Pendle MP welcomes Arctic medal announcement

10:00pm Thursday 20th December 2012 in News

MP for Pendle, Andrew Stephenson, has joined the ranks of those welcoming the Prime Minister’s statement that medals will be awarded to veterans of the Arctic convoys in World War II.

The Arctic convoys were undertaken to keep the supply lines to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangel open in spite of German blockades.

More than 3,000 seamen died in the operation with then Prime Minister Winston Churchill describing it as the ‘worst journey in the world’.

Around 400 convoy veterans remain alive today including some in Pendle.

Mr Stephenson said: “Having written to the Foreign Secretary about this issue, I was delighted to be in the Commons Chamber to hear the Prime Minister announce a medal will be awarded. This is common sense prevailing and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who took part in the convoys.”

Comments (4)

10:10pm Thu 20 Dec 12

Old Alzheimer says...

Sadly, far too late for far too many !!!!!
Sadly, far too late for far too many !!!!! Old Alzheimer

11:58pm Thu 20 Dec 12

clickhere says...

Old Alzheimer wrote:
Sadly, far too late for far too many !!!!!
Quite so.
These veterans have had medals and far more acknowledgement from the Russians than their own side - even before the fall of the Soviet Union. The civilian Merchant Navy suffered a higher % of losses than any of the armed services and whereever in the world, from commencement of the voyage till the end they were on the front line with the possibility of a uBoat torpedo at anytime. Their pay was even stopped on the date their ship sank.
Those that did the Arctic convoys had the added peril of ice and frostbite whilst on the ship with a certain speedy death if their ship was attacked and they ended up in the water.
Disgraceful that it has taken this long for the country to say thank you.
[quote][p][bold]Old Alzheimer[/bold] wrote: Sadly, far too late for far too many !!!!![/p][/quote]Quite so. These veterans have had medals and far more acknowledgement from the Russians than their own side - even before the fall of the Soviet Union. The civilian Merchant Navy suffered a higher % of losses than any of the armed services and whereever in the world, from commencement of the voyage till the end they were on the front line with the possibility of a uBoat torpedo at anytime. Their pay was even stopped on the date their ship sank. Those that did the Arctic convoys had the added peril of ice and frostbite whilst on the ship with a certain speedy death if their ship was attacked and they ended up in the water. Disgraceful that it has taken this long for the country to say thank you. clickhere

10:01am Fri 21 Dec 12

Noiticer says...

Says much about the structure of our society when the military got medals and the civilian services were forgotten for years. The same system continues to-day with honours easily given to top civil servants, military top brass and celebrities yet thousands of ordinary folk do remarkable things day in and day out without recognition.
Says much about the structure of our society when the military got medals and the civilian services were forgotten for years. The same system continues to-day with honours easily given to top civil servants, military top brass and celebrities yet thousands of ordinary folk do remarkable things day in and day out without recognition. Noiticer

10:48pm Sat 22 Dec 12

globetrot says...

Noiticer wrote:
Says much about the structure of our society when the military got medals and the civilian services were forgotten for years. The same system continues to-day with honours easily given to top civil servants, military top brass and celebrities yet thousands of ordinary folk do remarkable things day in and day out without recognition.
Havt to agree with you there. I am putting my hand up for my granddad. unfortunately too little too late. He has severe alzhiemers and although the medal is priceless to his family, it will mean nothing to him.
[quote][p][bold]Noiticer[/bold] wrote: Says much about the structure of our society when the military got medals and the civilian services were forgotten for years. The same system continues to-day with honours easily given to top civil servants, military top brass and celebrities yet thousands of ordinary folk do remarkable things day in and day out without recognition.[/p][/quote]Havt to agree with you there. I am putting my hand up for my granddad. unfortunately too little too late. He has severe alzhiemers and although the medal is priceless to his family, it will mean nothing to him. globetrot

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree