A World War Two veteran has received a surprise package in the post - a medal from the Russian government to honour his 1940s wartime service.
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Former Merchant Navy Seaman Harold Boudier said he was delighted to receive the medal commemorating the 70th Anniversary of victory in the “Great Patriotic War 1941-45” - Russia’s name for the years it fought alongside Allies against the Nazis.
A letter that arrived with the medal from the Ambassador to Russia in London says:
”On the instruction of President Vladimir Putin I have the honour of presenting to you the Commemorative medal marking the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.
It is a huge privilege for me to thank you on behalf of the Russian Government for the invaluable contribution you and your comrades in arms made to the defeat of Nazi Germany.
What you did 70 years ago, taking part in what Sir Winston Churchill rightly called ‘the worst journey in the world’ was extraordinary even among what is considered to be beyond the call of duty.
Your heroism will always be remembered in Russia”.