James Simpson with his wife, Sybil, pictured in their home in Edinburgh, Scotland.  James was crew on the cruiser HMS Jamaica through the grueling Arctic Convey escort campaign, and was on board when "Jamaica" and HMS Belfast finished off the "Scharnhorst" with torpedoes in the Battle of the North Cape.  The particularly shiny medal, third from left on his medal bar, is the Arctic Star.  Incredibly, this campaign medal (creditably, it was very inclusive) was approved only in 2002, and presented in 2003.  Best regards, JR.

For those in peril on the sea - Arctic Star ...

Just read this on my FB page,not that far from where I live ;)
http://www.warhistoryonline.com/whotube-2/messerschmitt-262-jet-fighter-found-netherlands.html
Greetz,brummbar

Me262 found

"In Flanders fields the poppies grow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.  Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields."

- Lt. Colonel John McCrae, military surgeon and Canadian, (+January, 1918, of meningitis and, in all probability, fatigue).

Pray that McCrae's "torch" is one for Peace and Justice.

JR.