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Arctic Convoy veterans attend Wester Ross medal ceremony Arctic Convoy veterans attend Wester Ross medal ceremony
(about 1 hour 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.More than 30 veterans of World War II's Russian Arctic Convoys are to be presented with medals at a ceremony in Wester Ross.
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.Jock Dempster, from Dunbar, had been among the veterans expected to attend the event.
However, the 85-year-old, died on Sunday.However, the 85-year-old, died on Sunday.
He received the Arctic Star during a ceremony at Downing Street in March.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.
Veterans Minister Keith Brown paid tribute to the efforts of the Arctic convoys ahead of attending the medal ceremony.
He said: "This group made an immeasurable contribution to the Allied forces' efforts, facing the enemy in some of the toughest conditions anywhere on the planet.
"Their bravery meant vital supply routes were never cut off."