Arctic Convoys, World War II

[Otter]

Responsible department: Ministry of Defence


That the Government issue a medal for all those members of the Armed forces and the Merchant Navy involved in the Arctic Convoys during the second World War.

Tough duty on those convoys, lend a hand and support this to give our belated thanks.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5211

Doh! Forgot to put the link in!

 

[Smithy]

Long, long overdue. They really do deserve their own. Tough work indeed, often below freezing temperatures, iced decks, hard and angry seas and all of that on top of the threat of U-boats.

 

[Stearmen]

Our government finally recognized the Merchant Marines of WWII as members of the armed forces and as veterans in 1988. It was about time to, since they were dieing even before we entered the war!

 

[TomS]

I couldnt agree more!!!!

 

[1961MJS]

Hi, VERY, VERY late in my opinion. My Dad died at 92 in mid-2011 and he was young enough to be in the Regular USAAF. Many of the Merchies were older than the regular Navy, which is why there were on Merchant ships in the first place. Merchant ships were supposed to be less of a strain for the old guys.... [huh] Guess who ever had THAT idea hadn't been on the deck covered in a foot of ice.

Later

 

[Story]

1 in 26 mariners serving aboard merchant ships in World WW II died in the line of duty, suffering a greater percentage of war-related deaths than all other U.S. services. Casualties were kept secret during the War to keep information about their success from the enemy and to attract and keep mariners at sea.