Call to honour Scots sailors who risked lives in WWII Arctic convoys

Mr Brown will meet some of the surviving Scottish sailors who risked their lives delivering vital supplies to Russia at an event in Glasgow this afternoon.

More than 3,000 seamen died in Operation Dervish which delivered supplies to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangel during the war.

Mr Brown, who will call for them to be awarded a dedicated campaign medal in honour of their efforts, will also meet representatives from the Russian Consulate at today’s event.

The minister has claimed that it was a “scandal” that the sailors involved did not receive a medal. The UK Government has not recognised the survivors of the convoys with a dedicated campaign medal.

Mr Brown said: “Serving aboard the Arctic convoys must have demanded huge courage and dedication. These men faced the dangers of u-boats and air attack in some of the worst weather conditions on the planet.

“Yet, through unwavering service to their country, these heroes ensured absolutely crucial supplies reached Russia. Without their efforts, Russia could easily have become cut off and the whole outcome of the war could have been different.

“It is a scandal that these men have not been recognised with a campaign medal.”