Servicemen who fought in the Arctic convoys during the Second World War will be commemorated this weekend.

The memorial service will mark the 70th anniversary of the convoys which saw servicemen and women deliver supplies from Great Britain, USA and Canada via Iceland to the northern ports in the Soviet Union.

The journey was as “the worst journey in the world” by Sir Winston Churchill.

Last year, 93-year-old Frederick Thomson, a former Enfield resident who died recently, was presented with a medal for his bravery whilst working as a signalman on the merchant ships.

Cllr Yasemin Brett, cabinet member for communities, said: “Those who served on the Arctic Convoys are often the forgotten heroes, but their contribution was vital to the war effort.

“More than four million tons of supplies were delivered to the Russians. As well as tanks and aircraft, these included vital items such as trucks, telephone wire, railway engines and boots.

“The memorial outside our Civic Centre is a wonderful permanent reminder of the sacrifice these men and women made when they crossed some of the most dangerous seas on earth where one fall into such waters would result in a rapid death. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”

Enfield’s Mayor, Cllr Patricia Ekechi, added, “It is a huge honour for us to host this event and welcome our important guests.

“The Arctic memorial was presented to the borough through the efforts of past veterans, one of whom was an Enfield Mayor, Cllr Stanley Carter. He died a few years ago, but through his persistence this is a lasting tribute to those very brave people.”

Representatives from the Russian Embassy, the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, local Royal British Legions and Cadet Forces are attending the ceremony.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 14 at the Civic Centre, in Silver Street where the memorial is situated.