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HRH Prince Andrew (3rd from left) attends a wreath laying ceremony in Murmansk, along with Royal Navy sailors from HMS Sutherland
Royal Navy personnel at the Aloysha Monument for the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Artic convoys

HRH Prince Andrew joined sailors from HMS Sutherland to mark VE Day in Russia.  The Duke of York spoke at a ceremony in Murmansk during a parade on 8 May 2005.  The sailors were honouring those who had the tough job of keeping the northern supply chains open during the Second World War, in a climate that has seen snow fall every day since 1999.

The town played a significant role during the Second World War as it was the destination for the Arctic convoys that brought vital supplies of equipment to the Eastern Front.  Many of the veterans from those convoys have been in the city over the last few days to take part in commemorations to remember the sacrifices made during the conflict. 

The Royal Navy sailors marched alongside their Russian counterparts 6 kilometers from the city square to lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unnamed Soldier.  In a moving ceremony the Prince praised the courage of the veterans and the sacrifices made by both countries in the defeat of Nazism.  His address was welcomed with warm applause from the veterans and townspeople who gathered to take part in the service.

HMS Sutherland is one of the Royal Navy's newest Type 23 Duke class frigates with a length of 133 metres and displacement of over 4,000 tonnes. The ship is equipped with the latest weapons, sensors and communications systems, including the vertical launch Seawolf missile system for close air-defence, a 4.5-inch gun, anti-submarine torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a Lynx general purpose helicopter. 

The ship's company comprises 16 officers and 168 ratings.  She was built by Yarrow Shipbuilders Limited on the Clyde and was launched in 1996 by Lady Christina Walmsley.

Related articles:

• Prime Minister announces that service of Arctic Convoy veterans will be recognised
• Women Dockyard Workers Remember VE Day at Naval Base Open Day
• IN PICTURES: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of VE Day 
• Ceremony at Cenotaph will mark 60th Anniversary of Victory in Europe
• Scotland will remember World War Two
• First national event to commemorate 60th anniversary of the ending of World War II
• Free Tickets available for National Event Commemorating the 60th anniversary of WWII

Related links:

• Veterans Agency
• Imperial War Museum
• WW2 60th Anniversary Commemorations
• Their past-your future
• Veterans Agency - Calender of events
• The Royal British Legion
• WW2 Peoples War

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