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Warships International Fleet Review, June 2024

The title is slightly misleading as the book covers the passage of both PQ.18 and the return convoy QP.14. PQ.18, one of 40 supply convoys to north Russia, and the associated convoy QP.14, one of 35 return convoys, were the most heavily defended and protected of all the convoys to and from north Russia between 1941 and 1945 whilst PQ.18 suffered the most sustained attacks on any Russian convoy. The complexity of the movements of the ships involved and the multiplicity of events experienced during the passage of both convoys particularly PQ.18 presents a significant challenge for any author within the boundaries of the overall chronology. John Mackay has succeeded in compiling a compelling narrative which immerses the reader in the drama of these events as experienced by those involved by focussing the reader’s attention on vivid descriptions of a number of key events. Where there is a lack of historical evidence John offers the reader a series of dramatic eye-witness reconstructions.. Read more
William Smith

".....splendidly researched book...."
International Federation of Ship Masters’ Association (IFSMA) Newsletter No 65 June 2023

Volume II - Escorts and Smaller Fighting Ships - continues the epic research task the authors have set for themselves, including vessels varying in size from 6,350 tons/104m down to 15.5 tons/14.6m. The types of ships are identified as Escort Ships, Submarine Hunters, Patrol Boats, Floating Artillery Batteries, AA Defence Ships, Minelayers, Netlayers, Minesweepers and Landing Vessels. The groups includes Soviet built vessels, lend-lease vessels, war prizes and conversions. The vessels are identified by name and builder, and dates built, commissioned or converted. Wherever possible, more information is supplied including drawings and technical data, and some information on their careers and fates. The book is well illustrated with black-and-white photographs throughout. Hundreds of vessels are featured and illustrates well the involvement of the Russian/Soviet navy in the war effort, and the many difficulties faced, both by the navy and the shipbuilding industry.
International Plastic Modellers Society, Newsletter of the Small Warship Special Interest Group – Issue 140, March 2023

"Tony Matthews has written extensively on military and espionage history with more than thirty works to his name. His experience and knowledge are clear to all, manifest in this deeply researched work in which he catalogues in great detail four maritime disasters in WW2."
Martin Willoughby, The Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association