Three veterans in their nineties have travelled to Wester Ross to attend a special annual ceremony to commemorate the Russian Arctic Convoys of the Second World War; an event that claimed 3,000 lives…
The trio, who are making the trip thanks to the Unforgotten Forces project which supports older veterans and their families in Scotland, have become close friends and will also enjoy a three-night stay at a hotel in Gairloch as part of a new ‘Break Away’ service.
Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, which brought the Western Allies together to provide essential support and supplies to the Soviet forces. Chosen for its remote and isolated location, Loch Ewe, was the gathering point for many of the Arctic Convoys before they embarked on their perilous journey to the Soviet ports of Murmansk and Archangel.
Between August 1941 and 1945, a total of 78 convoys travelled to and from northern Russia, taking four million tonnes of supplies to the Soviet forces, including 7,000 planes and 5,000 tanks.
Tragically, more than 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen lost their lives on the convoys.
Sharon Higgins, Deputy Head of Welfare Services at Poppyscotland, said: “The route taken by the convoys was exceptionally dangerous, especially in winter, and conditions were among the worst faced by any Allied sailors during World War Two. In addition to battling the elements, many of the convoys were attacked by German submarines, aircraft and warships.
“No-one can underestimate the role played by the thousands of brave sailors who embarked on these perilous but pivotal missions. Now, more than 75 years on, Poppyscotland is delighted to be leading the Unforgotten Forces consortium as well as delivering the Break Away service in partnership with The Travel Company Edinburgh.
“We owe so much to veterans such as these and it is a privilege to be able to provide them with the opportunity to return to what will be for them such a poignant location. We are very grateful to colleagues from Fares4Free, Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) and others for their support in making the break happen.”
Several wartime buildings, gun emplacements and anti-aircraft batteries still stand around the local landscape where the veterans are visiting. For that reason, Loch Ewe is the base for many commemorative activities, and The Russian Arctic Convoy Museum project set up a dedicated Exhibition Centre in the village of Aultbea last year.
Unforgotten Forces is a collaboration of 15 leading organisations led by Poppyscotland which is delivering a range of services and enhancements in areas including advice, access to healthcare, social isolation, respite and transport, along with creative activities and events for those in care settings.
The consortium was awarded £4 million worth of funding from the Aged Veterans Fund.
