My Dad's Arctic Star

[londonronnie]

When it was announced a little under two years ago that a new medal was going to be awarded to men who'd served in the Arctic Convoys during World War 2 I decided to apply on behalf of my Dad. Not that my Dad would ever actually see the medal as he died a long time ago, but he was immensely proud of his service in the Royal Navy and I knew that if he were still alive he would have been delighted to receive it.

It was probably about eighteen months ago that I sent in the application, accompanied by photocopies of my Dad's service record and other documents. The months went by without any sort of acknowledgement, but that didn't bother me as I knew that applications were being dealt with in strict order of importance - surviving veterans first, then widows, then next-of-kin (ie me). Then in October last year I received a letter asking for further documentation, so at least I knew that my application was finally being processed. After another six months or so I was beginning to wonder whether I should contact the Ministry of Defence and make enquiries (paranoid as usual about things being lost in the post!) but decided to leave until a year had passed since the last letter.

Then yesterday, out of the blue, the postman brought a recorded delivery package and there it was - my Dad's Arctic Star. I'm so chuffed.

Comments

[constant-muse.livejournal.com]

Excellent! your patience rewarded.

My father was pleased to be able to claim his too. He was lucky, he got to fly over the convoys as navigator on a Liberator bomber.

Dad has just turned 90, and still enjoys flying, planning to come from Australia for a visit next month. \o/

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful that your father has received his medal. It's sad though that it came too late for the majority of them, but I'm very thankful that they're also sending them out to the next-of-kin.

Good for your Dad! I hope he has a wonderful trip to the UK next month!