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From the #1 bestselling author Hugh Sebag Montefiore, a spellbinding and fiercely told history of one of the most extreme episodes of the Second World War. The Sea War is a wonderful, accessible history rooted in the Second World War. As the Soviet Union played its role in the fracas, Ally convoys from the UK, the United States and Iceland fought to deliver essential supplies to Russia. In a clash of extreme elements and fierce Axis opposition, the effort demonstrated like no other the commitment from other nations to supporting the Soviet Union. The Sea War follows not just the Royal Navy and its successful efforts to shepherd ships through storms and past floating icebergs. It also tells a part of history which has never been properly understood by the British public. It involves the forgotten heroes of the Arctic convoys, the officers, armed guards and the ordinary civilian seamen, mostly from Britain and America, but also from Holland, Norway, Russia and Poland, condemned to carry on steaming their merchant ships slowly through the icy waters to and from Russia, even though they knew that at any moment they might be sunk. This is a thrilling and important story that will leave you thankful to be on dry ground.
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EARLY PRAISE FOR BATTLE OF THE ARCTIC
'This book is original, comprehensive, dynamic and thought-provoking.'
R. B. J. Knight, naval historian, archivist and former deputy director of the National Maritime Museum Greenwich
'Sebag-Montefiore's impressive new research provides the most comprehensive history so far on a forgotten campaign. He recreates the human toil and harrowing dangers of the Arctic journeys. An inspirational story of courage and human endurance.'
Dr Helen Fry, WWII intelligence and espionage historian
'Journalist and historian Sebag-Montefiore is a tireless researcher who has turned up letters, diaries, and personal accounts. The author takes advantage of interviews and fresh documentation to emphasize the experiences of individual sailors. A gripping chronicle of warfare in extreme conditions.'
Kirkus Reviews
