e-petition, Arctic Convoy Medal

skyflyer said:
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5211

Arctic Convoys, world war 2

Responsible department: Ministry of Defence

That the Government issue a medal for all those members of the Armed forces and the Merchant Navy involved in the Arctic Convoys during the second World War.
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A good cause. Sadly, since it was 70 years ago, a lot of those deserving of a medal died waiting. My Father-in-Law was one of them.
 
RestlessL said:
http://www.veterans-uk.info/medals/arctic.html

http://www.halcyon-class.co.uk/new_arctic_star.htm
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Thanks:
"Mindful that those who served in the Arctic regions were often subjected to especially dangerous circumstances including extreme weather conditions and determined resistance from German forces, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues believe that the service given and the conditions undergone by the Arctic veterans warrant tangible recognition in the form of something that can be worn. As a result, on 7 March 2005 the Prime Minister announced at a reception for Arctic veterans, the introduction of a new Arctic Emblem that can be worn as a unique, recognised addition to medals."

Five years too late. My FiL died in February 2000, aged 80.
 
My uncle who first went to sea in 1915, served until 1945 as did his brother, sailed to Arkangel(?) suffered v. much with bronchitis, denied any pension, Another cousin, whilst his father was at sea, signed on; on his first voyage out of Middlesbrough, was torpedoed TWICE, tried to keep the cabin boy afloat - had to let him go in the end, came home and joined the RN, another brother at sea in RN Patrol Service on trawler-sweepers
These MN men suffered great privations and massive stress, received no medal for war service and if their ships were sunk, their pay was stopped immediately, 20% of them of lost at sea - 40,000+.
I worked with a ret'd PC who had been stationed at the gangplank of tankers at Thameshaven to make sure none of the crew went ashore and returned across the Atlantic without leave

Any award too late for 95% of them, All my relatives long gone - including my cousin.
 
Much too late for far too many. My father was a member of the Observer Corps, went as a volunteer on an American ship to help ensure that they didn't shoot down friendly aircraft, some things don't change.
 
Reverend Ludd said:
Can I ask, is there not an atlantic medal that they would have got ?
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Having known some of those who served in both areas, the Artic was very very different to the Atlantic. To suggest to an Artic survivor that an Atlantic medal will do is a very insulting thought. Wash your mind out withsomething nasty.
 
maxi77 said:
Having known some of those who served in both areas, the Artic was very very different to the Atlantic. To suggest to an Artic survivor that an Atlantic medal will do is a very insulting thought. Wash your mind out withsomething nasty.
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I was actually just asking a polite question rather than making a suggestion but hey ho
 
I am sure the sentiment was correct.

My chum Charlie Solley who first ever took us sailing and encouraged me, owner of a Mystic, Enterprise, Otter then Folkboat among others, served on the Murmansk Convoys, his first attempt to volunteer under age was seen through, but at 17 he was accepted; he didn't say much about it, but I remember him shuddering, " How I hate North-Easterlies !"

He did say once how the Swordfish aircraft on his Escort Carrier had to have the Pegasus engine started on the lift to the flight deck, or it was straight down to the hangar again as the windchill would prevent anything starting on deck...

I mentioned this at Charlie's funeral, we owe such people an unpayable debt.

Charlie later become Chief Inspector on the Harrier trials & sales programme, ( and brought back his bride Magda from Chile ! ) ---- legendary Chief Test Pilot John Farley commented,

" He didn't do his job for money or fame, just because he could ".
 
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Seajet said:
I am sure the sentiment was correct.

My chum Charlie Solley who first ever took us sailing and encouraged me, owner of a Mystic, Enterprise, Otter then Folkboat among others, served on the Murmansk Convoys, his first attempt to volunteer under age was seen through, but at 17 he was accepted; he didn't say much about it, but I remember him shuddering, " How I hate North-Easterlies !"

He did say once how the Swordfish aircraft on his Escort Carrier had to have the Pegasus engine started on the lift to the flight deck, or it was straight down to the hangar again as the windchill would prevent anything starting on deck...

I mentioned this at Charlie's funeral, we owe such people an unpayable debt.

Charlie later become Chief Inspector on the Harrier trials & sales programme, ( and brought back his bride Magda from Chile ! ) ---- legendary Chief Test Pilot John Farley commented,

" He didn't do his job for money or fame, just because he could ".
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I had a mate who was an observer on one of those swordfish, ditched and was very lucky to survive. Was taught at school by 2 teachers who served on artic escorts. The artic convoy guys earned the right to their own medal.
 
Reverend Ludd said:
I was actually just asking a polite question rather than making a suggestion but hey ho
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Sorry you see it that way but yor suggestion would never have been made if you had had the decency to do even the slightest research into the subject. It has been that sentement that has denied the artic convoy survivors due respect since the war.
 
maxi77 said:
Sorry you see it that way but yor suggestion would never have been made if you had had the decency to do even the slightest research into the subject. It has been that sentement that has denied the artic convoy survivors due respect since the war.
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And had he been alive and aware during WW2 he would not now be crusading for some rejection of the Monarchy - Churchill and the King & Queen helped provide the will to continue - maybe he thinks it might have been better that way.
 
Reverend Ludd said:
Atlantic Star then maybe ?
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My father had the Atlantic Star for trips across the Atlantic in a Fleet Oiler. However, you cannot compare those with his trips to Murmansk. A lot of these very brave people wear a white beret at remembrence services, and I managed to obtain one of these for my father. Any medal now is too late for him unfortunately.

Government treatment of veterans in UK is pathetic - witness the bomber command memorial where some of the organisers may end up loosing their homes due to the financial liabilities for provision of security at the unveiling. An unveiling to be attended by the Minister of Defence after reneging on promises for finance.

Compare this with the benefits for veterens provided in USA
 
maxi77 said:
Sorry you see it that way but yor suggestion would never have been made if you had had the decency to do even the slightest research into the subject. It has been that sentement that has denied the artic convoy survivors due respect since the war.
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IT WASN"T A SUGGESTION !!
You have no idea what decency is you bombastic fool, I was asking politely as I thought that this was a forum of "friends" who want to chat rather that people like you who want to wear their sentimentality as some kind of medal themselves.

reginaldon said:
And had he been alive and aware during WW2 he would not now be crusading for some rejection of the Monarchy - Churchill and the King & Queen helped provide the will to continue - maybe he thinks it might have been better that way.
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You have no idea if I was alive during the war or what I think about it.

What I think about the men and women who fought and in some cases gave their lives for this country is completely unaffected by what I think of the Monarchy. There were many many people who fought with equal bravery in the war who had already abandoned Monarchy. Perhaps you need to go away and have a read. I'll give you a starter, (A big country to the West of us)

"maybe he thinks it might have been better that way" That makes no sense at all, what way ?
 
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