By Craig Manning

A BEBINGTON man has received a 60th anniversary medal from the Russian Embassy for his role in Arctic convoys during World War Two.

George Harvey, known to his friends by his middle name Frank, already has medals commemorating the 40th and 50th anniversaries. In September, he received a 60th anniversary commemoration medal from the Russian Embassy.

Under their instructions, the medal is meant as a keepsake and cannot be worn.

George signed up for service in 1939 and underwent six weeks of basic training in Liverpool before becoming a volunteer officer.

He soon joined the crew of HMS Howe, one of many allied ships that escorted convoys carrying vital war equipment from America to the Russian port of Murmansk. That trip within the Arctic Circle was one of the most hazardous and uncomfortable of the convoy routes.

During their time aboard, the crews faced harsh and treacherous conditions, such as ice and gale-force storms.

The medal is the Russian Government's gesture of thanks to those who took part in the convoys, but George is disheartened by the fact that the British Government has never produced a similar medal.

The 88-year-old said: "The Government should be doing more to honour and remember those who risked their lives in those convoys. The convoys deserve recognition as they were one of the worst areas of conflict. For instance I read in one report that 32 ships were bombed during one convoy.

"I believe the Defence Secretary has been approached to discuss the possibility of presenting a commemorative medal to British forces involved in the convoys, but as far as I'm aware has said no to the idea.

"If this is the case then that is a great shame, because a lot of the men took part in those convoys and should be remembered for their bravery. The adverse conditions also made it very difficult for those on board and I remember some very cold nights. Many of them are now gone and there aren't many of us left. It's terrible to think that in years to come there is nothing to remember their courage by."

Born in Port Sunlight, George spent six years in the navy and two and a half years on board HMS Howe. When the war ended, George returned home and worked for Unilever as a chief engineer. The medals were only awarded to members of the London-based North Russia Club, made up of those who took part in the convoys.