Starightforward, no-frills account of the events that led up to the sinking of the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst on Boxing Day 1943 in terrible conditions in the Arctic Sea (sometimes known as the Battle of North Cape). Good general introduction to the strategic situation, and clear exposition of the events of the final two days. Sets out clearly and without undue bias the errors on the German side which led to this magnificent ship being lost along with most of her crew. Winton had much actual naval experience and you can tell this book is written by someone who knows warships from the inside. ( )