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Arctic Convoy campaigner Eddie Grenfell dies at 93 | Arctic Convoy campaigner Eddie Grenfell dies at 93 |
(about 9 hours later) | |
A World War II naval commander who led a campaign for recognition of veterans of the Arctic Convoys has died aged 93. | A World War II naval commander who led a campaign for recognition of veterans of the Arctic Convoys has died aged 93. |
Cdr Eddie Grenfell, from Portsmouth, served on four of the treacherous convoys, which supplied the USSR. | Cdr Eddie Grenfell, from Portsmouth, served on four of the treacherous convoys, which supplied the USSR. |
He received an Arctic Star medal in March after the UK government eventually agreed to the award following a campaign he had led. | He received an Arctic Star medal in March after the UK government eventually agreed to the award following a campaign he had led. |
Second Sea Lord Vice-Admiral David Steel paid tribute to Cdr Grenfell's "amazing fortitude". | |
Winston Churchill reportedly called the efforts to keep supplies flowing through German blockades to the Soviet Union "the worst journey in the world". | Winston Churchill reportedly called the efforts to keep supplies flowing through German blockades to the Soviet Union "the worst journey in the world". |
By May 1945, the Arctic route had claimed 104 merchant and 16 military vessels. More than 3,000 Allied seamen lost their lives. | By May 1945, the Arctic route had claimed 104 merchant and 16 military vessels. More than 3,000 Allied seamen lost their lives. |
Cdr Grenfell once spent 10 minutes in icy Arctic waters when his ship was torpedoed. | Cdr Grenfell once spent 10 minutes in icy Arctic waters when his ship was torpedoed. |
Convoy veterans were previously eligible for the Atlantic Star but Cdr Grenfell campaigned for 16 years for a specific Arctic medal. Its creation was announced by David Cameron in December. | Convoy veterans were previously eligible for the Atlantic Star but Cdr Grenfell campaigned for 16 years for a specific Arctic medal. Its creation was announced by David Cameron in December. |
Speaking after the announcement of the medal, he said: "It's absolutely wonderful. I'm delighted except for the fact I'm very sad its taken so long that many of my chums are no longer here." | Speaking after the announcement of the medal, he said: "It's absolutely wonderful. I'm delighted except for the fact I'm very sad its taken so long that many of my chums are no longer here." |
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