Our research library has recently been augmented by the addition of materials generously shared by author William Smith. William’s first book ‘Churchill’s Arctic Convoys’ examines the political, maritime and logistic aspects of the Arctic convoy campaign. His second ‘Allied Convoys to Northern Russia 1941-1945’ discusses the wider political, diplomatic and military factors which determined the Arctic Convoy campaign. The documents are the outcome of 12 years of research for his two seminal publications on the Arctic Convoys.
The materials provide an accurate chronicle of the convoy programme and analysis of the actual outcomes for future reference and promote a more informed understanding of the subject. They include detailed accounts of each convoy including the ships that were involved and uncover controversial new information about the level of merchant ship casualties in the convoys from Loch Ewe. There is also unpublished material on those merchant ships which were lost or badly damaged in Murmansk and the casualties.
William believes his research offers a fresh perspective on the convoy sailings between 1941 and 1945 and is keen for it to have wider visibility. The files he has donated incorporate text and data which could not be included in his publications and are supported by an extensive bibliography and list of further references.
The materials are subject to copyright. Researchers wishing to access them can apply by sending an email to curator@arcticconvoymuseum.org stating the nature of their research and outlining their areas of interest.
William Smith’s books are available to purchase through the Arctic Convoy Museum Shop.
