IT WAS a journey described by Winston Churchill as 'the worst journey in the world'.
Now seven decades later, 70 Greater Manchester veterans are to be presented with the Ushakov Medal at a Town Hall on Monday 13 October for their role in the Arctic Convoy.
“It is a privilege to see these gallant men receive the Ushakov Medal, we should all feel proud that so many veterans of the Arctic Convoy live here in and around Manchester"
The Arctic Convoy delivered over four million tons of supplies to Russia, including aircraft, tanks, trucks and trains, during the Second World War. 78 convoys travelled from Britain around northern Norway to the Soviet ports of Mumansk and Archangel between 1941 and 1945.
Arctic Convoy - 'the worst journey in the world'
The convoy was under constant threat of attack from German U-boats and aircraft, as well as having to negotiate storms and ice flows while battling through sub-zero temperatures - 'the worst journey in the world'.
By May 1945, the route had claimed 104 merchant and sixteen military vessels. According to the Imperial War Museum, "The loss rate for ships was higher than any other allied convoy route."
Around 3,000 British sailors lost their lives.
Ushakov Medal
The Ushakov Medal the Greater Manchester veterans shall receive - named after one of Russia's most celebrated admirals - is one of the highest honours the country can bestow.
In May 2012 the Russian Embassy wrote to survivors stating it intended to award them the honour. However, the move was blocked by the Foreign Officer as rules declared soldiers could not receive a medal from a foreign nation if the 'act happened more than five years ago'.
After campaigning on behalf of the sailors, in 2013 the Foreign Office issued an 'exception to the rules' and Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the first medals during a June 2013 visit to London.
Artic Convoy - chipping away the ice on board
Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Sue Cooley said:
“We can not underestimate the hardship endured by the men who took part in the Arctic Convoy and their courageous achievements helped bring about the end of the worst conflict in history.
“It is a privilege to see these gallant men receive the Ushakov Medal, we should all feel proud that so many veterans of the Arctic Convoy live here in and around Manchester, no honour is too great to reflect their bravery and determination."
Approximately 70 veterans are expected to be presented with the Ushakov Medal at 1.30pm in the Great Hall, Manchester Town Hall on Monday 13 October.
