Arctic convoys veterans to receive medals at last (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Arctic convoys veterans to receive medals at last

9:00am Sunday 10th March 2013 in Andover

SECOND World War heroes who served in the Arctic convoys are at last set to receive official recognition for their bravery nearly 70 years ago.

The Arctic convoy missions saw vital supplies delivered to the Soviet Union between 1941 and 1945 in what Winston Churchill described as “the most dangerous run of the war”.

Whitchurch resident Roy Dykes, who was a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy, has campaigned for 16 years for veterans to be awarded with an official medal and has seen the design for the new Arctic Star medal, which will be given out in the coming weeks.

Mr Dykes said: “It means that at last this Government recognises that campaign for how important it was. At last, we are getting some recognition for it. There is nothing more we can do now but wait to be informed when we will receive it.”

MP Sir George Young welcomed the Government’s decision.

He said: “Roy Dykes deserves huge praise for the way he has championed the cause of those who served in these convoys.

“ D e s p i t e many setbacks, he never gave up and I know he was heartened by the support he got from Whitchurch, the town in which he lives.

“This is a w e l c o m e announcement which will recognise the bravery of those who fought for our freedom in the Second World War. I would encourage all eligible veterans and next of kin to apply for the new awards.”