Arctic convoys heroes honour (From South Wales Argus)

Arctic convoys heroes honour

4:39pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Letters

SURVIVING veterans of the Arctic convoys (and much- snubbed Bomber Command) have been recognised for their bravery and service. Honours will be sent out to veterans and their families as early as next month; surviving veterans and widows will be the first to receive the honours.

The families of deceased veterans who served will also be able to apply for the award. More than 3,000 men died in the freezing Arctic waters to keep supplies flowing to Britain’s ally, the Soviet Union. The Arctic convoys to the ports of Murmansk and Archangel were described as the “worst journey in the world” by Winston Churchill. Bomber Command’s death rate was even higher, with 55,000 airmen losing their lives. One reason why the Westminster government decided to act is that Russia wanted to present its own Ushakov Medal to convoy veterans, a move blocked by the Foreign Office for many years.

Jonathan T Clark Allt-yr-yn Heights Newport