Heroes: Yesterday the 11 servicemen, pictured, came together to lead fresh calls for the Ministry of Defence to honour their exploits with a campaign medal
These 11 heroes were among more than 66,000 British sailors and merchant seamen who braved sub-zero temperatures to keep supply lines to Russia open during the Second World War.
Proudly wearing their Royal Navy uniforms pinned with gleaming medals, they are part of a dwindling band of Second World War brothers.
The political sensitivities of the Cold War have been blamed for Britain’s failure to honour the heroes in the aftermath of the war.
In opposition the Conservatives promised to introduce an Arctic Medal if they took office, but David Cameron appears to have reneged on the pledge.
He ordered an 18-month MoD-led review, and last month infuriated the old sailors by ordering another independent probe.
Yesterday Tory MP Caroline Dinenage said: ‘The Arctic campaign remains the only major maritime campaign of the Second World War without a specific medal.
‘These heroic men have waited almost 70 years for recognition from the country they served so courageously. Now is not the time for delay or protocol, but for action.’
In all, there are only 200 remaining survivors of Britain’s Arctic convoy, which Winston Churchill called ‘the worst journey in the world’.
Icy: Members of the Arctic convoy endured freezing conditions during what Winston Churchill called 'the worst journey in the world'
Those on the convoy endured fearful conditions carrying vital munitions and supplies to embattled Russia so that the Red Army could continue the fight against Nazi Germany.
The perilous 1,600-mile trip from Scotland and Iceland, past the enemy-held shores of Norway to the frozen wastes of Murmansk and Archangel, was fraught with terrible danger.
Intense cold, 40ft waves and freezing seas were matched by the constant fear of torpedo attack from enemy submarines or bombing raids by warplanes.
More than 3,000 British sailors were killed on the convoys and 87 merchant ships and 18 Royal Navy warships perished.
These 11 men who met in London’s Victory Services Club, a place steeped in military history, rightly feel proud of their endeavours. They also feel anger and betrayal over being denied a medal.
In opposition the Conservatives promised to introduce an Arctic Medal if they took office, but David Cameron appears to have reneged on the pledge.
He ordered an 18-month MoD-led review, and last month infuriated the old sailors by ordering another independent probe.
Yesterday Tory MP Caroline Dinenage said: ‘The Arctic campaign remains the only major maritime campaign of the Second World War without a specific medal.
‘These heroic men have waited almost 70 years for recognition from the country they served so courageously. Now is not the time for delay or protocol, but for action.’
In all, there are only 200 remaining survivors of Britain’s Arctic convoy, which Winston Churchill called ‘the worst journey in the world’.
Icy: Members of the Arctic convoy endured freezing conditions during what Winston Churchill called 'the worst journey in the world'
Those on the convoy endured fearful conditions carrying vital munitions and supplies to embattled Russia so that the Red Army could continue the fight against Nazi Germany.
The perilous 1,600-mile trip from Scotland and Iceland, past the enemy-held shores of Norway to the frozen wastes of Murmansk and Archangel, was fraught with terrible danger.
Intense cold, 40ft waves and freezing seas were matched by the constant fear of torpedo attack from enemy submarines or bombing raids by warplanes.
More than 3,000 British sailors were killed on the convoys and 87 merchant ships and 18 Royal Navy warships perished.
These 11 men who met in London’s Victory Services Club, a place steeped in military history, rightly feel proud of their endeavours. They also feel anger and betrayal over being denied a medal.
Intense cold, 40ft waves and freezing seas were matched by the constant fear of torpedo attack from enemy submarines or bombing raids by warplanes
Seamen wrapped up in specially designed Arctic outfits man the searchlight
A seaman makes attempts to free chains, wires and bollards from ice onboard ship during the Arctic convoy
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2079171/Heroes-man-As-calls-medal-grow-meet-11-survivors-Arctic-convoy.html#ixzz1hqDafJXV
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