Convoy JW 56B

It sailed in late January 1944, reaching the Soviet northern ports at the beginning of February.

During the voyage JW 56B was attacked by a German U-boat force; no merchant ships were sunk, though one of the escorts was lost.

A cruiser cover force comprising Kent (R.Adm AFE Palliser), Berwick and Bermuda was also at sea, to guard the two convoys against attack by surface units.

JW 56B was opposed by a U-boat force of fifteen boats, code-named Werewolf, in the Barents Sea.

Waiting there were the ten U-boats of wolfpack Isengrim, re-inforced with five newcomers and re-organized as the group Werewolf.