Basingstoke MP Maria Miller has welcomed the Government’s announcement that World War II war heroes who served on the Arctic Convoys and in Bomber Command will be eligible to receive new recognition.

Families of those who have sadly died will also be able to apply for the new awards in recognition of their loved ones’ bravery. Up to a quarter of a million veterans and families could be eligible for the awards.

Production of the new Arctic Star medal and Bomber Command clasp will start this week and living veterans and widows will be the first in line to receive the new awards from as early as March.

Winston Churchill famously singled the Arctic Convoys out as the “most dangerous run of the war” and the men of Bomber Command faced extremely high casualty rates: 55,000 out of 125,000 who served died.

Maria said: “This is a fantastic announcement which will truly recognise the bravery displayed by those who fought for our freedom in World War Two. I would encourage all eligible veterans and next of kin in Basingstoke to apply for the new awards.”