Redsky Morning [Hardcover]

Michael Pearson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 2005

That an enemy force of at least one pocket battleship, one heavy cruiser and six destroyers, with all the advantage of surprise and concentration, should be held off for four hours by five destroyers and driven from the area by two six-inch cruisers, without any loss to the convoy, is most creditable and satisfactory. Thus was the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet, Admiral Tovey of the action that has become known as the battle of the Barents Sea. It was a naval engagement that had far reaching consequences and resulted in many capital ships of the Kriegsmarine being decommissioned for the rest of World War II. The Arctic convoys that sailed through the cold malevolent waters of the Barents Sea ran the gauntlet of German air and sea attack as they struggled to transport vital supplies to Britain's Russian allies. Convoy JW51B sailed in December 1942 with a small escort of five destroyers and a reserve of two light cruisers shadowed the main convoy at a distance of seventy miles. The convoy was attacked on 31 December by a powerful German force that included the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper, the pocket battleship Lutzow and six destroyers. The ensuing engagement proved the worth of the British destroyers and the bravery of the men who sailed in them.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Pearson worked in the shipping industry in London for over twenty years. He has had a lifelong interest in maritime history and shipping and now researches it full-time.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: The Crowood Press (April 9, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840373393
• ISBN-13: 978-1840373394
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,930,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ships Monthly ~ Book of The Month, October 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Redsky Morning (Hardcover)

'...The heroism of the crews of both sides and the difficulty of fighting in Arctic conditions is brought out in this well researched book which contains many personal reiminiscences as well as maps and photos. The battle was an important World War II turning point and it is hard to imagine a clearer description of the events that took place in The Barents Sea 60 years ago. Highly recommended...'

Ships Monthly review, Book of the Month, November 2002.