Post by Administrator on Feb 19, 2016 20:06:42 GMT
If you know Antony David Mitchell or can help, please do all possible to help. K
Chairman appeal to North Notts war hero to come forward
19 Feb 2016 - 15:09
A North Nottinghamshire war hero is being urged to come forward so that he can be presented with a prestigious Russian war medal.
The Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Sybil Fielding collected the Ushakov Medal at a ceremony in Doncaster today, on behalf of Antony David Mitchell – a veteran of the Arctic Convoys, which played a key role in defeating Hitler during the Second World War.
It is believed that Mr Mitchell lives in Mattersey Thorpe, north of Retford, but attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful so far.
A second Nottinghamshire man, Leonard Mayfield, who lived in North Wheatley until he passed away in October 2014 was honoured posthumously at the ceremony at Doncaster's Mansion House. Mr Mayfield’s Ushakov Medal was collected by his son, Paul Mayfield.
Councillor Fielding said: “The bravery shown by sailors from the Arctic Convoys should always be remembered and respected. We know their great sacrifice was made for our freedom and I welcome the opportunity to honour these remarkable men.
“The danger of enemy attack and appalling weather conditions were never far away, but the convoys still got vital supplies to Russia which helped save millions of lives and played a pivotal role in the war effort.
“It was a privilege to meet Paul Mayfield - Leonard Mayfield's son - who is rightfully very proud of his dad's bravery and the part he played in the Arctic Convoys. We are trying to make contact with Mr Mitchell or his family and hope he sees our appeal in the media. We are keen to express our heartfelt gratitude present this thoroughly deserved accolade to him on behalf of the Russian Embassy.”
Ushakov Medals were introduced in 1944 and named in honour of Russian admiral Fyodor Ushakov, an illustrious 18th century naval commander. They are awarded to sailors and soldiers who have displayed courage and bravery in the defence of the Soviet Union.
The Arctic Convoys played a vital role in transporting critical supplies to Russia during the Second World War, showing true heroism in their long and perilous convoys. They were constantly under attack from enemy ships, submarines and mines and sailors had to withstand appalling Arctic weather conditions.
A decree of the President of Russia, dated 10 March, 2014, announced that the honour should be given to a number of British veterans for their efforts during the Arctic Convoys, where the Navy joined colleagues from Canada and the United States to provide safe passage for merchant ships transporting essential supplies to the Soviet Union.
More than 3,300 Ushakov Medals have been issued and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in London has embarked on a campaign to present them to British veterans across the country.
A number of other Nottinghamshire veterans were honoured at a ceremony at Nottingham’s Council House in November last year
LINK
Chairman appeal to North Notts war hero to come forward
19 Feb 2016 - 15:09
A North Nottinghamshire war hero is being urged to come forward so that he can be presented with a prestigious Russian war medal.
The Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Sybil Fielding collected the Ushakov Medal at a ceremony in Doncaster today, on behalf of Antony David Mitchell – a veteran of the Arctic Convoys, which played a key role in defeating Hitler during the Second World War.
It is believed that Mr Mitchell lives in Mattersey Thorpe, north of Retford, but attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful so far.
A second Nottinghamshire man, Leonard Mayfield, who lived in North Wheatley until he passed away in October 2014 was honoured posthumously at the ceremony at Doncaster's Mansion House. Mr Mayfield’s Ushakov Medal was collected by his son, Paul Mayfield.
Councillor Fielding said: “The bravery shown by sailors from the Arctic Convoys should always be remembered and respected. We know their great sacrifice was made for our freedom and I welcome the opportunity to honour these remarkable men.
“The danger of enemy attack and appalling weather conditions were never far away, but the convoys still got vital supplies to Russia which helped save millions of lives and played a pivotal role in the war effort.
“It was a privilege to meet Paul Mayfield - Leonard Mayfield's son - who is rightfully very proud of his dad's bravery and the part he played in the Arctic Convoys. We are trying to make contact with Mr Mitchell or his family and hope he sees our appeal in the media. We are keen to express our heartfelt gratitude present this thoroughly deserved accolade to him on behalf of the Russian Embassy.”
Ushakov Medals were introduced in 1944 and named in honour of Russian admiral Fyodor Ushakov, an illustrious 18th century naval commander. They are awarded to sailors and soldiers who have displayed courage and bravery in the defence of the Soviet Union.
The Arctic Convoys played a vital role in transporting critical supplies to Russia during the Second World War, showing true heroism in their long and perilous convoys. They were constantly under attack from enemy ships, submarines and mines and sailors had to withstand appalling Arctic weather conditions.
A decree of the President of Russia, dated 10 March, 2014, announced that the honour should be given to a number of British veterans for their efforts during the Arctic Convoys, where the Navy joined colleagues from Canada and the United States to provide safe passage for merchant ships transporting essential supplies to the Soviet Union.
More than 3,300 Ushakov Medals have been issued and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in London has embarked on a campaign to present them to British veterans across the country.
A number of other Nottinghamshire veterans were honoured at a ceremony at Nottingham’s Council House in November last year
LINK