High time medal was awarded

I have noted that the British Government has graciously issued a badge, the Arctic Emblem. A badge is OK to put on the lapel of your jacket but it's not a medal. It does not fit along with the other medals issued to serviceman and women for their efforts in the war.

That the Government has actually issued this badge acknowledges the fact that people did serve and die in this campaign.

I realise that we are talking of deeds which were performed 60 years ago, but the Russian Government issued a medal for this campaign in the 1990s.

The Russian Convoys run was one of the most heroic and dangerous campaigns of the Second World War. If it had not been successful there would not have been any Second Front in Europe.

This statement is not mine - it was documented and acknowledged in Government circles as fact.

So, what is the problem? Where are the medals? Mr Blair was stated as saying that he could not issued a campaign medal because of the time factor. There is no such thing as can't.

The Russian Government did it after 50 years.

Having issued a badge, now finish the job properly and replace it with a campaign medal.

If any shipmate wishes to apply for a Arctic Medal - yes, you have to apply, it is not automatic - please call 0800 1692277.

PG Hollis, Shrewsbury