A CAMPAIGNING war veteran is pleased that the details of a review into military medals has finally been announced by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Roy Dykes, from Whitchurch, has campaigned for 16 years to have medals given to the heroes of the Arctic Convoy Missions of the Second World War.

In a pre-election promise, the Conservative Party said survivors would be awarded a medal. But this has yet to happen.

Mr Cameron has now revealed the details of the review of the rules governing the award of medals – seven months after it was announced that one would take place.

The Government has been criticised for delaying the process. Many of the veterans are in their 90s.

Eddie Grenfell, who has led the campaign, last month suffered a cardiac arrest at a special ceremony in Whitchurch, and was rushed to hospital. At the time, the 92-year-old was being presented with a medal by the people of Whitchurch for his efforts in the war, along with Mr Dykes, also 92.

Afterwards, Mr Dykes wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, saying: “Let us resolve this long-running matter before anything else happens.”

Mr Cameron has now responded, saying: “I have no doubt that service on the Arctic Convoys was unimaginably demanding, and the particular citation you have included, mentioning Eddie, is extraordinary. I can understand the reasons why there are calls for service on the Arctic Convoys to be separately recognised.

“However, it is important that this issue is carefully considered along with other campaigns that carry similar merit for recognition with a campaign medal.

“That is why the Coalition Government has agreed there should be a fresh review.”

Mr Cameron promised that groups such as the Arctic Medal Campaign, will be consulted, and added: “I am also insistent that the review does not take any time beyond what is absolutely required.”

Mr Cameron, who personally signed the letter, said he will review the conclusions of the review. The Prime Minister said: “Where there is merit, we will make recommendations to Her Majesty The Queen for her consideration. Please pass on my very best wishes to Eddie and his family.”

The review will be conducted by Sir John Holmes, the director at The Ditchley Foundation, who will report back in the summer. He formerly served as the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief co-ordinator and as Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Paris and Lisbon.

The review will include a consultation with Buckingham Palace, all three Services, representatives from veterans’ groups, the Foreign Office, Royal British Legion, and Ministry of Defence.