SS River Afton - some help and direction sought

[John G Elliott]

Hello all.

I hope someone out there can help me with trying to sort an application for an Artic Star medal for my late father.

Trying to keep this as short as I can, my father was Alan Gairdner Elliott, b Brookeborough, N Ireland on 28th April 1923. During the 2nd World War re joined the Merchant Navy - R254008 - as a Radio Operator and served on numerous ships until his discharge on 18 January 1946.

I am aware that he was the Radio Operator 2nd Class aboard the SS River Afton during the ill fated Convoy PQ17 and that he thankfully survived, was treated for his injuries (I believe in Murmansk) and was able to return to the UK and subsequently sail next on SS Fort La La Range in October 1942. I have his discharge book and the River Afton entry consists of a pencil entry which reads (as best I can make out) 'List (word indecipherable) not all present available' The entry is signed and dated January 1943.

It wasn't until well after his death that I became aware that he may have been eligible for the award of the Artic Star medal and I subsequently made application to the Artic Star Office at Imjin Barracks. In short after much back and forth they indicated that they had no record of my father serving on the SS River Afton and to move any application forward I would need to prove to them that he indeed did serve on board the ship.

I am aware that he was awarded the Soviet Medal for serving with the Artic Convoys circa November 1993.

Bottom line is there anyone out there who can give me a Jack and Jill guide as to how I go about proving this, please?

I am aware that some information may be held at Kew Gardens, but, as I live in Northern Ireland any advice as to how I can access it remotely would be invaluable.

Thanks to all in anticipation

John Elliott

[wightspirit]

The crew agreement for River Afton is held in the UK National Arechives undeer reference BT381/2075, here, but not downloadable: https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ls/r/C11053524. Ship's Official Number is 164063. Probably your best bet is to order a copy and that'll confirm one way or the other if your father was on board. You can also download this if you haven't got it already: https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ils/r/D4295531

Dave W

[John G Elliott]

Dave W
Thanks very much for your advice. I have all his medals - to go to his grandson - so it would be nice to ensure that all his entitlements are together.

With apologies for my naivety but assuming my father's name is on the crew agreement would that, in your experience, be sufficient evidence for the Authorities to consider the award of the Arctic Star or would there be anything else that could be added?

John E

[wightspirit]

John

If your father's name is on the crew agreement that ought to be the compelling evidence you want. In addition, you might be able to tally up his service if you compare it against this:Arnold Hague Convoy Database. Just search under River Afton and you'll see what I mean. I have no experience in determining whether the authorities would accept your application, but in my view they'll find it difficult to reject if you present the evidence to them.

Dave W

[John G Elliott]

Dave

You have been a star! Thank you very much for the helpful advice

John E

[John G Elliott]

John

If your father's name is on the crew agreement that ought to be the compelling evidence you want. In addition, you might be able to tally up his service if you compare it against this:Arnold Hague Convoy Database. Just search under River Afton and you'll see what I mean. I have no experience in determining whether the authorities would accept your application, but in my view they'll find it difficult to reject if you present the evidence to them.

Dave W

Dave - thought I would let you know. Finally got over to visit Kew and his name was indeed on the crew list. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction

John

[wightspirit]

Good news and thanks for coming back to us - so few do!

Dave W