Crisis Convoy: The Story of HX231, A Turning Point in the Battle of the Atlantic

by Peter Gretton

An engrossing account by the Royal Navy commander who led the escort of convoy HX231 during the Battle of the Atlantic.

A dramatic hour-by-hour narrative of an Atlantic convoy battle that changed the course of World War II, perfect for readers of Jonathan Dimbleby, Richard Freeman and Max Hastings.

In April 1943, Commander Peter Gretton was in charge of escorting a vital Allied trade convoy from New York to Great Britain across the North Atlantic. Over the course of the voyage, the sixty-one merchant ships of convoy HX231, along with the six ships of B7 Escort Group, were continuously shadowed and attacked by a German wolf pack of twenty U-boats.

With the aid of air support, the convoy and defending escort fought valiantly across hundreds of miles of ocean and, despite poor weather conditions, managed to sink and severely damage several enemy submarines. Tragically six merchant ships were torpedoed and with no rescue vessel any survivors were left stranded in the freezing waters of the Atlantic as the convoy continued on its journey.

Drawing on reports from both sides, Gretton details the sequence of events as convoy HX231 battled its way through a large wolf pack and offers an authoritative post-battle analysis of the strategies, decisions and actions taken that would ultimately see the tide of war turn in favour of victory for the Allies.

Crisis Convoy takes the reader to the heart of the action and is a thrilling account of naval warfare during World War II.

“Fascinating” Military Review

“Many books have been written on many aspects of the Battle of the Atlantic, but this one deserves attention by even the most well-read naval history fan.” Warship International

Genres: World War II, War, Audiobook, History

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Peter William Gretton was an officer in the Royal Navy. He was active during the World War II Battle of the Atlantic, and was a successful convoy escort commander. He eventually rose to become Fifth Sea Lord and retired as a vice admiral before entering university life as a Bursar and academic.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written in the 70s so it is somewhat out-of-date, but much of it is still valuable in the discussion of how the British overcame their their difficulties and eventually defeated the U-Boats. HX231 convoy made a good turning point in the fight, and is looked at in detail. The courage and tenacity of the men on both sides is a lesson in what war can demand of a nation, especially an island nation which depends so much on shipping.

[David Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Account of a Escort Group Commander

This was a fascinating and exciting book to read. Most of the material that I have previously read on the Battle of the Atlantic viewed the Battle from a strategic perspective.

This book was a highly detailed, almost minute-by-minute account of a specific convoy battle. The account is told by the commander of the convoy's escort group. It provides a very detailed picture of what life was like for the North Atlantic convoy escort groups.

It also contributes to my understanding of the importance of the information that has not yet been released by the Allied governments regarding the events of the Second World War.

This account was written in 1974 and is therefore missing some important information about the Battle of the Atlantic. Vice-Admiral Gretton applied ars to have still been unaware in 1974 of the Ultra system intelligence that was being used to guide the Royal Navy. Either that, or when this account was written, he was instructed to not discuss that information.

Following the end of WWII, there was a very great amount of information that was classified and not revealed to the public. Thus our understanding of the war is necessarily incomplete.

In recent years, some newly declassified documents have been released that have significantly changed our understanding of the war's events. This book from 1974 illustrates that through the author's lack of knowledge of important information regarding intelligence sources.

What is particularly interesting to me is that there are still large numbers of classified documents that still remain unavailable. When the war ended, the Allies locked a greatany documents away in a kind of time release system. A schedule was created that still regulates when various documents will be released. Some of those documents were sealed for over a century, and so remain highly classified to this day.

These still classified documents are those containing information that was considered to be of such a sensitive nature, that they could not be safely released until over a century had passed since the end of the war.

Much of this material was kept secret to prevent the embarrassment of important individuals. Some because the information could have caused diplomatic crisis or threatened national security.

The court martial offenses of Adm Halsey that were covered up are an example of such recently released material that had been kept completely secret from the public and most of the military until quite recently. I refer specifically to his leading his fleet into two horrific typhoons that he had been ordered to steer clear of.

I have to wonder, what kind of information is to found in the still classified documents? How will their release alter our knowledge and understanding of the events of the war? Admiral Gretton's memoir from 1974 is an example. Knowledge of the Royal Navy's ability to read German ciphers would have altered parts of this history, when it was written.

[Brian Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crisis Convoy: The Story of HX 231 A Turning Point in the Battle of the Atlantic is a superb account of one Second World War convey in the North Atlantic Ocean recounted by Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Gretton, who led the escorts for that crossing. Written some thirty years after the war, Gretton merged personal experience with Allied records plus German materials to put together a riveting account of the attacking & defensive operations. In one case mentioned in the text, Gretton even consulted personally with a surviving U-boat commander to clear up confusion in reports of an attack. This is a masterful piece of historical research and truly conveys the dangers and uncertainties of the battle on both sides. Moreover, Gretton analyzes the technologies and tactics employed by the escorts and the U-boats in the deadly cat-and-mouse conflict. Crisis Convoy is participant history at its finest.

One final note is that this book, obtainable through Amazon, is a print-on-demand text, and the quality is quite good, surprisingly so. PoD has come a long way, and this book appears to be equal in quality to more traditionally published volumes. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to any reader with an interest in the Second World War.

[ian witham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A generous author

Peter Gretton was there. He commanded Convoy HX231 but he barely mentions his work. He mainly talks about the heroism of the merchant seamen and their sacrifices. Many died. Some lost limbs. He pays tribute to the sailors and airmen from Britain, Canada, the United States, and Norway who defended the convoy, and acknowledges the bravery and humanity of the enemy. A German U-Boat captain ordered a merchant marine captain thrown overboard and he drowned, but that was an exception. It was more common for a U-Boat skipped to risk his boat to save lives.
Whether you are interested in submarines, destroyers, frigates, escort carriers, merchant ships, convoys, flying boats, the men and women who served in them (there were women on a few of the ship's in HX231), the training, the places they sailed from, the places they sailed to, and the places the aircraft flew from, this is a must have.

[D.M. Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

I really enjoyed this thorough and objective analysis of the Battle of the Atlantic.
The author was part of a convoy in March 1943 which made its way across the Atlantic whilst harried by U boats.
He examines the tactics and horrendous loss of life and examines the vast improvement due to air support and more proficient methods.
The German side of things is fairly put .
Such a tragedy that human beings should put so much thought and effort into killing each other.

[SEAN BRADY · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for understanding the battle for the Atlantic

There are lots of books out there on the battle for the Atlantic. Written about 30 years after the event, the book provides a good understanding of the roles of each side and the problems they faced. A good section of the book is set aside outlining the writers conclusions on what went right and wrong and how the tide turned in the allies favour. Well worthy of a read.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at an often forgotten part of WWII, the Battle of the Atlantic. The author was there and wrote this work in the seventies so his research was first person in many cases but he does not mention his actions except minimally. An interesting historical tale. Well worth the time investment to read.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not A Novel Or Story

This a factual, historical record of one WWII Atlantic Convoy, written in a 'report's style it comes across as matter of fact but contains a great deal of detail. Records from both sides of the conflict, participants and survivors contributions make this day by day account of one convoy crossing from west to east an interesting read

[ruth botterill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly informative and insightful.

The author gives comprehensive coverage of the integrated working of the different parts of the military services. Excellently written and highly informative.

[shari lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convoy to save Britain and the Allied war effort

This detailed account of the experiences of this convoy and the methods to secure its safe passing from North America to England was critical to ensuring the eventual success of the WWII Allied effort.

[Andy Rix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into the tactical handling of close escorts and support groups in the battle of the atlantic by one well versed in the subject. If you have an interest in this period of History its a very good read

[Jorge3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and Descriptive

The author provides an engaging and detailed history of a convoy. As well providing historical background and depth of knowledge to the early convoys of ww2.

[John Taussig · Rating 3 out of 5]

War Facts

A thorough description and explanation on both sides of the war for the trials and tribulations experienced by both the Brits and the German. Also a very solid analysis of tactics etc.

[Mark Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

So few held sway for such a great victory that effectted so many! Bravo Brattania!

Victory at sea! Thank you brave seamen, we owe you so much! Thank you for your firtitude and great accomplishments.

[Bob Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A description of one convoy's troubles and triumphs

An excellent book, well researched, and describes a few days in the months when the Battle Of The Atlantic started turning the Allies' way.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insider's story of the struggles of an Atlantic Convoy in about 1943. Full of technical detail, eye witness accounts taken from reports on both sides. A well researched book. Interesting read on a subject I know little about.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely though description

I read a lot of military action stories, this one is an extremely well researched and the description is well documented and explained

[Kathleen C. Gaudry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

The author filled out the untold story of the Atlantic convoy system. Having both sides of the story told gave it real interest. It was a pleasure to read.

[Carl Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea war

The convoys were vulnerable at first but new equipment an strategy eventually won out. I enjoyed the actuality very much.

[John & Kathy MacChesney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Crisis Convoy is one of those books that fills in the gaps in your understanding of the battle of the Atlantic. Easy to read and loaded with facts.

[Patrick Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent
I especially liked his conclusion and dissecting of the issues involved

[Lawrie Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read giving you an insight into the Cargo Shipping Convoys Operations and the attacks of the U boat Wolf Packs during WW2

[William Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good explanation of ASW at the peak ofthe Battle for The Atlantic.

[Jim Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent factual account of the horrendous war fought in the Atlantic that enabled the UK survive the German onslaught. If the Battle of Britain was won by the few the Battle of the Atlantic was won by the many, so many so called non-combatants perished having been consigned to the deep by German U-boat torpedoes. My family all served in the Merchant Navy having been sailors before the conflict commenced, miraculously they all survived the convoys one uncle was sunk three times, twice on convoys to Archangel. He was famous as he saved 7 fellow crewmen from a flaming sea, his Captain got all the accolades not Uncle John.
This book is remarkable as it covers this encounter from both Allied and German records and correctly acknowledges the heroism of the submariners in the U-boats as their life expectancy was relatively brief.
I did feel let down as one shameful fact was not mention that came from the British Legion who incredibly refused membership to their servicemen clubs to all former Merchant Navy sailors because they never carried arms. I would carry a gun any time than sail on a tanker surrounded by hostile submarines. It was not until the late 60's that the contemptible rule was changed and of course the Legion was losing members through natural wastage. I understand no apology was ever given hence many families baulk at buying poppies.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed and well told story about how the war against the German submarines occurred starting with one convoy. The story explains the details in great easily understood manner and the first hand accounts add to the story. This is a great book for the history buff.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.