A VETERAN who braved freezing conditions and attacks by German submarines to deliver supplies to the eastern front has been awarded a medal usually given to Russian seamen.
Tom Davidson, 92, received the Medal of Ushakov from the Russian Consul in recognition of his heroic actions during the Second World War at a ceremony in Dalkeith.
The Scot was just 19 when he joined the Royal Navy and sailed for the USSR, and served as a sailor until the end of the war.
None of the men onboard knew they were headed to protect the Russia's maritime borders until they were told of their destination while at sea, and given Arctic resistant clothing and equipment to keep them warm.
Winston Churchill as described the Arctic Convoy as "the worst journey in the world", where temperatures dropped to minus 50 while the boats faced a constant threat of attack from U-boats and the Luftwaffe.
The Russian embassy said that the convoys allowed Russian soldiers to defeat the Germans on the Eastern Front.
Mr Davidson was unable to get to Edinburgh to meet the Consul to collect his medal, so the Consul came to Archview Care Home, in Dalkeith, where he has lived for six years.
Andrey Pritsepov, Consul General of the Russian Federation, presented him with the Medal of Ushakov and the two men toasted the occasion with a shot of Russian vodka.
Mr Davidson's niece and his friends were at the home to help him celebrate the event. He said: "I feel very proud and humble to receive this medal."
Mr Pritsepov, told the veteran: "It is us who feel humble and grateful for everything you did for the people of Russia."
Along with the Medal of Ushakov, Mr Davidson has previously been given the War Medal 1939-1945 service medal, the North Atlantic Medal, the Invasion of Italy Medal, and the Burma Star. Mr Davidson was presented with the Arctic Star medal at Archview Lodge in 2012.
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