WWII convoy veterans banned from receiving Russian bravery medal
Monday 14 January 2013
Printable
EmailHeartless ministers today banned thousands of WWII veterans from receiving Russian bravery medals for their service on Arctic convoys.
Three thousand British servicemen provided vital supplies to the Soviet Union to aid their fight against nazi Germany on the eastern front.
The Russian government has recognised the men's bravery on what Winston Churchill called "the worst journey in the world" and offered them Ushakov medals.
But the Foreign Office says the veterans can't accept them because they are in line to receive a British medal for their service and because it was more than five years ago.
Veteran Fred Henley said the government's decision was "insulting."
Russian diplomats say they can't award the medals because of "British red tape."
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