These are the actual people that made Britain a great place, they are true and honest, no airs and graces like the proper respct for each other, no politicians in particular those in number 10 could ever hope to be as good as them, for the character in your PM down is just not there. These are real people this elderly couple, the one's to be proud of in your country.
I worked with so many people who went through the war and many of my friends had fathers who were in the fighting. My Dad was to young, but his brother was there. They all can be proud all of their lives.
The British medals in a row on his left chest are (front left to right) 1. 1939 to 1945 Star 2. Atlantic Star 3. Arctic Star 4. Pacific Star 5. Defence Medal 6. War Medal 1939 to 1945. From these you can tell the story of the war that a serviceman fought, and it seems Alec served the whole war in the Royal Navy, in almost every theatre including Arctic Convoys, the Atlantic and the Pacific. Above the British medals is a blue one with a chain across. This is the Russian Arctic Convoy or “Fyodor Ushakov” medal. It was awarded by Russia after the war to those whole served on the Arctic Convoys taking supplies to Murmansk. On his right chest are Russian / Soviet medals including 40th anniversary medals which were also awarded by Russia to those who served in Arctic Convoys. Finally (and maybe most interesting, the one with red ribbon on his left side is a French Legion of Honour which is the highest French order of merit. The French President has awarded some of these medals to elderly veterans of the war, but normally only if they served in part of the war involved helping France. Serving as a rating in the Royal Navy (which you can see from the uniforms in the video) maybe Alec was a veteran of D Day or one of the earlier raids on France before D Day. It seems Alec served through (and obviously survived) the whole of the 2WW and saw a lot of action in many theaters, before they settled down to a great life together. A very nice story. I hope that helps resolve your curiosity about the medals.
Thank you for explaining. They indicate an impressive level of dedication and courage, and also reflect the governments’ gratitude and recognition of his service. My question was almost rhetorical, but it is good to know that someone out there has the knowledge to look at this man’s chest and see what he accomplished in his life. Thanks again.
@ John Giddens What a fantastically detailed answer John. My uncle was a Royal Navy officer who participated in the supply convoys to Murmansk, but I never met him until 1952 when we migrated to Australia. He was our sponsor, but shortly after our arrival in Sydney, my father secured a job in Western Australia and I never saw my uncle again.
@@johngiddens5442 thank you I worked out some of them the once on is right hands side through me a bit bit thought they could have been to do with artic convoy But as you said he as seen some action I think I could listen to him for days telling his story
I recall another interviewee, describing a similar incident of being straffed by a German fighter plane whilst out shopping. The fighter pilot was lucky it was just the silk parachute that the women were tearing apart.
What really disgusts me is a fighter pilot strafing a city street deliberately targeting civilians running for cover. No matter which army does it, the killing of civilians is despicable.
