Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is difficult to overstate the perils faced by the crews of the Arctic convoys of the Second World War. It is difficult, too, to overstate the debt of gratitude that is owed to them.
These extraordinarily courageous men – merchant sailors and naval escorts – braved the vicious polar climate and the ever-present threat from German U-boats. Had they not done so, vital supplies of everything from planes to food to telephone wire would never have made it through to the embattled Soviet Union.
It is testament to the grave dangers they faced that some 3,000 sailors lost their lives over the four years that the convoys were operating. Yet more than four million tons of goods were also delivered over that time. And by tying up German military capacity, they added to the strain on Hitler’s already stretched forces.
Quite a contribution to the Allied war effort, then. Even so, it took more than six decades for the British Government formally to recognise it. Thankfully, with the creation of the Arctic Star in 2012, that oversight was finally rectified.
President Vladimir Putin has also promised the Ushakov Medal – one of Russia’s highest honours – to the remaining veterans of the convoys, and the British Government has now finally lifted petty restrictions on the mariners receiving foreign awards. A smattering have been distributed at a ceremony in Downing Street this summer. But as many as 100 are still to be honoured, despite risking their lives to undertake what Winston Churchill himself acknowledged to be one of the most dangerous maritime missions of the war.
The problem here is one of bureaucratic torpor rather than lack of interest. But with these men now in their nineties, it would be injudicious to delay for too long. Remembrance Sunday ceremonies will commemorate all those, military and civilian, who have contributed to British war efforts since the First World War. The crews of the Arctic convoys have done as much as any, and they deserve every possible honour, including the Ushakov Medal. Let’s not leave it too late.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments