Post by Administrator on Sept 16, 2013 17:30:35 GMT
A SOUTH Tyneside war veteran has welcomed the news he is to receive a new medal – from Russia with love.
Heroes of the famous Second World War Arctic Convoys are set for double recognition this year.
For years, convoy veterans were denied medals by the British Government.
But in a landmark turnaround, politicians have now granted them not one, but two.
In June, former Merchant Navy seamen received the Arctic Star, which honours their part in transporting supplies to Russia between 1941 and 1945.
And last week, the men received a letter to say that they will also be awarded the Ushakov Medal from the Russian government.
It has previously been denied to participants of Operation Dervish – the Arctic Convoys – but in June, Secretary of State William Hague said approval had been given for “an exception to the rules” on the acceptance of foreign awards.
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Heroes of the famous Second World War Arctic Convoys are set for double recognition this year.
For years, convoy veterans were denied medals by the British Government.
But in a landmark turnaround, politicians have now granted them not one, but two.
In June, former Merchant Navy seamen received the Arctic Star, which honours their part in transporting supplies to Russia between 1941 and 1945.
And last week, the men received a letter to say that they will also be awarded the Ushakov Medal from the Russian government.
It has previously been denied to participants of Operation Dervish – the Arctic Convoys – but in June, Secretary of State William Hague said approval had been given for “an exception to the rules” on the acceptance of foreign awards.
LINK