Local MP Caroline Dinenage will pay her respects to the veterans of the Second World War Arctic Convoys on Sunday 21 August by attending a wreath laying service at the Royal Navy Memorial on Southsea Common.
The event will mark the 70th anniversary to the day, since the first convoy left for Russia in 1941 and will commence with a wreath laying ceremony at 1100 followed by a short prayer.
The occasion will serve as a poignant reminder of the valiant sacrifice 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen made during the Arctic Convoys. Veterans from across the local area, families of veterans no longer with us and relatives of the men who did not make it home will also be attending what is sure to be a moving occasion.
Gosport MP Caroline said “The selfless acts of bravery seen during the Arctic Campaign were nothing short of inspirational; our soldiers braved freezing conditions and constant attack from German forces to keep the supply lines open.”
Caroline has been a longstanding supporter of the Arctic Convoy medal campaign and has continued to lobby the Prime Minister as well as her Ministerial colleagues extensively on this issue.
Caroline added “Surely these acts of great heroism warrant the award of a medal in its own right and I continue to push for this matter to be dealt with quickly so that as many brave veterans as possible can finally receive the medal, and the recognition, that they deserve.”