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 passage describes a convoy's experience during severe weather conditions and its impact on both the convoy itself and the opposing forces. Orwell joined the return convoy after the initial voyage. Three ships of the convoy were sunk by German U-boats, while one sank due to other reasons.