MONMOUTH'S MP has urged any surviving veterans of the Arctic Convoy operations during the Second World War living in Monmouthshire to get in touch with him.

MP David Davies had called on the British Government to allow military medals to be awarded to survivors after the Foreign Office refused the Russian Government's offer to award the Medal of Ushakov for valour to the seamen who were ferrying food, munitions, weapons and vehicles to troops on the Eastern Front between 1941 and 1945.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Davies said: "I shall be pleased to be wearing the Queen's Jubilee medal for service to the police on Remembrance Sunday this year, but that service pales into insignificance compared with the service given by the Arctic Convoy veterans.

"Should not the Government recognise, or allow the Russian Government to recognise, their heroic role in defeating national socialism?"

And during last week's Prime Minister's Questions David Cameron gave fresh hope to veterans that they may be allowed to accept the Russian medal.

Mr Cameron told MPs he has 'every sympathy' after another MP raised the same issue and said that a review would look at the general issue of medals, 'of which I think Arctic convoys is probably the most pressing'.

Mr Davies added: "I have been contacted by one constituent whose father served on the convoys and I would be very pleased to hear from any others who served themselves. 

"It is vital we honour their courage."

Foreign and Commonwealth Office rules currently prevent British veterans accepting a foreign medal if the act being recognised took place more than five years ago. Veterans in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and American have all been allowed to receive their medals.

If you are a veteran of the Arctic Convoy and are interested in receiving the Russian medal, you should contact David Davies' constituency office on 01291 672817.