UK veterans can't accept Russian medal
2013-01-14 19:59
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London - Britain's Foreign Office said on Monday that UK
veterans who served on hazardous Arctic convoy duty during World War II may not
accept bravery medals offered by Russia.
The convoys that sailed from Britain to northern ports in
what was then the Soviet Union provided vital support to Soviet troops fighting
Hitler's forces on the eastern front.
Officials said on Friday it would violate British rules
to accept Russia's Ushakov Medal because the veterans are in line to receive a
British medal for their service and because the service took place more than
five years ago.
The foreign office added in a statement that it
"very much appreciates" the Russian government's desire to recognise
the "brave and valuable" service provided by the Arctic convoy
veterans.
In 2010, a group of British veterans did receive Russian
commemorative medals for their participation in the convoys aboard the HMS
Belfast that took part in them and is now a museum.
Britain's wartime leader Winston Church called the voyage
from northern Scotland to Russia's northern ports "the worse journey in
the world”.
Experts believe some 3 000 sailors died in the voyages
intended to deliver tanks, aircraft and other weapons and military equipment.
They faced attacks from German U-boats and bombers and
were also subjected to extreme cold and ice.
Prime Minister David Cameron said last year that the
Arctic Convoy veterans would be honoured with a medal, but officials say details
are still being worked out.
- AP
