UK MERCHANT SEAFARERS ARCTIC EMBLEM

The Arctic Emblem

The first Arctic Emblems were presented to Veterans on 10 October 2006 by new Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg as a mark of the Nation's gratitude for the heroism they displayed in the face of terrible hardship on the Arctic Convoys of World War Two. Fittingly, the presentation took place on the quarterdeck of HMS BELFAST on the 65th anniversary of the first regular convoy's arrival at Archangel, North Russia..... more an this article.

The Arctic Emblem has been specially commissioned to commemorate the service of Merchant Seamen and members of the Armed Forces in the icy waters of the Arctic Region between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945.

Service in the Arctic during the Second World War was recognised by the award of campaign stars at the end of the war. The criteria for the Atlantic Star include service with the convoys to North Russia and those who served in the campaign in Norway in 1940 qualified for the 1939-45 Star on entry into theatre instead of having to complete six months’ operational service as was usual for that star. There are no plans to introduce any new medals for Second World War service. The Government is, however, in the process of introducing a new Arctic Emblem.

Mindful that those who served in the Arctic regions were often subjected to especially dangerous circumstances including extreme weather conditions and determined resistance from German forces, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues believe that the service given and the conditions undergone by the Arctic veterans warrant tangible recognition in the form of something that can be worn. As a result, on 7 March 2005 the Prime Minister announced at a reception for Arctic veterans, the introduction of a new Arctic Emblem that can be worn as a unique, recognised addition to medals.

The design concept of the Arctic Emblem has been agreed with Arctic veterans’ representatives. It will be a small metal star, mainly enamelled white, with a red dot in the centre and above it a scroll with the words “The Arctic” in gold letters. The star represents the Polar Star, the white colouring symbolises ice and the red centre represents the field of the flags of the USSR and Norway. The exact details of the design will be agreed with the contractor who will produce the Emblem, taking account of what is technically possible.

The Arctic Emblem is authorised for wear on the lapel, or above the left breast pocket, either on occasions when it is appropriate to wear medals, or on its own with either formal or informal dress. All those who served for at least one day north of the Arctic Circle (latitude 66? 32' N) and west of the Urals between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945, in the Armed Forces or the Merchant Navy, will qualify for the Emblem.

There will be no charge for the Emblem. In common with the issue of campaign medals, the surviving next of kin may claim the Emblem on behalf of Arctic veterans who have died, but they will not be entitled to wear it.

Veterans or next of kin wishing to claim the Arctic Emblem should do so by completing the attached form as fully as possible and returning it to the address shown. If there is uncertainty about details of service, information can be obtained from Ministry of Defence archives; details are given under “Service Records” on the Veterans Agency website.

The Arctic Emblem is available. Please note that because of the large number of applications already received it is not possible for the Ministry of Defence to acknowledge receipt of application forms or to check whether they have been received, or to deal with applications by telephone.

Application for Arctic Emblem - Questionnaire