Arctic Convoy war heroes finally see medals for bravery
AFTER a wait of more than 60 years, the heroes of the Second World War Arctic Convoy will today see for the first time the medal made to recognise their bravery.
The design of the new Arctic Star will be unveiled by ministers, and will be awarded within weeks to the men who struggled through what Winston Churchill described as the “worst jour- ney in the world”. More than 3000 sailors took part in the Arctic convoys to deliver munitions and other cargo to the Soviet Union to aid it in its fight against the Nazis.
The new Arctic Star follows a long campaign to recognise the unique contribution of the sailors who helped to protect Britain during the war.
When in opposition, the Tories had told veterans they would give them medals if elected.
However, in 2011, Tory minister Andrew Robathan caused outrage among veterans’ groups when he was reported as saying the UK did not “throw around” honours as Saddam Hussein had done.
Wit h i n months Dav i d Cameron had announced the creation of the new awards.
Also unveiled today will be the new Bomber Command clasp.
It is thought that between the two up to one-quarter-of-amillion veterans and the families of those who have died could be eligible to receive the new awards.
Living veterans and widows will be the first in line to receive the new awards from as early as next month. It is thought around 200 veterans of the Arctic convoys are still living. One of the leaders of the campaign to get the medal has been Eddie Grenfell, who was originally from Peterhead.
The Arctic Star will be based on the Second World War Stars and the Bomber Commandclasp, to be worn on the ribbon of the 1939 to 1945 Star, will follow the design of the Battle of Britain clasp. Those eligible for the new Bomber Command clasp will have previously qualified for the 1939 to 1945 Star, to which the clasp will be affixed.
All those who served for any length of time north of the Arctic Circle in the Second World War will be eligible for the new Arctic Star.
Production of both of the new awards will begin this week.