Award Handed to the Family of British Northern Convoys Veteran
During the years of the World War II, the Soviet Union and Great Britain were fighting shoulder to shoulder against the Nazi Germany. The brethren in arms that emerged during this critical moment in history will forever remain an essential part of the European cultural heritage and bonds between our two countries.
From 1941 till 1945, the British navy warships escorted 78 convoys of vessels to the ports of Arkhangelsk and Murmansk delivering 4 million tons of cargoes within the lend-lease program, including more than 7 thousand airplanes and 5 thousand tanks. The enemy was able to sink 18 warships and 87 merchant vessels killing 3 thousand seamen.
The Consulate-General of Russia in Houston (Texas, USA) had an honorary mission of handing the Medal of Ushakov to the son of the British World War II veteran, who was awarded by the Russian Federation Presidential Decree No. 131 of March 10, 2014 for personal courage and valiance exhibited in the years of war during his participation in the Northern Convoys.
The Medal of Ushakov is a prestigious award given to representatives of naval forces. It's awarding is associated with outstanding feats of seamen for the benefit of their fleet or country connected with risk to life.
Unfortunately, British war veteran Gleaves Stanley Joseph did not live to receive the award, and the Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Houston invited his son Gleaves Stanley James with his wife Suzan who currently live in Houston to receive the award.
Consul General Mr. Pisarev Aleksandr Borisovich addressed those present with respect and consideration giving a brief account of the Arctic Convoys, outstanding courage exhibited by the seamen, and imperishable memory of the heroes of the World War II, after that he handed the award and flowers to the son of British war veteran Gleaves.
Stanley and Suzan expressed sincere gratitude to Russia, as our country, having made a decisive contribution to the defeat of the Nazi Germany, keeps the memories of participation of the British in the fight against the common enemy. The award will be kept in the Gleaves family archive and will descend to the son, grandson, and two great-grandchildren of the British war veteran.
After the meeting, Stanley Gleaves wrote: “My father would have been honored to receive the Medal. I would be grateful for any other photographs or newspaper articles so that I may send them to members of my family, who have expressed great interest in gathering more information on my father’s and other veterans part in the Second World War. Again, thank you. Best regards, Stan Gleaves.”
