I'm not remotely an expert on WWII, so I'm wondering how important were the Arctic Convoys to sustaining Russian fighting capacity, demonstrating inter-allied cooperation, and tying up German resources?
Thank you. I was wondering wether the people of AH.com had anything to say on the subject beyond what could be found on the Wiki.
I wouldn't say it prevented a Soviet collapse, but the resources brought in via the Arctic Route were critical to Soviet fighting abilities, especially early in the war. In 1941-42 not having that route would have been very painful for the USSR, but not fatal. The end result of not having it, the measure of how important it was, would have been to force the Soviets to bleed a lot more for victory.I'm not remotely an expert on WWII, so I'm wondering how important were the Arctic Convoys to sustaining Russian fighting capacity, demonstrating inter-allied cooperation, and tying up German resources?
IIRC, more Lend-Lease supplies actually came into the Soviet Union through Persia than the Arctic convoy route. Still, the materials and equipment that came through Murmansk and Archangel were crucial.
Persian route was constricted by the low capacity railway, until rebuilding was completed mid 1943. The Pacific route was temporarily shut down when the Pacific war started. It did not return to significant volume until 1943. This site shows the deliveries by year for 1942 & month for 43 & 44.
For 1941 & 42 the Arctic route was the main game
Thank you all for your info.I wouldn't say it prevented a Soviet collapse, but the resources brought in via the Arctic Route were critical to Soviet fighting abilities, especially early in the war. In 1941-42 not having that route would have been very painful for the USSR, but not fatal. The end result of not having it, the measure of how important it was, would have been to force the Soviets to bleed a lot more for victory.
I'm not remotely an expert on WWII, so I'm wondering how important were the Arctic Convoys to sustaining Russian fighting capacity, demonstrating inter-allied cooperation, and tying up German resources?