A special day of events to mark the 75th anniversary of World War II’s artic convoys will be held in Liverpool on 31st October. Veterans of the convoys are being invited to a ceremony on board a Royal Navy destroyer that will pay tribute to those who took part in the mission.
Described by Winston Churchill as “the worst journey on Earth”, the mission was undertaken by brave members of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy to help supply the Russian Front during the Second World War, and involved a treacherous journey from the UK through the Artic Circle to the Russian port of Arkhangelsk.
The convoys provided Russia with desperately needed resources, with some 3½ million tons of cargo, from tanks and aircraft, to vital fuel and machinery delivered through rough seas that were occupied by U-Boats. Losses were very high on the route, with an almost crippling 5.7% of ships lost compared to an overall convoy loss of 0.33 per cent.
The reception will be attended by veterans and their families, Defence Minister, Lord Howe, the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones, and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Roz Gladden.
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones, said: “The veterans of the Arctic Convoys braved pursuit by unseen enemy vessels and some of the worst weather imaginable to bring supplies to the Russian front line at the height of the Second World War.
“I am delighted to invite these heroes and their families to be honoured in Liverpool for the 75th anniversary of their very first mission and would encourage anyone who served on the convoys to apply.”
The Arctic Star
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden, said: “The Arctic Convoys were a key part of Britain’s survival during World War Two, and it is amazing to think of the men who braved those treacherous journeys, putting their lives on the line in those relentless conditions.
“I am hugely proud that Liverpool is taking the lead in marking the 75th anniversary – many of the convoys set sail from Liverpool so it is fitting that the event takes place in the city. I look forward to hosting the event where we will honour the brave members of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy.”
The Arctic Star was instituted by the British Government in 2012, to honour those who served on the Artic Convoys, with 18,050 Arctic Stars issued to date.
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Arctic Convoys arctic star Liverpool Royal Navy Seond World War Veterans WWII
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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