WW2 veteran sailor, 104, receives perfect birthday gift
A Second World War Navy veteran has received the perfect gift for his 104th birthday.
George Pearson, an aircraft maintainer/engineer during WW2, received the medal to help complete his collection for wartime service.
Serving sailors presented Mr Pearson with the Arctic Star – recognition of his time on convoys to the USSR between 1941 and 1945 – when they joined the centenarian at his home in Lincoln for celebrations as he turned 104.
'Absolute honour'
Personnel attached to nearby RAF Waddington, led by Commander Les Smith, ensured the medal was presented on behalf of His Majesty the King with a suitable ceremony.
Cdr Smith said: "We found out just a few weeks ago that he hadn't received one of his medals, so it was an absolute honour to present that to him.
"The Arctic Star is all about the Arctic convoys and the ability to supply Russia and to support them and enable us to defeat the oppressor."
Arctic Star
The Arctic Star is a backdated award, first handed out nearly 70 years after the end of the conflict in the Second World War.
"Unlike most WW2 decorations, the Arctic Star was not introduced until 2012, awarded specifically for personnel who took part in convoys to northern Russia, delivering vital supplies to help the Red Army defeat the Germans on the Eastern Front," the Royal Navy said.
More than 100 ships were lost, including 16 warships, in 78 convoys that carried four million tonnes of war material to the Soviet Union.
In 2012, following Sir John Holmes' independent review, the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, concluded that the Arctic veterans should have their own medal to give them the recognition "they so richly deserve".
Mr Cameron said at the time: "I'm very pleased that some of the brave men of the Arctic Convoys will get the recognition they so richly deserve for the very dangerous work they did."
'Debt of gratitude'
At 104, George is not only one of Britain's oldest sailors but also one of its oldest men. There are an estimated 900 people of George's age or older in the UK.
"The event served as a reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to those who shaped history on the frontlines, and George's 104th birthday celebration was a fitting tribute to a hero of the past," said Warrant Officer 1 Jonny Keiller.
"Surrounded by friends, and fellow veterans, George's birthday became a moment of national pride, honouring not only an individual but an entire generation's resilience and courage."
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