Convoy PQ-13

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PQ-13 was a British Arctic convoy which delivered war supplies from the Western Allies to the USSR during World War II, commanded by Commodore D.A. Casey. The convoy sailed from Loch Ewe in Scotland on 10 March 1942 and arrived in Murmansk on 31 March 1942. The convoy was intercepted by U-boats and the German Narvik class destroyers Z24, Z25 and Z26. The Germans sank six of the 20 transport ships but Z26 was sunk by HMS Trinidad which torpedoed herself during the battle (the torpedo's gyroscope froze).

[edit] Ships

The convoy consisted of 20 transport ships, six were sunk (three by bomber aircraft, two by U 435 and one by Z-26). The close escort consisted of the cruiser HMS Trinidad and the destroyers HMS Fury and HMS Eclipse, two armed trawlers and three sweepers. The convoy was also supported by Soviet ships at some points in its journey.