Russian Convoy Runs

[Wolves Guy]

Alexander Welsh Cryans KX93673 POSM
My father in law was drafted to H.M.S Obedient in 1944 doing various duties in home waters, and then the ship was converted into a mine laying destroyer.
In his notes that I now have, after his death, they state that the object of H.M.S Obedient being converted into a mine laying destroyer was to assist the mine laying cruisers (Appolo, Manxman and Ariande) and he was used on the Russian Convoy Runs.
Would this duty make him entitled to have recieved the Artic Emblem?
I understand that, The Arctic Convoys sailed from Scotland to the Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel between 1941 and 1945 and were notoriously dangerous because of their proximity to German bases in occupied Norway.
Almost 3,000 men perished and in one convoy, in 1942, only 11 out of 36 merchant ships survived. According to MoD records, there are 200 surviving Arctic Convoy veterans in Scotland.
Can anyone help with my query? I have attached a scan of Alexander's medals that were awarded to him if that helps.
Dave

[Owen]

All those who served for at least one day north of the Arctic Circle and west of the Urals between 3rd September 1939 and 8th May 1945,

Medals - The Arctic Emblem

Can you prove he fits the criteria?if so here's the application form.
http://veterans-uk.info/pdfs/medals/arctic_emblem.pdf



Details on where the ship was,
HMS Obedient, destroyer
For example,
October 22 1944,
Joined Ocean Escort for Russian Convoy JW61 with HM Cruiser DIDO, HM Escort Aircraft
NAIRANA, TRACKER, VINDEX and destroyers of the 17th Flotilla.
(Note : In addition two Escort Groups of Frigates were deployed to strengthen the anti-submarine
defence against the expected heavy U-Boat attacks).
28th Detached on arrival at Kola Inlet after safe passage without loss.



I'd say yes, apply for it.

[Wolves Guy]

Thank you Owen, it looks good as you say so I will get the application form sent off tomorrow. Would I need a next of kin decleration with the application.

Dave