A war veteran said he has “won the battle” after the government finally agreed to honour him for his service during the Second World War.
Frank Wilson, 88, of Holme Hall, Chesterfield was told this week that Britain is finally to award medals to veterans of the Arctic Convoy missions.
Last month plans to honour the men who risked their lives to transport crucial supplies to Russia during the Second World War, was blocked by the Foreign Office.
Following public outcry the Prime Minister told the House of Commons that a new Arctic Convoy Star medal. would now be given to veterans.
Mr Wilson said the award was a “long overdue” Christmas present.
He added: “There has been a lot of upset over people not getting this medal.
“It’s 70 years too late but it is right that the government has agreed to do this.
“If Russia had not offered the medal we would not be getting one now though but at least we have won the battle.”
The Russian Embassy wrote to survivors of the notoriously perilous sea campaign - which saw 3,000 comrades killed - to say it intended to award them with the Medal of Ushakov as a symbol of the country’s gratitude.
But the Foreign Office blocked the plans - saying it would break the rules surrounding the acceptance of medals.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, who backed Mr Wilson’s fight, said it was the right outcome.
He added: “I was in the House when this was announced last week, that finally Frank and many others are going to get recognition for the sacrifices they made.
“It is regrettable that it has not come earlier as it will have come too late for many but it is right that the government has decided to do this.”
David Cameron told MPs a review had concluded the men would now ‘get the recognition they so richly deserve’.
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