More Arctic heroes honoured
The Royal Navy paid tribute to six more of its heroes who served in the Second World War's Arctic campaign at a special ceremony.
The five veterans and a veteran's widow received six of the new Arctic Star emblems from Portsmouth naval base commander Commodore David Steel in a moving ceremony at the Royal Naval Museum in the Historic Dockyard.
It comes as the MoD sends out 5,000 more of the stars created to recognise the war's horrendous Arctic campaign, where men sailed through sub-zero conditions under constant German attack to keep the Soviet Union in the war.
'It is a real honour for me to able to present you with this award and to thank you very much for what you did for this country,' Cdre Steel said. 'You are the epitome of the Royal Navy and armed forces in its past, present and future.'
Receiving the stars were Ron Walsh, 86, of Fareham, a veteran of HMS Windsor; Norman Jordan, 84, of Gosport, who served in HMS Dido; Claude Sealy, 83, of Southsea, a veteran of HMS Jason; Reg Gray, 80, of Bognor, who served in HMS Vindex; and Percy Price, 87, of Lancing, who was aboard HMS Pozarica.
Also receiving a star was Eve Hamlet, of Southsea, on behalf of her husband, Ronald, who served in HMS Anson, but died in January this year aged 79. Around them were mementoes of the Arctic convoys.
'It's amazing you survived at all,' said museum director Dr Colin White. 'This really is living history and I can't think of a better place for this ceremony to take place.'
Among the guests were medal campaign leaders Commander Eddie Grenfell and Lieutenant Commander Dick Dykes. Cdr Grenfell pinned the stars on to the ribbons 1939 to 45 Stars of some of the veterans after they were presented.
Mr Walsh, who has written a book about his war experiences called In the company of heroes, was told by Cdre Steel he would be giving copies of the book to officers at the base.
'It was very nice of the commodore,' said Mr Walsh. 'I'm really pleased to receive this award today. It was a tough campaign and should be remembered properly. I shall wear it with pride.'
david.maddox@thenews.co.uk
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 11 February 2012
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