250,000 veterans of Arctic convoys and Bomber Command to be honoured
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250,000 veterans of Arctic convoys and Bomber Command to be honoured
Long overdue recognition!
250,000 veterans of Arctic convoys and Bomber Command to be honoured
Up to a quarter of a million Second World War veterans and their families will be recognised for their contribution to the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command, ministers are to announce.
250,000 veterans of Arctic convoys and Bomber Command to be honoured - Telegraph
By Holly Watt, Whitehall Editor
6:00AM GMT 26 Feb 2013
Mark Francois, the defence minister, will unveil the design of a new medal, in inset, the Arctic Star following outrage that the service of tens of thousands of veterans who served in the Arctic had not been properly recognised.
A new clasp for Bomber Command veterans will also be released following the opening of a memorial to the airmen in London last year, 67 years after the end of the war.
The Ministry of Defence estimates that up to 250,000 veterans, or their heirs, will qualify for the new awards. The awards had previously been turned down on grounds of protocol, but at the end of last year, David Cameron, decided the veterans should finally be recognised.
The first medals and clasps will be awarded to surviving veterans and their widows. Next of kin can apply and will also receive the award.
The design of the Arctic Star will be based on the campaign stars issued during the Second World War. Any veteran who served north of the Arctic Circle during the Second World War will be eligible for the award.
The Bomber Command clasp, which is intended to be worn on the ribbon of the 1939 to 1945 Star, will follow the design of the Battle of Britain clasp.
Using service records, the Ministry of Defence has estimated there may be around 120,000 recipients of the Arctic Star and 125,000 recipients of the Bomber Command Clasp. The convoys protected the supply lines to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangel. The mission was described as the “worst journey in the world” by Sir Winston Churchill.
More than 3,000 seamen were killed during 78 convoys that delivered four million tons of fuel, food and munitions. Eight-five merchant ships and 16 Royal Navy vessels were destroyed. It is thought 66,500 men sailed on the convoys, but only 200 are alive today.
Almost half of the 125,000 men of Bomber Command died during the war, many killed by night fighters and anti-aircraft fire in raids over occupied Europe. However, amidst concerns about some of the bombing raids, there were no campaign medals specifically for Bomber Command after the war.
Mr Cameron told MPs he had accepted the recommendations of a review of military medals carried out by the former diplomat Sir John Holmes.
There are also campaigns for the recognition of survivors of the sinking of the Lancastria, a cruise liner sunk evacuating British troops from St Nazaire in France in 1940 with the loss of as up to 7,000 British lives.
The loss of the ship was the greatest single loss of life in British maritime history, but reporting of the incident was suppressed by Sir Winston, meaning the loss of life received little public recognition. Campaigners say a medal to recognise the few survivors would help right that wrong.
250,000 veterans of Arctic convoys and Bomber Command to be honoured
Up to a quarter of a million Second World War veterans and their families will be recognised for their contribution to the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command, ministers are to announce.
250,000 veterans of Arctic convoys and Bomber Command to be honoured - Telegraph
By Holly Watt, Whitehall Editor
6:00AM GMT 26 Feb 2013
Mark Francois, the defence minister, will unveil the design of a new medal, in inset, the Arctic Star following outrage that the service of tens of thousands of veterans who served in the Arctic had not been properly recognised.
A new clasp for Bomber Command veterans will also be released following the opening of a memorial to the airmen in London last year, 67 years after the end of the war.
The Ministry of Defence estimates that up to 250,000 veterans, or their heirs, will qualify for the new awards. The awards had previously been turned down on grounds of protocol, but at the end of last year, David Cameron, decided the veterans should finally be recognised.
The first medals and clasps will be awarded to surviving veterans and their widows. Next of kin can apply and will also receive the award.
The design of the Arctic Star will be based on the campaign stars issued during the Second World War. Any veteran who served north of the Arctic Circle during the Second World War will be eligible for the award.
The Bomber Command clasp, which is intended to be worn on the ribbon of the 1939 to 1945 Star, will follow the design of the Battle of Britain clasp.
Using service records, the Ministry of Defence has estimated there may be around 120,000 recipients of the Arctic Star and 125,000 recipients of the Bomber Command Clasp. The convoys protected the supply lines to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangel. The mission was described as the “worst journey in the world” by Sir Winston Churchill.
More than 3,000 seamen were killed during 78 convoys that delivered four million tons of fuel, food and munitions. Eight-five merchant ships and 16 Royal Navy vessels were destroyed. It is thought 66,500 men sailed on the convoys, but only 200 are alive today.
Almost half of the 125,000 men of Bomber Command died during the war, many killed by night fighters and anti-aircraft fire in raids over occupied Europe. However, amidst concerns about some of the bombing raids, there were no campaign medals specifically for Bomber Command after the war.
Mr Cameron told MPs he had accepted the recommendations of a review of military medals carried out by the former diplomat Sir John Holmes.
There are also campaigns for the recognition of survivors of the sinking of the Lancastria, a cruise liner sunk evacuating British troops from St Nazaire in France in 1940 with the loss of as up to 7,000 British lives.
The loss of the ship was the greatest single loss of life in British maritime history, but reporting of the incident was suppressed by Sir Winston, meaning the loss of life received little public recognition. Campaigners say a medal to recognise the few survivors would help right that wrong.
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Better late than never ...
Sadly a bit late for the Bomber Command many 
But finally full recognition for their heroic and brave service during WWII
And not forgetting the Arctic Star for the brave sailors who conducted Arctic Convoy "Frozen Hell" operations during WWII
Coff.
But finally full recognition for their heroic and brave service during WWII
And not forgetting the Arctic Star for the brave sailors who conducted Arctic Convoy "Frozen Hell" operations during WWII
Bomber Command Clasp to the 1939-45 Star
A Clasp to the 1939-45 Star is granted to the aircrew of Bomber Command who served for at least sixty days, or completed a tour of operations, on a Bomber Command operational unit and flew at least one operational sortie on a Bomber Command operational unit from the 3rd September, 1939, to the 8th May, 1945, inclusive. The award of the Clasp is to be denoted by a silver rose Emblem when the ribbon alone is worn.
Eligibility is extended to those members of Bomber Command aircrew who did not meet the qualifying criteria due to service being brought to an end by death, wounds or other disability due to service, service marked by a gallantry award or taken as a prisoner of war.
Foreign nationals commissioned or enlisted into British or, the then, Dominion Air Forces (e.g. Royal Canadian Air Force or Royal Australian Air Force) are eligible provided the individuals did not receive a similar award from their own Government.
Eligibility to the Bomber Command Clasp has no effect upon eligibility for World War Two recognition previously awarded and does not suggest automatic eligibility for any further awards.
Arctic Star
The Arctic Star is granted for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle (66 degrees, 32’N) from the 3rd September, 1939, to the 8th May, 1945, inclusive. The Arctic Star is intended to commemorate the Arctic Convoys and is designed primarily for the ships of the convoys to North Russia and their Escorts. Eligibility is defined as follows:
• Navy and Merchant Navy – Naval and Merchant Navy service anywhere at sea north of the Arctic Circle to include, but not limited exclusively to, those ships participating in, and in support of, Convoys to North Russia. Fleet Air Arm Personnel, not qualified by sea service may qualify under the conditions applying to the Royal Air Force.
• Air Force – Aircrew of the Royal Air Force will be eligible if they landed north of the Arctic Circle or served in the air over this area. Non aircrew on operational service in the area, for example ground crew or those sailing with CAM ships (Catapult Aircraft Merchant Ships), are also eligible.
• Army – Army personnel serving in His Majesty’s ships or in defensively equipped Merchant ships qualify under the rules applying to the Navy or Merchant Navy. In addition, personnel taking part in land operations north of the Arctic Circle will also be eligible.
• Civilians serving with the Forces – Members of the few approved categories of civilians who qualify for Campaign Stars will be eligible if, in support of military operations, they meet any of the above qualifying criteria.
• Foreign nationals commissioned or enlisted into British or, the then, Dominion Forces (e.g. Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Australian Navy) are eligible provided the individuals did not receive a similar award from their own Government.
• General – Eligibility to the Arctic Star has no effect upon eligibility for World War Two recognition previously awarded and does not suggest automatic eligibility for any further awards.
A Clasp to the 1939-45 Star is granted to the aircrew of Bomber Command who served for at least sixty days, or completed a tour of operations, on a Bomber Command operational unit and flew at least one operational sortie on a Bomber Command operational unit from the 3rd September, 1939, to the 8th May, 1945, inclusive. The award of the Clasp is to be denoted by a silver rose Emblem when the ribbon alone is worn.
Eligibility is extended to those members of Bomber Command aircrew who did not meet the qualifying criteria due to service being brought to an end by death, wounds or other disability due to service, service marked by a gallantry award or taken as a prisoner of war.
Foreign nationals commissioned or enlisted into British or, the then, Dominion Air Forces (e.g. Royal Canadian Air Force or Royal Australian Air Force) are eligible provided the individuals did not receive a similar award from their own Government.
Eligibility to the Bomber Command Clasp has no effect upon eligibility for World War Two recognition previously awarded and does not suggest automatic eligibility for any further awards.
Arctic Star
The Arctic Star is granted for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle (66 degrees, 32’N) from the 3rd September, 1939, to the 8th May, 1945, inclusive. The Arctic Star is intended to commemorate the Arctic Convoys and is designed primarily for the ships of the convoys to North Russia and their Escorts. Eligibility is defined as follows:
• Navy and Merchant Navy – Naval and Merchant Navy service anywhere at sea north of the Arctic Circle to include, but not limited exclusively to, those ships participating in, and in support of, Convoys to North Russia. Fleet Air Arm Personnel, not qualified by sea service may qualify under the conditions applying to the Royal Air Force.
• Air Force – Aircrew of the Royal Air Force will be eligible if they landed north of the Arctic Circle or served in the air over this area. Non aircrew on operational service in the area, for example ground crew or those sailing with CAM ships (Catapult Aircraft Merchant Ships), are also eligible.
• Army – Army personnel serving in His Majesty’s ships or in defensively equipped Merchant ships qualify under the rules applying to the Navy or Merchant Navy. In addition, personnel taking part in land operations north of the Arctic Circle will also be eligible.
• Civilians serving with the Forces – Members of the few approved categories of civilians who qualify for Campaign Stars will be eligible if, in support of military operations, they meet any of the above qualifying criteria.
• Foreign nationals commissioned or enlisted into British or, the then, Dominion Forces (e.g. Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Australian Navy) are eligible provided the individuals did not receive a similar award from their own Government.
• General – Eligibility to the Arctic Star has no effect upon eligibility for World War Two recognition previously awarded and does not suggest automatic eligibility for any further awards.
Coff.
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 26th Feb 2013 at 09:44.
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Delighted to see that these brave men are, belatedly, getting the recognition they so richly deserve. Those who served on the Arctic convoys are getting a gong too, as Courtney mentioned, which is also excellent news.
However, if you want a measure of how the government really views these men who gave so much, then remember that should any of the dwindling number of survivors be so selfish or thoughtless as to become infirm and require residential care, then their homes and savings will be confiscated to pay for it, while at the same time, the burgeoning ranks of the workshy and the self-invited receive the top brick off the chimney. Doesn't seem right, somehow.
However, if you want a measure of how the government really views these men who gave so much, then remember that should any of the dwindling number of survivors be so selfish or thoughtless as to become infirm and require residential care, then their homes and savings will be confiscated to pay for it, while at the same time, the burgeoning ranks of the workshy and the self-invited receive the top brick off the chimney. Doesn't seem right, somehow.
Last edited by Ali Qadoo; 26th Feb 2013 at 10:02. Reason: Got the eligibility criteria for the Arctic Star wrong. Apologies.
At last sense prevails! Bomber Command and Arctic convoy veterans richly deserve recognition from our "leaders". They already have it from most of us!
AQ,you are right but where do we start?
Bill
AQ,you are right but where do we start?
Bill
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Very few are still alive and I suspect the medal is the least of their concerns at this time in their life .... a decent war pension or some heating oil might be more helpful. I'll keep a picture of my Dad on the wall as a memory not a piece of metal handed out as a cheap and belated political apology.
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For who??? David Cameron? No post-war government even had the decency to shell out for a Memorial to the 55,000 who died in Bomber Command. It took one of the Bee Gees to get the ball rolling and raise private money in the end! The project was very nearly bankrupted when additional VAT was imposed. Dishing out a medal to garner a few votes when most / all the recipients have departed is politics at it's worst.
Last edited by offa; 26th Feb 2013 at 11:18.
It is thought 66,500 men sailed on the convoys, but only 200 are alive today.
Too late....
Two years ago I met a former Wellington pilot who was celebrating his 90th birthday at the RAF Club. He was pleased to talk to an aircrew member from another generation. I was surprised to learn that he served in Coastal Command, not Bomber Command, in specially adapted long-range Wellingtons, flying sorties of up to 14 hours over the Atlantic.
This was dangerous uncomfortable flying, done at low-level, in the knowledge that the loss of one of his two engines would mean an almost certain death in the water, with no chance of parachuting into captivity. For this unglamorous but dangerous work he was awarded the Atlantic Star.
I would never belittle the men of Bomber Command - I am in awe of their achievements, but now that they have their long awaited clasp, are we going to award the unsung heroes of Coastal Command a clasp to their Atlantic Stars? If not, why not? My point is, once you start singling out one or two groups for special treatment, where do you stop? The campaign stars for World War Two were deliberately created as theatre awards to avoid special pleading - is it correct to change this after a 65 year gap?
This was dangerous uncomfortable flying, done at low-level, in the knowledge that the loss of one of his two engines would mean an almost certain death in the water, with no chance of parachuting into captivity. For this unglamorous but dangerous work he was awarded the Atlantic Star.
I would never belittle the men of Bomber Command - I am in awe of their achievements, but now that they have their long awaited clasp, are we going to award the unsung heroes of Coastal Command a clasp to their Atlantic Stars? If not, why not? My point is, once you start singling out one or two groups for special treatment, where do you stop? The campaign stars for World War Two were deliberately created as theatre awards to avoid special pleading - is it correct to change this after a 65 year gap?
Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 26th Feb 2013 at 18:21.
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A disgraceful delay
Why did it take so long to award campaign decorations to survivors of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command?
Veterans of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command were victims of bureaucratic obduracy.
By Telegraph View
A disgraceful delay - Telegraph
7:27PM GMT 26 Feb 2013
The most obvious question to ask about the Government’s welcome decision finally to award campaign decorations to veteran survivors of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command, and their close relatives, is why did it take so long? The heroism of the men who took part in two of the most perilous activities of the Second World War has been known for more than 70 years; yet the Ministry of Defence has displayed a baffling stubbornness in refusing to acknowledge their efforts.
Essentially, the MoD flatly declined to revisit decisions made in 1945 on the eligibility criteria for awarding decorations such as the Africa Star and the Burma Star. Unaccountably, the majority of Arctic convoy survivors, whose experiences were among the most horrendous of the war, received no recognition. They included men who had to swim for their lives in polar waters and spent months in Russian army camps. Their efforts helped the Soviet Union defeat the Germans on the eastern front – a contribution acknowledged by the Russians when they issued a commemorative medal of their own in 1985. The Queen permitted convoy veterans to wear this while they were still being denied a medal by their own country.
The story was not much better for the veterans of Bomber Command, who ran greater risks than any other Service during the war. Out of 125,000 aircrew, more than 55,000 died – a fatality rate on a par with the infantry in the First World War trenches. At least they now have a national monument in London to mark their sacrifice, though that took 67 years to erect.
There is no excuse for the delay in paying tribute to these brave men. They survived the war only to become victims of bureaucratic obduracy.
Why did it take so long to award campaign decorations to survivors of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command?
Veterans of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command were victims of bureaucratic obduracy.
By Telegraph View
A disgraceful delay - Telegraph
7:27PM GMT 26 Feb 2013
The most obvious question to ask about the Government’s welcome decision finally to award campaign decorations to veteran survivors of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command, and their close relatives, is why did it take so long? The heroism of the men who took part in two of the most perilous activities of the Second World War has been known for more than 70 years; yet the Ministry of Defence has displayed a baffling stubbornness in refusing to acknowledge their efforts.
Essentially, the MoD flatly declined to revisit decisions made in 1945 on the eligibility criteria for awarding decorations such as the Africa Star and the Burma Star. Unaccountably, the majority of Arctic convoy survivors, whose experiences were among the most horrendous of the war, received no recognition. They included men who had to swim for their lives in polar waters and spent months in Russian army camps. Their efforts helped the Soviet Union defeat the Germans on the eastern front – a contribution acknowledged by the Russians when they issued a commemorative medal of their own in 1985. The Queen permitted convoy veterans to wear this while they were still being denied a medal by their own country.
The story was not much better for the veterans of Bomber Command, who ran greater risks than any other Service during the war. Out of 125,000 aircrew, more than 55,000 died – a fatality rate on a par with the infantry in the First World War trenches. At least they now have a national monument in London to mark their sacrifice, though that took 67 years to erect.
There is no excuse for the delay in paying tribute to these brave men. They survived the war only to become victims of bureaucratic obduracy.
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Dad crossed the bar three years ago. He served north of the Arctic circle both during and after the war and therefore held two "Blue Nose" Certificates issued by the Court of King Neptune. He was proud enough of those to hang them on the wall. I don't think I'll apply for his medal: when on the North Atlantic veterans parades with his old ships company, he always wore the ones the Russians awarded him.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Why the consistent refusal given the different Governments of different flavours and Ministers, many of whom also served? Various Lords of the Admiralty and Chiefs of Air Staffs?
The one consistent thing has been the dead hand of the Civil Service. Is it Sir Humphrey, always considering the cost, the precedence, the administrative burden etc etc?
The one consistent thing has been the dead hand of the Civil Service. Is it Sir Humphrey, always considering the cost, the precedence, the administrative burden etc etc?
A disgraceful delay
Why did it take so long to award campaign decorations to survivors of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command?
Why did it take so long to award campaign decorations to survivors of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command?
Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 27th Feb 2013 at 09:35.
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Bomber Command Medal
As an ex-aircrew member of BC I can see that justice has been done with the award of a clasp to an existing medal. I would like to personally thank members of this website for the campaign that was run to get this award through when, at one time, the Bomber Command Association had, apparently, given up any attempt.
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Details of How to Apply
Application procedure for Bomber Command Clasp & Artic Star medal + links to forms and helpline number (08457 800 900) detailed here.
Arctic Star and Bomber Command Clasp
TT
Arctic Star and Bomber Command Clasp
TT