This photograph shows the harbourfront at Polyarny, the Soviet naval base used by Canadian and Allied warships escorting Arctic convoys.

Taken from on board HMCS Iroquois, the photograph gives a good idea of the often bleak nature of northern escort work. Nearby Murmansk was the target of German air raids, and the area is still partially shrouded in snow in late April. During this visit, many of the Iroquois' crew received shore leave and attended a local concert celebrating the entry of Soviet troops into Berlin.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020039-001_p39c