From Russia with love: Medal given to war hero Eric
A World War Two veteran who risked his life in a wartime submarine mission dubbed the "suicide run" has received a medal from the Russian government 65 years on thanking him for his efforts.
Northampton resident, Eric Wills, was among hundreds of Navy servicemen who took part in convoys delivering supplies to the Russian front during the war.
Described by Winston Churchill as the "suicide run", soldiers taking part in the Arctic convoys braved attacks from German U-boats en route to and from Russia in a perilous mission that has never been forgotten by the country's government.
As a submarine serviceman, the mission was an unusual one, as Mr Wills recalls.
"We had to stay on the surface as a close escort to the merchant ship," he said.
"It was an unusual job for a submarine.
"Russia has never forgotten us and has always been grateful for what we did."
The 89-year-old, from Kingsthorpe, has received many medals commemorating his service, including the Government's Arctic Emblem medal for bravery, which he was awarded in 2006.
His most recent, accompanied by a letter from the Russian embassy, commemorates 65 years since the war was won, and recognises his contribution to "the common fight against fascism during the Arctic convoys".
Of his latest medal Mr Wills - who has 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild - said: "I'm just grateful the Russian government still remember what we did because I think it's important people remember what happened during the war.
"All my family want to know what happened during that time and I make sure they are aware because it's important not to forget."
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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