Don’t let medals be too late
Some of the most unsung heroes of the Second World War were the seamen, both from the Royal and Merchant navies, who took part in the Russian Convoys.
Thousands of men played a valiant part in suppyling Russia with vital supplies for its war effort.
Apart from Nazi warships, submarines and Luftwaffe aircraft, the convoys faced another, just as tough, adversary: the elements. Rough and unpredictable Arctic storms battered vessels and sub-zero temperatures could even capsize ships.
Eighty seven Merchant Navy ships and 18 Royal Navy vessels were sent to the bottom of the sea during the perilous operation
More than 3,000 Allied seamen died.
The heroism of those who served in the convoys was eventually honoured by the Russian government a few years ago, with the awarding of the Medal of Ushakov.
Cristobal Campos was among the many North Eastern war veterans who applied for the medal about three years ago .
Cristobel, now 98, joined the Merchant Navy and risked his life by working in the engine room of the steamship Ocean Viceroy on two convoy trips in 1943 and 1944.
In 2013, his valour was recognised by the British Government, which awarded him the Arctic Star medal.
However he fears he has been forgotten by the Russian Government as he has still not received the honour.
Mr Campos says he was told he was entitled to the medal and that he is on a list of recipients but is still waiting for the medal.
The least the Russian Government can do is speed up the delivery of the honour.
Most of the convoy veterans will be well into their nineties and many, including Cristobel, must now fear they will have to receive it posthumously.