Wiltshire and Swindon residents who have received the Arctic Convoy Star Medal from the Ministry of Defence are to be honoured.

The medal was awarded to veterans of both the Arctic Convoys and of Bomber Command and Wiltshire and Swindon MPs, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council are encouraging recipients to get in touch.

Described by Winston Churchill as ‘the worst journey in the world’, the Arctic Convoy ships of the Royal and Merchant Navies made repeated perilous journeys in sub-zero temperatures to ensure vital supplies of both arms and food supplies reached Russian shores.

Many lost their lives to the attentions of Axis aircraft, ships and submarines but their efforts are widely recognised as helping Russia’s war effort and significantly shortening the Second World War.

It has taken over 70 years for their heroic efforts to receive proper recognition, and Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, together with all constituent MPs, feel they would like to honour the veterans by hosting a local ceremony at County Hall in Trowbridge.

The MoD is unable to provide the names of Wiltshire and Swindon recipients to the councils or MPs, so veterans, or a member of their family, are asked to get in touch to provide their contact details.

They can do this either through their MP’s Office or by contacting the chairman’s office at Wiltshire Council or the mayor’s office at Swindon Borough Council.

Anyone who knows one of these heroes, is encouraged to get in touch so Wiltshire can honour them.

Contact either Mrs Jean Potter, chairman’s office, Wiltshire Council (01225 713103, jean.potter@wiltshire.gov.uk or communications@wiltshire.gov.uk) or Mrs Carole Deamer, Mayor’s Office, Swindon Borough Council (01793 463599, CDeamer@swindon.gov.uk).