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IN PICTURES and VIDEO: Arctic war heroes finally receive honour

They were part of the Arctic Convoys which bravely travelled the ocean to get supplies the Soviet Union during World War Two.

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Now war veterans have been honoured for their exploits from the Russian embassy.

A special ceremony was held at Walsall town hall yesterday which saw 22 people from around the Midlands given the Ushakov Medal.

Over four million supplies including foods and armour were delivered to the Russians from the UK between 1941-45.

Merchant ships were escorted by members of the Royal Navy who risked their lives from attacks during weeks of travel.

One of them to be honoured was Kenneth Taylor, of Beechdale, who was just 18 at the time.

The ship he was on was first targeted by a torpedo and then came under attack from a submarine, which saw 11 people killed.

The great grandfather-of-two had been in contact with Walsall North MP David Winnick who helped take up the cause to ensure he was recognised.

The 88 year-old said: "It was dangerous but you just got on with your job. You thought more about it afterwards."

Mr Winnick said: "They were very brave people and did their duty and did so recognising they were helping in a very important way in the fight against Nazi Germany."

Others to be honoured at the ceremony included great-grandfather John Kinsella, 91, of Westgate, Aldridge, and Ivor Oldbury, 89, of Broad Lane, High Heath.

Mr Kinsella said: "I am quite pleased. It is very nice to be recognised, even at this late stage of my life.

"You never worried about the dangers, we did a job and we were occupied all the time. It got very rough out there at times."

Some medals were awarded posthumously with other veterans accompanied by their family and friends.

They were greeted by Walsall Mayor, councillor Pete Smith, and presented with their medals by Sergey Fedichkin, from the Russian Federation's Embassy.

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