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http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/TwiggFirstArcticEmblemsSignifyNationsGratitude.htm
Twigg: first Arctic Emblems signify Nation's gratitude
11 Oct 06
The first Arctic Emblems were today, Wednesday 11 October 2006, presented to Veterans by new Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg as a mark of the Nation's gratitude for the heroism they displayed in the face of terrible hardship on the Arctic Convoys of World War Two.
Fittingly, the presentation took place on the quarterdeck of HMS Belfast on the 65th anniversary of the first regular convoy's arrival at Archangel, North Russia. The Arctic Emblem has been specially commissioned to commemorate the service of Merchant Seamen and members of the Armed Forces in the icy waters of the Arctic Region between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945.
Mr Twigg said:
"Today we celebrate and commemorate the extraordinary bravery and fortitude of a very special group of men. The Arctic Emblem is a mark of the nation's gratitude for incredible achievements in difficult and dangerous conditions.
"But these achievements came at a terrible price. Over a hundred ships were sunk during the campaign, with several thousand seamen and personnel losing their lives. We must not forget them, and the presentation of today's Arctic Emblem will help ensure their memories live on in the minds of younger generations."
The new Arctic Emblem
[Picture: MOD]
The Arctic Emblem is a unique symbol to be worn on the lapel, which is available to all Armed Forces and Merchant Navy personnel who served north of the Arctic Circle and west of the Urals between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. This includes next of kin of those who have died.
Commander (Retd) Eddie Grenfell, who has worked tirelessly on the development of the Emblem, added:
"We are all delighted to be receiving our Arctic Emblems. This brings to an end a 10 year battle to get proper recognition for one of the key campaigns of the Second World War."
The convoys played a vital role in delivering key supplies to military efforts in Russia. Overall, they were a great success, and managed to deliver 12,755 tanks, 22,200 aircraft, and 375,800 trucks, as well as four million tons of ammunition and other supplies, which made a crucial contribution to the Soviet war effort.
However, they took place in physically arduous as well as dangerous conditions. By 1942 the convoys regularly faced the might of the German Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe, and were vigorously defended by the efforts of the Royal Air Force, who provided air cover on the final leg of the convoys' journeys, as well as Army Gunners posted on board each ship.
Mr Twigg continued:
"It has taken us longer to be in a position to unveil the Arctic Emblem than we would have liked, but it was important we got the design right. Our thanks go to Commander Eddie Grenfell, who has worked with us on the design of the Emblem, and all those Veterans who have waited so patiently for the Emblem to be unveiled."
"The Arctic Emblem is a mark of the nation's gratitude for incredible achievements in difficult and dangerous conditions."
Derek Twigg MP
Approximately 5,000 veterans and their family members have already written to the MOD registering their interest in receiving an Emblem, and the Veterans' Agency will issue Emblems to these individuals over the weekend of 14-15 October 2006.
HMS Belfast was one of the ships who regularly made the perilous journey across the Arctic as part of the convoys. Service on the Arctic Convoys was, and still is, covered by the scope of the Atlantic Star medal which was presented at the end of the Second World War, and which Arctic Veterans received. Following a persuasive campaign for special recognition of the severe conditions that they had faced, the Prime Minister announced in 2005 that it would be appropriate to issue an Arctic Emblem to mark the Arctic campaign.
Twigg: first Arctic Emblems signify Nation's gratitude
11 Oct 06
The first Arctic Emblems were today, Wednesday 11 October 2006, presented to Veterans by new Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg as a mark of the Nation's gratitude for the heroism they displayed in the face of terrible hardship on the Arctic Convoys of World War Two.
Fittingly, the presentation took place on the quarterdeck of HMS Belfast on the 65th anniversary of the first regular convoy's arrival at Archangel, North Russia. The Arctic Emblem has been specially commissioned to commemorate the service of Merchant Seamen and members of the Armed Forces in the icy waters of the Arctic Region between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945.
Mr Twigg said:
"Today we celebrate and commemorate the extraordinary bravery and fortitude of a very special group of men. The Arctic Emblem is a mark of the nation's gratitude for incredible achievements in difficult and dangerous conditions.
"But these achievements came at a terrible price. Over a hundred ships were sunk during the campaign, with several thousand seamen and personnel losing their lives. We must not forget them, and the presentation of today's Arctic Emblem will help ensure their memories live on in the minds of younger generations."
The new Arctic Emblem
[Picture: MOD]
The Arctic Emblem is a unique symbol to be worn on the lapel, which is available to all Armed Forces and Merchant Navy personnel who served north of the Arctic Circle and west of the Urals between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. This includes next of kin of those who have died.
Commander (Retd) Eddie Grenfell, who has worked tirelessly on the development of the Emblem, added:
"We are all delighted to be receiving our Arctic Emblems. This brings to an end a 10 year battle to get proper recognition for one of the key campaigns of the Second World War."
The convoys played a vital role in delivering key supplies to military efforts in Russia. Overall, they were a great success, and managed to deliver 12,755 tanks, 22,200 aircraft, and 375,800 trucks, as well as four million tons of ammunition and other supplies, which made a crucial contribution to the Soviet war effort.
However, they took place in physically arduous as well as dangerous conditions. By 1942 the convoys regularly faced the might of the German Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe, and were vigorously defended by the efforts of the Royal Air Force, who provided air cover on the final leg of the convoys' journeys, as well as Army Gunners posted on board each ship.
Mr Twigg continued:
"It has taken us longer to be in a position to unveil the Arctic Emblem than we would have liked, but it was important we got the design right. Our thanks go to Commander Eddie Grenfell, who has worked with us on the design of the Emblem, and all those Veterans who have waited so patiently for the Emblem to be unveiled."
"The Arctic Emblem is a mark of the nation's gratitude for incredible achievements in difficult and dangerous conditions."
Derek Twigg MP
Approximately 5,000 veterans and their family members have already written to the MOD registering their interest in receiving an Emblem, and the Veterans' Agency will issue Emblems to these individuals over the weekend of 14-15 October 2006.
HMS Belfast was one of the ships who regularly made the perilous journey across the Arctic as part of the convoys. Service on the Arctic Convoys was, and still is, covered by the scope of the Atlantic Star medal which was presented at the end of the Second World War, and which Arctic Veterans received. Following a persuasive campaign for special recognition of the severe conditions that they had faced, the Prime Minister announced in 2005 that it would be appropriate to issue an Arctic Emblem to mark the Arctic campaign.
