Chidgey Demands Recognition For 'Arctic Heroes' (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

Chidgey Demands Recognition For 'Arctic Heroes'

March 17, 2004 2:44 PM

David Chidgey, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, has lent his support to a campaign to honour Royal and Merchant Navy veterans with medals for participating in the Arctic Convoys campaign in World War Two.

The men, who kept Russia supplied with vital provisions to keep fighting throughout the long cold winters, are the largest remaining group to remain unrecognised by the British Government. Support for the campaign to change the situation is growing with more MPs supporting it everyday.

David Chidgey said:

"These men are exceptionally brave individuals who have never been properly recognised for the service they provided to Britain during the war years. Their courage and skill in running the gauntlet of air and submarine attacks in order to keep Russia supplied on the Eastern Front, while braving horrific weather conditions, is a feat that must not go unrecognized."

The campaign is calling upon the Prime Minister to require the Honours and Decorations Committee to recommend to the Queen that an 'Arctic Star' or clasp be created to recognise the contribution made by the veterans.

Mr Chidgey said:

"It is beyond time that we finally recognise the unique contribution, and sacrifice, made by these veterans. The Arctic convoys supplied 4 million tons of essential supplies to Russia in its fight against Nazi Germany and these efforts must be rewarded."

The Ministry of Defence has yet to approve the award of a medal despite a long campaign by veterans to persuade the Ministry. A parliamentary motion has been signed by more than 60 fellow parliamentarians and has been the subject of discussion in the House of Commons.

ENDS.