AN 89-year-old man living in Milford Haven has had his contributions to one of the toughest operations of the Second World War recognised by the Russian Government.

Arthur Knight, who now lives at Kensington Court, was presented with the Ushakov medal at a ceremony on Monday (December 15).

Mr Knight was one of many young men to experience first-hand the dangers of life at sea aboard the Arctic convoys.

The convoys were charged with escorting merchant ships making the arduous journey to transport essential supplies to Russia, which had been completely blockaded by German forces.

At sea for months at a time, the young men every day in fear of attack from German U-boats and aircraft intent on stopping supplies reaching Russia, and battled freezing temperatures and rough conditions.

Presenting the medal to Mr Knight and his family were members of the Haverfordwest branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA).

RNA member David Hedley said: “As someone who has served in the Arctic during peace times, that was bad enough, but to be attacked by U-boats and planes at the same time is beyond comprehension.”

“We not only congratulate him, but we salute him,” added fellow RNA member Dennis Heathcote.

Kensington House scheme manager Karen Brown said it had been an absolute pleasure to take part and witness such a special occasion in Mr Knight’s life.

Mayor of Milford Haven Eric Harries added that it was “an honour” to meet Mr Knight.

Originally from Northampton, Mr Knight joined the army aged 16, and was still in his teens when he joined the convoys.

As a yeoman of signals, his job was to assist in sending and receiving communications.

Mr Knight’s son Keith, who lives in Steynton, said the conditions his father had endured were horrendous.

While on duty one day, exhausted after another long watch, Mr Knight nodded off and woke up with head frozen to the bulk head.

Another time his binoculars froze to his eyelids while he was using them to check for signals.

“And in those conditions you wouldn’t survive more than a few minutes if you fell overboard,” said Keith.

Last year, Mr Knight was also presented with the Arctic Star medal for his contributions to the convoy missions.

During his time in the army, Mr Knight travelled all over the world, and met his late wife in South Africa. The pair were married for 56 years, and had four children.