MP to continue fight for war vet’s medal bid
8:52am Monday 4th March 2013 in News
BOLTON West MP Julie Hilling has welcomed the decision to award one of her constituents a medal for his services in the Arctic convoys.
The Bolton News reported recently how David Tonge, aged 87, of Washacre Close, Westhoughton, would receive The Arctic Star medal, for his services during one of the most gruelling campaigns of the war.
Defence Minister Mark Francois has announced that veterans of the campaign should start to receive the new awards recognising their heroism "within weeks". Despite the announcement, Mr Tonge said he is determined to fight on for the Ushakov Medal, an honour which the Russian government wants to award him — but which has been blocked by the British government.
Ms Hilling said: “While I am pleased that Mr Tonge will finally be recognised for his bravery, I will continue to press for the Russian medal which has so far been denied to him.”
