THEY put their lives on the line in one of the world’s most unforgiving terrains.

The Arctic convoys played a major role in the allies’ Second World War effort as they crossed the Arctic seas to supply the Russians between 1941 and 1945.

Yet their fearless efforts were not recognised as enough for a war medal for almost 70 years after the end of the war.

Now Southampton convoy veteran Bill Holmes is the proud recipient of the Arctic Star in recognition for his role in the campaign.

Mr Holmes, of South Road, St Denys, who had previously been awarded the Arctic Emblem, received the medal just days before his 91st birthday.

He paid tribute to the efforts of retired Lieutenant Commander Eddie Grenfell, who campaigned for more than a decade for the Ministry of Defence to award a medal to the veterans.

“I didn’t think I would get it, it has come as a great surprise”, Mr Holmes told the Daily Echo.

“When I applied I was told that if I received the emblem I would be entitled to the Arctic Star.

“It is an early birthday present. A lot of us are gone now but we should have had it awarded after the war.”

The former St Denys School pupil joined the national war effort at the age of 22 and was first stationed on HMS Southern Prince before being deployed on the HMS Somaliland frigate escort.

It was on board this vessel that his crew helped bring HMS Cassandra back to British shores after the destroyer had its bows blown away when it was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1945.

Mr Holmes recalls the shock of seeing surrendered U-boats upon returning to their base in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, and walking on board the tied-up ships.

The great-grandfather married his wife Joan in 1946 and the couple have spent 66 happily married years together.

Mrs Holmes added: “I am really thrilled and our children are absolutely over the moon. Both of our sons have been saying for ages about the veterans receiving recognition.”

They will celebrate his 91st birthday with family at the weekend where his loved ones will get a close glimpse of the medal.
Meanwhile hundreds of Arctic convoy veterans will receive a Russian bravery medal.

The Foreign Office overturned a block on the Ushakov Medals after it was initially deemed it broke rules on foreign decorations.

Russian president Vladimir Putin formally awarded the first medals at the weekend.