Sir.-I write with regard to the British Arctic Medal Campaign.
On behalf of Commander Grenfell RN (Rtd), our campaign leader, I wish to thank you for your support by printing the article in last Friday's Gazette about our fight for a special medal.
Fortunately, things may not be as disappointing as the letter from the office of the Prime Minister might sound. After all this time, they have added the words "the matter is always under review" - indicating that the door is not closed to our efforts.
Their reply is the standard reply to many letters, by stating that the Atlantic Star covers Arctic convoys.
This is not so, because more than 80 per cent of naval ships' crews escorting the Arctic Convoys have already qualified for the Atlantic Star by service in the Atlantic from the beginning of the war (Arctic convoys did not commence until 1941).
It should be remembered that the MoD, when replying to any correspondence, is playing on the ignorance of the general public by quoting the Atlantic Star.
The Naval Historical Branch ref D/NHB/22.2, dated June 2, 2004, entitled "Castle Class Corvette Battle Honours", states that six Castles' Battle Honours include "Arctic 1944 and 1945". How strange that an RN ship can be given an Arctic Battle Honour but not the crew?
Thank you, once again, for your support. It is indeed appreciated and rest assured we shall continue our campaign, especially when it is seen that the MoD keeps contradicting itself.
-R F Dykes, Whitchurch, Basingstoke.
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