A WAR hero from East Renfrewshire has been awarded a commemorative medal by the Russian Government for his help in defeating Nazi Germany 75 years ago.

Edwin Leadbetter, 94, was among the brave servicemen who risked their lives by taking part in the perilous Russian Arctic Convoys of the Second World War.

More than 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen died from the bitter cold and enemy attacks on the missions to transport vital supplies from Scotland to Soviet ports in the Arctic Circle.

Between August 1941 and May 1945, a total of 78 convoys delivered more than four million tonnes of supplies to Russia, including 7,000 planes, 5,000 tanks, trucks, fuel and food.

Mr Leadbetter’s service saw him take part in many daring voyages, from defending the convoys to pulling men out of the freezing waters after their ships had been torpedoed.

In recognition of the part he played, the Russian Government has awarded Mr Leadbetter a medal to commemorate ‘75 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, 1941-1945.’

He is also to receive the Ushakov Medal, which dates back to 1944 and was named in honour of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, who never lost a battle and was proclaimed patron saint of the Russian Navy.

It will be personally presented to him at the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh once the Covid-19 lockdown is lifted.

Mr Leadbetter, who joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18, said he is “highly delighted” with his latest award.

He told the Barrhead News: “I see the medal as a great honour.”

As a young man, Mr Leadbetter was deployed as a quartermaster aboard HMS Fencer – an Attacker-class escort aircraft carrier.

He saw service on the Atlantic Convoys, Norwegian Campaign, North Sea and the Arctic Convoys.

Mr Leadbetter, of Newton Mearns, stayed in the Navy until 1954, before working in a shipyard and as a lorry driver.

More recently, he has been supported by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) to enable him to continue living independently.