A VETERAN of one of World War Two’s major naval conflicts has been honoured with a medal from Vladimir Putin.

The medal, issued on behalf of the Russian president to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day, arrived out of the blue at the Kinson home of 91-year-old Frederick Harris.

It salutes him for his efforts protecting the Arctic convoys in what the accompanying letter calls “the Great Patriotic War, 1941-45”.

The letter from the Russian ambassador says: “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.

“Thousands of Allied seamen lost their lives as the British ships sailed in the unwelcoming, stormy waters of the Arctic Ocean under a constant threat of being attacked by German U-boats and aircraft.

“Your heroism will always be remembered in Russia and Britain. Your deeds will continue to serve as the supreme expression of bravery and a high point in human spirit.”

Mr Harris served as a Fleet Air Arm aircraft fitter on HMS Indefatigable, which was posted to protect convoys on the Arctic Ocean as they delivered supplies for the Russian war effort.

Originally from Jersey, he was evacuated in June 1940, shortly before the island was invaded by the Nazis.

His eldest brother Thomas joined the Merchant Navy and middle brother John joined the Royal Navy before Fred was old enough to serve.

“We all got through the lot safely,” he said.

He said the letter was “wonderful”.

“It came completely out of the blue. I didn’t know anything about it whatsoever,” he said.

“I just picked it up off the mat. It came through the post, a little parcel with a wonderful letter.”

Last year, Mr Harris travelled to the Russian embassy in London to accept the Medal of Ushakov alongside 23 other veterans of the Arctic convoys.

And the previous year, he was awarded the Arctic Star for his service on the Indefatigable.