Rhyl plumber receives top military honour from Russia

A FORMER Rhyl plumber has received a top Second World war military honour from the Russians.

Grandfather Harry Ratcliffe, who celebrates his 91st birthday next week, received the Ushakov Medal, presented on behalf of President Putin, from the Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko at the Russian Embassy in London. The medal marks his service in the Arctic Convoys which kept Russia supplied throughout the Second World War.

In addition to keeping Russia supplied and able to continue fighting Germany alongside Britain and America, the convoys helped to win the war by tying up a substantial part of Germanys navy and air force.

Mr Ratcliffe, who lives in Burns Drive, was a Royal Navy rating on HMS Opportune, which made 10 voyages as part of the 17th Destroyer Flotilla.

He said: It was a marvellous day. The Russians made us feel so honoured. It has been a long time since those cold, dark days of the Arctic Convoys but the memories came rushing back as I received this wonderful medal, with my daughter Mary and granddaughter Kate. It really was a day to remember.

"It was a wonderful occasion and a very moving ceremony, said Mary Morrison

I was thrilled that my dad had - after all these years finally got the recognition he deserved for his war time service. The Russian embassy officials were so grateful to these men for all they had done."

Son-in-law Colin Morrison added: He was overwhelmed by the whole thing. He felt it was long overdue recognition.

He was amazed at these Russian officers were falling over themselves to express their grattitude to himself and others.

The ceremony followed a campaign by Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane who had protested about the long-time opposition of the British Government to the Russian plans to honour the servicemen.

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Rhyl plumber receives top military honour from Russia