Gloucestershire Atlantic convoy servicemen to be honoured

Veterans and those who lost their lives on the "worst journey in the world" are set to be recognised with a new medal and honour.

Former servicemen like Fred Goode and Jim Pratt are in line for the new Arctic Star medal as soon as next month.

Mr Goode, from Churchdown, was a Petty Officer on the cruiser HMS Diadem on several North Atlantic convoys which kept supply lines open to Russia during the Second World War.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill called it the "worst journey in the world".

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The Government review of wartime medals also agreed that Bomber Command veterans should be recognised.

"I am entitled to it," said Mr Goode, 91, who was a gunner. "I intend to claim it too."

The Gloucester Royal Navy Association branch has only a handful of members left. Longstanding member Jim Pratt, 93, who was honoured by Russia for his bravery on the convoys, has moved from Hartpury to Essex.

Tibberton farm worker Patrick Tobin served as a Royal Navy gunner on the North Atlantic convoys and died in 1987, and families of those who died during the war, or subsequently can apply for the medal after surviving servicmen have received theirs.