Post by Administrator on Jun 16, 2016 15:24:03 GMT
Gateshead hero honoured by Russian Embassy for Second World War bravery
A heroic Gateshead veteran has been honoured by the Russian embassy for his efforts making “the worst journey on earth”.
Roy Elwood, 91 and from Whickham, risked his life on the Russian Arctic convoys, famously labelled the “worst journey on earth” by Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the Second World War.
Under constant threat of German aircraft, U-boats and horrendous weather conditions, the convoys would travel through treacherous routes to resupply the Soviet Union.
Thousands of seaman lost their lives and by May 1945 the Arctic route had claimed 104 merchant and 16 military vessels.
Now the Russian Embassy is honouring the seaman who risked their lives and has awarded them Ushakov medals.
The medal is one of the highest military honours Russia has and comes personally signed by Vladimir Putin.
Roy received the award at his home, when a representative of the embassy presented it to him in front of children Carolyn, 56 and 54-year-old Rod.
LINK
A heroic Gateshead veteran has been honoured by the Russian embassy for his efforts making “the worst journey on earth”.
Roy Elwood, 91 and from Whickham, risked his life on the Russian Arctic convoys, famously labelled the “worst journey on earth” by Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the Second World War.
Under constant threat of German aircraft, U-boats and horrendous weather conditions, the convoys would travel through treacherous routes to resupply the Soviet Union.
Thousands of seaman lost their lives and by May 1945 the Arctic route had claimed 104 merchant and 16 military vessels.
Now the Russian Embassy is honouring the seaman who risked their lives and has awarded them Ushakov medals.
The medal is one of the highest military honours Russia has and comes personally signed by Vladimir Putin.
Roy received the award at his home, when a representative of the embassy presented it to him in front of children Carolyn, 56 and 54-year-old Rod.
LINK