Medal of honour for Normacot Arctic hero Donald Gray
A WAR veteran who sailed across freezing waters to help deliver vital supplies to Russia is to finally receive a medal for his bravery.
Donald Gray, who served in the Second World War, is among hundreds who risked their lives 70 years ago in the infamous Arctic Convoy missions.
Sailing across the Norwegian sea, the servicemen battled ice and storms in dozens of missions to escort supply ships carrying fuel, food and munitions to the embattled Soviet Union.
Now the 89-year-old, from Normacot, and his former comrades, will have the chance to apply for a new medal after the Government pledged to recognise their heroic efforts.
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Many of Mr Gray's fellow veterans have passed away, but their families will also be eligible to apply for the Arctic Star medal.
Mr Gray, whose contribution has already been recognised by the Russian government, spoke of his delight at the ruling.
The pensioner, who now lives in Oak Road, Eccleshall, and joined the Navy at the age of 19, said: "I have waited 70 years for the medal and I think it's about time.
"It's an awful long time to wait but I shall be delighted to receive it. I applied for one from the Russian government about 30 years ago, who sent it over in the post."
Donald sailed on the destroyer HMS Caprice, which travelled from Portsmouth to Iceland, across the Norwegian Sea and on to Russia.
He added: "It was very cold and the conditions were terrible. You had to chip the ice off but we managed it. I do miss the comradeship."
Mark Francois, minister for defence personnel, welfare and veterans, said veterans from the Bomber Command division of the RAF will also be recognised.
Production of the medals began this week, and up to 250,000 veterans will be eligible.
The minister said: "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."
Mr Gray will be celebrating his 70th wedding anniversary later this year with his wife, Gladys, aged 88.
Mrs Gray married her husband during the war, while she worked at the Milk Marketing Board, which controlled milk supplies during the conflict.
She said: "It's been a long time coming. The other award he received was like a little scout badge so it will be nice for him to have a medal."
Eligible veterans and their next of kin are now encouraged to apply for the awards.
Details can be found at www.veterans-uk.info or by telephoning 08457 800 900.
5 Comments
by ravo1972
Sunday, March 03 2013, 1:46PM
“Should not have to apply for it.”
by Backdoored
Saturday, March 02 2013, 8:35PM
“http://tinyurl.com/bhfw8pr
Right on cue..... the spirit of 'that' age.... Tonight on BBC Radio 4 at 8pm. On air now actually -but you can 'listen to it online' -anytime.
The Archive Hour.”
by Backdoored
Saturday, March 02 2013, 7:58PM
“Yes... whenever I am reminded, at times like this, hearing, seeing, or reading about those Servicemen, I am truly humbled.
Enduring such extreme conditions, where many of their comrades gave their lives,and waiting so long for that dedication to duty, and the sacrifices made by many, -to be recognized -reminds me how much we owe them, -for the seventy years of 'peacetime' that the British people have enjoyed on these Isles.
The Russian people too, have often stated, at the various 'anniversaries' marking the defeat of Hitler -of how eternally grateful they are, that in 'their hour of need', when desperately fighting for survival -against the onslaught, and might of the third Reich -on their own soil, that they depended so much on those 'Brits' who 'kept up the supplies under such severe hardship,' and which played such a significant part in their struggle for survival and eventually defeat of Hitler's Nazis.”
by Johntoe
Saturday, March 02 2013, 11:27AM
“As someone who was born less than 10 years after the end of WW2 (1953) I grew up with a great appreciation of the bravery and sacrifices made and shown by those who defended this country against the greatest evil known to man, (Nazis)
Thanks to Mr Grey and ALL of the other men and women who fought and died or just 'did their bit' I and many millions of others, have grown up in a free and tolerant country, and I never miss any chance to thank those who helped to ensure that happened,
THANK YOU Mr Gray, thank you very much,”
by FFDP1
Saturday, March 02 2013, 11:08AM
“What a great report, good health to you mate, very much a true hero.”