Survivors of the freezing hell win recognition at last

Two courageous servicemen who survived a “freezing hell” have received medals in recognition of the part they played in one of the most gruelling tasks of World War Two.
Fred Reynolds  Artic Star recipientFred Reynolds  Artic Star recipient
Fred Reynolds Artic Star recipient

Fred Reynolds and Fred Brindley received their well-earned Artic Star awards through The Royal Naval Association Burgess Hill Branch, which held a presentation at the Hassocks Hotel by Commodore L Brokenshire CBE RN.

Mr Brindley, a Royal Marine, now aged 94, of Marlborough Drive, Burgess Hill, served on the Battleship HMS Duke of York from September 1941 to September 1944, during which time the crew carried out escort duties a number of times from Scapa Flow to Murmansk in freezing conditions.

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On one occasion they were instrumental in the sinking of the German Battleship Scharnhorst which, after seriously damaging her, was eventually sunk by the destroyers using torpedoes. They picked up 33 survivors but were unable to help any more because of the threat from lurking submarines.

Fred Brindley  Artic Star recipientFred Brindley  Artic Star recipient
Fred Brindley Artic Star recipient

Mr Brindley was also on board when the Duke of York sailed Winston Churchill to meet USA president Theodore Roosevelt.

Fred Reynolds, a seaman, now aged 85 , served on the Battleship HMS Anson, completing three artic convoy runs from Scapa Flow to Murmansk and described it as “the journey through Hell, but a freezing hell.“ Even Churchill described it as the worst journey in the world.

Sailors were frequently asked to chip ice from the guns and the lethal frozen decks often produced fatal accidents.

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HMS Anson was on standby to give support to the aircraft that bombed the German Battleship Turpitz but was not needed as the aircraft were successful.

Mr Reynolds also spent time on HMS Duke of York in home waters at the same time as Mr Brindley, but they never met until they became comrades in the Royal Naval Association at Burgess Hill.

Mr Reynolds again joined the Duke of York in the Far East Station working with the American Pacific Fleet until the end of WWII.

His presentation by Commodore Brokenshire took place at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, as he was unwell for the official presentation the evening before.

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Peter Graysmark, chairman of the association, of Pinehurst, Burgess Hill, said: “We are honoured to have two members of our branch receiving the accolade of the Arctic Star in recognition of their services to the United Kingdom of Great Britain during the conflict of World War Two.

“After waiting 68 years, they have at last not only received their just reward but the recognition that goes with it that can be remembered forever in the annals of our history.”

As a footnote to his war service Mr Reynolds went to Russia on the anniversary of the convoys and he said was surprised that the schoolchildren are taught about the history of the conflict and all the veterans were treated like heroes.

The Royal Naval Association in Burgess Hill is always looking for new members, either those ex sailors or people with an affiliation to the sea and wish to enjoy the comradeship afforded by an organisation committed to friends and charitable causes. It can be contacted on 01444 236297.

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