Arctic Star
 

Anyone had any luck acquiring the Arctic Star. Cant remember exact time for sure but sent for one back in June. Thought it may take a while but thought it might be quicker than this. Makes you wonder if its lost in the mail. Cheers Brian

If you contact JPAC they should be able to tell you what's happening.

Freephone: 0800 085 3600

E-mail: JPAC@spva.mod.uk

I saw one being presented at a veterans day event back in July.

Last week they presented about 20 at an event at the Council where I work.

What has really annoyed me about this award, and others, is the fact the the government waited until most of the veterans were deceased.

We had a representative from the Russian Embassy to present the awards last week and all the local MP's were present.

Unfortunately the local Sea Cadets could not produce a single Cadet or Adult.

E-mailed them but they wanted me to phone to confirm my identity. (not sure how they would do that) Number didn't work from Canada but Contacted them again and said I just wanted to know if they received the application. They had not received so sent another today, hopefully it will get there. Cheers Brian

Hopefully you'll get it now. You flipping well deserve it mate. Anybody who was on the frozen meat convoys is a real hero in my opinion. :)

Did you fall victim to any of the Wolf Packs, Kriegsmarine surface flotillas or the Luftwaffe when you were doing your cake?

Not me. I am applying on behalf of my late uncle. He was actually torpedoed but close enough to port that the Russians picked them up. Was reported missing in action and spent a year in Russia before hitching a ride back to England on a US cruiser. From there made it back to Newfoundland. No-one informed the family that he had been found so you could imagine the shock when he just walked in one day. He told me a few happy stories but would not speak about the convoys. Cheers Brian

I am also waiting for my late dad's Arctic Star medal, too. I am informed that all surviving veterans and widows have received theirs and the Medal Office is now concentrating on the next-of-kin applications, strictly according to date received. It has been a long campaign for this award but hopefully, we should now be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

GTB

I believe it's got to have been one of the most arduous tasks of war. In land or air battle you engage then settle down for a while (normally). At sea, in such terrible conditions as found in the Arctic Circle, even if there is no battle there is the ongoing combat with the sea itself.

In modern times I've often taken the Mickey out of the navy because they have such a cushy time but there was nothing cushy for the RN or Merchant Marine in the Arctic Convoys.

Happy and honoured to say that dad's Arctic Star was received at home this morning. Will now place it within his medal group alongside its brethren who have been waiting to welcome it.

GTB

I'm very pleased for you. Well done.

Thanks, Hussar.
This award, apart from recognition of war service in the Arctic (escorting convoys on a small Hunt-Class Destroyer), also serves to keep memories alive. Unlike many veterans who were reticent about the War, dad was an avid talker about his wartime experiences and I was an avid listener as a boy! It was only later on in life that I took to researching both his and his ship's war service. Sadly, it was too late when I decided to record firsthand his accounts and now I am putting down what I recall from our conversations.
GTB

Finally received a reply but I am way down on the list as to who receives it. I now have to go and bother his wife to fill out the application. Had to do the same for the Newfoundland volunteer medal. Jumping through hoops but will eventually get it. Cheers Brian

I've just finished reading a book which featured the experiences of sailors on the arctic convoys quite heavily. It's helped me to understand why you and others would want to keep these memories alive, with justifiable pride. If you feel you've got enough you should write it all down. Ok maybe you won't get it published but you could at least deposit them with your local library where they would be a valuable resource for future generations and scholars.