Second World War veterans from Nottinghamshire will be presented with Russian medals tomorrow to honour their role in protecting Soviet supply lines more than 70 years ago.
The recipients will receive Ushakov Medals – which are awarded to sailors for courage and bravery while defending the Soviet Union.
More than 3,300 veterans will receive the medals across the UK – with recipients coming from across Nottinghamshire to collect their medals at the event tomorrow, with relatives collecting on behalf of those who have died or are ill.
President of Russia, Vladimir Putin recently announced that the former sailors should be given the medals for their work in providing safe passage for merchant ships taking supplies to the Soviet Union during the conflict.
Veterans will be presented with the medals by representatives of the Russian Embassy alongside local politicians at the Council House.
Councillor Jackie Morris, Lord Mayor of Nottingham, said: “Nottinghamshire sailors played a major role in transporting critical supplies to Russia during the Second World War, showing true heroism in their long and perilous convoys. They were constantly under attack and faced appalling Arctic weather conditions.”
Ushakov Medals (pictured left) were introduced in 1944, and are being handed out as part of a campaign by the Russian Embassy to award those who served between 1941 and 1945.
Councillor Sybil Fielding, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, added: “In the past, the heroism of the men and women of our Merchant Navy has often been overlooked, so it is an absolute privilege to take part in this event which gives some long overdue recognition of their outstanding bravery.
