Stephen
Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the
Government’s announcement that World War II war heroes who served on the Arctic
Convoys and in Bomber Command will be eligible to receive new recognition.
Families
of those who have sadly died will also be able to apply for the new awards in
recognition of their loved ones’ bravery. Up to a quarter of a million veterans
and families could be eligible for the awards.
Production
of the new Arctic Star medal and Bomber Command clasp will start this week and
living veterans and widows will be the first in line to receive the new awards
from as early as March.
Winston
Churchill famously singled the Arctic Convoys out as the “most dangerous run of
the war” and the men of Bomber Command faced extremely high casualty rates:
55,000 out of 125,000 who served died.
Stephen
Metcalfe MP said: “This is a fantastic announcement which will truly recognise
the bravery displayed by those who fought for our freedom in World War Two. I
would encourage all eligible veterans and next of kin in South Basildon and
East Thurrock to apply for the new awards.”
Minister
of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Mark Francois added: “All
those who served our country in Bomber Command and on the Arctic Convoys
deserve nothing but the utmost respect and admiration from us. That’s why I am
delighted that these special individuals will in the next few weeks begin to
receive the Bomber Command clasp and Arctic Star that they have so long
deserved.”
“I
am also pleased to announce that the families of those no longer alive will
also be able to apply for these awards in recognition of their loved one’s
bravery.”
