Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Reward at last for heroes of the Arctic

Dave Appleton
29/12/2005

COLIN Howarth and Martin O'Day were teenagers when they braved freezing conditions and heavy fire from the Luftwaffe to deliver vital supplies during the war.

The two Rochdale men, now both 80 years old, took part in the perilous convoys to supply Russia with the arms needed to fight the Nazis.

Sailing in the north Atlantic, well above the Arctic Circle and usually in the worst weather imaginable, tested man's heroism and courage to the limit.

But both Mr O'Day, of Delamere Road, Turf Hill and Mr Howarth, of Tithebarn Close, Hurstead, came out with their heads held high, survivors of the important convoys which claimed the lives of thousands of British sailors, both Royal Navy and Merchantmen.

Both men were awarded the Atlantic Star and the 1939-45 Star for their heroism, a story told in the Observer's special VE Day 60th anniversary celebration in May.

They were also awarded 50th and 60th anniversary certificates and medals by the Russian Government.

But what has rankled the survivors was that the British Government has never presented them with any medal to mark their contribution to the Arctic convoys, described by Winston Churchill as the most dangerous operation of the entire war.

In fact, it was the only campaign of the Second World War not to have its own medal.

That is, until now...

After a long and sometimes bitter fight, the Government has now agreed to present them all with a special emblem, the Arctic Star.

News of the decision - approved by defence secretary John Reid last week - was published in the veterans' North Russia Club magazine, the Northern Lights.

But it brought mixed views from the two Rochdale veterans, although both are pleased that they will finally receive recognition.

Mr Howarth's verdict was: 'It's about time'.

Mr O'Day said he thought the award wouldn't have happened had it not been for the Russian government having already honoured the men of the Arctic convoys.

"I am very pleased, naturally, but I have thought for a long time that the British government never eally appreciated what we did."

Mr Howarth said: "It's better than nothing, but a lot of us are disappointed it is not a full medal ribbon."

The emblem - a white enamel star to represent the Pole Star with a red dot in the middle signifying Russia - was designed by the veterans, some 3,000 of whom are still alive.

It can be pinned to the Atlantic Star or the 1939-45 medal, but, officially at least, is not be worn separately as a medal.

Mr O'Day sailed in 11 convoys, shepherding vessels from south of Iceland to Russian ports such as Murmansk, Archangel and the Kola inlet.

In January 1944 his ship, HMS Venus, went to pick up survivors from HMS Hardy which had been torpedoed.

Mr Howarth, who sailed in eight convoys, served on HMS Virago.

On boxing day 1943 his ship was one of a flotilla involved in a three-hour battle in frigid seas with a retreating German battleship Scharnhorst, which was ultimately sunk.

Both men, members of the Rochdale branch of the Royal Naval Assocation, hope to be able join other North Atlantic convoy survivors some time next year when they will be awarded their Arctic Stars - some 60 years after the campaign ended.

Most recent 2 of 2 user comments