Better late than never I suppose, but why did they wait so long? Everybody who went through the second world war knew about the Arctic convoys and the conditions. The losses were dreadful and God only knows how many survivors suffered after the war with post traumatic stress. The facilities offered to amputees etc., these days are way in advance of what was available then. Are these survivors being offered better equipment and prosthetics? I think they would prefer that than a metal star.

It seems churlish to me that they were refused the award from the Russians too. The excuse that they may be going to get one from our own establishment is not good enough. How many servicemen and women were awarded the French Croix-de-Guerre to go with the one from our own tight fisted lot. I suppose the cold war had something to do with it. A revision of the old established rules is badly needed.

Then there are the Bomber boys, They are only just getting recognition for the suffering too. But they aren't even getting a medal, only a clasp to put on their already recognised star. Even the Home Guard got those (deservedly).

I had a medal awarded recently for the Confrontation in Borneo, Malaysia area during the 1960's. It was awarded and paid for by the Sultan of Borneo. But guess what? The rules and regulations forbid the wearing of it with British awarded medals. Most of us take no notice and wear it anyway, just to be bloody awkward of course. I don't think they can put me in detention now can they? (Clang!! It ain't arf dark in ere).

flycatcher1. You were lucky too.