Brave Irish sailors who never made it home

I WAS delighted to see John Hallahan receive his medal from the Russian government for his brave deeds in the Arctic convoys in World War II (Irish Examiner, April 26).

Many Irishmen and women served with honour in that war with no recognition of the sacrifices they made.

A memorial service will be held in Plymouth in England on June 6 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious and its escorts, Ardent and Acasta. 1,531 men lost their lives that day – more than 40 of them from Ireland.

And of the Irish who died 20 came from Cork city or county.

The average age was 21. Rosscarbery and Kinsale each lost three young men. The casualties also included two young brothers from Leap, as well as men from Youghal, Bandon, Skibbereen and Watergrasshill. These men perished in the freezing water waiting to be rescued over a three-day period.

Anyone who had a relative or friend from the ships, and would like to know more, can email [e-mail] or www.glarac.co.uk

Paddy Keogh

Beechbrook Park

Kilmuckridge

Co Wexford