Northern Ireland

Story of men took part in WW2 Artic convoys told by Belfast author

The Duchess of Abercorn and author Kate Newmann pictured at the launch of 'Nearness of Ice - Arctic Convoys'. Picture by Hugh Russell
The Duchess of Abercorn and author Kate Newmann pictured at the launch of 'Nearness of Ice - Arctic Convoys'. Picture by Hugh Russell The Duchess of Abercorn and author Kate Newmann pictured at the launch of 'Nearness of Ice - Arctic Convoys'. Picture by Hugh Russell

A NEW book on men from Northern Ireland who took part in the Second World War Arctic convoys has been launched in Belfast.

Kate Newmann's book 'Nearness of Ice - Arctic Convoys' tells the story of the men who risked their lives to bring supplies to the Soviet Union during the war.

Several of the veterans attended yesterday's launch at the Crescent Arts Centre which was hosted by the Duchess of Abercorn, the Honorary Consul to the Russian Federation in Northern Ireland. Russian ambassador Dr Alexander Yakovenko also attended.

The book, published by The Pushkin Trust and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, highlights the bravery of the men involved.

The 1941-45 convoys from Britain to Murmansk and Archangelsk in northwest Russia frequently came under attack from German ships. More than 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen were killed in attacks on the convoys.

In recognition of their service sixteen veterans from the north were presented with the Ushakov Medal on behalf of the Russian Federation in 2014.