Cameron tribute for Arctic 'heroes' (From Free Press Series)

Cameron tribute for Arctic 'heroes'

12:23pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in National News © Press Association 2013

David Cameron has hailed the first recipients of the Arctic Star medal as a "group of heroes", as he presented them with the newly-created award.

Hosting a special ceremony at Number 10 Downing Street, Mr Cameron told the group of Second World War veterans: "I can't think of a prouder day that I have had in this job or a group of people I am more honoured to share it with."

The creation of the Arctic Star medal, along with the new Bomber Command Clasp, were announced by Mr Cameron in December, 67 years after the war, following a long-running campaign.

The move followed recommendations of a review of military decorations by former diplomat Sir John Holmes.

More than 3,000 seamen died over four years from 1941 on missions to keep open supply lines to Soviet ports, travelling what Winston Churchill dubbed the "worst journey in the world".

Around 40 veterans were included in the first group to receive the medal.

Presenting them in a special ceremony, the Prime Minister told them: "There are lots of extraordinary people I have met in this room in the last three years and lots of events I have been very proud to hold, but I can't think of a group of people that I am more proud to have in Number 10 Downing Street.

"I am only sorry that it has taken 70 years to get to here and to say thank you for what you did.

"You were involved in the most important struggle of the last 100 years when you were supplying one of our allies in the battle to defeat Hitler and to defeat fascism in Europe."

He hailed their "incredible bravery, incredible courage against extraordinary odds".

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence(Ministry of Defence)