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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: alderjones on Monday 09 July 18 10:09 BST (UK)
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Am trying to get Arctic medals for partner whose husband served on Arctic convoys in WW2.
Completed the forms and sent copy of his service record only to receive letter back saying they need proof he served at least one day in Arctic circle. How can I prove this?
(Have got the medal issued by the Russians!)
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Does his record list the vessels he served on from which their voyages may well be able to be established from a site such as:
http://www.naval-history.net/Index0-1939.htm
MaxD
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I sent off for my Dad's medal just after Christmas. I went through his service record identifying ships and dates. I used the link MaxD has just given and cross referenced Dad's dates with the ship's movements and put this information on the form. I may have also put the Convoy identifiers as well which would be the proof needed. Medal arrived after 2 months.
Simon
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Thanks for that post Locksmith. I hadn't done the same just knew the value of the naval history site so glad to know the idea works!
MaxD
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Royal Navy records do not always show the ship the seaman served in - some only show the accounting base and that can be a problem. If you are not sure maybe post the relevant piece on here for advice. If only the accounting base is shown you will need to obtain his victualing ledger which may show the actual ship name but this too can be a problem.
If he was Merchant Navy we go a different route.
Regards
Hugh
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Thanks for replies. Am still searching! Likeliest is when he was on HMS Orchis October 23 1943 to 18 April 1944 but can't find it in convoy lists yet. He spoke of going to Murmansk.
What proof did the Russians require? as he got that medal ok.
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http://www.naval-history.net/xDKEscorts20Cor-Flower08.htm
HMS Orchis convoy movements
MaxD
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I'm interested to read this as my late father-in-law was in the Royal Marines and served on the Arctic convoys in WW2. He received the Russian medal before he died, but I'm not sure whether or not anyone applied for the British medal on his behalf. I will have to make enquiries.
Kind regards
GS
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He received the Russian medal before he died, but I'm not sure whether or not anyone applied for the British medal on his behalf. I will have to make enquiries.
To apply it says you have to be the official NoK (based on Intestacy Law). I'm not sure there is such a thing in the UK, but even so there is a list on the form, and you could tick any of them, there would be no checks that you were either who you said you were or that those above you on the list were still alive. I'm sure the vast majority of people would stick to the rules so hopefully it shouldn't be a problem finding out if someone has applied (follow the list on the form).
Simon
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Thank you so much for that information, Simon. My husband who would have been his NoK is dead, but I am thinking that a grand-son would be a suitable claimant. I will pass this information on, for which I am most grateful.
Kindest regards
GS
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I am going back a couple of years now, but I sent off asking if my dad was entitled to the Arctic Star and gave the relevant convoy number etc. I also asked why he had not been awarded the Defence medal.
Some fourteen months later I had a reply, a whole A4 side informing me why he was not entitled to the Defence Medal, turn over the page and two lines, "yes he is entitled to the Arctic Star, it is in the post"
I also asked which medals an uncle who was KIA was entitled to, they told me which medals and that they had been posted on a specific date to his then remarried wife who had moved up north. Sadly whilst doing some checks with my family tree I have established that both had died not having children and the medals are now stuffed in a drawer somewhere.
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Sorry for overlong delay in replying - have looked at convoy details for Orchis which seems only possibility and no Arctic convoys to Murmansk etc fit his dates. What info would he have supplied to the Russians to get their medal? - as we have that one so they must have considered his claim valid.
Mike