Unsung Heros – The Arctic Convoys of WWII
At age sixteen, most are concerned with getting their driver’s license, insuring them the much anticipated – freedom of the road.
However, in 1941, at sweet sixteen, George Forbes had just completed his first year of England’s Merchant Naval College and was heading to war.
Born in Perth, Scotland on January 6,1925, George’s family moved to England when he was a child. A strapping athlete and quick witted, he did not turn down the unexpected opportunity presented to him by the Royal Navy (RN) in 1941.
Britain was in a quandary. Recruiting for unarmed cargo ships to run the dangerous gauntlet through the Arctic, delivering much needed supplies to Russia in keeping with the Land-Lease Act of 1941, proved challenging for, what was at the time, the strongest navy in the world, the Royal Navy. Considered a “suicide mission,” few stepped forward. As an enticement, the RN offered George, and some of his classmates, the ability to receive their “commission” immediately and finish their second year of merchant college by correspondence aboard ship.
After training as a gunner, in 1942, George found himself on the Dutch cargo ship, Pieter De Hoogh. The Netherlands, having been invaded by the Germans and officially surrendered on May 15, 1940, kept what remained of their fleet in England, serving as reinforcement for the Allies.
“It Was Hell.”
War is never simple or a straight line. Like the ships in a combined fleet, it zig-zags, unable to avoid the unthinkable.
As Junior Office George Forbes’s cast off on his maiden voyage, a voice from the dock shouted, “You don’t need a life jacket. You need a parachute in case you get hit. You’re carrying high explosives!”
Undaunted, the cargo ship sailed toward its rendezvous with Convoy P-14 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Their ultimate goal; the port at Murmansk, the Soviet Union. However, shorthanded, the Pieter De Hoogh did not sail when Convoy PQ14 set out but waited dockside for more sailors to join their ship.
Finally, with Convoy PQ16, accompanied by Allied escorts for protection, the Pieter De Hoogh set out into waters rife with German submarines, the threat of German Luftwaffe, a sun that doesn’t set in the summer, the “midnight sun” eliminating the protection of dark skies, and a shorten distance between land masses and enemy fortresses in the winter, then when ice melted in the short summer months, wider sailing channels. There was also the weather and the rough seas to take into account. An estimated 3,000 sailors and merchant marines met watery graves attempting these sailings during the course of the war.
In March of 2019, I was lucky enough to spend time interviewing George. He relived many memories including how, on his first voyage, their engine stalled. The ship went dead in the water, leaving them alone for 24 hours, an easy target. Luckily, they managed to go undetected.
George manned his gun day and night. They would bring him ½ cup of hot coco to keep him alert. Nearing their destination the Allied protection of armed vessels, aircraft, and submarines, was pulled away. “You’re on your own.” the dismal report came across the water, as their “protection” set off in the hopes of sinking two German battleships. The convoy was told to scatter or travel in smaller groups. Terrifying at best, they moved across the open waters. At times, fog was their friend, concealing them from the enemy.
Drawing closer to Russia, they were attacked by three German Stukas. The De Hoogh was credited with shooting down two aircraft. George believes he hit one of the two that fell from the sky during that attack.
He told me the one thing he will never forget was the horrifying sound of the German Stuka dive bombers as they attacked. He imitated the whirling sound made by the fitted wind driven sirens affixed to their aircrafts landing gear, the “Jericho Trumpets”, a terror tactic of the Germans.
“I watched as the ship on the right of us was hit and sunk. Then they hit the one on our left, but somehow, we sailed right though.” Though animated in his description of the miracle of survival, a cloud of sadness reflected in his eyes. “It was hell.”
The memory of war never evaporates for those who fought for our freedom.
Preparing for the return trip, the captain of the Pieter De Hoogh asked the Russians for ammunition. They refused. Hearing the need, another British ship gave them supplies. Cargo ships were a sought-after target, constantly under attack, not only going to Russia, but on their voyage back to England, the journey was perilous. Then, they would fill their hulls with lifesaving supplies and set sail – time and time again.
The second Dutch cargo ship George would sail on was the Stad Maasluis. Ironically, even though paid through the Royal Navy, George would never sail on a British flagship.
Over his five years of unfaltering service, George would acquire several languages, mostly due to the routes his cargo ship would take. Besides Dutch, he learned French, Portuguese and Italian. His medals reflected the various shores he visited.
Medals from Around the Globe
When looking through the many medals in George’s shadow box, one ribbon is surprising. While these ribbons and medals hail from the Royal Navy, the Italian Star, the 1939 to 1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the War Medal, the Arctic Star, the France and German Star, the Africa Star, the Russian Ushakov medal – including a letter from V. Putin -, one ribbon is from the US Navy! The US Navy unit commendation ribbon. As it so happens, later in the war, depth charges were put on the cargo ships, then manned by trained US Allies brought aboard ship.
Also of note, the white beret, which George proudly wears. This particular cap can only be worn if one served in the Arctic during WWII.
Honored at age 100
84 years later, on December 18, 2025, representatives from the Dutch Merchant Navy would converge in Lynnwood, Washington to present Jr. Officer George Forbes their most valued award, one only given by royal degree, the Du Ruyter Medal.
A surprise to George, his son, Ian, other family members, and those of us honored to be included, waited in silence along with the dignitaries who had flown in for the occasion: Hubert Hijgh, President, Dutch Merchant Navy Personal 1940-1945 Foundation and Willem Schonenbert, Treasurer, Stichting Liberty ship, both traveled from the Netherlands carrying the Du Ruyter gold medal, Captain Erik Jan Looman, Naval and Defense Attache, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Washington DC, and Consul-General Theo Peters, from San Francisco.
The excitement in the room was rewarded when George stepped inside and was greeted by the esteemed representatives gathered. When introduced, George’s first words were,
“I’m the only living member of the Dutch Merchant Navy from WWII.”
Their answer sent laughter through the crowd. “We know. That’s why we’re here.”
As the ceremony began with the recounting of George’s incredible contribution to the war efforts, he looked down the long table in subdued disbelief. However, he was quick to correct or add to portions of his 5 years of service. His prerogative at age 100! When the Du Ruyter gold medal was pinned on his jacket, his humble acceptance was awe inspiring.
Willem Schonenberg, Consul General Theo Peters, George, Captain Eric Jan Looman and Hubert Nijgh
On January 6th, 2026, George turned 101 years old, just weeks after receiving his new medal.
George maintains his sharp wit, along with the memories, and still finds comfort in a simple cup of tea.
A round of applause is due to members of American Legion Post 227, Captain Doug Cerretti and Larry Fisher, both US Air Force retired, for submitting George’s name and accomplishment to the Netherlands. A zoom call followed and the lengthy process for awarding the Du Ruyter Medal was rushed through. Thank you to all who participated in the incredible moment Jr. Office George Forbes was rightfully honored.
Over my last 13 years of research for my books on WWII, I’ve interviewed over 60 men and women veterans from that long, bloody conflict. George, a rarity at 101, is the only giant of that era still living.
Thank you, George, and all those who fought beside you, for the freedom we enjoy today.
Your remarkable courage must never be forgotten. We hold you forever in our hearts.
