The government's plans to award veterans of the Arctic convoys campaign medals comes after years of campaigning. Servicemen past and present as well as local politicians had been locked in a battle to get those who served on the convoys recognition for their bravery during the second world war.
Living veterans and widows will be the first in line to receive the new medals. Production of the accolades is due to get underway soon.
Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the news that the Arctic Convoy Veterans of WW2 will begin receiving medals in recognition of their heroism and bravery.
“I'm delighted that having finally made the decision to award the medal, the Government have turned the design and criteria around in rapid time.
"The Arctic Convoy veterans are all heroes in the truest sense of the word. After ten years of campaigning my delight to see justice finally being done is tinged with sadness that so many are no longer alive to receive the medals they richly deserved.”
Poignant interview with Richard Briers, supporter of Bomber Command
VIDEO: We have uploaded an interview with Richard Briers from 2008. Richard, who lived at Faringdon in Oxfordshire, was taking part in a play to remember Bomber Command. He called for more recognition for thousands of air crews.
A Chinook flies in one of the memorials Credit: Derek Johnson
An RAF Chinook winches in the first of three concrete blocks at Beachy Head. They will form a memorial to the crews of Bomber Command. The Sussex beauty spot was the last sight of England for the men as they flew missions to Germany. The memorial has cost £25,000, raised by veterans and locals.
