They risked their lives again and again on what Churchill described as “the worst journey in the world”.
The heroes of the Arctic Convoys ran the gauntlet of German warplanes and U-boats to keep the Soviet Union supplied on the Eastern Front.
Now, following a wait of almost 70 years, around 40 veterans of the Russian Arctic Convoys will this week be presented with commemorative British medals during an emotional reunion at the Scottish loch from which many of the supply missions sailed.
Aberdeen-born Lieutenant Commander Kenneth Reith, of Carnock in west Fife, was among the 66,000 brave souls who risked their lives to help the Soviet Union hold off invading German forces during the Second World War.
Having seen 3,000 comrades lose their lives on the terrifying journeys, he has watched so many more pass away over the years as the efforts of campaigners were resisted time and again by the Ministry of Defence.
Now, however, he will come together on Thursday at Loch Ewe in Wester Ross with those remaining to celebrate the commissioning of the Arctic Star Medal and remember those no longer with them.
Mr Reith, 86, told The Courier: “There’s a week of events going on up there. They (the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum Group) only got funding for a certain number of us to get up there.
“There’s supposed to be 40 going from all over the UK but whether they all turn up remains doubtful. I’m just glad to be getting it before I depart. Two of my close friends passed away, including one as recently as yesterday.
“Saying that, I would much rather be receiving the Ushakov Medal from the Russian Government. At least we know the Russian medal is heartfelt. It’s been a right struggle to get any recognition from the British Government.”
Mr Reith recently received his Arctic Star Medal in the post and expects it to be officially presented to him by a senior naval officer at Loch Ewe on Thursday.
The British Government had previously argued the Atlantic Star Medal awarded some years ago acknowledged the veterans’ role in the Arctic Convoys.
However, a long-running campaign by the veterans finally paid off last year when the Government commissioned the Arctic Star Medal.
For many, however, it was too late. Mr Reith has repeatedly said it was “a ridiculous situation” the British Government had waited so long to give similar recognition. He served on four of the convoys and said he was simply glad to be one of the survivors.