Post by Admin on Mar 1, 2013 20:19:54 GMT -5
Sailors' medals arrive from Russia with love:
Thursday, December 20, 2012
RUSSIAN officials have delivered medals to Hull war veterans.
For years, Arctic Convoy sailors have battled Whitehall for their own medal to recognise their Second World War hardship.
Earlier this year, the Kremlin offered British veterans a medal, but the offer was rejected by the Government.
Now, in a move likely to cause ripples in diplomatic circles, the Mail has been informed at least three Hull veterans have now received medals.
Two veterans have been visited by Russian representatives, it has been claimed.
Eddie Piercy, chairman of the Hull Independent Merchant Navy Association, said: "While the Government is standing by its decision to deny the issuing of a medal, we have been informed by three of our members that they have in fact received a medal.
"One member was sent it through the post and two others received theirs in person from a representative of the Russian Federation.
"This whole issue is taking on all the aspects of a Whitehall farce. The Government should get its act together and officially allow the issue and wearing of this medal to all its Arctic veterans, while issuing a British Arctic Veterans' medal to its own qualifying citizens."
Both Royal Navy and Merchant Navy sailors were involved in ferrying vital supplies to Russia.
Often, they were attacked by German U-Boats and dive- bombers.
Wartime Prime Minister Winston famously described the convoys as the "worst journey in the world".
Yet the Government has refused to issue a medal – or allow the Russians to give them one of theirs.
George Barker, 87, of James Reckitt Avenue, east Hull, served in the convoys with the Royal Navy.
He said: "I'm extremely pleased Merchant Navy veterans appear to have received the Ushakov medal.
"They deserve the medal just as much as former Royal Navy sailors. It's about getting recognition for what we did.
"If the Russian Government feels it merits recognition, why doesn't ours?"
Mr Barker has not received the Ushakov, although he did receive a visit from a Russian representative last month.
Speaking shortly after the visit, Mr Barker said: "The gentleman just turned up on my doorstep and said, 'George, I have something for you. You have not been forgotten'.
"He handed me a bag containing a Russian Victory Medal, which I already have, a very nice keyring and a DVD about St Petersburg."
Previously, the Government said Arctic Convoy veterans were entitled to wear the Arctic Star.
But Mr Barker said veterans are not happy with the Government's offer.
"It's nothing more than a lapel badge," said Mr Barker. "We have always said we deserve our own medal. We will not give up the fight."
No one from the Ministry of Defence was available to comment.
Read more: www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Sailors-medals-arrive-Russia-love/story-17636074-detail/story.html#ixzz2MJrpX81r
Admin / Kieran.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
RUSSIAN officials have delivered medals to Hull war veterans.
For years, Arctic Convoy sailors have battled Whitehall for their own medal to recognise their Second World War hardship.
Earlier this year, the Kremlin offered British veterans a medal, but the offer was rejected by the Government.
Now, in a move likely to cause ripples in diplomatic circles, the Mail has been informed at least three Hull veterans have now received medals.
Two veterans have been visited by Russian representatives, it has been claimed.
Eddie Piercy, chairman of the Hull Independent Merchant Navy Association, said: "While the Government is standing by its decision to deny the issuing of a medal, we have been informed by three of our members that they have in fact received a medal.
"One member was sent it through the post and two others received theirs in person from a representative of the Russian Federation.
"This whole issue is taking on all the aspects of a Whitehall farce. The Government should get its act together and officially allow the issue and wearing of this medal to all its Arctic veterans, while issuing a British Arctic Veterans' medal to its own qualifying citizens."
Both Royal Navy and Merchant Navy sailors were involved in ferrying vital supplies to Russia.
Often, they were attacked by German U-Boats and dive- bombers.
Wartime Prime Minister Winston famously described the convoys as the "worst journey in the world".
Yet the Government has refused to issue a medal – or allow the Russians to give them one of theirs.
George Barker, 87, of James Reckitt Avenue, east Hull, served in the convoys with the Royal Navy.
He said: "I'm extremely pleased Merchant Navy veterans appear to have received the Ushakov medal.
"They deserve the medal just as much as former Royal Navy sailors. It's about getting recognition for what we did.
"If the Russian Government feels it merits recognition, why doesn't ours?"
Mr Barker has not received the Ushakov, although he did receive a visit from a Russian representative last month.
Speaking shortly after the visit, Mr Barker said: "The gentleman just turned up on my doorstep and said, 'George, I have something for you. You have not been forgotten'.
"He handed me a bag containing a Russian Victory Medal, which I already have, a very nice keyring and a DVD about St Petersburg."
Previously, the Government said Arctic Convoy veterans were entitled to wear the Arctic Star.
But Mr Barker said veterans are not happy with the Government's offer.
"It's nothing more than a lapel badge," said Mr Barker. "We have always said we deserve our own medal. We will not give up the fight."
No one from the Ministry of Defence was available to comment.
Read more: www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Sailors-medals-arrive-Russia-love/story-17636074-detail/story.html#ixzz2MJrpX81r
Admin / Kieran.