In July 1942, more than 20 vessels were sunk following orders to scatter because of fears of an attack by warships including the Tirpitz.

BBC: Reunion at Loch Ewe for Arctic Convoys veterans

In July 1942, more than 20 vessels were sunk following orders to scatter because of fears of an attack by warships, which included the Tirpitz.

BBC: Medal ceremony in Wester Ross for Arctic Convoy sailors

The only hold-up was the insistence of Admiral Tirpitz that it would be better to wait for the Baltic-North Sea canal to be widened and deepened (due in July 1914) and a submarine harbour on Heligoland to be completed.

ECONOMIST: Letters