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Arctic Convoy veterans attend Wester Ross medal ceremony | Arctic Convoy veterans attend Wester Ross medal ceremony |
(about 7 hours later) | |
More than 30 veterans of World War II's Russian Arctic Convoys are to be presented with medals at a ceremony in Wester Ross later. | More than 30 veterans of World War II's Russian Arctic Convoys are to be presented with medals at a ceremony in Wester Ross later. |
The men are to receive the Arctic Star, an honour awarded for the first time this year in recognition of service on the dangerous maritime missions. | The men are to receive the Arctic Star, an honour awarded for the first time this year in recognition of service on the dangerous maritime missions. |
The sailors worked to keep supplies flowing to the Soviet Union. | The sailors worked to keep supplies flowing to the Soviet Union. |
The ceremony is to be held near Loch Ewe, where some of the convoys sailed from. | The ceremony is to be held near Loch Ewe, where some of the convoys sailed from. |
Jock Dempster, from Dunbar, had been among the veterans expected to attend the event. | |
However, the 85-year-old, died on Sunday. | |
He received the Arctic Star during a ceremony at Downing Street in March. | |
Mr Dempster was 16 in 1944 when he first sailed in the convoys, battling extreme weather and German bombardment to help keep a supply line with Russia open. | Mr Dempster was 16 in 1944 when he first sailed in the convoys, battling extreme weather and German bombardment to help keep a supply line with Russia open. |
Between 1941 and 1945, merchant ships left Loch Ewe - as well as the Clyde and ports in Iceland - to deliver supplies, weapons and ammunition. | Between 1941 and 1945, merchant ships left Loch Ewe - as well as the Clyde and ports in Iceland - to deliver supplies, weapons and ammunition. |
About 3,000 men died during the convoys. | About 3,000 men died during the convoys. |
Great Britain, the US and Canada were involved in shipping the supplies. | Great Britain, the US and Canada were involved in shipping the supplies. |
PQ17 was the most disastrous and infamous of the convoys. | PQ17 was the most disastrous and infamous of the convoys. |
In July 1942, more than 20 vessels were sunk following orders to scatter because of fears of an attack by warships, which included the Tirpitz. | In July 1942, more than 20 vessels were sunk following orders to scatter because of fears of an attack by warships, which included the Tirpitz. |