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The Convoy
- Author
- Angus Konstam
- Narrator
- Philip Pope
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Publish Date
- 26 October 2023
- Run Time
- 10 hours 16 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Second World War, Naval forces and warfare, Military intelligence, Maritime history, Military vehicles and transport of air, land and sea, Ships: Liners and other ocean-going vessels
- Rating
- 5.0 (1 review)
What to expect
A fresh approach to the Battle of the Atlantic, told through the spectacular story of HG-76, a major turning point in the naval war.
When HG-76 sailed from Gibraltar to Britain in December 1941, it was specially targeted by the Germans. A wolfpack of U-boats was sent against it, the Luftwaffe was heavily committed too, and German intelligence agents in Gibraltar and Spain knew every detail of the convoy before it had even sailed. The odds were seemingly stacked in favour of the Kriegsmarine.
This time, though, HG-76 would be accompanied by HMS Audacity, the Royal Navy’s first escort carrier – built to defend convoys from enemy aircraft and U-boats.
Expert naval historian Angus Konstam examines the battle through the lens of this mission. Improved radar and sonar gave the convoy’s escorts a slight edge over their opponents, while the escort group was led by Commander Walker, an anti-submarine expert who had developed new, aggressive U-boat hunting tactics. Seven days and nights of relentless attack are told through horrifying first-hand accounts, until HG-76 finally reached the safety of a British port - the first real convoy victory of the war.
Brought to life through the eyes of the participants, The Convoy combines the story of the technical and tactical developments that won the Battle of the Atlantic for the Allies with the terror and stubborn determination of those that served on convoy duties.
Critics Review
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This gripping story of a vitally important wartime convoy battle is long overdue.
Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster
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Brilliant – one of the most dramatic stories of the Second World War at sea brought meticulously to life.
Dr. Sam Willis, historian and broadcaster
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With his detailed research from many sources, Angus Konstam brings to life the story of the battle around convoy HG76, escorted by the brilliant Commander Johnnie Walker RN.
Vice Admiral Mike Gretton CB CVO, son of escort commander Sir Peter Gretton
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Angus Konstam brings a multi-perspective approach to this highly readable and engrossing account of Convoy HG76.
Captain Patrick Walker CBE RN, grandson of Johnnie Walker RN
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A work of real integrity, his portrayal of this epic struggle brilliantly captures the intensity and drama of this key episode in the Battle of the Atlantic. Simply gripping!
Captain Bill Oliphant RN, CEO Royal Naval Association
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The reader is given access to the thoughts, motivations and fears of sailors and airmen serving on both sides of the tense battle, as Konstam’s detailed narrative of HG-76’s journey tells the story of those who served with and defended the merchant convoys so vital to Britain’s survival during World War II.
Morning Star
User Reviews
Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
- No written reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- Angus Konstam
- Narrator
- Philip Pope
- Duration
- 10 hours 16 minutes
- Release Date
- 26 October 2023
- ISBN
- 9781472857699
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Genre
- Second World War, Naval forces and warfare, Military intelligence, Maritime history, Military vehicles and transport of air, land and sea, Ships: Liners and other ocean-going vessels
- Rating
- 5.0(1 review)
- Narration
- 5.0(1 review)
Synopsis
Bloomsbury presents The Convoy by Angus Konstam, read by Philip Pope.A fresh approach to the Battle of the Atlantic, told through the spectacular story of HG-76, a major turning point in the naval war.When HG-76 sailed from Gibraltar to Britain in December 1941, it was specially targeted by the Germans. A wolfpack of U-boats was sent against it, the Luftwaffe was heavily committed too, and German intelligence agents in Gibraltar and Spain knew every detail of the convoy before it had even sailed. The odds were seemingly stacked in favour of the Kriegsmarine.This time, though, HG-76 would be accompanied by HMS Audacity, the Royal Navy’s first escort carrier – built to defend convoys from enemy aircraft and U-boats.Expert naval historian Angus Konstam examines the battle through the lens of this mission. Improved radar and sonar gave the convoy’s escorts a slight edge over their opponents, while the escort group was led by Commander Walker, an anti-submarine expert who had developed new, aggressive U-boat hunting tactics. Seven days and nights of relentless attack are told through horrifying first-hand accounts, until HG-76 finally reached the safety of a British port - the first real convoy victory of the war.Brought to life through the eyes of the participants, The Convoy combines the story of the technical and tactical developments that won the Battle of the Atlantic for the Allies with the terror and stubborn determination of those that served on convoy duties.
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