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<p>The general principle of 'double medalling' remains extant. The issue of a medal
for those who served on Arctic Convoys was looked at by Sir John Holmes in his Review
of Military Medals, which was conducted independently of the Ministry of Defence.
Sir John's recommendation was that an award (the Arctic Star) would be appropriate
and this was agreed by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals
and Her Majesty The Queen. Sir John felt that the Arctic Convoy operation was a separate
and distinct campaign, geographically and in every other way, from what was happening
in the Atlantic, and should have been considered in that light. As it would be impractical
and unfair to withdraw the Atlantic Star from those awarded the Arctic Star, it is
considered that double medalling has not occurred in this case.</p><p>While not diminishing
the hardships and hazards of the Atlantic Convoys, the Arctic Convoys were subjected
to uniquely appalling weather conditions and such an intensity of enemy air and sea
attacks that they merited separate recognition from service in the Atlantic and it
was therefore felt that this was an exceptional case.</p><p>With regards to double
medalling and the Ushakov Medal, Her Majesty's Government have always been appreciative
of the Russian Government's wish to honour these brave men. A recommendation was therefore
made by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to exceptionally allow the Ushakov Medal
to be accepted and worn. President Putin presented the first medals during his visit
to London on 16 June 2013.</p>
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