea. Either through the Mediterranean or taking the route from Iceland, across the ice fields of the Artic. Hitlers army prowled the Artic waters with U-boats and Air defenses. Needless to say, it was a route filled with danger and death for the Merchant ships.

This was an excellent book for those who enjoy little known stories of history

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

While most readers focus on the fighting and flying during war, the dangerous contributions of merchant mariners and their escorts is often overlooked. In an attempt to appease the Russians, who were holding off the Germans and appealing for the opening of a western front, the Allies tried to ship supplies into Russia. One of the most-perilous way was the icy route across Arctic waters. Bombers and U-boats prowled, and in the case of the convoy featured in this story, to devastating results (although loss of life was somewhat mitigated by brave rescue ships and Russians). Only about 25% of the ships made it, after being scattered because of fears of the battleship Tirplitz, an attack that actually didn't come. These were brave men (and even some women) sailors. A good story.

[Todd Kiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Geroux put together an excellent read on the conveys of war goods to the Russians along the Arctic path and more specifically concentrated on convoy PQ-17. The author brought to light some interesting facts concerning the WW II Allies relationship which I was unaware. I read a great deal of historical books and I did not realize the significance of the convoys to Russia until I read Geroux excellent book, “The Ghost Ships of Archangel”. The author concentrated on the ships Ayrshire, Troubadour and Ironclad and their heroic and dangerous path from Iceland to Archangel, Russia. Luck, intelligence, navigation, navel experience; they all played key roles in getting the ships safely from the point of “scattering” to arrival in Russia with needed supplies to support the war effort.

William Geroux put this book together in a manner which made it effortless to read. It was difficult to put down and the reading was so easy (by that I mean written in a style which keeps your interest and has a wonderful flow of the story) I was halfway through before I realized it. I found myself saying, as I picked up the book, I need to get those lads out of the Arctic waters tonight.

Just an absolute marvelous book, if you enjoy historical reads and/ or WW II novels. I would very much recommend this book to anyone.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story about a lesser known episode in World War II. I knew something about the lend lease program that America made with Great Britain. Yet, I knew little about the limited help Roosevelt and Churchill extended to the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin to maintain a fragile alliance. This is that story of the mission of PQ-17 to send war and food supplies that sustained Russian during World War II. The ships of PQ-17 faced endless German submarine and air attacks due to Artic summer, giant icebergs, ice floes, and growlers as they made there way to Arkhangelsk, Soviet Union in 1942. The Ghost Ships of Archangel definitely doesn't read like a boring account, its engaging story of the men who made history. The book has good maps, illustration, annotations, and great bibliography. The only criticism is lack of proper nautical terminology, such as turning right instead of starboard. Other then that World War II aficionados, and anyone else who likes a good story will find this well written adventure tale a real pleasure.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific summary of the Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union during World War II, focusing on one specific convoy. The author did an excellent job of describing the awkward alliance of the Soviet Union and the United States/Great Britain. While they mostly despised each other, Hitler was seen as the greater threat. While they were unable to start a 2nd front, the Allies agreed to ship vast quantities of military material to the Soviet Union through the Arctic ports of Archangel or Murmansk. Convoy PQ-17 was a convoy of political necessity that was scattered to fend for itself by a poor tactical decision by the British Admiralty. The author picked several good examples of individuals to follow through this incredible journey of survival and endurance.

[Krisette Spangler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of mission PQ-17 during the Second World War. I had never heard of these voyages that were set up to get war and food supplies to the Russians. The Russian people were so grateful to get these supplies that helped them to halt the progress of the Nazis in Russia and still teach about the bravery of those who participated in their schools. The book was well written, and I highly recommend to those who enjoy reading about war history.

[Zeb Kantrowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In July 1942 a convoy of 33 merchant ships with armed naval escort left from Iceland on a journey to Archangel in Russia. The trip was known as exceedingly dangerous because both Luftwaffe and U-Boats heavily patrolled the area. On reaching Bear Island (about half way), the heaviest naval ships were to turn back and leave the Convoy (PB-17) with small escort destroyers and armed trawlers.

But on reaching Bear Is the brain trust in London, fearing an attack by the super battleship, ordered all of the armed escorts to head back to Iceland and for the Merchant Ships to 'scatter' and make it to Russia on their own. Being the middle of summer, the lightly armed (if at all) merchant ships had to sail through 600 miles of ocean, in 24 hrs of bright light. The closest Russian land were the islands of Novaya Zemlya, almost 400 miles away.

This is the story of how the heroic merchant marine ships, dodged German bombers, Stukas and U-Boats in trying to reach Russia. All in all the convoy lost all but eleven of the thirty-three ships. To this day, no one knows who made the order to "scatter".

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I entered to win this book from Goodreads.com for my Dad who loves reading all things involving WWII. He loved the book. And I loved that prints of the real photographs are included in the book.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

This was a really interesting story. The convoys to supply the Soviets are one of those things that I knew happened but I never really learned more.

But it was really fascinating to read the history of a 'side story' like that. To realized that even away from the main action, men fought and suffered and died. And, really, considering the importance of the Eastern front and the importance of these convoys to supplying the Soviets even calling it a side story might be insultingly diminutive.

But especially convoy PQ17, how they were told to scatter and the Germans were able to pick them off one by one. I can't imagine how scary it must have been to be on one of those merchant ships seeing the escorts withdraw and then knowing the Germans were coming.

Anyway, really good book.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. This is a well written and engaging book about a little known event during WWII. Geroux brings the men on the ships to life- you will be pulling for them. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Greynomad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting read.

[Cropredy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book falls into the genre of "small unit" history that has recently become popular. In this genre, the author singles on a few individuals, usually those the author has had a chance to directly interview or has access to unpublished detailed diaries. The author then fleshes out the narrative by describing the small unit in action - either in a single battle or across a campaign. Ian Kershaw specializes in this type of history.

The small unit that Geroux chose was a set of merchant ships on the infamous Convoy PQ17 and an accompanying escort, that, when the order to scatter the convoy on alarm that the Tirpitz was afoot, sailed north into the polar icefields all the while hypothesizing that the Germans wouldn't look in that direction and instead focus on the direct routes from the convoy scatter point to Russian ports.

Geroux had the good fortune to directly interview or obtain detailed diaries from a seaman, an Auxiliary Guard gunner, an escort trawler lieutenant, and a few others. He then goes on to weave the entire story of Convoy PQ17 from strategic considerations for the Allies to help the Soviets who were under stress from the German 1942 summer offensive to diverse tactical points like fights between seamen and how much they were paid.

Geroux is actually a pretty good writer when describing life on the ships, the interaction with the polar weather, the German air attacks and basically everything having to do with his main characters. The writing is more functional when describing the machinations of the Admiralty and the interplay between Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin.

So, once the convoy sails from Iceland, the book gets to be quite good and continues all the way to the tale of the survivors who made it to Russia. I learned quite a bit about what life was like in Soviet Arctic ports in 1942 and the challenges of getting back home on a reverse convoy. Even the story of the reverse convoys is told, something usually omitted in histories of the time.

The maps were helpful and there were plenty of author's notes.

If you know nothing or only the broadest outlines about Convoy PQ17, this is a worthwhile read.

One egregious error though -- Geroux has Churchill walking outside in 1943 to attend Admiral Pound's funeral and said he was taking a great risk due to V1 attacks. But V1 attacks didn't start until 1944

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his book, The Ghost Ships of Archangel: The Arctic Voyage that Defied the Nazis, William Geroux relays the true story of a convoy of allied ships known as PQ-17. These thirty-three vessels sailed the treacherous sea lanes between Iceland and Russia in order to provide much needed supplies to Stalin and his army against the Germans on the Eastern Front. Although armed and protected by destroyers, the allies are in constant danger of icebergs as well as German torpedoes and bombs. When word inexplicably comes down from the British Admiralty to disperse, each ship is left to its own devices. Will anyone survive?



The Ghost Ships of Archangel is a well-written and well-researched narrative. Geroux uses eye-witness accounts, journal entries, and his own descriptive language to make this lesser-known episode of World War Two come alive. The book details and documents the incredible bravery and ingenuity of the sailors who undertook this mission with its adverse conditions in a desolate environment. The author also examines the individual relationships between Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. He explains the early dangers of Communism as seen in Stalin’s brutality to his own people, which was largely ignored by FDR.



The Ghost Ships of Archangel is an inspiring, informative, and instructive account of an unlikely alliance of World War II and the men who struck a blow against Hitler and saved Western Civilization from the Nazis. I highly recommend it.

[Roger Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read about little known WWII maritime history.

[William Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fascinating! Convoy PQ-17 traveling from Iceland to Russia was ordered to disperse out of fear of a surface attack by the German Battleship Tirpitz. Admiral Sir Dudley Pound ordered the dispersion in the absence of accurate intelligence of the German fleet. With his order he sealed the fate of a number of vessels and merchant seamen! The story is concentrated on three vessels of the convoy, two merchant ships and one of the escorts. The SS Troubadour, the SS Ironclad and the HMT Ayrshire are the three main vessels. Their story is told mainly through three sailors, US Navy Ensign Howard Carraway on the Troubadour, US Navy Lieutenant William Carter on the Ironside and Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve Lieutenant Leo Gradwell. To support Russia in its fight against the Nazi's the US in particular as well as Britain sent needed supplies to the Russians to the Arctic ports of Archangel and Murmansk. In addition to the dangers from the Germans, air attack, U-Boat attacks and the potential surface attack from the Tirpitz, these merchant seamen and military escorts and to endure the terrible weather conditions of the Arctic. Carraway and Carter were US Naval gun crew leaders on the Troubadour and Ironside respectively. Gradwell commanded the Armed Trawler Ayrshire British escort. When the convoy was ordered to disperse, these three ships headed north through the ice flows to avoid U-Boat attacks and hopefully aircraft attacks. It was a harrowing journey. The SS Silver Sword was also with them. They reached the Russian Island of Novaya Zemlya where they rested and were joined later by the SS Benjamin Harrison and the Russian Oiler Azerbaijan and British Empire Tide. British and Russian escorts joined these vessels and brought them to the ports of Murmansk and Archangel. Carraway, Carter and Gradwell were awarded by the Soviet Navy and eventually by their own Navies begrudgingly.
The author explains the importance President Roosevelt placed on the Arctic convoys and the reluctance the British Navy had and Prime Minister Churchill had with continuing them because they could not afford to lose the Naval assets or merchant ships. He also explains the importance Stalin placed on the convoys. Politically and diplomatically they were a source of tension between the allies. The context of Admiral Pound's decision to disperse the convoy is also explained. It remains a contentious decision. The end result was 22 merchant ships and 2 Rescue ships were sunk. Eleven merchant ships reached Archangel. Most of the escorts departed to join the support fleet in search of the Tirpitz, the Ayrshire stayed and escorted the four merchant ships into Archangel.
Post war the events of Arctic Convoy PQ-17 are not well known in either the US or Britain however it is memorialized in post war Soviet history and taught in school. There is also a memorial to the convoy in Archangel. Between the politics, the danger of enemy attack and the weather this book is really interesting and informative reading. It really says a lot about the interaction of the allies.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

History for mass consumption and public education is written in broad strokes about large events sometimes involving millions of people. It's about nations vs. nations, tribes against tribes, ideals against ideals. But what most people, i'd venture to say, do not think about the smaller stories that comprise the larger events. Sure, we in the U.S. learn about the first Thanksgiving in the context of European settlement of North America, but most small stories within a greater context have not been saved for posterity because the ability to faithfully retell those stories did not exist until relatively recently.

The Ghost Ships of Archangel is one of those smaller stories from World War II. The story of how FDR engineered the Lend-Lease program should be well-known even if only by name among most who took (and passed) high school history. I'd wager that most do not know that same program extended to the U.S.S.R. Allied cargo ships ventured into the Arctic to deliver all manner of supplies to support the Soviet fight against Germany, and played a significant role in that nation's ability to fend off the Nazi invasion. This book is the story of an ill-fated passage to Archangel, one of the northenmost ports in the world.

It was not enough for the merchant mariners to be working in many old ships with old instruments and rusty hulls. It was not enough that they had to rely on military vessels to escort them across the North Atlantic to Iceland. It was not enough that they understood some of those ships would not reach their destination due to U-boats and German aircraft attacks.

Nope. This particular convoy was scattered by an order by First Sea Lord Sir Dudley Pound against the advice of a great majority of his Admiralty staff. You see the British navy had already lost ships to the German battleship Tirpitz, the biggest, baddest ship of its kind and he was scared senseless of losing any more. Hence, when reports said the great ship may have set said from its fjord-protected port in Norway, Pound decided to recall the military escorts and let the civilian ships fend for themselves by scattering in a fan pattern and good luck wishes to make it to a Russian port.

Suffice to say, many ships did not make it. A few however, did reach Archangel, painted white do help them avoid detection by U-boats against the icebergs and floes of the region. These were the ghost ships.

Geroux paints a vivd picture of what it was like to sail on these vessels - the discontent, the cold and fog, the breathless anticipation of a torpedo strike - and of some of the men who either chose or were assigned to this duty. It is an effortless read, adorned with maps and images that help readers better understand the voyage. I thoroughly enjoyed it and came away more knowledgable about the subject of Lend-Lease, U.S./U.K./Soviet relations, and life during wartime (especially in the Soviet Union, which lost almost 30 million people during the war) than I was before. You just can't beat that in a read.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I awarded The Ghost Ships of Archangel a 4 because it is well written and held my attention throughout most of the book. I had picked up the book based on the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. The story opens in Hvalfjord, Iceland, where Convoy PQ-17 and other convoys prepared to sail to North Russia with war supplies provided by the U.S. and Britain. It offers insights into the role the merchant marines, National Guard, and others played in the war effort that I had been unaware of until now. The author, William Geroux, uses personal insights of men involved in the Arctic PQ-17 convoy carrying supplies to Archangel, Russia, in such a way that it pulls the reader. I was immersed in the story as they faced the threat of U-boats and German bombers along with natural threats of ice floes, icebergs, and heavy fog under a sun that never set.

When the Brits perceived the German battleship, Tirpitz, was a possible threat, the convoy received an unbelievable order to scatter. Every ship was to go their own way. As individual sitting ducks each ship because easy to pick off for the enemy and the story takes on a whole new level of significance. Abandoned with a single order, each ship enters a period of chaos and confusion. This story follows the plight of each of these ships and the ingenuity shown by many of the crews to survive. I won’t include a spoiler as to why the ships are referred to as Ghost Ships, because that is an important part of the story you can read for yourself.

Along with following the crews of the convoy ships, the author also shines a light the behind-the-scenes interactions and communications between Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. I also learned that Hitler admitted that, “On land I am a hero. At sea I am a coward,” and while he was trying to keep the Tirpitz out of harm’s way for fear he would lose it like the Bismarck, the allies scattered because it was thought to be a threat.

The scattered convoy faced a precarious future amid hostile waters and not all ships made it to Archangel. Those that did were stuck there for months. The author offers glimpses into the horrid reality of socialist life for the starving citizens of the Soviet Union under Stalin’s autocratic rule, but the story is only half over once the ships can leave Archangel because the surviving ships still had to make it home.

I enjoyed the author’s balance of history, personal stories, and making life aboard these ships and at the docks relatable to the reader. For the most part, it didn’t feel dry and statistical but instead often drew me in to feel like I was there. At the end of the story, Geroux includes updates on the lives of many of the men you learn about in the story. If you enjoy WWII history, this book is both informative and engaging. If you served in the Navy or enjoy nautical nonfiction, you’d probably find it worth the read too.

[Michael Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, my understanding of history (especially relatively recent history) has a lot of gaps. As a child growing into adulthood, I wasn’t allowed to read much material about secular politics, much less about warfare, given my extremely strict religious upbringing. Although much of history is well outside of my wheelhouse, I have been working to rectify my lack of education in recent years by diving into books such as this. This one popped up as a suggestion on my feed, and I decided to read it on a whim. As to the veracity of these events, I cannot speak. But if this book is even remotely accurate, this is a tale I would heartily recommend to anyone.

Geroux does a fantastic job of capturing events from several available standpoints: American, Russian/Soviet, British, and in some cases, even the Germans too. I have a strong love and appreciation for human exploration, and having read a few books on the Arctic and Antarctic recently, this was right up my alley. I’d never heard of convoy PQ-17 prior to this, and now, I’ll never forget them.

The bravery of these ordinary, every day men who worked to turn the tide of the war by braving German U-boats, planes, and “The Big Bad Wolf” warship, the Tirpitz, to deliver critical supplies to the Soviets was amazing to read about. I found myself captivated by their bravery, inspired by their resolve and resilience, and mildly envious of their roles as modern (mostly unsung) heroes of history. I also appreciated the in-depth exploration of the politics of the day…learningn of the necessary evils, alliances with those who were once, and now are again…at best, polite “enemies”. This world is a messy place, and history is rife with examples of circumstances where people were made to wrestle with the heavy consequences of their choices, some of which altered the very course of world events in unforeseen ways. The scattering of PQ-17 is one such tragic choice. The individual choices made by the brave men who pressed on into spite of dangerous conditions and territory are examples to the contrary; examples of greatness.

I truly enjoyed this epic story, and I have come away with a profound appreciation for our shared history, even though it has sometimes been ugly. I plan to read Geroux’s other book on the Matthews Men at some point, because my appetite has been whetted. I loved this book. 5 out of 5 stars.

[Peter Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Ghost Ships of Archangel: the Arctic voyage that defied the Nazis,” by William Geroux (Viking, 2019). Oh how I hate subtitles. What this really is is the story of Convoy PQ 17, which was fighting off the Germans on its way from Iceland to Murmansk when, inexplicably, the Admiralty ordered its escorts to leave and the convoy itself to scatter. The result: a frozen bloodbath. Dozens of ships are sunk. But three freighters and one armed trawler decide to head north, into the icepack, to evade the bombers and U-Boats. They even paint their ships white, as camouflage. Eventually these ships, and a handful of others, make it to Archangel (Murmansk has been bombed to bits). Geroux tells the story of the men and the ships very clearly. He has interviewed survivors, read diaries and unpublished accounts, spoken with children of the mariners. He also places the convoy in the context of the difficult relations between Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, and the stirrings of the Cold War. It was so cold that blood froze---which actually stanched wounds. Nose hairs froze to the point that they could puncture the skin. The ships were old and slow; the crews the dregs and leavings of the sea most of them. I have often read about the tragedy of PQ-17, but never in such deep, often horrifying detail. Good maps, good photos, good book.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy history, especially stories of World War II. My heritage is Norwegian. My father served in the Navy during the War. In fact he was a gunner on an ocean going tug and I once asked if he was scared being on such slow vessel a bit like a sitting duck. He replied "We were too little, they wouldn't waste a torpedo on us." So this book hit a bunch of highlights for me. The story of the PQ-17 isn't very well known in the U.S. but is highly regarded and recognized in Europe and Russia. I had not heard of it. I have traveled to Norway above the Arctic Circle during the summer and have seen the 24 hour daylight. The way the author describes it (sometimes quoting some of the survivors) is good, but to actually experience it is amazing, so I was in full appreciation of some of the conditions this convoy experienced...but the weather and the threat of the Germans by u-boat, and air is daunting. I can't even imagine how they made it. (incredible loss, but some remarkable survival stories).

This is a well researched book about a generation of sailors without parallel matched against an unprecedented enemy. It might not appeal to all readers, but given my areas of interest, I enjoyed it. I only gave it three stars because of the pace...but to be fair, the convoy hardly ever exceeded 6 knots.

[Dan Dundon · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much World War II history delves into the major battles such as the invasion of Normandy or the Battle of the Bulge, that it is easy to overlook aspects such as the British/American convoys supplying Russia while it was locked in fierce combat with Germany. William Geroux's book "The Ghost Ships of Archangel" does an admirable job of illustrating the true drama that has been overlooked by so many historians.
The author not only illuminates the heroics but also exposes the blunders of one particular convoy which was forced to cross treacherous U-Boat infested waters virtually unprotected in order to get supplies to Archangel. If there is any fault, the author has been too kind to the British official who decided to withdraw protection for the convoy out of fear of a menacing German battleship that turned out not to be a threat.
I also appreciated the author's decision to go beyond the convoy story and explain the issues between Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin as they attempted to resolve war issues including the long-anticipated second front.
This book is a fine tribute to the mariners who sailed on frequently unsafe and sometimes unprotected cargo ships to help win the war.

[Phillip Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb read to start the Year (I started this in 2024) and couldn't put it down. I found this book whilst searching for 'Ghost Ship' stories on the ferry to Denmark. It wasn't exactly the subject matter I was looking for but I'm glad I found it.

My stepfather was a merchantman (abelt not in WW2 and nothing as hazardous as the story in question) but he always spoke of the dangers the Arctic convoys and its merchantman (and woman as it turns out) faced.

The author really does bring to life the perils of the PQ17 Convoy using several sources (very well explained in the appendices). This is a subject that fascinates him, he's probably done such a good job with this book that its caught on with me.

Its a James Holland style read, something I personally like, it feels very personal and creates a danger to the story (quite rightly in my opinion).

Read on the kindle which will always be a compromise with the maps (but I shall likely buy the physical copy).

The Year starts off with a very solid read which will be hard to beat.

[William de_Rham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written historical account of the WWII North Atlantic convoys sent by the US and UK through Arctic waters to supply the Soviet Union. Centering on the ill-fated convoy, PQ-17 (ravaged by German air and naval forces when Britain decided to withdraw the protection of its navy), it includes a lot of background about WWII and the relationships amongst the US, UK, and USSR as well as Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. It also describes the day to day life of convoy sailors aboard ship and in port; and of Russian citizens under constant attack in Murmansk and Archangel. In a nutshell, The Ghost Ships of Archangel is a comprehensive look at a crucial and extremely perilous supply operation from the vantage points of not only the leaders at the very top, but the merchant sailors who ran it.

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, this is why I don’t like boats.

Geroux’s book is a perfect example of what happens when people at the top have no idea what is going on at the bottom. Two main threads make up the narrative. The politics between England, the U.S., and Russia is the smaller story but supremely important because they put PQ-17 in the horrible situation it ultimately ends up in.

The other thread is, of course, the boats of PQ-17. Geroux is a concise writer and he focuses more on the action than the numerous people and ships which make up PQ-17. He has three main characters to see the action through and he gives the reader a clear idea of what they are up against and how royally screwed they end up being.

Geroux’s book is a quick and fun read. You get a lot of little details about World War II which you will not find in a lot of other books.

[Jim D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first rate historical drama of a true story, and a part of WW II not often thought of. The Arctic convoys from America and England to Russia were a brutal undertaking due to weather, U Boats, and the Luftwaffe. This book covers the story of one convoy that was abandoned by its escorts by order of the head of the British Navy, and left to fend for itself on its way to Russia. It is a tragedy, a betrayal, and a story of heroism . The story is told amidst the broad sweep of the war and the interplay between Churchill, Stalin and the naive Roosevelt. As a history buff and someone fascinated by personal glimpses into the human side of war, I believe this book stands with any of WWII.

[Gary Detrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting segment of WWII history we really don't hear or read about. Geroux presents an interesting saga of the PQ-17 convoy to the Arctic Russian northern seaports, bringing necessities to help Russia in their battles with Germany and the eastern front. Left exposed, it's a story of tragic and triumphant history.
Politics are at work here, as always. I'm surprised at the support given, although indeed necessary, and Roosevelt's thoughts, backing the brutal Russian regime. While Stalin refused U.S. observation of Soviet military production, we allow hundreds, more like thousands, of Soviet advisors to view production of everything.
A good balance of the politics and engaging stories of the convoys presents a good historical reading document.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am fascinated by stories of little known events in our history, particularly events such as this that were part of WW II, but totally unknown to me. The author follows one of many convoys that took supplies to Russia via Iceland and the Barents Sea. The author uses many sources and was able to find diaries, letters and archives from sailors and military men on the voyage. I liked that the book covers the maritime trials with icebergs, fog, German plane and submarine attacks, as well as personnel problems on ship and then describes the problems on shore in Russia. If you like WW II information or naval history, you will be like the book.

I listened to this as an audiobook. Biggest problem was not having a map. I was very confused at first until I looked up the area on a map.