A new history of the most critical months of the Arctic Convoys, when the German air force forced the Allies to retreat behind the cover of winter.

From spring to autumn of 1942, Germany was winning the battle of the Arctic Convoys. Half of PQ-15 was sunk in May, PQ-17 was nearly annihilated in July, and in September, 30% of PQ-18 was sunk. The Allies were forced to suspend the convoys until December, when the long Arctic nights would offer them protection.

Mark Lardas argues that in 1942, it was the Luftwaffe's air power that made the difference. With the convoys sailing in endless daylight, the German offensive air forces, equipped and trained for torpedo attacks, caused chaos. Three quarters of PQ-18's losses were due to air attacks. However, in November, the Luftwaffe was moved south to challenge the Allied landings in North Africa, and the advantage was lost. Despite this defeat, the Allies were never again forced to send an Arctic convoy during the summer months.

Fully illustrated with archival photos, stunning new art, maps, and diagrams, this is the remarkable story of the Luftwaffe's last strategic victory in World War II.