Russian Convoy Medal

[James Baker]

My Father, Joseph Samuel Baker served with the merchant navy, and often told me of the convoy runs to Russia he took part in. Dad, however passed many years back, but I have always wondered if he should have received a medal. A few years back , I contacted the Russian Embassy, but the response was that the government were not allowing the medals to be given. I don't have my Dad's Merchant Number or ship he sailed with, again any help in locating this information, appreciated.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

James Baker

[DeepSea]

Start by giving us his date and place of birth and we will help you on your way.

[James Baker]

Hi Billy,

Joseph Samuel Baker
Born 18th June 1908 Registered at West Derby Lancashire.

Hope this helps

Regards

James

[DeepSea]

There does not appear to be any primary records for him at Kew, so can only suggest you check the for his CRS-10 service file. If available it will be held in BT 382/66 covering the surnames Baker Henry to Baker Robert William John.

Click on link to see ordering and viewing options. The easiest way to see these files is to visit Kew. If you are unable to do this, there are other options available, but at a cost.

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[louise begley]

Hello I am trying to do the same for my Grandad. Was you successful in your research.
My Grandad was in the Russian Conveys to on a sub I believe.

[Doc Vernon]

Hello Louise
As requested for the other please supply full name DOB and place of Birth.
From there we can look and see what we can find for you
Thanks

[Doc Vernon]

Arctic convoy heroes can begin applying for their WW2 campaign medal now

26/02/2013

Veterans of the bitter Arctic convoys delivering aid to Russia in World War 2 can today begin applying for a medal to recognise their service.
The Queen has approved the design for the Arctic Star – a full campaign medal, which is being cast this week.This is the Arctic Star – and from today veterans of the bitter convoys to Russia 70 years ago can finally apply for them. The Queen has approved the design for the medal, which is being cast this very week so it can be presented as soon as possible to the men who delivered vital supplies to the Soviet Union in World War 2. It’s thought between 200 and 400 sailors – all now in their late 80s at their youngest – survive from the four-year-long campaign, a mission Churchill acknowledged was “the worst journey in the world”.

The four-year struggle

to provide material to support the Soviet war effort cost the lives of around 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen – over 100 civilian and military ships were lost, with the nadir coming in the summer of 1942 when convoy PQ17 was mauled by the Luftwaffe and nine U-boats. You can download an application form from www.gov.uk/the-ministry-of-defence-medal-office or write to The Arctic Star, MOD Medal Office, Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, Gloucester, GL3 1HW. The criteria for the new medal are set out below: The Arctic Star is granted for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle (66 degrees, 32’N) from September 3 1939 to May 8 1945, inclusive. The Arctic Star is intended to commemorate the Arctic Convoys and is designed primarily for the ships of the convoys to North Russia and their Escorts. Eligibility is defined as follows:

• Navy and Merchant Navy – Naval and Merchant Navy service anywhere at sea north of the Arctic Circle to include, but not limited exclusively to, those ships participating in, and in support of, Convoys to North Russia.
• Fleet Air Arm Personnel, not qualified by sea service may qualify under the conditions applying to the Royal Air Force.
• Air Force – Aircrew of the Royal Air Force will be eligible if they landed north of the Arctic Circle or served in the air over this area. Non aircrew on operational service in the area, for example ground crew or those sailing with CAM ships (Catapult Aircraft Merchant Ships), are also eligible.
• Army – Army personnel serving in His Majesty’s ships or in defensively equipped Merchant ships qualify under the rules applying to the Navy or Merchant Navy. In addition, personnel taking part in land operations north of the Arctic Circle will also be eligible.
• Civilians serving with the Forces – Members of the few approved categories of civilians who qualify for Campaign Stars will be eligible if, in support of military operations, they meet any of the above qualifying criteria.
• Foreign nationals commissioned or enlisted into British or, the then, Dominion Forces (e.g. Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Australian Navy) are eligible provided the individuals did not receive a similar award from their own Government.
• General – Eligibility to the Arctic Star has no effect upon eligibility for World War Two recognition previously awarded and does not suggest automatic eligibility for any further awards.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/749392/MODMO_0001.pdf

[Brenda Shackleton]

Hello
You can certainly apply for the Arctic Star. However you need Discharge number and ships served on in the Arctic. Lots more information on this site.
I am fairly certain that the Russians are only awarding the USHAKOV medal to living survivors. So, not post-humously. Perhaps someone will verify or correct this.
regards
Brenda

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hope this helps, from the thread:

Re: (Ushakov) Trying to find the last 150 veterans

LINK lhttp://www.merchant-navy.net/forum/k...-veterans.html

Had he been awarded the Arctic Star he should have been on the list for Ushakov.

Remember that the Ushakov medal is only awarded to living recipients and is not
awarded posthumously (unlike the Arctic Star).

I believe there was a deadline for applications for Ushakov. The deadline for applications for the Ushakov medal was 13th October 2013.

However, I know of and reported on a few where the family
received the award after the person had Crossed the Bar.

The Russians are also keen to honour all and I would think
that they would do all possible to help etc.

Contact: the Russian Embassy in London, 6/7 Kensington Palace Gardens W8 4QP. tel. 0207 229 36 28 or email: ushakov@rusemb.org.uk

#17 Russian law prevents the medal from being issued posthumously, but she still received a letter from the Government which said: “Let me assure you the Russian people do remember and greatly value the role of all British allies who fought together against the common enemy during World War Two. Mr Laheney’s contribution to our joint victory is highly appreciated.”

If the chap had served within the criteria: Arctic convoys it may be advisable
as said earlier to contact the Embassy anyway.

[louise begley]

Charles Francis Meachem 02/06/1923

He served on the submarines and mainly served during the Russian Conveys.
His sub was caught up in friendly fire and a man took a bullet for him called Malcolm. Now my father's name.

Any help on locating more details would be much appreciated.