ACCNZ : Introduction

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The Arctic Convoy Club of New Zealand (formerly the Russian Convoy Club of New Zealand) was formed at the instigation of John Middleton shortly after the presentation of the 40th anniversary medallions by the USSR Ambassador Yuri M. Sokolov. Membership climbed to around 150, from all parts of New Zealand, in the following years with John producing a regular newsletter until declining health forced him to relinquish the position. Unfortunately this resulted in a decline in membership but Chris King took over the reins albeit with veterans mainly from the Wellington region.

The Arctic Convoy Club of New Zealand exists to foster camaraderie between veterans of the Arctic Convoys of World War Two. The Arctic Convoys commenced with the first convoy "Dervish" which set out from Hvalfjord, Iceland on 21 August 1941 and finished following the return of "RA67" which sailed from Kola Inlet, Russia on 23 May 1945 arriving in the Clyde Estuary, Scotland on 30 May 1945.

In October 2006, these veterans were finally officially recognised for their wartime service with the awarding of the Arctic Emblem. And more recently veterans were awarded the Arctic Star.

Introduction

The Arctic Convoy Club of New Zealand aims to:

provide a social network for veterans of the Arctic Convoys;
foster camaraderie between members and interested persons;
maintain a record of member's experiences and memories;
provide a platform for the remembrance of the sacrifices; and
organise regular events to network and remember.

How we came about

HMS Norfolk

Although it is realised that not all members can travel to Wellington for meetings and special functions, nevertheless, the newsletter is used to maintain contact and seems to be appreciated, especially by the more distant members.

The annual Club subscription is a modest NZ$10.

New members are always welcome and the Club will continue for as long as there remains an interested membership.

Associate membership is available, at a similar subscription rate, for sons and daughters of members.

Keeping in touch

New Zealand’s Chief of Navy and the Navy Defence Force, officially recognised the Club by asking the National President to give the Address at the Navy’s 66th Birthday commemoration service at the Church of Old St Paul’s in Wellington.

Recognition

This was followed by an invitation to be the guest of honour and guest speaker at a special Naval dining-in occasion at the Wellington Club. Both Navy and the Russian Embassy acknowledge the important place in history of the Arctic Campaign veterans.

Over the years, club members have been invited, along with members of the Diplomatic Corps and Parliamentary representatives to the Embassy’s Russia National Day reception. There has always been close cooperation between Embassy and Club.