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WISHART WELCOMES VICTORY FOR VETERANS AS PRODUCTION BEGINS ON ARCTIC STAR
The Scottish National Party’s Mr Pete Wishart MP, Member of Parliament for Perth & North Perthshire has hailed a victory for veterans of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command as they finally receive recognition of their service today following a long running campaign.
The Arctic convoys endured incredible hardship and saw over 3,000 men lose their lives in the process of ensuring that supplies successfully reached Russia during the Second World War. The sacrifices made on the convoy are regularly identified as having been critical to the success of the war effort.
The MoD have today confirmed that production of the Arctic Star medal and the Bomber Command clasp is due to begin this week. Up to 250,000 veterans or heirs will be eligible for the honour.
Welcoming the news, Mr Wishart said:
“The decision to award an Arctic Convoy Medal is long overdue but it is a vindication for the many people who have campaigned over the years for this recognition of the incredible bravery shown by those involved in the convoys in some absolutely atrocious conditions.
“It has been my pleasure to back their campaign and a privilege to meet some of their number.
“Seventy years is a long time to have to wait but I am really pleased for those veterans of the Arctic Convoys who are still with us that their essential contribution to the war effort has at long last been recognised.
“The bravery of those men who fought the sea and the cold as well as the German Navy to keep our Allies supplied and fighting was absolutely key to victory on that front. Their heroism has gone without proper recognition from the UK Government for far too long.
“So I welcome the news that production is to begin this week on a medal to properly honour them and finally pay long overdue respect to the privations suffered by those brave men.”
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