Arctic Convoy veterans arrive in North for medal presentation

BRAVE Arctic Convoy veterans who have been campaigning for a medal to recognise their role in the Second World War arrived in Inverness today enroute to be presented with their decorations at a special ceremony.

A group of around 40 veterans arrived at Inverness Airport at lunchtime and will attend a special memorial service and to receive their Arctic Star Medals.

Forty veterans will be taking part in the service on Thursday at the site of the Arctic Convoy Memorial at Cove by Loch Ewe, Wester Ross.

After the service they will be presented with their medals by Lord Lieutenant Janet Bowen, minister of state Mark Francois and Rear Admiral Hockley.

Convoy veterans were previously eligible for the Atlantic Star but following a high profile campaign lasting over 16 years, in December last year the Prime Minister announced the creation of a specific Arctic Star medal.

The legendary Arctic Convoys of World War II carried vital supplies to northern Russian ports from September 1941 until December 1944.

In September 1942 the convoy of merchant ships accompanied by Royal Naval protection vessels assembled at Loch Ewe in Wester Ross. This base was classified a `safer option’ as it was a deep water north facing inlet tucked away in a remote location far from the main naval base at Scapa Flow in the Orkneys.

Loch Ewe continued to be used for marshalling convoys of vital supplies for the Russian allies for the duration of the war.

During the campaign over 3,000 seamen perished in the polar waters.

Last year, local people organised an Arctic Convoy Week in Aultbea to remember and raise awareness of the important role the area played during WW2.

A major fundraising effort is currently ongoing to develop an Arctic Convoy Museum in the area.