German navy honours Scot for his friendship

Published on Monday 18 February 2008 21:00

WHEN Commander Eddie Grenfell fought in the Second World War, the Germans were his enemy.

But as soon as the war finished, he made it his personal mission to build and maintain a friendship with the German nation.

And now his efforts have been recognised as the German navy has awarded him the Cross of Honour – its most prestigious military award and something no other British civilian has received.

Peterhead-born Cdr Grenfell, 88, who later moved to Montrose, said: "I believe everyone should try to make friends with people in other nations and never look upon another nation as an enemy.

"Even though I was in the war, I'm not a fan of war. It brings no good, only sadness. And even though I fought against the German navy, I have the greatest respect for them. The German navy behaved impeccably during the last war."

During the war, Cdr Grenfell headed a Russian convoy team in the Arctic, braving sub-zero conditions, under constant German attack, to get supplies to Britain's Soviet allies.

Unlike other campaigns, the Arctic heroes never received a medal but Cdr Grenfell led a successful campaign which resulted in them finally being given a special honour in 2006.

Konter-Admiral Schimpf, of the German navy, said: "Cdr Grenfell has devoted himself energetically during past decades to the deepening and strengthening of friendly contacts between the German and British navies.

"As a result of his outstanding commitment to the German navy over so many years, he is worthy of being awarded the highest German military decoration."

In 1961, Cdr Grenfell was appointed assistant naval attach at the British Embassy in Germany. He retired there and lectured on international friendship for 36 years.