World War II veterans from the Greater Manchester area will be honoured at a special ceremony at Manchester Town Hall on Monday 13 October for their role in the Arctic Convoy, which transported crucial supplies to Russia.
The veterans will be awarded the Ushakov Medal. Named after of one of Russia’s most celebrated admirals the medal is one of the highest honours the country can bestow.
The Arctic Convoy consisted of vessels which travelled from Britain to northern Russia to resupply the Soviet Union during World War II, a voyage described by Winston Churchill as, ‘the worst journey in the world’.
The heroic achievements of all who took part in the convoy are widely recognised to have shortened the duration of World War II, bringing much needed supplies of both arms and food to Russian shores.
The convoy was under constant threat of attack from German U-boats and aircraft – as well as having to negotiate storms and ice flows while enduring sub-zero temperatures.
By May 1945, the Arctic route had claimed 104 merchant and 16 military vessels. Thousands of Allied seamen lost their lives.
The Ushakov Medal is awarded to soldiers and sailors for bravery and courage displayed while risking their lives to defend the Russian Federation.
Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Sue Cooley said: “We can not underestimate the hardship endured by the men who took part in the Arctic Convoy and their courageous achievements helped bring about the end of the worst conflict in history.
“It is a privilege to see these gallant men receive the Ushakov Medal, we should all feel proud that so many veterans of the Arctic Convoy live here in and around Manchester, no honour is too great to reflect their bravery and determination. “
