No British Medal for Arctic Convoy Duty

[Bill Smy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4328087.stm

 

[jmacleod]

I would think that the Atlantic Star would fit Arctic Convoy Duty participants. I know the Russians
awarded a special Murmansk Medal to survivors of the famous "Murmansk Run". Many convoys which
participated commenced their voyages in, as the Naval censors said "an East Coast Canadian Port"
which was Halifax NS. Briefings for convoy ships masters were held at Admirality House Gottingen
Street, Halifax (right across the street from our house). Sad thing about the convoy participants
was that Ottawa bureaucrats refused to award Merchant Mariners medals or pensions for many
decades after 1945 - which was rectified, finally in 2000-2001, thanks to MP's like Elsie Wayne
NB and George Baker, Newfoundland. MacLeod

 

[jmacleod]

Further to my earlier comment, there is a lot of controversy about this issue in the UK media and
the BBC (BBC News World England) - as I indicated, the Arctic Veterans were awarded the
Atlantic Star, but it appears no medal can be created because of awards regulations - the answer
would be to issue a sterling silver or gold clasp, engraved with the word, or words "Arctic Service"
or "Arctic Convoys" I suggest - but there should be long overdue recognition. MacLeod

 

[X Royal]

Sad thing about the convoy participants was that Ottawa bureaucrats refused to award Merchant Mariners medals or pensions for many decades after 1945 - which was rectified, finally in 2000-2001, thanks to MP's like Elsie WayneNB and George Baker, Newfoundland.
MacLeod

The sad part is they waited until most were no longer with us (including my father who also served with the PPCLI in Korea).

Pro Patria