Willie ‘Bill’ Weir, 93, was presented with the Medal of Ushakov, one of Russia’s highest military awards, by Andrey Pritsepov, Consul General of the Russian Federation, for his bravery and heroism during World War II and his part in the Arctic Convoys which delivered supplies between the UK and the Soviet Union. Willie served as a radar operator on HMS Kent and, between 1941-43, he took part in four or five convoys to Russia in conditions which, as referred to by Winston Churchill, produced ‘the worst journey in the world’. Sailors had to contend with extremely harsh and freezing weather and the constant threat of attack from German naval and air forces.
Willie also received a commemorative wrist watch and a special medal marking the 70th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War – the conflict between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1945. Presenting the honours, Consul General Pritsepov said, “I want to tell you how we value what you have done for our country and your country. You brought victory. We in Russia will always remember that. I do hope you will wear our medals with pride and dignity. You risked your life.”
In his humble and unassuming manner Willie replied, “I was just one of 200-300 on the ship. There are many, many more like me.”