The Russian Polar Convoy Club of St Petersburg celebrated its 20th anniversary on 19 December. We were delighted that five British veterans of the Arctic Convoys, all in their 90s, travelled from the UK and US (two emigrated after WWII) to participate in anniversary events.
A packed three day programme included wreath laying at Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery (where half a million victims of the Leningrad siege are buried), a visit to the monument to the Arctic Convoys, a visit to the historical town of Kronstadt, and a gala dinner. I was also honoured to host a dinner for the veterans and their accompanying family/friends on the last evening before their departure. British and Russian veterans joined members of the local British community and other friends/colleagues from the US and New Zealand to sing songs and share stories of their time taking part in the ‘worst journey in the world’.
The Russian Polar Convoy Club does a great deal to honour and commemorate the great sacrifice made by British, Russian and other Allies during the Arctic Convoys. The President of the club said he was very grateful to our veterans for making the journey to St Petersburg. The veterans have now left St Petersburg on their long journeys home to spend Christmas with family and friends. They all enjoyed the visit and I know are keen to return next August when we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Dervish’, the first of the Arctic Convoys, in Arkhangelsk.
It’s always a real honour to spend time with the veterans and to have an opportunity to thank them for their brave service. We will always remember.