The Arctic Campaign 1941-45 - Portland, ME
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 43° 39.947 W 070° 14.382
19T E 400051 N 4835499
Memorial to all the sailors, airmen, soldiers, and civilians who paid so dearly; be they Russian, British or American.
Waymark Code: WMK897
Location: Maine, United States
Date Posted: 02/27/2014
Views: 4
County of marker: Cumberland County
Location of marker: Eastern Promenade, Fort Allen Park, Portland
Marker erected by: The People of Murmansk City, Russia; Arranged by the Russian Ambassador to Great Britain on London, England, 1999; Created for all Arctic Veterans, by the Arctic campaign Memorial Trust
The Arctic Campaign memorial Trust [UK Charity number 802671.] lifted this memorial, to Portland
date marker erected: May 20th 2006
Marker Text:
THE ARCTIC CAMPAIGN 1941-45
Germany was attacking Arctic Russia on its Eastern Front, USA and Britain offered essential goods to Russia via Norway's North Cape; the Royal navy's Home Fleet, busy protecting Atlantic and Malta Convoys and British Mainland Defenses, added "The Russian Run" to its tasks.
The first Russia Convoy sailed from Liverpool, England, to Murmansk July 12th 1941. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, called it, "The world's sorts theater of the war." Last convoy ailed home from Murmansk 23rd May 1945, completing a four year operation. 24 hours of daylight in summer and always close to enemy forces, made British, American and Allied losses of, ships, aircraft, was, materials, and men, devastating. 24 hours of darkness in winter gave no protection from high seas with 40 foot waves, raging storms and enemy action made life on ice encrusted ships a living hell.
These Arctic Convoys delivered thousands of tons of food oil and guns, tanks, trucks, clothing, aircraft, ships and ammunition, helping the Russians hold back the Germans. The Allies at the same time were preparing to clear Europe of German occupations (The Second Front). A high price was paid, scores of ships sunk with many thousands of tons of supplies. "HMS Edinburg was sunk carrying five million pounds worth of gold bars." Thousands of sailors were killed; others suffered horrible injuries, frostbite, and exposure. Surviving Arctic Veterans made donations for this memorial in remembrance of the sailors, airmen, soldiers and civilians, who died fighting in the Arctic campaign, to keep the world free.
It was unveiled by Nicholas Mavodones, mayor of Portland, Maine, USA and Ronald J. Wren, Chairman of the Arctic Campaign Memorial Trust, United Kingdom, May 20th 2006.