The Battle of the Barents Sea

by Martin Bourne

  Admiral Tovey described the battle of the Barents Sea as "one of the finest examples in either of the two World Wars of how to handle cruisers and destroyers in action with heavier forces". The British had every right to be pleased with their success. Their ships were smaller and had far less firepower than the German flotilla. Against the eleven inch guns of the Lutzow and the eight inch guns of the Hipper, Sheffield and Jamaica had only six inch guns. The German destroyers mounted five point nine inch guns, against which their British opposite numbers could only field World War I vintage four inch guns, (apart from Onslow, which had four point seven inch).

  Undoubtedly a major factor in the British victory at Barents Sea was Sherbrooke's excellent leadership. His responses to the attacks were swift and decisive. He fully realised the fears of the Germans and played upon them continually. Sherbrooke's gallant handling of the close escort, and his refusal to leave the bridge when badly wounded, subsequently earned him Britain’s highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross.

  There only remains the matter of the elements. Certainly the appalling weather conditions worked to the advantage of the British. Poor visibility made it difficult for the German commanders to make full use of their superior resources. It also enabled the escorting destroyers to close more easily, particularly important as the Germans were under such strict orders to avoid losses. Nonetheless, more aggressive handling would quickly have overwhelmed the escort. The British won the battle of the Barents Sea long before it was fought, by instilling a defensive attitude into the minds of their opponents. Even when the convoy was at their mercy, the Germans expected difficulties, and delayed their moves long enough for Force R to deliver those difficulties.

  Bibliography.

  “73 North”, by Dudley Pope.

  “Encyclopedia Britannica”, various editions.

  “Ships of the Royal Navy, Vol 1 & 2”, by J J Colledge. Published by Daniel a& Chalres: newton Abbot, 1969.

  “Jane’s Fighting Ships”, various editions.

  “Battle of the Barents Sea”, by Dudley Pope.

  “The Russian Convoys”, by B.B. Schofield. Published by Pan Books Ltd, London, 1971.