Through the Icy Russian Waters of World War II. 'I have never been able to rejoice with my American friends on their Independence Day. For me, July 4th is a day to hang my head in grief for all the men who lost their lives on Convoy PQ17 - and in shame at the recollection of one of the most bleak episodes in Royal Naval history, when the war ships deserted the merchant ships and left them to their fate.' Vice Admiral WD O'Brien, CB, DSC, Commander, Far East Fleet. This is the inside story of the event as told from the sharp end - an account not always in step with official records.