Once again our Arctic Convoy veterans are ignored by Britain. The recent proposal of the award of the Russian "Medal of Ushakov" by the Russian government has been snubbed by William Hague, who is using the the 'recipient’s activities within past five years.' to reject the award In 2003 this five year rule was ignored so that members who served in the Suez "Canal Zone" between 1951-1954, could receive the Naval GSM and GSM with Canal Zone clasp. It was also ignored in 2005 so that members could receive the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal who served in Malaya/Borneo between August 1957 and August 1966. Heroes barred from receiving Russian medal - Defence - Portsmouth News Rather ironic considering the prime ministers speech the other day in regard to the millions, rightly so, they are going to put into the 100th Anniversary of the start of WWI as an act of remembrance to educate those at school the sacrifice made, but they are not willing to consider an award to those veterans of WWII still living.
From the Goole Times, Friday 13th September 2013 Medal for war hero http://gooletimes.info/medal-for-war-hero-p557-1.htm Full story here: He was thrilled to have been one of only 200 war veterans in the country to receive a medal to acknowledge his place in the Arctic Convoys, now George Smith, (92), has been informed by the Russian Embassy that he will receive another medal for his bravery. The Medal of Ushakov will be George's sixth medal, after finally receiving his Arctic Star medal from the British government in April. In a letter to Mr Smith, the Russian Embassy said "In June 2013, a few days before the visit of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to London, there was reached an agreement that the British veterans of the Arctic Convoys would be granted HM Government's permission of to be awarded Russia's Ushakov Medal. In this regard the Embassy of the Russian Federation together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence of Great Britain are working on compiling a joint comprehensive list of British veterans, who are entitled to the Ushakov Medal". The Ushakov Medal was a Soviet military award created in 1944 and named in honour of Russian admiral Fyodor Ushakov, who never lost a battle and was named patron saint of the Russian Navy. The medal is said to be awarded to those who show bravery in the naval arena. Unlike the Arctic Star medal, the Ushakov cannot be claimed posthumously, so Mr Smith, who lives in Airmyn, is one of only a few surviving veterans set to receive it. Speaking this week he said "It was certainly a surprise, it knocked me back a bit when I read the letter. I've accepted and they said when the medals are delivered to the London Embassy they'll be in touch. George was one of around 66,000 Royal Navy sailors and merchant seamen who endured sub-zero temperatures and horrendous working conditions in the Arctic Convoys which contributed to victory on the Eastern Front in the Second World War.
Diane, Thanks for posting, I too saw the News earlier and thought that it was about time. The British Government has always been backwards at coming Forward, with the issue of medals. I personally feel that if any Country wishes to honour any Person for their Services rendered in times of wwar and conflicts, the recipients should be allowed to accept. With this latest News and the French Normandy campaign also in the limelight, perhaps the Government will rethink and change the rules, which are clearly outdated. Thats me now off the soapbox. Regards Tom
Hi Tom, I remember reading about one other case ... http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Veteran's+bid+to+get+%60Dutch+courage'+rewarded.-a091649246 http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/21/a4678121.shtml and his sad demise http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2065684/Hitler-kills-World-War-Two-veteran--67-years-bullets-hit-leg-D-Day.html I'm rather ambivalent about it, particularly if some get them now and not many others who might have been entitled - had they survived / had they lived long enough. Doesn't really make up for the decision at the time, but then again, I am not a veteran, who may see things quite differently.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-30290084 Russian medals for Welsh war veterans in Arctic Convoys The Medal of Ushakov is being presented to veterans of the Arctic Convoys[/size] Related Stories Arctic Convoy veterans honoured In pictures: Arctic convoys Welsh navy veterans who served with the Arctic Convoys in World War Two are being honoured by the Russian government. They are being presented Ushakov medals for their part in delivering supplies to the Eastern front. Eleven veterans are receiving medals at a ceremony at Bodelwyddan Castle, Denbighshire, on Tuesday. And 67 medals will be awarded at an event in Cardiff on Wednesday attended by First Minister Carwyn Jones. Campaigners long believed veterans should have been able to receive the Russian accolade and in 2013 the UK government made an exception to its rules. Referring to the veterans, Mr Jones said: "They not only fought enemy ships, U-Boats and airplanes, but also battled extreme weather, sailing with ship decks covered in ice in ferocious conditions of towering seas and hurricane force winds."
Hi, My Uncle Arnold (My Dads Brother) was on the Arctic runs. Arnolds hands trembled and it wasn't untill I was 8 years old I asked my Dad why. My Dad told me how Arnold had survived the "Arctic Runs". Sadly Uncle Arnold wont be able to be there for his well deserved medal. Regards, Mick D.
