Second World War veterans from across Nottinghamshire were today presented with Russian medals honouring their role in the Arctic more than 70 years ago.
The former saliors were presented with Ushakov Medals for their courage and bravery as sailors on the Arctic convoys during the conflict, when they helped protect soviet supply lines.
At a special ceremony held at the Council House and organised by the Russian Embassy, men and women were awarded the medals for their service between 1941 and 1945.
I’m extremely proud, deeply moved and honoured
David Goy collected the medal on behalf of his father John William Goy, who died last year. His father nearly lost his life when the ship he was travelling on was hit by a torpedo.
Mr Goy said: “I’m extremely proud, deeply moved and really honoured. It just shows how much these men were revered. My father signed up in 1943 because all his friends had, and his first mission was a sweep of the North Atlantic – for him it was like a great adventure.”
The medal hand outs come as part of a national effort to award more than 3,300 veterans across the UK to commemorate the 70th anniversary of their convoy to Russia.
Picture: Sailors worked under freezing conditions as part of the Arctic Convoy
Veteran Don Reynolds said: “When we were there, the enemy were only about twenty miles away and air raids were quite frequent. Some of the conditions were really atrocious in the winter time.
“I’m very, very proud to receive the medal, the Russians have been very generous, and this is the sixth Russian medal I’ve got, although it’s very well deserved, it’s overgenerous of them to do.”
Sailors on the convoys had to work in extremely cold conditions, and many lost their lives whilst defending ships.
A spokesperson for the Russian Embassy told the group: “On behalf of the Russian government, for the valuable contribution you and your comrades made to the defeat of the Nazis, thousands of sailors lost their lives, your heroism will always be remembered both in Russia and in Britain, your deeds will continue to serve as an example of your bravery and human spirit.”
