Matthew has welcomed the Government’s recent announcement that World War II war heroes who served on the Arctic Convoys and in Bomber Command will be eligible to receive new recognition.
Families of those who have sadly died will also be able to apply for the new awards in recognition of their loved ones’ bravery. Up to a quarter of a million veterans and families could be eligible for the awards.
Production of the new Arctic Star medal and Bomber Command clasp has begun already and living veterans and widows will be the first in line to receive the new awards from as early as March.
Winston Churchill famously singled out the Arctic Convoys as the “most dangerous run of the war” and the men of Bomber Command faced extremely high casualty rates: 55,000 died out of 125,000 who served.
Matthew said: "This is really good news and a long overdue recognition of those who fought for our freedom in the Second World War. All those who served our country in Bomber Command and on the Arctic Convoys deserve nothing but the utmost respect and admiration from us. That’s why I am delighted that these special veterans - and the families of those no longer alive - will shortly begin to receive the Bomber Command clasp and Arctic Star that they have so long deserved."