[Jimbuna]

You must be very proud and rightly so.

I salute your father for his service during the war in what were often treacherous conditions.

Sadly, my family never received anything from the UK government except for a pathetic enamel badge, my father having went to sea by lying about his age (14 1/2) and starting his sea career in the Spanish Civil War aboard the first British merchant to be bombed.

Not bad for someone who sailed in the only convoy to Russia that didn't have an escort and whose son could until recent years boast the UK Foreign Secretary was an associate.

He was presented with a medal by the Russian Ambassador to London at the time over 25 years ago and yes, if I'm to be honest it does leave a bitter taste in ones mouth at times when I realise he received more recognition from Russia than from his own country.

Taking nothing away from your father though ~SALUTE~