The convoy encountered extreme severe weather, which forced six merchant ships, the cruiser Sheffield and the escort carrier  to turn back, but also prevented German forces from making effective attacks, with no merchant ships being sunk. Orwell sailed with the return convoy, RA 53 which left Kola Bay on 1 March, leaving the convoy on 10 March. Three ships of the convoy were sunk by German U-boats, while a fourth ship foundered.
The convoy encountered severe weather conditions that forced six merchant ships, including the cruiser Sheffield and the escort carrier, to turn back. This prevented German forces from launching successful attacks on the convoy, resulting in no merchant ships being sunk. Orwell joined the return convoy, RA 53, which departed Kola Bay on March 1st and left the convoy on March 10th. Three ships of the convoy were sunk by German U-boats, while one sank due to other reasons.