Cowbridge war veteran Roy Williams was honoured last week when he was presented with the Ushakov medal for his service during the Second World War.
Mr Williams, a veteran of the Arctic Convoys, was presented with the medal at a ceremony in Cardiff alongside a number of veterans. The ceremony took place after representation was made in 2012 by Vale MP Alun Cairns to the Russian Ambassador, who responded personally to invite Mr Williams to the service. The medal was awarded to Mr Williams in recognition for his service during the Second World War, and experiencing what Winston Churchill described as the “worst journey in the world”.
Mr Williams had been awaiting news of the Ushakov Medal for which he had applied following a Russian Government decision to award a campaign medal for those service man who had taken part in the Artic Convoys during the Second World War.
Mr Cairns said: “I am absolutely delighted that Roy has finally received his medal. I met with him to see the medal, and felt proud that he had received such recognition, so I can only imagine how proud he and his family must be. It has been a long wait for such a decorated man who went beyond the call of duty, but I am pleased that he has now been honoured in such a way.
“It is a privilege to be in his company as I find his spirit and vivid stories truly fascinating. The people of Cowbridge are rightly proud of Mr Williams, and it is very pleasing to see his service has now been formally recognised by both Russia and Great Britain.”